Multi-Culture Mass... Had a blast...

[benedictgal]

Bless your heart, Father, you are a breath of fresh air. Of course, the Holy Spirit came in the wind, didn’t He?

Thank you for your wise and balanced posts in this thread. You sound like someone who speaks with the voice of experience.

I can’t help but think as I read this thread that laypeople would probably have very little to do with planning the liturgy if there were enough priests.

But when Catholics pick and bite at the priests and bishops that we do have, and imply that many of them are in error, well, no wonder young men shake their heads when the Holy Spirit comes calling. It takes a brave man who is willing to step into the line of fire and accept a position where your own people are constantly checking up on you and using half-knowledge to accuse you of liturgical abuse (and other kinds of abuse).

And so we get the fruits of our efforts–no priests, and we laypeople end up with the duty of studying the documents and trying to figure out how to plan the liturgy without the benefit of seminary and the priestly training. Is it any wonder that there is so much variation from Mass to Mass?

With all due respect, Cat, please do not fall into the extremism trap. What you do not seem to want to admit is that, unfortunately, there are many times when priests and even a few bishops, do not necessarily follow the liturgical directives given forth by the Church. That is a sad truth that even the Holy See recognizes. If the Holy See did not recognize this fact, documents like Redemptionis Sacramentum would never have been promulgated in the first place.

There is a tendency here in these threads to malign and mischaracterize those of us who have a genuine love of the liturgy and who strive to ensure that it is celebrated correctly as being half-knowledgeable folks who are dead set against the priests. That is further from the truth.

Do you know any seminarians? Have you even had a chance to visit with one? You might find such an experience enlightening and edifying. I, for one, have spoken to a few of our diocesan seminarians and they told me that, given the situation down here, they can’t wait to get ordained so that they can start restoring some semblance of the sacred to the liturgies back home. They are not shaking their heads in anger at those of us who read the liturgical documents. They are not accusing us of trying to incite rebellion against the Church. They are not weeping and crying out doom and gloom. Quite the opposite. They want us to work with them and to help them as they learn the correct way. In fact one seminarian, who prior to his studies, was playing in a Mariachi band, came back on fire to have the antiphons chanted and Latin sung and was quite disappointed with what he found down here. He, for his part, was frustrated with the over-importance given to culture and not enough to the sacred. But, his experience actually gave him added incentive to beef up his studies and sharpen his skills. I told him that he was well on the way to becoming a great priest.

 

[ProVobis]

And so we get the fruits of our efforts–no priests, and we laypeople end up with the duty of studying the documents and trying to figure out how to plan the liturgy without the benefit of seminary and the priestly training. Is it any wonder that there is so much variation from Mass to Mass?

Your points aren’t clear. Just how much “planning” does the Mass need? Are the texts or rubrics deficient? I realize there are a lot of options but I doubt if that keeps men out of the seminaries.

 

[benedictgal]

Your points aren’t clear. Just how much “planning” does the Mass need? Are the texts or rubrics deficient? I realize there are a lot of options but I doubt if that keeps men out of the seminaries.

It’s certainly not keeping ours away.

 

[Cat]

With all due respect, Cat, please do not fall into the extremism trap. What you do not seem to want to admit is that, unfortunately, there are many times when priests and even a few bishops, do not necessarily follow the liturgical directives given forth by the Church. That is a sad truth that even the Holy See recognizes. If the Holy See did not recognize this fact, documents like Redemptionis Sacramentum would never have been promulgated in the first place.

There is a tendency here in these threads to malign and mischaracterize those of us who have a genuine love of the liturgy and who strive to ensure that it is celebrated correctly as being half-knowledgeable folks who are dead set against the priests. That is further from the truth.

Do you know any seminarians? Have you even had a chance to visit with one? You might find such an experience enlightening and edifying. I, for one, have spoken to a few of our diocesan seminarians and they told me that, given the situation down here, they can’t wait to get ordained so that they can start restoring some semblance of the sacred to the liturgies back home. They are not shaking their heads in anger at those of us who read the liturgical documents. They are not accusing us of trying to incite rebellion against the Church. They are not weeping and crying out doom and gloom. Quite the opposite. They want us to work with them and to help them as they learn the correct way. In fact one seminarian, who prior to his studies, was playing in a Mariachi band, came back on fire to have the antiphons chanted and Latin sung and was quite disappointed with what he found down here. He, for his part, was frustrated with the over-importance given to culture and not enough to the sacred. But, his experience actually gave him added incentive to beef up his studies and sharpen his skills. I told him that he was well on the way to becoming a great priest.

