Mass question

[NorthTexan88]

Howdy all, I had a question concerning how the mass is done. In the parish I belong to, mass almost feels “protestanty” with guitars and all that, there is no traditional choir and the hymnals apparently are hardly used. Two other parishes I have been to are like this, I have actually been kind of disappointed. My friend tells me that this is how most Catholic Churches are now, why and how did this happen if that is the case. Not to offend but it kind of reminds me of an ACNA (Anglican Church in North America), and ELCA, that I visited before. Again don’t mean to offend if I did

PS: Started RCIA last week and it feels great!

 

[I_Thirst]

That’s the general scene in the North Central Texas.

My parish has many Sunday Masses: some have music that sounds like it came out of the Lion King, and some have music that is more traditional. The 7am Mass is just a cantor and a piano, but the 6pm has drums etc. One Mass used to have a drum machine. If available, attend other Masses in your own parish or ask others about the music at each Mass.

Why and how is a long story and it’s still being told.

Know one thing, Mass is Mass.

Congrats on RCIA!!!

 

[DavidFilmer]

Within the framework of the regular *Novus Ordo *Mass it is possible to create a very reverent experience, or a very “folksy” experience. To some extent, this versatility is good - it allows the Church to offer something that appeals to a broader variety of tastes.

If a particular Parish were to go entirely to one extreme or the other, I would greatly prefer the more reverent approach. Unfortunately, many Parishes have gone entirely the other way.

Some Parishes have one “folk Mass” but the other Masses are more ordinary. Perhaps you have been going to the “wrong” Mass at your Parish.

Take heart, though. This Advent we will begin using the revised Roman Missal, which is a return to a more traditional form. Many Bishops are using this as an opportunity to reform some of their less traditional Parishes.

 

[RosaryFan]

Howdy all, I had a question concerning how the mass is done. In the parish I belong to, mass almost feels “protestanty” with guitars and all that, there is no traditional choir and the hymnals apparently are hardly used. Two other parishes I have been to are like this, I have actually been kind of disappointed. My friend tells me that this is how most Catholic Churches are now, why and how did this happen if that is the case. Not to offend but it kind of reminds me of an ACNA (Anglican Church in North America), and ELCA, that I visited before. Again don’t mean to offend if I did

PS: Started RCIA last week and it feels great!

A friend of mine who is originally from Texas had the same complaints. I think we’re still a little more traditional up north, but it seems that the “protestanty” way is starting to creep in up here as well.

Congrats on RCIA!! Welcome home!

 

[I_Thirst]

Take heart, though. This Advent we will begin using the revised Roman Missal, which is a return to a more traditional form. Many Bishops are using this as an opportunity to reform some of their less traditional Parishes.

The translations are changing (the English language used at Mass – not the form of Mass), but most of the music will be exactly same.

While most parishes will learn new Mass parts (Gloria, Sanctus, etc), many of the hymns for entrances, communion, etc that we’ve used will be exactly the same. If you had Protestant-style music at Masses before, you will in all likelihood still have Protestant-style music at Masses afterwards – the only thing that will change is the language inside the music, not the music.

If you are using hymns a la Haugen & Hass at Mass the day before Advent 2011, you will probably still be using them after the change. If you expect a sudden drastic change in the style of music at Mass during Advent, you may be disheartened.

 

[Garyjohn2]

I like traditional worship…but I also like guitars at mass.
They don’t have to be mutually exclusive! The guitar is a very old instrument. Instruments of this type were found in Europe in the 12th century (guitars mind you, not lutes) and the earliest evidence of this type of musical instrument is a 3,300 year old Hittite carving!

It might be the song styles you don’t like…but I have to say that some Haas tunes do sound somewhat haunting and medieval to me. I like those. Others, are much more “folky” though.

It’s true that there might be different musical “styles” for masses at different times at your parish, you can always ask. Also, I’m sure you can send some music suggestions of a few favorite songs to the music director, and tell them how you think they are beautiful and wonder if they can be worked into the repertoire. Who knows!

 

[I_Thirst]

I like traditional worship…but I also like guitars at mass.
They don’t have to be mutually exclusive! The guitar is a very old instrument. Instruments of this type were found in Europe in the 12th century (guitars mind you, not lutes) and the earliest evidence of this type of musical instrument is a 3,300 year old Hittite carving!

Pianos were once considered too secular for Mass.

Also, I’m sure you can send some music suggestions of a few favorite songs to the music director, and tell them how you think they are beautiful and wonder if they can be worked into the repertoire. Who knows!

