Rock Music at Mass

[The_Smiter]

Last Sunday we were subjected to a rock band at Mass that was comprised of cymbals, drums, electric guitars and the like - your basic secular grouping of instruments that comprise most top 40 and hard rock music bands.

While the band did play Matt Maher (sp) songs and “praise” music, tit just seemed completely inappropriate at Mass. I listen to his music on CD and enjoy it. But the idea of sacred music during the Mass is obviously not a consideration. There was no quiet time for prayer from 45 minutes before the Mass and after the Mass the breakdown made it impossible to sit or kneel in prayer following the Mass. There was never a quiet moment duriong the Mass at all. Entire lines of the Gloria and the Agnus Dei were omitted and during the great Amen and other responses, lines were added to the response that the assembly was not aware of. The Responsorial Psalm was not the assigned Psalm for that Sunday.

This particular Mass is probably the most “traditional” at our church and I really question the wisdom of the pastor choosing to make this particular Mass the new guitar Mass for the New Millenium. What are the guidelines and requirements for music at Mass. I am not a canon lawyer and really do not have the time to find where I might make a defense of a more reverent Mass for those in our parish who would rather not be subjected to this type of Mass every Sunday. I adore our homilist at this Mass and do not want to change parishes or Mass times. How can the pastor be approached and with what ammunition that helps to preserve the solem atmosphere of Sunday Mass?

 

[BritishCatholic]

Last Sunday we were subjected to a rock band at Mass that was comprised of cymbals, drums, electric guitars and the like - your basic secular grouping of instruments that comprise most top 40 and hard rock music bands.

While the band did play Matt Maher (sp) songs and “praise” music, tit just seemed completely inappropriate at Mass. I listen to his music on CD and enjoy it. But the idea of sacred music during the Mass is obviously not a consideration. There was no quiet time for prayer from 45 minutes before the Mass and after the Mass the breakdown made it impossible to sit or kneel in prayer following the Mass. There was never a quiet moment duriong the Mass at all. Entire lines of the Gloria and the Agnus Dei were omitted and during the great Amen and other responses, lines were added to the response that the assembly was not aware of. The Responsorial Psalm was not the assigned Psalm for that Sunday.

This particular Mass is probably the most “traditional” at our church and I really question the wisdom of the pastor choosing to make this particular Mass the new guitar Mass for the New Millenium. What are the guidelines and requirements for music at Mass. I am not a canon lawyer and really do not have the time to find where I might make a defense of a more reverent Mass for those in our parish who would rather not be subjected to this type of Mass every Sunday. I adore our homilist at this Mass and do not want to change parishes or Mass times. How can the pastor be approached and with what ammunition that helps to preserve the solem atmosphere of Sunday Mass?

I can say first and foremostly that the fact that the Responsorial was not what it should have been and lines from the Gloria and Agnus Dei were ommitted, it can be considered liturgically incorrect.

When it comes to “rock” music at Mass, this is what it boils down to: the Church has made it clear that liturgical music is to create a prayerful atmosphere that compliments the solemnity of the rituals(like Mass) being performed. I personally DO NOT think that having electrical guitars and drums and what have you compliments in any way the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

I LOVE rock music. But not inside a church. This should immediately be brought up with your pastor, and if you get no where with him, contact your local bishop. When John Paul II was pope, a bishop might have got by with allowing something like this. But not with Pope Benedict XVI. Oh no. Bishops know His Holiness well enough by now to know that things like this need to be attended to or else Rome will be P.O.

 

[bpbasilphx]

**Entire lines of the Gloria and the Agnus Dei **

**How can you omit lines from the Agnus Dei? There are only two different ones! **

 

[Cat]

Last Sunday we were subjected to a rock band at Mass that was comprised of cymbals, drums, electric guitars and the like - your basic secular grouping of instruments that comprise most top 40 and hard rock music bands.

