Opinions? "Jazz Masses" announced

[ejp123]

Yeah. I didn’t mean that the type of music I was talking about is inappropriate for all occasions (eg. praise and worship at a campfire). For some, it will be better for bringing people into the faith. However, just like when evangelizing, we shouldn’t water down our orthodoxy, in evangelizing with music, we shouldn’t water down our orthopraxy. I’ve heard -though I certainly wouldn’t say it is characteristic of all cases- that in one parish, they had life-teen masses (Sorry about the misnomer, but I can’t find a way around it here). The church was loaded with youth at that time, but most fell away when they grew up. Could it be that if we place that type of music in the context of the Mass, people will connotate the Mass to only entertainment? If so, there is much better entertainment out there, and they might as well go to those instead. My main premise is that the church disapproves of certain types of music, and we must listen to Her because of Her authority and because there must be a point behind it.

What makes you think that Jazz or any other genre is watering down the Mass? Again it is your opinion, eye of the beholder.

I think it is about conditioning and association. I think it is about being conditioned to think anything other than traditional music is entertainment, for example. In the Mass it would not be used for entertainment. I also think that we are conditioned to think that traditional music is the one and only way because this is the only way one has experienced the Mass. Just because it feels uncomfortable or foriegn to have a different genre, it doesn’t have to mean that it is wrong or inappropriate. It is just different. Whether you prefer it or not is, again, in the eye of the beholder. For me liturgical music can be boring.

To go a little further, when reading the gospels, I can hear several different genres of music associated with each seen, including heavy metal. Ex. Jesus turning over the tables in the temple or the denunication of the scribes. I can hear the blues, the predecesor*(sp) of Jazz, all over the gospels. But that is me. You might feel differently.

 

[AveMaria12]

**There is no such thing as a Polka Mass, Jazz Mass, Lifeteen Mass.

Mass is Mass.

There is such a thing as a Mass that will have polka music,a Mass that will have jazz music,a Mass that will have the music from Lifeteen. A huge mistake that has become popular in recent times.

Mass is Mass.**

Then again, it is just implied when one says something like that, that it is the type. Though the format of the Mass must be the same, the rites, language and music differ. We say an English Mass, Traditional Latin Mass, Ukrainian Mass.

 

[jmjconder]

Then again, it is just implied when one says something like that, that it is the type. Though the format of the Mass must be the same, the rites, language and music differ. We say an English Mass, Traditional Latin Mass, Ukrainian Mass.

**Your point may be well made however I fully disagree with you.

You are referring to legitimate rites within the Catholic Church and official recognized liturgies.

To identify the Mass with a particular genera of music is not the same.

Do you believe they are? **

 

[jmjconder]

**
Beautifully said, jmjconder.
Kathryn Ann (OP)**:heaven:

Thank you - please read my recent post and comment.

 

[pnewton]

There is no such thing as a Polka Mass, Jazz Mass, Lifeteen Mass.

Mass is Mass.

There is such a thing as a Mass that will have polka music,a Mass that will have jazz music,a Mass that will have the music from Lifeteen. A huge mistake that has become popular in recent times.

Mass is Mass.

You left out Chant Mass.

 

[jmjconder]

You left out Chant Mass.

Great point.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

**

You are referring to legitimate rites within the Catholic Church and official recognized liturgies.

To identify the Mass with a particular genera of music is not the same.

Do you believe they are? **

A very interesting point, jmjconder. I had not thought of that in the way you have presented it and appreciate your viewpoint. As a relatively new Catholic Convert (entering the Church in 2004) I always like to ask for people’s opinions and look at all sides of an issue. Everyone here is so kind, and often quite patient with me!
Kathryn Ann

 

[pnewton]

A very interesting point, jmjconder. I had not thought of that in the way you have presented it and appreciate your viewpoint. As a relatively new Catholic Convert (entering the Church in 2004) I always like to ask for people’s opinions and look at all sides of an issue.

I personally do not have a problem with it, especially when it is only done occasionally. A few years ago, we had a Mariachi band in for the weekend and they played for Mass. We never called it anything but Mass though. Last year, we hosted a seminar on Gregorian chant and followed that by a Mass with all Gregorian chant. I can see doing the same thing in conjunction with a jazz festival.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

Just two thoughts:

First of all, are you sure the jazz Mass isn’t the Bernstein composition “Mass”, which certainly has jazz elements. Very avant garde and beautiful. (to some)

Also, If it truly is a Mass, I would expect that some statement would be made regarding the reception of Holy Communion. This is typically done when it is unknown just who is attending. This is often done in churches which attract visitors, or at time when other than Catholics may attend, such as at a National Celebration.

I think it is beautiful that the Mass can be conducted in the vernacular - in this case in the “musical vernacular” of Jazz.

Hi there, Ohana,:angel1: no, it’s not the Berstein composition. If you would like, just please see my original post and the link to everything is right there. It is both announced and advertised as a “Jazz Mass,” which is advertised as part of a larger Jazz festival. I do welcome your opinions and all those on the forum. I agree that I do hope some statement will be made regarding the reception of Holy Communion. I am very grateful for your gentle and polite posting. I had not thought of the Bernstein composition, but in this case, this is something else.
May your day be very blessed!
Kathryn Ann:heaven:

 

[AveMaria12]

No not at all. I see what you are trying to say. It’s just that when one says, “Jazz Mass,” it is implied that it is a Mass with Jazz music. Sorry, bad analogies.