Anything can happen, but I know that this approach would not work well with many of the choir directors I’ve been around. In my parish (at 5000+ families it’s one of the largest in our diocese), most of the material is selected months in advance during meetings of the Music & Worship ministries – and much of the selected materials depends entirely on what the choir already knows. Learning anything new is often met with a gnashing of teeth.

Perhaps your approach would work in a really small parish?

 

[Garyjohn2]

Pianos were once considered too secular for Mass.

Fascinating!

 

[77stanthony77]

I have a problem with the drums.:sad_yes: I come from a traditional catholic upbring almost. Right now I am going to a bilingual mass on sunday with mariachi, it is somewhat uplifting for me I am trying to work on spanish. violins are wonderful. Then sometimes I go to the co-cathedral in downtown Houston the pipe organ is so traditonal. Whenever you have time do some research and find out whats best for you!

Lovingly Ana

 

[NorthTexan88]

I have a problem with the drums.:sad_yes: I come from a traditional catholic upbring almost. Right now I am going to a bilingual mass on sunday with mariachi, it is somewhat uplifting for me I am trying to work on spanish. violins are wonderful. Then sometimes I go to the co-cathedral in downtown Houston the pipe organ is so traditonal. Whenever you have time do some research and find out whats best for you!

Lovingly Ana

That’s cool. Me and my friend are goin to the Cathedral in Dallas this Sunday so we can get a traditional service lol

 

[DJK100]

HI, here is another suggestion, because some of the Mass’s in my Chruch do the same thing, with music and whatnaught. but I have found these things help.

1. Make sure you realize exactly what Mass is and focus on the celebration of the Eucharist. THis helps me keep it revervant even when we have some weird almost distracting Pop music is being played.
2. Sing loud with the choir anyway. The one thing that really drives me crazy about Catholic’s is that we don’t seem to sing from the pews anymore. Signing is a wonderfully way to connect with God. I have probably the worst voice in the world but I sing as loud as I can in hopes that other members of the parish with start singing as well. It seems to work somewhat, especially with the “mutterers” in the pews who start to sing a little louder when they realize someone as bad as me is singing and still didn’t get told to shut up (or they could just be trying to sing over me because I am so bad). But for me this another form of prayer so singing actually makes the Mass more spiritual for me.
3. Every once in a while make it a point to attend a Traditional Latin Mass. There is one church in my Diocese that only does Latin Mass. They are absolutely gorgeous and very spiritually moving. Go at least once just to see one even if you have to drive for a bit. It is very spiritually refreshing.
4. Ask you Pastor and Parish Pastoral committe if they would be willing to bring back some of the traditionalness of the Mass. For instance bring back a few of the “bells and smells.” Catholicism is a religion of the sense and we are supposed to use those senses to more fully relate to God. Ask if they wouldn’t mind doing simple things, like ringing the bell at the start of mass or at the blessing of the Eucharist. Considering they are about to impliment the New yet more traditional Missal this might be the exact right time to try out those things.
5. Get involved with the Ministry’s at your church. The more active you can be the more it seems your opinion will be weighed simply because they know you and where you are coming from. In other words you won’t be just a complainer. Doing this it is easier to make some small changes.
6. See point 1 ad infintium

Hope this helps. And I know you are in RCIA but keep going to Mass. This really is God’s church and believe it or not at least in younger indviduals, I have seen there is somewhat of a movement to return to the more traditional forms. WHich for me is great.

 

[I_Thirst]

That’s cool. Me and my friend are goin to the Cathedral in Dallas this Sunday so we can get a traditional service lol

Don’t count on it. Going to the Cathedral does not necessarily mean that you will be going to a traditional Mass. Check the times carefully, for many of the Masses are in Spanish. Some of the most tasteless liturgical music I’ve ever heard has been during Spanish-language Masses. YMMV.

I have yet to go to a mariachi Mass. A friend of mine’s mother can’t stand them. She’s from Mexico and believes that they are very irreverent. Still, I’d like to go to a mariachi Mass.

Once a month (maybe the third Sat), the Cathedral does have a Saturday Vigil Mass with Gregorian chant. Mass is in English, but the chants are in Latin and Greek.

 

[I_Thirst]

1. Sing loud with the choir anyway.

I agree whole-heartedly. Always sing, for singing is praying while at Mass. Even on hymns that I can’t stand, I sing – and offer it up.

Great post, btw.

 

[NorthTexan88]

Thanks for the help everyone! Have you been to the Cathedral in Dallas I Thirst? if so which time is the best to go?