Yes, I’ve known several seminarians who were determined to put things right in their parishes.

And they discovered that when they are working with real people in real life, it doesn’t always work out.

It may look good on paper to say that the liturgy is of utmost importance, but when you can hear the crickets chirping during your homily because people are leaving to attend Mass at a more hospitable parish…!

Interestingly, I’ve seen it happen over and over again–these seminarians have toned down their ambition, loosened up their rigidity, and are learning to demonstrate charity and patience and HUMILITY as they strive to learn to lead their parishioners. Many of the seminarians are very young men, and the wisest among them realizes that they know very little of life compared to the folks in their parish, especially the old folks.

It is never good to march in to any situation with a reformer’s mindset. More often than not, reformers leave a trail of broken people, hurt feelings, anger, resentment, and hostility, and in the end, the changes that they manage to ram through are reversed as soon as they depart. They actually make it harder for the changes to ever happen.

It is so much better to walk in quietly and spend a long time just listening and learning before actually speaking and changing things.

I have asked this question before on this forum, although never in its own topic. What is more important–reforming the liturgy, or retaining the parishioners? I often get the feeling that some people on CAF would be very happy to sit in a perfect Mass all alone. I have a problem with that.

I think that in this evil day and age, it is very important to retain Catholics in the Mass. I think that we need to do whatever is necessary to hang onto people. When they depart from us, they are in grave danger of hell.

Of course we shouldn’t turn the Mass into a circus to keep people. I’m NOT saying that we should dump the liturgy. (I’m guessing that someone, in a post yet-to-come, will accuse me of saying that we should dump the liturgy. Please read my post–I am NOT saying that Catholics should dump the liturgy.

But if singing a contemporary hymn–and this IS allowed, according to the rubrics–will keep the seats filled while a Latin hymn drives people away, then I say, sing the contemporary hymn.

The stronger Christian should always make allowances for the weaker Christian. Many Christians are simply not strong enough for a “perfect” Mass with Latin and antiphons and chant and no smiling and no saying “hi” to your pewmate and women in dresses and men in suits and of course, Holy Communion on the Tongue. If you are strong enough for that, wonderful. But have a care for your weaker Catholic brothers and sisters who are barely hanging on to Catholicism, and would probably drop the Church in a minute if someone gave them an excuse.

 

[ProVobis]

It’s certainly not keeping ours away.

Hopefully it’ll be the real springtime Vatican II envisioned.

 

[damooster]

It may look good on paper to say that the liturgy is of utmost importance, but when you can hear the crickets chirping during your homily because people are leaving to attend Mass at a more hospitable parish…!

Let me see if I have this right:

On one hand, you praise Father NewEnglandPriest by suggesting that the laity have no business questioning clergy who deviate from the rubrics, and in your next breath praise the clergy for these deviations? And we’re wrong for questioning this?

Something is terribly amiss here.

Also, if people are leaving to attend Mass at a more “hospitable” parish, let them go! Since when do we start compromising the faith to be more “hospitable?”

 

[cameron_lansing]

This is from Father John Dietzen’s column…

A subsidiary issue but nicely presented by Father Dietzen from my perspective, at least. Thank you for posting it. I will only add that canon law is written in Latin, and at least some decent facility in it is required to understand it properly. There is a reason why the Church requires a degree from a pontifical faculty as a license to “practice” canon law. Those who lack one are sometimes more assertive on points of law than they have a right to be. It certainly is disheartening to see that when it happens. I can only urge the virtue of temperance, in addition, of course, to that of charity required by everyone.

 

[Rebecca_Pslm91]

I recently only come to this forum, hoping that it was a place whereas I could simply express my love of the Catholic Religion, and more importantly my love for Jesus Christ. To be a Catholic is to be a child of God, is to be a follower of Jesus, is to love the Sacraments and all they provide for us. No I may not be someone that knows all the history of the Catholic Religion, but apparently I must be someone who does want to learn more. No matter what, no matter what might be said on this forum, no one can ever ever change me from that. I am not some person that just recently found the Religion, or Jesus, I am a person that has experienced His love and mercy so many days of my life.

I want to personally thank the few that have come to my defense, and understand, that I was just expressing what I experienced, and I think it so sad that it offended so many. For the record, we danced/celebrated after the final blessing. But I do not have to explain myself to you, because only Christ knows my heart!

