non-manmade music from instrument

[Reformed_Rob]

If we had ever, as a Church, bothered to implement the reforms of Vatican II, we wouldn’t be left in the lurch by an absent organist because Gregorian chant (and, following it, sacred polyphony) would hold pride of place in our musical repertoire; thus we would always be prepared with a substantial amount of music performable without any instruments whatsoever.

You make a great point, Andreas. Having been a Catholic for about 18 months, I have discovered that I’m pretty old school in my worship preferences.

And by “preferences” I don’t mean I’m a buffet (cafeteria) Catholic. I mean what I prefer amongst what is legitimate compared to other ways that are also legitimate. And I don’t have any problems with other ways, I simply have preferences.

So I was pretty disappointed when instead of singing acappella, there was just no songs from the equipment malfunction on. Which was 2 songs missing.

Accapella, by the way, is not my preference overall. But it is, during a Sunday Mass where there’s a packed Church, preferable over just not singing.

But we don’t practice acappella. So maybe it’s better we just don’t when there is a technological malfunction. Then we will only do it bad the couple times a year when we have to. Such as the May crowning procession, I’m disgusted at how poor the singing effort is. We may corporately crown Mary with a nice flowery crown and wreaths, but if the statue had ears, I don’t think it would hear us coming until we were all gathered around at the microphone.

So I found I’m best off with the teenagers who will sing if I get them fired up by singing loud myself.

 

[hosea]

I know this is an older thread but I feel compelled to reply.
I have been a liturgical musician/worship leader since 1972. I have a group of 4 singers and I sing and play the guitar at St. Helen’s in Glendale, Arizona at the 12:15 mass.
In my 35 years in this amazing ministry I have had many musicians join my choir. They come and they go. The problem is commitment to practice and taking direction. Drummers who insist on setting the tempo their way; musicians who want to be heard over the voices; musicians who only come to mass and expect to learn the song during the liturgy; all these diminish the goal of leading the assembly with accurate and meaningful music.
The Liturgy is about proclaiming the Word of God to the assembly. Not about satisfying the ego of musicians. When the music is diminished by over-zelous musicians the Word that is proclaimed thru the music is diminished. That is simply not acceptable.
10 years ago I started making accompaniment tracks on my computer using Sonar recording software. I have invested over 2000 dollars in my pc and periferials to produce high quality music tracks created using the Hymnal, JourneySongs provided by our church. The result is that now the only thing that is important is the words sung by my choir and the assembly. I do play my guitar along with the tracks as we lead the singing to give a ‘live’ feel to the music. I include piano, strings, flutes, bass, guitar, even drums in my sequences. Each song is created on my pc by my hand. Not from some mass-production house. We do not use tracks on the Gloria or the Mass parts during the Eucharistic prayer. This is to avoid any distraction while cuing up a song. We do use tracks on opening, closing, Responsorial Psalms, offertory, and Communion songs. And the songs are exactly as the composers intended. This has opened up worlds of music to us that we could not have accomplished with only me on the guitar.
I love my music ministry passionately. My gift with Sonar has given me the opportunity to proclaim God’s Word thru His music. And so far, the assembly participates and seems to be moved by the music we are so priveledged to lead.
There is a publication on Liturgical Practices that states that with the advent of new technology, pre-recorded accompaniment tracks are acceptable as long as they do not substitute the voices.
Peace to all,
Terry Little
terrylittledad@cox.net

 

[benedictgal]

OK, a little research turns up this, from De Musica Sacra (1958):

Finally, only instruments which are personally played by a performer are to be used in the sacred liturgy, not those which are played mechanically or automatically.

Since AFAIK nothing has superceded this it would seem to still be in force.

This issue was brought up at one of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commission meetings. In fact, I brought it up. The person leading the session said absolutely not. It is not as though you can have an “is it live or is it Memorex” moment. It must be live, not memorex.

Perhaps if the previous poster were to quote the citation to which he refers, that might help. However, even mingling recorded music raises a big red flag.

Furthermore, the Liturgy is not about directing things to the Faithful. We are directing our prayer to God. Granted, we hear the Word of God; we are not the priniciple actors, God is.

 

[hosea]

Furthermore, the Liturgy is not about directing things to the Faithful. We are directing our prayer to God. Granted, we hear the Word of God; we are not the priniciple actors, God is.