While the band did play Matt Maher (sp) songs and “praise” music, tit just seemed completely inappropriate at Mass. I listen to his music on CD and enjoy it. But the idea of sacred music during the Mass is obviously not a consideration. There was no quiet time for prayer from 45 minutes before the Mass and **after the Mass the breakdown made it impossible to sit or kneel in prayer following the Mass. ** There was never a quiet moment duriong the Mass at all. Entire lines of the Gloria and the Agnus Dei were omitted and during the great Amen and other responses, lines were added to the response that the assembly was not aware of. The Responsorial Psalm was not the assigned Psalm for that Sunday.

This particular Mass is probably the most “traditional” at our church and I really question the wisdom of the pastor choosing to make this particular Mass the new guitar Mass for the New Millenium. What are the guidelines and requirements for music at Mass. I am not a canon lawyer and really do not have the time to find where I might make a defense of a more reverent Mass for those in our parish who would rather not be subjected to this type of Mass every Sunday. I adore our homilist at this Mass and do not want to change parishes or Mass times. How can the pastor be approached and with what ammunition that helps to preserve the solem atmosphere of Sunday Mass?

Why did the breakdown make it impossible for you to pray? Did they actually tell you to not kneel? Were you asked not to pray?

Perhaps you should try to learn to develop “inner quiet” so that you can pray anywhere, in the very midst of noise and confusion.

I will readily confess that I am not there yet. I get distracted, too, especially by crying children in church, etc. But I am working on it.

There are some excellent passages in Imitation of Christ that describe the “inner quiet” that we should strive for during prayer. We should not complain when others make it difficult for us to pray. This will always happen. Even in the most quiet place, there will be distractions. We should try to learn to pray in the Spirit so that we aren’t upset by the distractions and so that we don’t blame others for doing necessary work that makes noise.

 

[Cat]

I think it is a shame that this new Mass form is replacing the Traditional form. This seems a little confrontational.

In our parish, the Sunday evening time for Life Teen is really perfect. Several hundred teens attend, as well as many older people. I think it is a time when not too many other things are scheduled for busy teens and young people, and so they are able to attend this Mass with their friends and have a fellowship time afterward.

Perhaps you can suggest moving the rock form Mass to the Sunday evening timeslot and restorying the Traditional Mass to its customary time slot.

Another comment:

I know that this is incomprehensible to many.

But it’s true. For many people, rock music IS solemn music. I find the form very serious and very solemn.

We have a Life Teen Mass in our parish on Sunday nights–with the full blessing of the bishop. We also have a TLM in our city about a mile from our parish (in the oratory downtown). Our bishop has many times expressed the desire to preserve tradition and at the same time, be open to new works of the Spirit. He’s amazing.

I don’t generally attend the Life Teen Mass, but when I have to, I enjoy the rock music and find it very reverent and very conducive to prayer and worship. I have a hard time understanding why so many people are so fussed by it.

I personally find that the most difficult kind of music for me to pray during is classical music, including chant. Because of my background, I find myself “critiquing” the musicians, especially for pieces like “Ave Maria” that are so popular in secular circles. I also find that the beat of certain classical pieces (anything Baroque) too pronounced and driving. I really have to work hard to truly pray during Masses that feature a lot of classical music.

So you see, everyone is different. And I believe that the Church recognizes this. In the Vat II documents in the Section about music, it is made clear that the music form of the Mass can vary according to the local culture. Yes, I know that Pope Benedict XVI personally doesn’t like rock music. But that is merely his opinion. At this point, the Church still allows different styles of musicin Mass at the discretion of the Bishop.

I think it’s important that we try to appreciate the differences between people. As I said earlier, it’s really too bad that the rock Mass is replacing the Traditional Mass, and I hope this can be changed. But at the same time, I hope that the rock Mass continues for the sake of those who find rock music more conducive to worship and more expressive of the Holy Sacrifice.

 

[JimB]

For many people, rock music IS solemn music. I find the form very serious and very solemn

Yes. For some a Mass with guitars (disclosure - I am a guitar player who plays both acoustic and electric at Mass), drums and the like are more praisful (is that a word) than a ‘traditional’ Mass (whatever that is). I have been to very solemn Masses with large choirs (with brass, strings and organ) that bored me to tears. It seemed (at least to me) to be more a performance than some of the ‘rock’ Masses I’ver been to (or played at).

