Overbearing Musical Priest

[BrockH]

I have been a church pianist for a year and a half now and over time, the parish priest has taken over (by force really) selecting ALL of the music for Mass. I don’t think that’s fair at all. The cantor and I are the ones who look stupid if the music doesn’t go right. He sings extremely loud and overpowers the cantor and the congregation. Often he sings WAAAYY to fast and will start going so fast that he sings the wrong words and throws everyone off. Every year on Ascension Sunday, HE takes over the Alleluia and goes out to the front of the altar to sing it and it confuses everyone in the congregation. Anytime that we change a song on his list, he will refuse to sing. And it’s embarrassing. Any advice?

 

[Usige]

I really don’t have a solution for you. Ultimately it is his choice on the music chosen and to make sure how the mass goes. Some pastors turn that choice over to music directors, others do not. I have had priests that have masters degrees in music composition who were more qualified than many music directors. My current pastor told the choirs during Lent that we are Catholic and would be using Latin propers. When some of them balked and complained he told them that he would gladly find someone else that is obedient to his wishes if they did not feel like they could serve as he asked.

You can certainly talk to him about the issues you see, but I would suggest you approach it as helpful advice and not complaining about things you don’t like. Be careful not to take a position that the music “belongs” to the music director or the choir. In the end, any person that serves in the liturgy do so at his discretion.

 

[BartholomewB]

Anytime that we change a song on his list, he will refuse to sing. And it’s embarrassing. Any advice?

You’re in an embarrassing and difficult situation, no doubt about that. But if you start changing the songs on his list, that means you’re the one encroaching on his territory, not the other way around. The priest’s the boss. Everyone else – altar servers, lectors, ministers of the eucharist, musicians, choir – is in a supporting role.

 

[maryjk]

You’re in an embarrassing and difficult situation, no doubt about that. But if you start changing the songs on his list, that means you’re the one encroaching on his territory, not the other way around. The priest’s the boss. Everyone else – altar servers, lectors, ministers of the eucharist, musicians, choir – is in a supporting role.

It seems that some people have a hard time remembering that.

 

[BrockH]

It seems that some people have a hard time remembering that.

I’m not saying that we in the music ministry are any better or that we’re in charge of things, but you see, if we are struggling with a particular song, then I will not
, then I will not get up their and embarrass myself. Maybe I took it wrong, but your remark was anything but kind.

 

[BrockH]

You’re in an embarrassing and difficult situation, no doubt about that. But if you start changing the songs on his list, that means you’re the one encroaching on his territory, not the other way around. The priest’s the boss. Everyone else – altar servers, lectors, ministers of the eucharist, musicians, choir – is in a supporting role.

But you see, if a song isn’t working out (as in we aren’t ready to do it publicly), then it shouldn’t be done that Sunday and an alternative hymn from the liturgical suggestions book should be substituted, don’t you think?

 

[BartholomewB]

But you see, if a song isn’t working out (as in we aren’t ready to do it publicly), then it shouldn’t be done that Sunday and an alternative hymn from the liturgical suggestions book should be substituted, don’t you think?

Yes, I agree, that sounds like the most sensible solution. So all you have to do now is get the priest to agree to it. He’s the one who has to okay the change.

 

[porthos11]

This is a bad situation, since what he’s doing is effectively making him the centre of attention, warranted or not. I wouldn’t want to be in the situation you are.

That said, the priest is the boss, and his word carries the day. I don’t know if your position is a paid one, but if it isn’t and it’s completely voluntary, then if you really can’t agree with what he is doing (I cannot), the best thing to do for your own sanity is resign.

 

[BrockH]

This is a bad situation, since what he’s doing is effectively making him the centre of attention, warranted or not. I wouldn’t want to be in the situation you are.

That said, the priest is the boss, and his word carries the day. I don’t know if your position is a paid one, but if it isn’t and it’s completely voluntary, then if you really can’t agree with what he is doing (I cannot), the best thing to do for your own sanity is resign.

Thank you for your response. Playing for Sunday’s and Holy Days is the position I have and it does pay a very small amount. I do understand that Father is in charge, but I am not willing to be a puppet on a string for anyone but God. I would love to resign, but there is no one else to do it. We have two pianists- myself and a Methodist lady who plays on Saturday evenings.