I think that was my point. If we put so much emphasis on the musicians, are we not detracting from the Word and putting the musicians ‘egos’ above the point of the Mass?

And it may even come down to economics. A professional musical ensemble; one which does not overpower the sung Word; is astronomically more expensive than tracks. My stypend is 50 dollars per Mass. That 50 dollars provides a solid, musically articulate and beautiful foundation for proclaiming His Word thru song.

Peace,
Terry

 

[benedictgal]

I think that was my point. If we put so much emphasis on the musicians, are we not detracting from the Word and putting the musicians ‘egos’ above the point of the Mass?

And it may even come down to economics. A professional musical ensemble; one which does not overpower the sung Word; is astronomically more expensive than tracks. My stypend is 50 dollars per Mass. That 50 dollars provides a solid, musically articulate and beautiful foundation for proclaiming His Word thru song.

Peace,
Terry

But, the $50 is still a recording, and, recordings are not allowed for use in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The section from Musicam Sacram is very clear about that. Why not just have your choir sing as they can sing? Natural sound does not have to match that of the Capella Sistena Choir nor the Vienna Boys Choir.

You have yet to quote authoritative documentation from the Holy See that backs your claim that recorded music is allowed.

 

[hosea]

But, the $50 is still a recording, and, recordings are not allowed for use in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The section from Musicam Sacram is very clear about that. Why not just have your choir sing as they can sing? Natural sound does not have to match that of the Capella Sistena Choir nor the Vienna Boys Choir.

You have yet to quote authoritative documentation from the Holy See that backs your claim that recorded music is allowed.

The 50 dollars is the stypend paid to all music leaders for maintaining their choirs. Not the recording. And I don’t record voices. Only the instruments. I’m working on finding you the quote I mentioned. Please bear with me. This is not a subject I take lightly. I spend almost all my waking hours in front of my pc creating these tracks for my choir and my Church. I pray about it often; asking God to keep my ministry humble and to let be for His Glory and His alone.
Several times during the year; i.e. for Charity and Development Appeal, or for Youth Group successes with building houses for the less fortunate, they set up a projector connected to a DVD player. Our Bishop is featured in the production complete with professional music, interviews, etc. The DVD is broadcast to our assembly during the Mass at the place where the Homily is normally presented. The reference you make to that 50 year old Musicam Sacram on recorded material is apparently viewed by our diocese as being a bit outdated. The point is that the Bishop must feel compelled to show a dvd of his personal plea for Charity rather than rely on his Priests or Deacons to deliver it live. And rightly so. Seeing and hearing the Bishop speak to us as tho he is in our Church is in no way offensive. And, I pray, neither is my pre-recorded musical accompaniment. According to my music Director, Pastor, and fellow parishoners.
I pray that God will allow me to continue using my gift to proclaim His word thru music.
peace to you and all you love,
Terry

 

[benedictgal]

The 50 dollars is the stypend paid to all music leaders for maintaining their choirs. Not the recording. And I don’t record voices. Only the instruments. I’m working on finding you the quote I mentioned. Please bear with me. This is not a subject I take lightly. I spend almost all my waking hours in front of my pc creating these tracks for my choir and my Church. I pray about it often; asking God to keep my ministry humble and to let be for His Glory and His alone.
Several times during the year; i.e. for Charity and Development Appeal, or for Youth Group successes with building houses for the less fortunate, they set up a projector connected to a DVD player. Our Bishop is featured in the production complete with professional music, interviews, etc. The DVD is broadcast to our assembly during the Mass at the place where the Homily is normally presented. The reference you make to that 50 year old Musicam Sacram on recorded material is apparently viewed by our diocese as being a bit outdated. The point is that the Bishop must feel compelled to show a dvd of his personal plea for Charity rather than rely on his Priests or Deacons to deliver it live. And rightly so. Seeing and hearing the Bishop speak to us as tho he is in our Church is in no way offensive. And, I pray, neither is my pre-recorded musical accompaniment. According to my music Director, Pastor, and fellow parishoners.
I pray that God will allow me to continue using my gift to proclaim His word thru music.
peace to you and all you love,
Terry

With all due respect, you are comparing apples to oranges. The bishop cannot appear in every single parish in his diocese at the same time, as you have noted, nor can he probably make a visit to every single parish during the duration of a month-long campaign. Furthermore, this is not a liturigcal action, so your argument would not work here.