Additionally, the large Masses with organ, brass, etc. seem to be louder than the ‘rock’ Mass. My 8th-grade daughter plays tenor sax. That puppy is waaaay louder than my Martin (ok, not when run through a PA/amp).

In short, my Church (which is the Catholic Church) is big enough for a TLM and a rock Mass and a simple weekday Mass and…

 

[THurifer2]

I
In our parish, the Sunday evening time for Life Teen is really perfect. Several hundred teens attend, as well as many older people. I think it is a time when not too many other things are scheduled for busy teens and young people, and so they are able to attend this Mass with their friends and have a fellowship time afterward.

We must remember however that the Mass is representation of the Sacrifice of Calvary. I am one who despises the fact that the Life Teen element has been introduced into the ancient worship called the Holy Sacrifice of The Mass.

You may do well with it what you please and I will respect that but it seems to me that Lifeteen does not prepare Youth to be worshiping adults. If a young person attends lifeteen Masses time will prove that a “regular” novus ordo will be to bland for them. Mostly because of the sense of entertainment that is infused into Lifeteen. I predict that lifeteen will produce empty pews in the decades to come. Especially if B16 axes it.

 

[Timothysis]

So you see, everyone is different. And I believe that the Church recognizes this. In the Vat II documents in the Section about music, it is made clear that the music form of the Mass can vary according to the local culture. Yes, I know that Pope Benedict XVI personally doesn’t like rock music. But that is merely his opinion. At this point, the Church still allows different styles of musicin Mass at the discretion of the Bishop.

This is absurd. Rock music is not a “local culture.” I wonder if you would feel the same if you attended Mass that featured rap and hip hop?

Mass is a time for prayer, penance, and the Sacrifice of Our Lord. If you want to go hear KISS, then go to a KISS concert.

I swear to goodness, I’ll never be able to understand how some can call themselves Catholic and stand for such nonsense. To say that something “is merely his opinion” in regards to the Pope’s comments about the liturgy of the Mass smacks of defiance. Rock music is no more conducive to prayer than polka, rap or jazz. Learn a little about your religion, huh?

 

[Cat]

This is absurd. Rock music is not a “local culture.” I wonder if you would feel the same if you attended Mass that featured rap and hip hop?

Mass is a time for prayer, penance, and the Sacrifice of Our Lord. If you want to go hear KISS, then go to a KISS concert.

I swear to goodness, I’ll never be able to understand how some can call themselves Catholic and stand for such nonsense. To say that something “is merely his opinion” in regards to the Pope’s comments about the liturgy of the Mass smacks of defiance. Rock music is no more conducive to prayer than polka, rap or jazz. Learn a little about your religion, huh?

I respect your opinion and I appreciate that you do not like rock music in a Mass. You certainly have a lot of Mass options that are rock-free. so that shouldn’t be a problem for you.

I wish you would respect my opinion and not denigrate me and my knowledge of Catholicism.

You say that rock music is no more conducive to prayer than polka, rap, or jazz. Do you not see that this is your personal opinion based on your own personality and experiences?

I find that rock music can be quite conducive to prayer, and so do many others. How can you argue with my personal experience? You can accuse me of lying, or of being insane and losing touch with reality. I assure you, I am not lying and I am not insane. I am different than you. I find rock music in the Life Teen Mass quite powerful and very conducive to prayer and appreciating the Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus on the cross.

**You tell me to learn a little about my religion. I would suggest that you do the same. Bishops have the power to approve Life Teen Masses, which include rock music. From what I understand about my religion, I should submit to the authority of my bishop in all things and not criticize his choices and accuse him of “calling himself a Catholic and standing for such nonsense.” **

MY bishop is Bishop Thomas Doran, and he is one of the “good ones” who is orthodox and conservative. If HE says that Life Teen Mass is OK, it’s OK! Who am I to tell this great man of God and champion of the Catholic Church that “I’ll never be able to understand how some can call themselves Catholic and stand for such nonsense.”?! HE stands for “such nonsense.” That’s good enough for me.

 

[BritishCatholic]

MY bishop is Bishop Thomas Doran, and he is one of the “good ones” who is orthodox and conservative. If HE says that Life Teen Mass is OK, it’s OK! Who am I to tell this great man of God and champion of the Catholic Church that “I’ll never be able to understand how some can call themselves Catholic and stand for such nonsense.”?! HE stands for “such nonsense.” That’s good enough for me.