You know what, when you feel the love of Christ, you feel joy, and that is what I experienced that evening. But seriously, to turn this simple post into a debate is not what should take place.

If you don’t like the way the Mass was celebrated, then with all due respect, contact the ArchBishop Wenski, and debate with him as to why that is not how a Mass should be celebrated or honored. I am sure he is much better suited for such a debate.

To me it is much more disrespectful when people come to Mass, take Communion, and leave just to beat the traffic. These people that I had the honor to celebrate the Mass with truly are devout, and put so much into the Catholic Church.

I am sorry for offending anyone. But in the future, it makes me truly wonder what I should and should not post on this site. And you know what, some mentioned that oh having a blast, that belongs on Youtube, no your lack of compassion and understanding really needs to be taken into consideration. Should not dance, really, when you get to Heaven, tell David that.

Again, I am sorry for going off, and this will be my last post. All I wanted to really do is to share something that I found spiritual, and now for it to be turned into some debate, how Christian is that. Some of you sound more like the pharisees of the Bible, than true Christians, really.

 

[Cat]

Let me see if I have this right:

On one hand, you praise Father NewEnglandPriest by suggesting that the laity have no business questioning clergy who deviate from the rubrics, and in your next breath praise the clergy for these deviations? And we’re wrong for questioning this?

Something is terribly amiss here.

Also, if people are leaving to attend Mass at a more “hospitable” parish, let them go! Since when do we start compromising the faith to be more “hospitable?”

I KNEW it!

I knew that someone would accuse me of ditching the liturgy! And it only took a few minutes!

I did NOT suggest that the clergy deviate from the rubrics.

I went to great lengths to give an example–the singing of a contemporary hymn–and point out that this is allowed, that is is within the rubrics.

And I most certainly did NOT suggest “compromising the faith” Just because we sing “You Are Mine” instead of “Stabat Mater” doesn’t mean a compromise of faith.

 

[Cat]

I recently only come to this forum, hoping that it was a place whereas I could simply express my love of the Catholic Religion, and more importantly my love for Jesus Christ. To be a Catholic is to be a child of God, is to be a follower of Jesus, is to love the Sacraments and all they provide for us. No I may not be someone that knows all the history of the Catholic Religion, but apparently I must be someone who does want to learn more. No matter what, no matter what might be said on this forum, no one can ever ever change me from that. I am not some person that just recently found the Religion, or Jesus, I am a person that has experienced His love and mercy so many days of my life.

I want to personally thank the few that have come to my defense, and understand, that I was just expressing what I experienced, and I think it so sad that it offended so many. For the record, we danced/celebrated after the final blessing. But I do not have to explain myself to you, because only Christ knows my heart!

You know what, when you feel the love of Christ, you feel joy, and that is what I experienced that evening. But seriously, to turn this simple post into a debate is not what should take place.

If you don’t like the way the Mass was celebrated, then with all due respect, contact the ArchBishop Wenski, and debate with him as to why that is not how a Mass should be celebrated or honored. I am sure he is much better suited for such a debate.

To me it is much more disrespectful when people come to Mass, take Communion, and leave just to beat the traffic. These people that I had the honor to celebrate the Mass with truly are devout, and put so much into the Catholic Church.

I am sorry for offending anyone. But in the future, it makes me truly wonder what I should and should not post on this site. And you know what, some mentioned that oh having a blast, that belongs on Youtube, no your lack of compassion and understanding really needs to be taken into consideration. Should not dance, really, when you get to Heaven, tell David that.

Again, I am sorry for going off, and this will be my last post. All I wanted to really do is to share something that I found spiritual, and now for it to be turned into some debate, how Christian is that. Some of you sound more like the pharisees of the Bible, than true Christians, really.

Good job, everyone.

I hope that some of you WILL contact Archbishop Wenski and speak with him about this Mass. I would love to be a fly on the wall for THAT conversation!

 

[benedictgal]

I You know what, when you feel the love of Christ, you feel joy, and that is what I experienced that evening. But seriously, to turn this simple post into a debate is not what should take place.

If you don’t like the way the Mass was celebrated, then with all due respect, contact the ArchBishop Wenski, and debate with him as to why that is not how a Mass should be celebrated or honored. I am sure he is much better suited for such a debate.

To me it is much more disrespectful when people come to Mass, take Communion, and leave just to beat the traffic. These people that I had the honor to celebrate the Mass with truly are devout, and put so much into the Catholic Church.