As I said before, I raised this issue at a liturgical conference and the answer still stands. The music must be live.

 

[hosea]

A quote from adoremus.org/SacrosanctumConcilium.html

"120. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.
But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
121. Composers, filled with the Christian spirit, should feel that their vocation is to cultivate sacred music and increase its store of treasures.
Let them produce compositions which have the qualities proper to genuine sacred music, not confining themselves to works which can be sung only by large choirs, but providing also for the needs of small choirs and for the active participation of the entire assembly of the faithful.
The texts intended to be sung must always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine; indeed they should be drawn chiefly from Holy Scripture and from liturgical sources.

Maybe it is a stretch to think that my computer is my instrument. I pass the mouse over the staff in my program and click each note into the program as it appears in the piano accompaniment Hymnal. I spend hours mixing the instruments generated in the program by my hand so that the accompaniment never overpowers the singers who sing live with the accompaniment or the live musicians who also accompany the ensemble. The assembly is moved to full participation. The singers are comfortable in their ministry to convey their interpretation of His word thru His music. I ask my Heavenly Father to allow me to continue to add to the store of treasures.
Peace,
Terry

 

[benedictgal]

A quote from adoremus.org/SacrosanctumConcilium.html

"120. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.
But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
121. Composers, filled with the Christian spirit, should feel that their vocation is to cultivate sacred music and increase its store of treasures.
Let them produce compositions which have the qualities proper to genuine sacred music, not confining themselves to works which can be sung only by large choirs, but providing also for the needs of small choirs and for the active participation of the entire assembly of the faithful.
The texts intended to be sung must always be in conformity with Catholic doctrine; indeed they should be drawn chiefly from Holy Scripture and from liturgical sources.

Maybe it is a stretch to think that my computer is my instrument. I pass the mouse over the staff in my program and click each note into the program as it appears in the piano accompaniment Hymnal. I spend hours mixing the instruments generated in the program by my hand so that the accompaniment never overpowers the singers who sing live with the accompaniment or the live musicians who also accompany the ensemble. The assembly is moved to full participation. The singers are comfortable in their ministry to convey their interpretation of His word thru His music. I ask my Heavenly Father to allow me to continue to add to the store of treasures.
Peace,
Terry

I can understand your sentiments, but, the computer does not fall under the category of musical instruments. You have probably heard of the video game called “Guitar Hero” where a guitar-like device is plugged into the console and you can try to play along the guitar licks of the song that is blaring through the speakers.

While you are not quite engaging in “Guitar Hero”, what you are doing is the same concept. Just as the Nintendo is not a musical instrument, nor is the computer.

Your intent is good and I am sure you spend a lot of time doing what you do. However, with regard to music, the human element and the natural sound (meaning the sound that emits when I touch the organ or piano or physically pluck a guitar string) is what the Church mandates, not something made by way of the computer.

 

[hosea]

I can understand your sentiments, but, the computer does not fall under the category of musical instruments. You have probably heard of the video game called “Guitar Hero” where a guitar-like device is plugged into the console and you can try to play along the guitar licks of the song that is blaring through the speakers.

While you are not quite engaging in “Guitar Hero”, what you are doing is the same concept. Just as the Nintendo is not a musical instrument, nor is the computer.

Your intent is good and I am sure you spend a lot of time doing what you do. However, with regard to music, the human element and the natural sound (meaning the sound that emits when I touch the organ or piano or physically pluck a guitar string) is what the Church mandates, not something made by way of the computer.

Here’s the documentation you requested on the use of pre-recorded music:

new light upon the canned music issue. The music director at my parish loaned me a book. It is called The Liturgy Documents. It is a resource for all parishes to use in determining the correctness of the Liturgy. It is refrenced in the official Liturgical documents on file at the Dioscese of Phoenix, Arizona.

On page 308, paragraph 62 states under the heading of “Recorded music:”

"…A prerecorded “soundtrack” used in today’s contemporary "electronic music*" when combined with live instruments and/or voices becomes an integral part of the performance. It is, therfore a legitimate use of recorded music."***

This describes exactly how I incorporate the accompaniment tracks that I create on my computer. I do not go out and purchase someone elses work. And there have been many more people offended by untrained musicians distracting the the vocals than have been offended by the subtle accompaniment tracks blended in with the vocals of my choirs. In fact I only get negative remarks from forums such as this. If you are ever in Glendale, Az. stop by at St. Helen’s 12:15 Sunday Mass and see for yourself that our music glorifies the Word of God and not the musicians.
By the way, guitar hero is for people who do not play the guitar. I’ve played the guitar (Taylors mostly) for over 40 years. Thirty of those years for the Catholic Church. Believe me, what I do is not guitar hero. I know…now who’s offended? God, please give me the Grace to show humility. Amen.