Quite true. Bishop Doran is one of the “good ones” in the Church.

Anyway, I’ve been reading what has been posted after my post, and I’ve decided to say this:

Even though personally I am staunchly against “Rock ‘n’ Roll Masses” all together, I suppose if it is clearly labeled “Life Teen Mass” or something of the other, and it takes place, say, in the evening on Sunday, and it has the blessing of the local bishop, then it is alright to have one. I mean, if people actually enjoy going to these celebrations and it brings them closer to the Lord and to the Church, then I suppose I don’t see anything wrong with it.

Just as long as no one who doesn’t want to be there isn’t forced to attend something like this. The pastor of the parish hosting such a Mass should make absolutely sure that for those faithful in the area who desire a more traditional, solemn celebration of the Holy Sacrifice can attend one.

If that is done, then I suppose I recant all former objections.

 

[Timothysis]

I respect your opinion and I appreciate that you do not like rock music in a Mass. You certainly have a lot of Mass options that are rock-free. so that shouldn’t be a problem for you.

I wish you would respect my opinion and not denigrate me and my knowledge of Catholicism.

You say that rock music is no more conducive to prayer than polka, rap, or jazz. Do you not see that this is your personal opinion based on your own personality and experiences?

I find that rock music can be quite conducive to prayer, and so do many others. How can you argue with my personal experience? You can accuse me of lying, or of being insane and losing touch with reality. I assure you, I am not lying and I am not insane. I am different than you. I find rock music in the Life Teen Mass quite powerful and very conducive to prayer and appreciating the Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus on the cross.

**You tell me to learn a little about my religion. I would suggest that you do the same. Bishops have the power to approve Life Teen Masses, which include rock music. From what I understand about my religion, I should submit to the authority of my bishop in all things and not criticize his choices and accuse him of “calling himself a Catholic and standing for such nonsense.” **

MY bishop is Bishop Thomas Doran, and he is one of the “good ones” who is orthodox and conservative. If HE says that Life Teen Mass is OK, it’s OK! Who am I to tell this great man of God and champion of the Catholic Church that “I’ll never be able to understand how some can call themselves Catholic and stand for such nonsense.”?! HE stands for “such nonsense.” That’s good enough for me.

Whatever. However, perhaps you might keep in mind the centurion who told Our Lord that he wasn’t worthy to have Him come under his roof. If a pagan can recognize such things then why can’t Catholics recognize decorum and respect for the Lord?

Call it what you will but rock music at Mass is just wrong. It belongs to the Mega-Church Religions.

Do you think that any of the apparition Saints who were greeted by either Our Lord or the Blessed Mother just stood there and said, “Hey Jesus, great to have you with us! Want something to drink?”

I doubt it.

 

[Cat]

Whatever. However, perhaps you might keep in mind the centurion who told Our Lord that he wasn’t worthy to have Him come under his roof. If a pagan can recognize such things then why can’t Catholics recognize decorum and respect for the Lord?

Call it what you will but rock music at Mass is just wrong. It belongs to the Mega-Church Religions.

**Do you think that any of the apparition Saints who were greeted by either Our Lord or the Blessed Mother just stood there and said, “Hey Jesus, great to have you with us! Want something to drink?”

I doubt it**.

What does this have to do with rock music and the Mass? I don’t understand this. Is there a rock song used in Mass that says “Want something to drink?” I’m sorry, but I don’t comprehend what you are saying.

 

[Timothysis]

What does this have to do with rock music and the Mass? I don’t understand this. Is there a rock song used in Mass that says “Want something to drink?” I’m sorry, but I don’t comprehend what you are saying.

What I am saying is that there is a respect and a decorum in approaching the Lord whether in His glorified body or in His presence in the tabernacle. Pulsing basses and bashing drums are NOT a dignified setting to be in the vicinity of Jesus, just as having a tabernacle in a Circle K wouldn’t be dignified, either. I hope that we would all fall in adoration of the Lord with the words “My Lord and My God” on our lips; having a crunching guitar there is as inappropriate as having clowns, liturgical dancers or polka waltzes.