I am sorry for offending anyone. But in the future, it makes me truly wonder what I should and should not post on this site. And you know what, some mentioned that oh having a blast, that belongs on Youtube, no your lack of compassion and understanding really needs to be taken into consideration. Should not dance, really, when you get to Heaven, tell David that.

Again, I am sorry for going off, and this will be my last post. All I wanted to really do is to share something that I found spiritual, and now for it to be turned into some debate, how Christian is that. Some of you sound more like the pharisees of the Bible, than true Christians, really.

You did not offend anyone; however, there were some issues that raised a lot of concerns. All of us need to educate ourselves on what the nature of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is. It’s not some free form exercise in creativity. It’s not a celebration of cultural diversification. Jesus offers Himself on the Altar for us. We become present at Calvary. Perhaps you might want to re-read the quote I inserted from the late Fr. Richard John Neuhaus regarding what he witnessed during the Papal Mass at Nationals Stadium. It might help you see things a little differently.

What King David did was not part of the cultic sacrifice of Ancient Israel. God dictated very specific directives on what should and should not happen. In fact, not a few of these directives have been incorporated in some form or fashion within the context of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (gold vessels, vestments, incense, etc) and all of these elements point to the sacrifice of the True Lamb of God, Jesus. Just read Deuteronomony. Now, David was not peforming a priestly act, even though he was wearing an ephod. Furthermore, Jesus never said to disregard the liturgical practices of Ancient Israel because His own Father dictated them, and, God is not likely to contradict Himself. The fact that you seem to disagree with the Church’s position on dance is of great concern. It’s not about what feels good to us; rather, it is about what is appropriate for the Mass.

Regarding the pharisees, a lot of people like to throw that charge around without knowing what the pharisees actually did. These kind of assertins are definitely not correct. The pharisees were trying to impose priestly practices on the people because of all of the errors that Ancient Israel had committed in the past (that led to their consistent invasions, exiles, etc). While they meant well in the beginning, it was not necessarily a good thing. Furthermore, they had nothing to do with the Sacrificial Temple worship of Ancient Israel.

 

[damooster]

I KNEW it!

I knew that someone would accuse me of ditching the liturgy! And it only took a few minutes!

I did NOT suggest that the clergy deviate from the rubrics.

I went to great lengths to give an example–the singing of a contemporary hymn–and point out that this is allowed, that is is within the rubrics.

And I most certainly did NOT suggest “compromising the faith” Just because we sing “You Are Mine” instead of “Stabat Mater” doesn’t mean a compromise of faith.

Pardon me for misinterpreting what you intended, but how did you expect me to respond with the statement:

It may look good on paper to say that the liturgy is of utmost importance, but when you can hear the crickets chirping during your homily because people are leaving to attend Mass at a more hospitable parish…!

 

[damooster]

I recently only come to this forum, hoping that it was a place whereas I could simply express my love of the Catholic Religion, and more importantly my love for Jesus Christ. To be a Catholic is to be a child of God, is to be a follower of Jesus, is to love the Sacraments and all they provide for us. No I may not be someone that knows all the history of the Catholic Religion, but apparently I must be someone who does want to learn more. No matter what, no matter what might be said on this forum, no one can ever ever change me from that. I am not some person that just recently found the Religion, or Jesus, I am a person that has experienced His love and mercy so many days of my life.

I want to personally thank the few that have come to my defense, and understand, that I was just expressing what I experienced, and I think it so sad that it offended so many. For the record, we danced/celebrated after the final blessing. But I do not have to explain myself to you, because only Christ knows my heart!

You know what, when you feel the love of Christ, you feel joy, and that is what I experienced that evening. But seriously, to turn this simple post into a debate is not what should take place.

If you don’t like the way the Mass was celebrated, then with all due respect, contact the ArchBishop Wenski, and debate with him as to why that is not how a Mass should be celebrated or honored. I am sure he is much better suited for such a debate.

To me it is much more disrespectful when people come to Mass, take Communion, and leave just to beat the traffic. These people that I had the honor to celebrate the Mass with truly are devout, and put so much into the Catholic Church.

I am sorry for offending anyone. But in the future, it makes me truly wonder what I should and should not post on this site. And you know what, some mentioned that oh having a blast, that belongs on Youtube, no your lack of compassion and understanding really needs to be taken into consideration. Should not dance, really, when you get to Heaven, tell David that.

Again, I am sorry for going off, and this will be my last post. All I wanted to really do is to share something that I found spiritual, and now for it to be turned into some debate, how Christian is that. Some of you sound more like the pharisees of the Bible, than true Christians, really.