I appreciate your candid and well researched remarks. That is why I did research of my own.
Here is a link from Oregon Catholic Press where you can purchase the book:
ocp.org/products/11325
Peace,
Terry Little
St. Helen’s Parrish
Glendale, Az. 85306

 

[benedictgal]

This document is fairly outdated. I also have the book. Unfortunately, just because OCP promotes it, that does not justify it. In fact, I am afraid to say, the publishing house routinely ignores a lot of what the official Church documents say when releasing its stable of music. OCP does not carry any ecclesial authority on its own. It is only a publishing house.

Furthermore, you did not indicate where this particular quote comes from because if it comes from the USCCB’s Music in Catholic Worship, then it is not a binding document.

Authoritative documents must have the recognitio from the Holy See. Music in Catholic Worship, which was replaced by Sing to the Lord (which is only slightly better), is more along the lines of a recommendation rather than binding.

That is why we go back to what is written in Musicam Sacram, the authoritative document of the Holy See which indicates that recorded music is not allowed, not even the hybrid that you have introduced.

As an example, the Sistene Choir chapel, while panned by some, can stand on its own with only the organ. The choir master does not engage in production numbers. He works with the voices of the members and wtih the organ. This approach has worked for many years. Granted, they have microphones now, but, it is still just the choir and the organ.

 

[hosea]

.

As an example, the Sistene Choir chapel, while panned by some, can stand on its own with only the organ. The choir master does not engage in production numbers. He works with the voices of the members and wtih the organ. This approach has worked for many years. Granted, they have microphones now, but, it is still just the choir and the organ.

The book was obtained from the Diocese and included in our Church Library as a reference.

I wonder if the organist (who probably uses an instrument which incorporates Samples which are pre-recorded sounds of instruments linked to the keys of modern electronic instruments) is able to read and reflect on the Word as he or she interprets the complex staff arrangements of choral music during the Holy Mass.
Just a thought.
It has been an interesting discussion. I hope you will pray for me and my ministry. There are many liturgical abuses in our imperfect Churchs. We strive, hopefully, for one mind, one purpose; to serve the Lord with our hearts, minds, and voices.
The Peace of Christ be always with you,
Terry

 

[benedictgal]

The book was obtained from the Diocese and included in our Church Library as a reference.

I wonder if the organist (who probably uses an instrument which incorporates Samples which are pre-recorded sounds of instruments linked to the keys of modern electronic instruments) is able to read and reflect on the Word as he or she interprets the complex staff arrangements of choral music during the Holy Mass.
Just a thought.
It has been an interesting discussion. I hope you will pray for me and my ministry. There are many liturgical abuses in our imperfect Churchs. We strive, hopefully, for one mind, one purpose; to serve the Lord with our hearts, minds, and voices.
The Peace of Christ be always with you,
Terry

But, here again, I seriously doubt that the organist is engaging in having any recorded music, especially if he is playing at a Papal Mass where the celebrant is quite an accomplished musician in his own right and would not allow for electronic intereference to happen.

Playing the organ for the Mass is itself an act of worship because it is helping sustain the music. Your statement regarding whether or not they are able to read and reflect on the Word (and, we should not forget the entire Sacrifice) makes a presupposition that neither of us is qualified to make.

Now, what are you doing for Lent? The organ is only supposed to be used to help sustain the choir and it is supposed to be muted. Thus, whatever electronic devices that are being used should not be employed.

The fact remains that Musicam Sacram, the authoritative document of the Holy See regulating sacred music does not permit electronic devices/recordings to be used. It has to be natural, whether someone is playing it or someone is singing it. It has to be real, in other words.

God bless you, too, during this Lenten season.

 

[hosea]

Now, what are you doing for Lent? The organ is only supposed to be used to help sustain the choir and it is supposed to be muted. Thus, whatever electronic devices that are being used should not be employed.

Let me see; for Lent…I thought I’d play a few tracks from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s new CD. It’s a joke. And a bad one at that. Sorry.