Of course, this is only my personal opinion.

 

[benedictgal]

Perhaps this passage from Pope Benedict will help see why this kind of music is most inappropriate for use in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass:

Then there are two developments in music itself that have their origins primarily in the West but that for a long time have affected the whole of mankind in the world culture that is being formed. Modern so-called “classical” music has maneuvered itself, with some exceptions, into an elitist ghetto, which only specialists may enter – and even they do so with what may sometimes be mixed feelings. The music of the masses has broken loose from this and treads a very different path.

On the one hand, there is pop music, which is certainly no longer supported by the people in the ancient sense (populus). It is aimed at the phenomenon of the masses, is industrially produced, and ultimately has to be described as a cult of the banal. "Rock", on the other hand, is the expression of elemental passions, and at rock festivals it assumes a cultic character, a form of worship, in fact, in opposition to Christian worship. People are, so to speak, released from themselves by the emotional shock of rhythm, noise, and special lighting effects. However, in the ecstasy of having all their defenses torn down, the participants sink, as it were, beneath the elemental force of the universe. The music of the Holy Spirit’s sober inebriation seems to have little chance when self has become a prison, the mind is a shackle, and breaking out from both appears as a true promise of redemption that can be tasted at least for a few moments.

There may be some who will dismiss these statements, but, there is a lot of truth to what the Holy Father has to say, especially in Sacramentum Caritatis, where he writes:

Liturgical song

1. In the ars celebrandi, liturgical song has a pre-eminent place. (126) Saint Augustine rightly says in a famous sermon that “the new man sings a new song. Singing is an expression of joy and, if we consider the matter, an expression of love” (127). The People of God assembled for the liturgy sings the praises of God. In the course of her two-thousand-year history, the Church has created, and still creates, music and songs which represent a rich patrimony of faith and love. This heritage must not be lost. Certainly as far as the liturgy is concerned, we cannot say that one song is as good as another. Generic improvisation or the introduction of musical genres which fail to respect the meaning of the liturgy should be avoided. As an element of the liturgy, song should be well integrated into the overall celebration (128). Consequently everything – texts, music, execution – ought to correspond to the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, the structure of the rite and the liturgical seasons (129). Finally, while respecting various styles and different and highly praiseworthy traditions, I desire, in accordance with the request advanced by the Synod Fathers, that Gregorian chant be suitably esteemed and employed (130) as the chant proper to the Roman liturgy (131).

In the seven-year interval between the time that both pieces were written, the Holy Father hasn’t changed his mind one bit. Rock music in the Mass was bad then; it’s bad now.

 

[Lux_et_Tenebrae]

Last Sunday we were subjected to a rock band at Mass that was comprised of cymbals, drums, electric guitars and the like - your basic secular grouping of instruments that comprise most top 40 and hard rock music bands.

Hi Smiter,

Yes, it is so upsetting when we do not like the music chosen for Mass, but the sad reality is there are many options.
This is the instruction for the entrance, and it is referenced at the preparation of the gifts, the communion & dismissal.

1. The singing at this time is done either alternately by the choir and the people or in a similar way by the cantor and the people, or entirely by the people, or by the choir alone. In the dioceses of the United States of America there are four options for the Entrance Chant: (1) the antiphon from the Roman Missal or the Psalm from the Roman Gradual as set to music there or in another musical setting; (2) the seasonal antiphon and Psalm of the Simple Gradual; (3) a song from another collection of psalms and antiphons, approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop, including psalms arranged in responsorial or metrical forms; (4) a suitable liturgical song similarly approved by the Conference of Bishops or the Diocesan Bishop.55

And here is footnote 55, (from JPII-Dies Domini)

1. Given the nature of Sunday Mass and its importance in the lives of the faithful, it must be prepared with special care. In ways dictated by pastoral experience and local custom in keeping with liturgical norms, efforts must be made to ensure that the celebration has the festive character appropriate to the day commemorating the Lord’s Resurrection. To this end, it is important to devote attention to the songs used by the assembly, since singing is a particularly apt way to express a joyful heart, accentuating the solemnity of the celebration and fostering the sense of a common faith and a shared love. Care must be taken to ensure the quality, both of the texts and of the melodies, so that what is proposed today as new and creative will conform to liturgical requirements and be worthy of the Church’s tradition which, in the field of sacred music, boasts a priceless heritage

So, it is really up to the Pastor—The Bishop rarely interfers.