I hope you reconsider. We weren’t very charitable to you, a new member, and I apologize for any role I played in pushing you away.

The only reason your discussion was turned in to a debate is because the Mass you attended is becoming a normal part of the way Mass is celebrated and some of us take issue with that. We weren’t attacking you or your happiness, at least I wasn’t. I was simply addressing the things that I disagreed with.

Again, I hope you reconsider. I’ll even ignore the Pharisees label if you give us another chance!

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

You did not offend anyone; however, there were some issues that raised a lot of concerns. All of us need to educate ourselves on what the nature of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is. It’s not some free form exercise in creativity.

I’m sure the archbishop is glad that you’re there to show him the error of his ways. But let’s remember that nothing against the liturgical documents took place. Many posters here simply decided they knew a “better” way to do it. The fact that no latin took place in this Mass is not an issue of this Mass but the fact that no latin takes place in most Masses around the world.

It’s not a celebration of cultural diversification.

Once again, I think you’re getting hung up on issues that aren’t even present.

What King David did was not part of the cultic sacrifice of Ancient Israel. God dictated very specific directives on what should and should not happen.

By focusing on this issue I think you’re missing the entire point the OP was trying to make.

The fact that you seem to disagree with the Church’s position on dance is of great concern.

Why? The dance was not part of the Mass. And let’s face it, this is not a matter of infallibility. The Church could always incorporate dance if She so chooses.

It’s not about what feels good to us; rather, it is about what is appropriate for the Mass.

No one is able to find anything inappropriate that took place. There was no liturgical dance and the amount of latin in the Mass was consistent with most Masses around the world.

 

[ProVobis]

Why? The dance was not part of the Mass. And let’s face it, this is not a matter of infallibility. The Church could always incorporate dance if She so chooses.

No one is able to find anything inappropriate that took place.

So when they talk of liturgical dance, when exactly do they do it? I’ve seen dancing in church too and can’t remember when they danced during the readings or at consecration or when the texts were read. So that makes it okay?

I think many, if not most, of us associate anything that happens when we are in church as part of the Mass. Choir practicing beforehand, the procession, the sermon, the communion of the faithful, any announcements, the postlude are all technically not part of the Mass but to just dismiss any choreographic activity as not being part of the Mass isn’t quite with the spirit of what Cardinal Arinze talks about either. In fact at one part he strongly suggests them praying the rosary instead of planning their dances.

youtube.com/watch?v=9rJFdmmqj_s

 

[Cat]

Pardon me for misinterpreting what you intended, but how did you expect me to respond with the statement:

The concept of hospitality is actually very Biblical. Years ago, I heard a Bible study exigesis on “hospitality.” It’s not just putting mints on the pillow and giving guests the fluffy towels instead of the ratty towels.

The verse we all think about in regards to hospitality is Hebrews 13: 2 – Do not neglect to how hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hospitality is the practice of love. It’s very practical. It’s not just thinking, “I love all my fellow Christians,” but it’s doing something to demonstrate that love.

In Mass, this can be as simple as smiling. The way some people talk, smiling is forbidden in Mass because after all, it’s a sacrfice. Yes, it is. But it’s also a Communion. As far as I know, the rubrics do not forbid smiling. Or for those who don’t want to glue a smile on their face, why not just try to have a cheerful, open countenance so that people feel warm and welcome when they see us?

When I spoke of hospitality in the Mass, what I meant was that the priest and others who are involved think of all the people who will attend, and try to do things that will help them to more fully appreciate the Mass. E.g., having a good sound system. For the OF of the Mass, this is vital. It’s not so important for the EF of the Mass. But most Catholic churches I have visited (OF Mass) have terrible sound systems. A hospitable church will do whatever they can to have an adequate sound system.

Or a place for those in wheelchairs to sit where they aren’t sticking out the aisle. Now I KNOW that the rubrics do not forbid this. It’s hospitality to make some kind of reasonable accomodations for those who use wheelchairs.

I am very aware of hospitality during Mass whenever I play piano. I’m sitting right up in the front (we have a clamshell), and people tend to look at the piano player because she’s there. So I try to have a pleasant expression on my face, and I try to sit straight, not slump, and pay close attention to what is going on throughout the Mass. I fold my hands properly when we pray. I nod my head during the homily when the priest makes a good point. I make sure to say the responses clearly because I know that people can hear me because I’m in front of them. In other words, I focus on the Mass entirely and try to be a good example to people of respect and reverence and joy. And after the Mass, when people approach me to say that they enjoyed the music, I say, “Thank you!” These are my ways of showing hospitality. Nothing against the rubrics.