 

[808Catholic]

You’re in an embarrassing and difficult situation, no doubt about that. But if you start changing the songs on his list, that means you’re the one encroaching on his territory, not the other way around. The priest’s the boss. Everyone else – altar servers, lectors, ministers of the eucharist, musicians, choir – is in a supporting role.

The celebrant priest represents Christ in the Mass; Christ who is our servant king. If we all approach faithfulness as Christ lived His Life, we’d all be better off.

 

[caitlinm]

It seems to me that your priest should be spoken too. Not only over musical concerns but simply because the mass is not a celebration of himself. If his attention seeking (yeah, I went there) is distracting during the mass then it is taking focus off of the real reason why you all are actually there. Just my two cents, but it shouldn’t hurt to talk to him.

 

[Trident_H]

I think your priest just likes certain songs. It probably makes him happy. Maybe it reminds him of certain things. I don’t know.

What I would suggest is you go to your priest and say, “Hey Father, what songs would you like us to do this week?” And when he picks a tough one, just say, “Oh, I like the first three on this list, but that last one is a bit too hard for me to do. Would this one work instead?” You could also try the old, “Oh, but how about this one? I really like it when you do this one!”

I think he’d be happy and you’d be happier–and maybe even I’d be happy (who knows?)!

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Thank you for your response. Playing for Sunday’s and Holy Days is the position I have and it does pay a very small amount. I do understand that Father is in charge, but I am not willing to be a puppet on a string for anyone but God. I would love to resign, but there is no one else to do it. We have two pianists- myself and a Methodist lady who plays on Saturday evenings.

I’ve been in the position of being the only one…no one else would do it (play the piano, schedule the ministers, etc.) if I didn’t do it. My advice - don’t stay in that position solely for that reason. If you’re happy, ok. If you’re not, leave gracefully before you become miserable and resentful. They’ll find someone else (believe it or not), or they’ll do without (a capella is acceptable), or they’ll come back to you and ask you to return, at which time you can respectfully offer your terms.

 

[maryjk]

Thank you for your response. Playing for Sunday’s and Holy Days is the position I have and it does pay a very small amount. I do understand that Father is in charge, but I am not willing to be a puppet on a string for anyone but God. I would love to resign, but there is no one else to do it. We have two pianists- myself and a Methodist lady who plays on Saturday evenings.

There is always someone else.

I’ve been in the position of being the only one…no one else would do it (play the piano, schedule the ministers, etc.) if I didn’t do it. My advice - don’t stay in that position solely for that reason. If you’re happy, ok. If you’re not, leave gracefully before you become miserable and resentful. They’ll find someone else (believe it or not), or they’ll do without (a capella is acceptable), or they’ll come back to you and ask you to return, at which time you can respectfully offer your terms.

Yep. And if they don’t bother to find someone, then there just won’t be someone.

There isn’t anything anyone here can do that will make your pastor change what he is doing.

He is in charge and if he likes a particular song, and wants to sing it, he will do just that.

What’s funny is that I just had a conversation with our associate pastor. He was saying that there were songs that he likes and ones that he hates to sing. I am sure when he becomes pastor, he will have a lot more to say about which songs are sung.

 

[porthos11]

Thank you for your response. Playing for Sunday’s and Holy Days is the position I have and it does pay a very small amount. I do understand that Father is in charge, but I am not willing to be a puppet on a string for anyone but God. I would love to resign, but there is no one else to do it. We have two pianists- myself and a Methodist lady who plays on Saturday evenings.

Then I’m sorry to play the politician, but you may have a bargaining chip. I hate to suggest holding anyone hostage, especially your parish and your pastor, but you may have a position from which you can lay down terms. Of course, this does mean you have to follow through and resign if Father calls your bluff. And if he does call your bluff and you resign and they can’t get anyone to replace you, then that’s that; they will have to live with the effects of their decision. They can still have spoken Masses (completely licit), a capella singing, or, God willing, Gregorian Chant (which is ordinarily unaccompanied).

