RCIA time to sing

[franksv]

Ok,lots of talk from RCIA folks as the big day draws near.Heres an issue,does anyone else feel funny about singing?I have only sang once in Church and it was at the Lenten retreat.I must admit the only reason I did was because our Paster was sitting right behind me as we had a guest Friar for the retreat.I am uncomfortable singing,but have made a promise to the Lord that I would start on my Confirmation day and continue after that.How about you folks,anyone else not like to sing?

Frank

 

[Deacon_Ed]

Frank,

The Good Lord has gifted me with a “barely adequate voice”! However, I served as music director for our parish for many years in two different go-arounds. The first time I was instrumental (no pun intended) in getting cantors who would lead the people in song. At times I had to fill in as a cantor. So, I would tell the people this: “St. Augustine tells us that ‘he who sings prays twice.’ Because that is true, I ask the following. If you can sing well, do so loudly and help us all. If you cannot sing, sing loudly anyway and remind God of the voice He gave you. He will either make it better, take it away, or leave it alone. In any case, it is His gift to you and should be returned for we must all use the gifts He gives us.”

So, don’t worry about singing – it’s part of the “full, conscious, active participation” that the Church Father at the Second Vatican Council wanted.

Deacon Ed

 

[johnnykins]

Deacon Ed:

Frank,

The Good Lord has gifted me with a “barely adequate voice”! However, I served as music director for our parish for many years in two different go-arounds. The first time I was instrumental (no pun intended) in getting cantors who would lead the people in song. At times I had to fill in as a cantor. So, I would tell the people this: “St. Augustine tells us that ‘he who sings prays twice.’ Because that is true, I ask the following. If you can sing well, do so loudly and help us all. If you cannot sing, sing loudly anyway and remind God of the voice He gave you. He will either make it better, take it away, or leave it alone. In any case, it is His gift to you and should be returned for we must all use the gifts He gives us.”

So, don’t worry about singing – it’s part of the “full, conscious, active participation” that the Church Father at the Second Vatican Council wanted.

Deacon Ed

I have said, and posted, that I believe that anyone who says: ‘he who sings prays twice’ any time over the next 50 years needs to be subjected to aversion therapy a la A Clockwork Orange.

Maybe if someone can’t sing worth a tittle they have not been gifted with a singing voice and all would be much better off if their “full, conscious and active participation” were in silent prayer lifted by the beauty of well done music. Certainly those who want to sing whether they can sing or not should not be prohibited. However, encouraging someone to sing who can’t leads more to cacophany than to a “joyful noise unto the Lord.”

 

[franksv]

Deacon Ed:

Frank,

The Good Lord has gifted me with a “barely adequate voice”! However, I served as music director for our parish for many years in two different go-arounds. The first time I was instrumental (no pun intended) in getting cantors who would lead the people in song. At times I had to fill in as a cantor. So, I would tell the people this: “St. Augustine tells us that ‘he who sings prays twice.’ Because that is true, I ask the following. If you can sing well, do so loudly and help us all. If you cannot sing, sing loudly anyway and remind God of the voice He gave you. He will either make it better, take it away, or leave it alone. In any case, it is His gift to you and should be returned for we must all use the gifts He gives us.”

So, don’t worry about singing – it’s part of the “full, conscious, active participation” that the Church Father at the Second Vatican Council wanted.

Deacon Ed

Thanks for the advice,my singing voice is what I would call average,not great,not noise either.Its mostly a me issue.Either way,I ll make good on my promise,its just one more thing to be nervous about.In a way I really want to sing,just all part of trusting in the Lord and hoping that there will not be too many folks covering thier ears .Time to let the tough guy image go and humble myself.

 

[frommi]

johnnykins:

I have said, and posted, that I believe that anyone who says: ‘he who sings prays twice’ any time over the next 50 years needs to be subjected to aversion therapy a la A Clockwork Orange.

Guess we better sign up the Roman Curia:

1. The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus Saint Augustine says rightly, "Singing is for one who loves."48 There is also the ancient proverb: “One who sings well prays twice.”

 

[johnnykins]

frommi:

Guess we better sign up the Roman Curia:

1. The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus Saint Augustine says rightly, "Singing is for one who loves."48 There is also the ancient proverb: “One who sings well prays twice.”

That was said - no doubt. That you are quoting it back simply call for you to get signed up - quick get the eyelid openers

 

[johnnykins]

frommi:

There is also the ancient proverb: “One who sings well prays twice.”

Interesting word that is almost always left out - and changes the whole meaning of the quote…