This particular Mass is probably the most “traditional” at our church and I really question the wisdom of the pastor choosing to make this particular Mass the new guitar Mass for the New Millenium. What are the guidelines and requirements for music at Mass. I am not a canon lawyer and really do not have the time to find where I might make a defense of a more reverent Mass for those in our parish who would rather not be subjected to this type of Mass every Sunday. I adore our homilist at this Mass and do not want to change parishes or Mass times. How can the pastor be approached and with what ammunition that helps to preserve the solem atmosphere of Sunday Mass?

Do you know if many people agree with you? My pastor prefers a note, to personal discussion, but this is not the usual case. Just approach him respectfully, and let him know that you are not happy with his choice of music for this Mass, and encourage those who agree with you to do the same. When our Pastor first came to the Parish, he favored the contemporary music, and used it for many Masses, but after numerous complaints, the “show” was moved to the 7:00 pm Sunday Mass, and the more traditional choir brought back to the 10:30 Mass.

Please—they even applaud the “performance”, but at least we can avoid this, if we choose, and many teens attend that Mass, so this is definitely a plus.

Lux

 

[Cat]

Quite true. Bishop Doran is one of the “good ones” in the Church.

Anyway, I’ve been reading what has been posted after my post, and I’ve decided to say this:

Even though personally I am staunchly against “Rock ‘n’ Roll Masses” all together, I suppose if it is clearly labeled “Life Teen Mass” or something of the other, and it takes place, say, in the evening on Sunday, and it has the blessing of the local bishop, then it is alright to have one. I mean, if people actually enjoy going to these celebrations and it brings them closer to the Lord and to the Church, then I suppose I don’t see anything wrong with it.

Just as long as no one who doesn’t want to be there isn’t forced to attend something like this. The pastor of the parish hosting such a Mass should make absolutely sure that for those faithful in the area who desire a more traditional, solemn celebration of the Holy Sacrifice can attend one.

If that is done, then I suppose I recant all former objections.

Thank you for a very sensible and charitable post. I agree with everything you said.

As I said earlier, I think it’s rather confrontational that a “rock Mass” has replaced a more traditional Mass. The only thing that would justify that, IMO, is if literally thousands of people asked for it, and I doubt that happened. It just seems like an unwise decision that wasn’t well thought-out. Hopefully, the rock Mass can be moved to a different time that doesn’t discombobulate so many people who prefer traditional music. I don’t blame the OP for being upset.

The only other reason I can think of why a rock Mass would be held at that time is because that’s when the musicians are available. But frankly, I can’t imagine rock musicians preferring the early morning hours! Not the ones I know, anyway!

I assure you that there are plenty of Masses in our city, with all kinds of musical settings and also without music, for the faithful to attend to fulfil their Sunday obligation. This includes the Traditional Latin Mass twice on Sundays. (TLM is also held daily in our city).

So no one is forced to attend Life Teen–unless they were lazy and skipped out on the Saturday vigil Masses and the Sunday morning Masses! Then they are forced to attend Life Teen! Don’t you think that’s a good motivator for the majority of Catholics (who don’t like rock music in Mass) to attend Sunday Mass at the regular times (Sat. vigil or Sun A.M.)?!

Occasionally we have attended Life Teen because of work conflicts that prevented us from attending Sat vigil or Sun A.M. Masses, but for us it’s no problem since we enjoy the rock music in Mass.

I don’t know of any other Sunday evening Mass other than Life Teen, but I think that this particular time is not especially popular for “church” of any type in our city. The latest Mass that I know of is 12:30 P.M on Sunday (the so-called “Hangover Mass!”), but there may be other Masses held later on Sunday.

I consider myself very blessed to live in this city and this diocese!

