Music during Mass and Theology

[Mary_Ellen]

I agree with everything Claire wrote. Amen.

I’m a cantor in my church(es) and tend to sing the contemporary pieces. In my parish there are a variety of music styles available and people are free to find what they prefer as to music and even have a choice between the ordinary and extraordinary forms of the mass every weekend.

I grew up worshiping with the contemporary pieces and find them quite uplifting and they help me to center on the action of the Mass. As a cantor and/or choir member I find joy in helping the congregation worship with this music. I am not a performer. I perform once a year at a secular concert - that’s it. For the OP to paint all contemporary song leaders with such a broad and judgmental stroke against their motives is highly offensive to me.

For me, I know that I am never more what God created me to be than when I am leading people in sung prayer. “Sung prayer” means I’m either singing solo or encouraging the congregation to sing with me. Yes, I face the people when I sing. I’m not disrespecting the God when I do so. I turn 90 degrees and face the altar at all other times during the Liturgy.

OP, you sound very angry in your posting. Maybe you’ve been hurt by changes you’ve seen and are lashing out. Whatever your motive you certainly sound convinced that your opinion is fact and I’m sure nothing I say here will change your mind. I am truly sad for you, though, that you are not able to look beyond the style of music used in your parish and try to use some Christian charity when evaluating the entire situation. It sounds like you have quite a cross to bear and you will be in my prayers.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Yes, the “contemporary” bug has invaded my Catholic Church.

Nothing turns me off more than having a group of overly happy musicians, playing modern cliche instruments, facing the congregations and living out their failed rock-star dreams while claiming the “tickle” they get is to serve God.

I’m not saying these folk have a bad intent. However, they do harm to the service, and to the church. They don’t face the Holy of Holies, which is the center of the service. They perform, they aren’t away from the viewing audience. They distract, and they seek attention.

I’ve always thought there’s a theology to music. There’s a reason why single-tone chants were done for so long. Performing harmonic, soul-filled music can provide “good feelings” regardless of if its about God or not.

So many mega churches mistake the feelings from a cliche, simple strum jam melody as the presence of God.

As for my church, it infuriates me, and absolutely kills my ability to worship. I’m not sure if it’s my self-righteousness and ego talking, but I think there is a theological discussion in all of this.

What do you think?

I think you are absolutely correct.

I also think that it is inevitable and you might as well try to hold back the tide…