Im just in a dilema about it and been thinking about it a lot. I know without a doubt I belong in the Catholic Church, I just feel like this is where God has led me and is telling me to go, I love going to Mass, but to be quite honest I just really dont enjoy it, I try and make myself like it but it just feels like theres no reverence or anything, the music is distracting, especially when they play during the consecration of the host…that really bothers me…Does this make me “bad” or something, cause I feel awful about it. I just grew up picturing Mass how you see it in the movies and when I started going I was kind of let down. I know it shouldnt matter how the service is but there just doesnt seem to be respect. If my old Anglo-Catholic parish ever joins the ordinariate i’ll drive the 30 miles in a heartbeat! But until then I spose this is my only option. What should I do about the situation though, just bite my tounge?

 

[DJK100]

Thanks for the help everyone! Have you been to the Cathedral in Dallas I Thirst? if so which time is the best to go?

Im just in a dilema about it and been thinking about it a lot. I know without a doubt I belong in the Catholic Church, I just feel like this is where God has led me and is telling me to go, I love going to Mass, but to be quite honest I just really dont enjoy it, I try and make myself like it but it just feels like theres no reverence or anything, the music is distracting, especially when they play during the consecration of the host…that really bothers me…Does this make me “bad” or something, cause I feel awful about it. I just grew up picturing Mass how you see it in the movies and when I started going I was kind of let down. I know it shouldnt matter how the service is but there just doesnt seem to be respect. If my old Anglo-Catholic parish ever joins the ordinariate i’ll drive the 30 miles in a heartbeat! But until then I spose this is my only option. What should I do about the situation though, just bite my tounge?

No, you are in no way “bad.” If anything it is nice to see someone like yourself trying to bring reverence back to the mass. One thing I might suggest to help you other then those listed in my previous posts is to take a little time before or after Mass to pray in front of the Eucharist. These are usually quiet times when you can give the Eucharist the reverance it deserves. Perhaps pray a decade of the Rosary of something. YOu will be surprised at how rejuvinated you feel.

Also, if you don’t enjoy the Mass that is okay. Obviously, not everything is for everybody. What is important is you keep going, participate to the best of your ability, and then start charitibly offering suggestions. You might be surprised at how many people feel they way you do. You might even get to the point where they change one of the services like a Saturday night service to be more in line of what you and others would desire. Bottom line is be respectful towards others, but contninue to try and work towards the experience you also desire. There should be and usually is enough room for comprise. Just don’t expect all the changes to happen at once.

I am going through this right now with my Parish. I am relatively new there (about a year) but I have talked to some members of the Parish who feel the way I do. I am now about approach the Priest and Pastoral council with my ideas. I am hoping to just make some small changes and take it from there.

Also, you may have done this already but I would email your diocesian liturgury and worship minister’s and ask them if the is any Parish or Mass that celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass or in the more extraordinary form. If not then make a suggestion that they try to incorporate it at least a few times at the Cathedral. I think the website and email address for your Dallas Diocese is as follows…

cathdal.org/pages/Liturgy_and_Worship

Phone: 214-528-2240
Fax: 214-526-1743
Email: liturgyoffice@cathdal.org

 

[I_Thirst]

Thanks for the help everyone! Have you been to the Cathedral in Dallas I Thirst? if so which time is the best to go?

I like the Saturdays when they do chant. The Spanish-language Mass times are cool b/c there are usually street vendor nachos outside.

Im just in a dilema about it and been thinking about it a lot. I know without a doubt I belong in the Catholic Church, I just feel like this is where God has led me and is telling me to go, I love going to Mass, but to be quite honest I just really dont enjoy it, I try and make myself like it but it just feels like theres no reverence or anything, the music is distracting, especially when they play during the consecration of the host…that really bothers me…Does this make me “bad” or something, cause I feel awful about it. I just grew up picturing Mass how you see it in the movies and when I started going I was kind of let down. I know it shouldnt matter how the service is but there just doesnt seem to be respect. If my old Anglo-Catholic parish ever joins the ordinariate i’ll drive the 30 miles in a heartbeat! But until then I spose this is my only option. What should I do about the situation though, just bite my tounge?

I’ve had a similar experience, and I think my sensitivity to music is heightened due to the fact that I’m a musician.

Mass is Mass, whether the music is reverent or irreverent or if there is none at all.

Have you gone to Daily Mass? No music at these, and I find great consolation in the silence before, during, and after Mass.

For Sundays, I have two Masses I like to attend. One is the 7am – very simple with piano and cantor. This is a tough one for me to go to, for I am a night owl. Another one has more traditional music and an incredible choir – it’s a very popular time in my parish (10am) and is usually very crowded (usually reverent).