As for the music, well, this is something that the priest will have to determine by getting to know his parishioners. After he has gotten to know them, he may determine that the parish is very open to bringing back the Latin and chant. For all of you who like Latin and chant, YAY!

But he may determine that half the people would leave the Church if Latin chants were done instead of contemporary hymns. YOU might not leave, but others would, and the priest has to think about everyone in the parish, not just YOU.

It is NOT against the rubrics to use contemporary hymns (not yet). So the priest may decide that rather than dumping all the contemporary music all at once, he will do it gradually, over many months, and just start with one Latin antiphon rather than go Latin all the way right away. That way, the people could get comfortable with the “new” old traditional music, and resentment would be avoided and eventually, there would be a great deal of Latin in the Mass, and the people would love it.

THAT would be a hospitable approach to music in the Mass. Again, I’m NOT at all suggesting ANYTHING against the rubrics. It is NOT a liturgical abuse to sing out of the Gather Hymnal. I’m not suggesting that the organ be replaced with a country-rock band and a Praise and Worship group. I’m not suggesting anything “incorrect.”

What I’m saying is that the priest needs to determine how he can obey the rubrics and conduct a liturgically-correct Mass, but still accomodate the parishioners and encourage them to attend Mass, not walk away from it. It IS possible to do both–be liturgically correct, and be hospitable.

Make sense?

 

[Patchunky]

. If the Church ever decided to make its official language Greek and asked for the prayers now in Latin to be in Greek, I would gladly learn the Greek. If they wanted the prayers always to be in English, I’d say them in English. if they wanted them in Chinese, I’d say them in Chinese. Whatever the Church determines to be the proper and appropriate language for any prayer I will gladly say and do. It does not ‘have to be’ Latin for me to obey; but since it currently IS Latin, then Latin is what I will say for the prayers determined to be in Latin.

Actually, there 4 OFFICIAL languages of the Catholic Church. These are the languages that the Divine Liturgy was translated into and they are also used whenever a Pope dies as part of his funeral Liturgy.

They are: Aramaic, Greek, Latin and Old Church Slavonic.

 

[ProVobis]

As for the music, well, this is something that the priest will have to determine by getting to know his parishioners. After he has gotten to know them, he may determine that the parish is very open to bringing back the Latin and chant. For all of you who like Latin and chant, YAY!

But he may determine that half the people would leave the Church if Latin chants were done instead of contemporary hymns. YOU might not leave, but others would, and the priest has to think about everyone in the parish, not just YOU.

Why not ask them for their favorite Latin hymn? People will accept most things they are given choices about. Just don’t force it down their throats if you’re not sure about whether they’ll leave as soon as they hear it. But you know that, I’m sure.

Or give them choices:

Ave Maria
O Salutaris Hostia
Tantum Ergo
O Sanctissima
Salve Regina
Panis Angelicus
(any in the hymnal?)

PS The New St. Basil Hymnal has many good Latin hymns.

 

[Cat]

Why not ask them for their favorite Latin hymn? People will accept most things they are given choices about. Just don’t force it down their throats if you’re not sure about whether they’ll leave as soon as they hear it. But you know that, I’m sure.

Or give them choices:

Ave Maria
O Salutaris Hostia
Tantum Ergo
O Sanctissima
Salve Regina
Panis Angelicus
(any in the hymnal?)

PS The New St. Basil Hymnal has many good Latin hymns.

That would make a lot of sense. A “survey” could be put in the parish bulletin asking for (name removed by moderator)ut from parishioners and listing various Latin hymns. That way, the people would feel as though they’ve had some (name removed by moderator)ut and a choice, as you say. That would probably work well and create a very friendly family atmosphere in the parish rather than causing resentment.

I wouldn’t fill the survey out because I honestly, truly dislike Latin hymns (or hymns in any language other than English). But I’m only one person in the parish, and I understand that others are interested in singing these hymns. So I’ll enjoy their pleasure and rejoice with them as they sing the hymns of their choice.

 

[ProVobis]

I wouldn’t fill the survey out because I honestly, truly dislike Latin hymns (or hymns in any language other than English).

So just play the melodies then at communion or before or after Mass. You’re the music director so you should have control over these matters, I would think.

And you don’t need to tell the world you despise Latin at every opportunity. I think most can tell right away.