As you said, you shouldn’t have to be a puppet for anyone, and no one has a moral obligation to play at Mass on pain of sin. Perhaps this will force some sanity into your situation.

As unpleasant and cynical as this is, I have lived long enough in the Church to know that just as with anything else on this planet, politics is alive and well there too, including parishes, councils and services. You may have to play the part.

 

[DCNBILL]

Then I’m sorry to play the politician, but you may have a bargaining chip. I hate to suggest holding anyone hostage, especially your parish and your pastor, but you may have a position from which you can lay down terms. Of course, this does mean you have to follow through and resign if Father calls your bluff. And if he does call your bluff and you resign and they can’t get anyone to replace you, then that’s that; they will have to live with the effects of their decision. They can still have spoken Masses (completely licit), a capella singing, or, God willing, Gregorian Chant (which is ordinarily unaccompanied).

As you said, you shouldn’t have to be a puppet for anyone, and no one has a moral obligation to play at Mass on pain of sin. Perhaps this will force some sanity into your situation.

As unpleasant and cynical as this is, I have lived long enough in the Church to know that just as with anything else on this planet, politics is alive and well there too, including parishes, councils and services. You may have to play the part.

Yea, anytime you have more than 2 people involved there is politics.:sad_yes:

 

[Ohana]

Read through this post and replies. I agree with those who say that Father is the authority and this in some way is an obedience issue. On the other hand, if you are so frustrated that you are at the point of resignation, then I would consider having a discussion with him on the basis if coming to a better understanding of what he wants and how that furthers the aims of worship and community. Rather than show-boating, perhaps he is trying to model praise behavior to the congregation. On the basis of “not being prepared” for more difficult hymn, try editing the music, even down to simple chords if that is all that can be managed until you have a chance to learn.

This may be an unsolvable situation, but best to give a good try at coming to a better understanding rather than extreme measures such as resignation.

And as always: Pray for God’s guidance through this problem.

 

[pianistclare]

I take it the OP is a volunteer.
Nothing he can do about it other than to quit.
Church musicians that are any good are few and far between, although we still get little or no compensation for our knowledge and expertise.
Quit.
If you’re any good, another parish will snatch you up, hopefully with a stipend.
If not, suffer from the pews.
Sorry to be so blunt, but I’ve seldom met a parish that really considered the musicians as more than lounge singers. If he thinks he knows more than you, that’s his line of thinking.
Speaking with him about it will likely do anything but get your fired.

 

[BrockH]

Read through this post and replies. I agree with those who say that Father is the authority and this in some way is an obedience issue. On the other hand, if you are so frustrated that you are at the point of resignation, then I would consider having a discussion with him on the basis if coming to a better understanding of what he wants and how that furthers the aims of worship and community. Rather than show-boating, perhaps he is trying to model praise behavior to the congregation. On the basis of “not being prepared” for more difficult hymn, try editing the music, even down to simple chords if that is all that can be managed until you have a chance to learn.

This may be an unsolvable situation, but best to give a good try at coming to a better understanding rather than extreme measures such as resignation.

And as always: Pray for God’s guidance through this problem.

Actually, I’m not sure this an obedience issue. And yes, it is show-boating, not modeling praise…I am the one who attends this parish. I know what it’s like

 

[BrockH]

I take it the OP is a volunteer.
Nothing he can do about it other than to quit.
Church musicians that are any good are few and far between, although we still get little or no compensation for our knowledge and expertise.
Quit.
If you’re any good, another parish will snatch you up, hopefully with a stipend.
If not, suffer from the pews.
Sorry to be so blunt, but I’ve seldom met a parish that really considered the musicians as more than lounge singers. If he thinks he knows more than you, that’s his line of thinking.
Speaking with him about it will likely do anything but get your fired.

Hi, pianistclare. I’m the OP (not a Dominican haha). This is exactly what’s going on! I just don’t know what to say or if anything should be said at all. We have only two cantons and one is on the verge of giving up because of how we’ve been tossed aside like garbage. People here are accusing me of being disobedient. I know that I am in some ways - it’s a slight imperfection, I AM a sinner after all. It’s depressing.