During Lent we usually do songs by my favorite composer, John Michael Talbot. This past week we did Surrender to Jesus during the preparation of gifts. Even tho the assembly did not have the music for it they sang sweetly anyway on the refrain. It is so moving to hear them sing with us. This week we will do his “Lillies of the field.” I love playing my Taylor nylon on his songs. His music is so nice to cover. For the Lamb of God we chant in 4 part harmony the Agnus Dei. We will do “Lamb of God, what wondrous Love” arranged using the tune from Pavane and the timless “Ave Verum Corpus” by Mozart accapella.

You know, this whole debate on recorded material seems rather biased toward the music area. I still feel that since they show pre-recorded dvd’s of the Bishop complete with pre-recorded music during Mass it creates a conflict as to what should be ‘forbidden.’ I know you said ‘apples and oranges’ but I disagree. Recorded material is recorded material. We have made leaps and bounds since the 50’s when the directive you keep repeating was initiated. The media is robust and the digital age as enabled us to quickly que the recorded material to seamlessly integrate it into our services. And the quality is so lifelike that it does not create any distractions. When we play our instruments and sing with the pre-sequenced material that I make you can not tell the difference between live and memorex (as you put it).
As far as preventing musicians from offering their gifts; I do not have string ensembles or bass players or keyboardists lining up to commit to the many hours it takes to prepare the music for worship. I do, on the other hand, have many people who want to offer their voices to sing along with the beautiful and reliable accompaniment. The Word is getting to the people. That is my ministry. That is my joy; my passion.
peace

 

[benedictgal]

Let me see; for Lent…I thought I’d play a few tracks from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s new CD. It’s a joke. And a bad one at that. Sorry.

During Lent we usually do songs by my favorite composer, John Michael Talbot. This past week we did Surrender to Jesus during the preparation of gifts. Even tho the assembly did not have the music for it they sang sweetly anyway on the refrain. It is so moving to hear them sing with us. This week we will do his “Lillies of the field.” I love playing my Taylor nylon on his songs. His music is so nice to cover. For the Lamb of God we chant in 4 part harmony the Agnus Dei. We will do “Lamb of God, what wondrous Love” arranged using the tune from Pavane and the timless “Ave Verum Corpus” by Mozart accapella.

You know, this whole debate on recorded material seems rather biased toward the music area. I still feel that since they show pre-recorded dvd’s of the Bishop complete with pre-recorded music during Mass it creates a conflict as to what should be ‘forbidden.’ I know you said ‘apples and oranges’ but I disagree. Recorded material is recorded material. We have made leaps and bounds since the 50’s when the directive you keep repeating was initiated. The media is robust and the digital age as enabled us to quickly que the recorded material to seamlessly integrate it into our services. And the quality is so lifelike that it does not create any distractions. When we play our instruments and sing with the pre-sequenced material that I make you can not tell the difference between live and memorex (as you put it).
As far as preventing musicians from offering their gifts; I do not have string ensembles or bass players or keyboardists lining up to commit to the many hours it takes to prepare the music for worship. I do, on the other hand, have many people who want to offer their voices to sing along with the beautiful and reliable accompaniment. The Word is getting to the people. That is my ministry. That is my joy; my passion.
peace

I would be very careful regarding your choice of musical selections. Inasmuch as John Michael Talbot may be Catholic and his works may be touted by OCP (something in and of itself not too entirely trustworthy), I would not be so quick to use these compositions for the Mass, itself. Just because OCP places something in its hymnal doesn’t make it fit to cross the threshold, as the late Pope Paul VI once said.

Why not have the choir sing O Sun of Justice, the Attende Domine or Parce Domine, some of the Church’s oldest Lenten hymns? These are the songs we have sung for centuries and without accompaniment. Is the “Lamb of God” you are planning the actual Agnus Dei or is it a paraphrase. I ask this because no matter how lovely the setting, the texts much match what is in the Roman Missal. We cannot paraphrase nor deviate from the texts.

I am happy that you are making use of accapella. I do find it regretable that you are still maintaining your position regarding recorded music when the authoritative documents of the Church, namely, Musicam Sacram, have noted against employing such practice. Furthermore, your insistance in justifying your actions because the bishop releases statements via recorded media does not hold water because his are extraordinary circumstances while yours seem to be a weekly occurance. It is a comparision of watermelons to tomatoes, as I see it.