(BTW, I want to assure some of you who dislike Life Teen for other reasons than the music that our Life Teen Masses are reverent, without the abuses that have been reported in other Life Teen Masses, e.g., gathering around the altar. We don’t see that here.)

 

[japhy]

Does the LifeTeen approach require contemporary Christian rock music to be played during Mass, either in its statutes or in its practicality? In other words, can there be a Mass in the Extraordinary Form which is simultaneously a LifeTeen Mass? Can there be a Mass in the Ordinary Form, with some Latin, some chant, ad orientem, etc., that is simultaneously a LifeTeen Mass? Or does LifeTeen require a different atmosphere during the Mass?

Sorry for all the questions.

 

[benedictgal]

While there are those who quote Pope John Paul II to suport this particularly bad kind of music, some forget that in 2003, he had this to say as well:

1. In continuity with the teachings of St Pius X and the Second Vatican Council, it is necessary first of all to emphasize that music destined for sacred rites must have holiness as its reference point: indeed, ***“sacred music increases in holiness to the degree that it is intimately linked with liturgical action”[11]. For this very reason, “not all without distinction that is outside the temple (profanum) is fit to cross its threshold”, my venerable Predecessor Paul VI wisely said, commenting on a Decree of the Council of Trent[12]. ***And he explained that “if music - instrumental and vocal - does not possess at the same time the sense of prayer, dignity and beauty, it precludes the entry into the sphere of the sacred and the religious”[13]. Today, moreover, the meaning of the category “sacred music” has been broadened to include repertoires that cannot be part of the celebration without violating the spirit and norms of the Liturgy itself.

St Pius X’s reform aimed specifically at purifying Church music from the contamination of profane theatrical music that in many countries had polluted the repertoire and musical praxis of the Liturgy. ***In our day too, careful thought, as I emphasized in the Encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia, should be given to the fact that not all the expressions of figurative art or of music are able “to express adequately the mystery grasped in the fullness of the Church’s faith”***14]. Consequently, not all forms of music can be considered suitable for liturgical celebrations.

Therefore, this point certainly applies to Rock music in the Mass. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is not some anything goes Woodstock celebration. It is the Church’s highest prayer. It shouldn’t be profaned by the vulgar and the banal. The Mass requires music of sublime dignity, majesty and solemnity. Remember, too, that the Fathers of the 2005 Synod on the Eucharist found that the music used in Youth Masses was problematic. This is what yielded Pope Benedict’s response in Sacramentum Caritatis that noted that as far as the liturgy was concerned, one song was not as good as another.

 

[agapewolf]

You may do well with it what you please and I will respect that but it seems to me that Lifeteen does not prepare Youth to be worshiping adults. If a young person attends lifeteen Masses time will prove that a “regular” novus ordo will be to bland for them. Mostly because of the sense of entertainment that is infused into Lifeteen. I predict that lifeteen will produce empty pews in the decades to come. Especially if B16 axes it.

Actually, the opposite is happening. It is because of Lifeteen that I am able to go to a quiet daily mass and worship fully, and to silent adoration. I had 5th graders asking to sign up for an adoration hour at the church after a praise/worship night with adoration.

 

[Joe_5859]

How can the pastor be approached and with what ammunition that helps to preserve the solem atmosphere of Sunday Mass?

First, I would try to avoid the use of combative language like “ammunition” in reference to approaching your pastor. They usually don’t like to be approached in a way that seems like you’re “gunning” for them.

Really, there is no official Church document that forbids the use of guitar or drums at Mass. Pope Benedict made comments (when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger) on the inappropriateness of rock music for Mass. And while I greatly respect him (and also agree with him), these comments are not part of any formal Church document. There is no binding document that I am aware of that forbids their use. (If I’m wrong on this, please let me know!)

If I were you, I think the best approach would be a heartfelt appeal that the musical style doesn’t fit the group of people that typically attends Mass at that time. Thus, it has the potential of alienating many of the parishioners (pastors certainly don’t want to alienate anyone, so this point is probably your strongest). Rather than trying to get the pastor to ban those instruments by appealing to this or that Church document, you would probably be more successful in asking that he change which Mass time that music appears at (such as a special Sunday evening Mass).