I remind myself in prayer that my conversion was based not based on music or architecture (though historically I am attracted to this and it is important to me on one level), but I became Catholic based on the truth of the Catholic Church as being the Church that Jesus Christ established and where He is present in the Real Presence.

I’ll keep you in my prayers, for this time of conversion for you is not only a blessed time – but it is also one where the Adversary attacks. I prayed the Rosary a lot when I was converting. Have you tried any devotions?

 

[NorthTexan88]

No, you are in no way “bad.” If anything it is nice to see someone like yourself trying to bring reverence back to the mass. One thing I might suggest to help you other then those listed in my previous posts is to take a little time before or after Mass to pray in front of the Eucharist. These are usually quiet times when you can give the Eucharist the reverance it deserves. Perhaps pray a decade of the Rosary of something. YOu will be surprised at how rejuvinated you feel.

Also, if you don’t enjoy the Mass that is okay. Obviously, not everything is for everybody. What is important is you keep going, participate to the best of your ability, and then start charitibly offering suggestions. You might be surprised at how many people feel they way you do. You might even get to the point where they change one of the services like a Saturday night service to be more in line of what you and others would desire. Bottom line is be respectful towards others, but contninue to try and work towards the experience you also desire. There should be and usually is enough room for comprise. Just don’t expect all the changes to happen at once.

I am going through this right now with my Parish. I am relatively new there (about a year) but I have talked to some members of the Parish who feel the way I do. I am now about approach the Priest and Pastoral council with my ideas. I am hoping to just make some small changes and take it from there.

Thanks, I’ll be praying for you and hope everything goes well! I have actually been doing what you suggested and actaully did that yesterday before mass, me and my friend who is going to be my “God mother” at confirmation went in the chapel and prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and did Eucharistic Adoration and it definently does help, unfortunatly the “band” was practising in the sanctuary and it was hard to concentrate over the drums and all that But I plan on going in during the week before class so i’ll be able to consentrate more.

 

[DJK100]

I like the Saturdays when they do chant. The Spanish-language Mass times are cool b/c there are usually street vendor nachos outside.

I’ve had a similar experience, and I think my sensitivity to music is heightened due to the fact that I’m a musician.

Mass is Mass, whether the music is reverent or irreverent or if there is none at all.

Have you gone to Daily Mass? No music at these, and I find great consolation in the silence before, during, and after Mass.

For Sundays, I have two Masses I like to attend. One is the 7am – very simple with piano and cantor. This is a tough one for me to go to, for I am a night owl. Another one has more traditional music and an incredible choir – it’s a very popular time in my parish (10am) and is usually very crowded (usually reverent).

I remind myself in prayer that my conversion was based not based on music or architecture (though historically I am attracted to this and it is important to me on one level), but I became Catholic based on the truth of the Catholic Church as being the Church that Jesus Christ established and where He is present in the Real Presence.

I’ll keep you in my prayers, for this time of conversion for you is not only a blessed time – but it is also one where the Adversary attacks. I prayed the Rosary a lot when I was converting. Have you tried any devotions?

Thrist, we are so on the same page. Great post!

 

[NorthTexan88]

Thanks DJK1000, there actaully is a LM parish but unfortunatly its about 45 miuntes away and i cant afford it.

 

[NorthTexan88]

I like the Saturdays when they do chant. The Spanish-language Mass times are cool b/c there are usually street vendor nachos outside.

I’ve had a similar experience, and I think my sensitivity to music is heightened due to the fact that I’m a musician.

Mass is Mass, whether the music is reverent or irreverent or if there is none at all.

Have you gone to Daily Mass? No music at these, and I find great consolation in the silence before, during, and after Mass.

For Sundays, I have two Masses I like to attend. One is the 7am – very simple with piano and cantor. This is a tough one for me to go to, for I am a night owl. Another one has more traditional music and an incredible choir – it’s a very popular time in my parish (10am) and is usually very crowded (usually reverent).

I remind myself in prayer that my conversion was based not based on music or architecture (though historically I am attracted to this and it is important to me on one level), but I became Catholic based on the truth of the Catholic Church as being the Church that Jesus Christ established and where He is present in the Real Presence.

I’ll keep you in my prayers, for this time of conversion for you is not only a blessed time – but it is also one where the Adversary attacks. I prayed the Rosary a lot when I was converting. Have you tried any devotions?

Im in the same boat as you, I keep reminding myself that it really isnt about the music bc thats not the important part, its just distracting.