While it is commendable that you want to promote the Word, such a promotion should not come at the cost of seemingly ignoring the stance of the Church regarding the issue of recorded music.

 

[hosea]

Started at precisly the moment of Fraction:

Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi; misere re nobis;
Agnus Dei. Qui tolis peccata mundi; misere re nobis;
Agnus Dei. Qui tolis peccata mundi; dona nobis pachem.

I trust in the permission given to me by the leaders of my Parish.
The circumstances are not extrordinary when they have a routine frequency as does any message given by our Bishop. The message could just as easily be given live by our Priests. The impact of the production of the DVD apparently is enough to warrent its use over a live presentation of the same message. I believe Musicam Sacram is being re-interpreted to the times we live in. The Church is a living thing; growing and evolving. We continue to use the centuries old songs such as Surrexit Christus Domine along with the inspired songs of our age given to us by contempories. When music first started in the Church all they had was chant. Then the organ was invented. It evolved into an electronic instrument and was described as holding the highest place of honor when leading music at worship. Why was it allowed; even elevated? It’s called progress. It is what inspired the 2nd Vatican Council. Get the assembly involved; full participation. Here I am; fully participating. Don’t hold me back.

 

[benedictgal]

Started at precisly the moment of Fraction:

Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi; misere re nobis;
Agnus Dei. Qui tolis peccata mundi; misere re nobis;
Agnus Dei. Qui tolis peccata mundi; dona nobis pachem.

I trust in the permission given to me by the leaders of my Parish.
The circumstances are not extrordinary when they have a routine frequency as does any message given by our Bishop. The message could just as easily be given live by our Priests. The impact of the production of the DVD apparently is enough to warrent its use over a live presentation of the same message. I believe Musicam Sacram is being re-interpreted to the times we live in. The Church is a living thing; growing and evolving. We continue to use the centuries old songs such as Surrexit Christus Domine along with the inspired songs of our age given to us by contempories. When music first started in the Church all they had was chant. Then the organ was invented. It evolved into an electronic instrument and was described as holding the highest place of honor when leading music at worship. Why was it allowed; even elevated? It’s called progress. It is what inspired the 2nd Vatican Council. Get the assembly involved; full participation. Here I am; fully participating. Don’t hold me back.

The bishop is not delivering a homily. He is launching some sort of campaign or is delivering a message to the faithful in his diocese. He cannot multi-locate and, since the message is important, this is the second-best means of delivering it himself. Furthermore, such things are not a part of the Mass. The homily is.

I think that it is someone’s interpretation of the Spirit of Vatican II rather than what the documents actually say. The Vatican has not released an official document permitting the use of recorded music, hence Musicam Sacram is still very much in force. Even Music in Catholic Worship wasn’t quite an official document of the USCCB; it was written by a handful of bishops and it is only a suggestion, not a requirement. Documents that we must adhere to must carry the recogitio (validation) from the Holy See. The USCCB, in matters of liturgy, does not act independently of the Holy See.

The big difference here is that the organ is not recorded; it is played live. What you are doing is, in essence, mixing recorded music (something not allowed) into the Mass.

Fully participating means doing what the Church asks. One can fully participate using live, real means.

 

[hosea]

• De musica sacra et sacra liturgia
  (Instruction on Sacred Music and Sacred Liturgy)
  Sacred Congregation for Rites - September 3, 1958

Quote:
71. The use of automatic instruments and machines, such as the automatic organ, phonograph, radio, tape or wire recorders, and other similar machines, is absolutely forbidden in liturgical functions and private devotions, whether they are held inside or outside the church, even if these machines be used only to transmit sermons or sacred music, or to substitute for the singing of the choir or faithful, or even just to support it.

So, how do you feel about the underlined words again? Is it really apples and oranges? Our Church is equipped to ‘transmit’ the service from the Main Sanctuary to the other building adjacent for special masses where the main church cannot accomodate the large congregation. So there is an entire congregation celebrating Holy Mass by watching a transmitted signal. That transmission includes the music, lectors, Priests, Homilies, everything; electronically transmitted. And every Sunday there is a Mass broadcast over Cable television. Have we not completely deviated from the above paragraph? There must have been permission requested and granted. Otherwise, you would think that the Holy See would have intervined by now. Unless they are doing the same thing. Did you see Pope John Paul’s funeral from the Vatican?
And what was an automatic organ in 1958? And as to Private devotions: does that mean you cannot listen to a sacred CD while you are meditating in your own home?
I just don’t think we are in such a horrible violation as you imply.
It was 1958 when this was written. TV was just getting started (the Yukon did not have a station until 1972!). They had no idea what an impact it would have on Catholics if they could transmit Sermons to the world! And now we impact millions every day with His word and His music ‘transmitted.’ My musical accompaniment tracks are just a tiny portion of the incredible scheme of this incredible religion called Catholicism.
As long as His word is touching the people…
I ask you to allow me to use the gifts He gave me to help spread the Gospel.
Peace,
Terry

 

[benedictgal]

So, how do you feel about the underlined words again? Is it really apples and oranges? Our Church is equipped to ‘transmit’ the service from the Main Sanctuary to the other building adjacent for special masses where the main church cannot accomodate the large congregation. So there is an entire congregation celebrating Holy Mass by watching a transmitted signal. That transmission includes the music, lectors, Priests, Homilies, everything; electronically transmitted. And every Sunday there is a Mass broadcast over Cable television. Have we not completely deviated from the above paragraph? There must have been permission requested and granted. Otherwise, you would think that the Holy See would have intervined by now. Unless they are doing the same thing. Did you see Pope John Paul’s funeral from the Vatican?
And what was an automatic organ in 1958? And as to Private devotions: does that mean you cannot listen to a sacred CD while you are meditating in your own home?
I just don’t think we are in such a horrible violation as you imply.
It was 1958 when this was written. TV was just getting started (the Yukon did not have a station until 1972!). They had no idea what an impact it would have on Catholics if they could transmit Sermons to the world! And now we impact millions every day with His word and His music ‘transmitted.’ My musical accompaniment tracks are just a tiny portion of the incredible scheme of this incredible religion called Catholicism.
As long as His word is touching the people…
I ask you to allow me to use the gifts He gave me to help spread the Gospel.
Peace,
Terry

Again, you are grasping at straws here. What is being transmitted, in your case, is a live broadcast. In fact, the Church has an entirely separate document about the broadcast of Masses. Here is what the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy notes:

Radio and television broadcasts of sacred rites must be marked by discretion and dignity, under the leadership and direction of a competent person appointed for this office by the bishops. This is especially important when the service to be broadcast is the Mass" (SC, #20

Here is what the USCCB has in reponse to this:

Live Telecast
Ideally, the Mass is telecast “live”, in real time, as it is celebrated. Here, the viewer is able to join in the prayer of a worshiping community as the liturgy is celebrated. The liturgical days and seasons are respected and the worship setting as well as an actual praying community help the viewer to participate with an attitude of prayerful attention and internal participation.

Delayed Telecast
A second model is that of taping the Sunday Mass as it takes place in a local community and telecasting it at a later time that same day. This model is less than ideal because the telecast is separated from the actual celebration of the liturgy. However, it respects the nature of the liturgy and the liturgical season when it is celebrated (and telecast) on the actual liturgical day and allows those who watch and pray to identify with an actual community in its worship. This form of telecast is more difficult for dioceses and television stations because of the short time between taping and telecast and the limited number of personnel available on the weekend.

Thus, even this does not quite support the argument you are trying to make.

Furthermore, what you quoted is pretty much killing your own argument. As it specifically states that

The use of automatic instruments and machines, such as the automatic organ, phonograph, radio, tape or wire recorders, and other similar machines, is absolutely forbidden in liturgical functions and private devotions, whether they are held inside or outside the church, even if these machines be used only to transmit sermons or sacred music, or to substitute for the singing of the choir or faithful, or even just to support it.

Thus, what you are doing, even if it is teeny-tiny, is not allowed. Incidentally, the Bishop’s appeal is not a homily. It does not focus on the Gospel; it is an appeal for money.

You ask to please allow you to do what you are doing. However, one would be hard-pressed to if, even after documentation showing you the contrary, you continue to do something that goes against, as I read it, what the Church requires.

 

[hosea]

You ask to please allow you to do what you are doing. However, one would be hard-pressed to if, even after documentation showing you the contrary, you continue to do something that goes against, as I read it, what the Church requires.

Required 50 years ago. And the Bishop’s message is placed at the point of the Homily. And he does refer to that Sunday’s Gospel. It is an appeal for stewardship and a call to know the Gospel. Sounds like a Homily to me.

I will trust the leadership of my Parish.