Should cantors refuse to disobey the GIRM?

[gaudete01]

I’m a cantor in a parish where I am regularly asked to do things that I know to be against the GIRM. For example, singing a non-Psalm-based hymn in place of the responsorial Psalm. I have expressed my concern to the person who chooses the music, and once to the priest, but they seem sincere in their belief that there is no problem. Should I just sing what I’m told to, even if it is disallowed by the GIRM?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

For those who are wondering, here is the instruction from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:

In the dioceses of the United States of America, the following may also be sung in place of the Psalm assigned in the Lectionary for Mass: either the proper or seasonal antiphon and Psalm from the Lectionary, as found either in the Roman Gradual or Simple Gradual or in another musical setting; or an antiphon and Psalm from another collection of the psalms and antiphons, including psalms arranged in metrical form, providing that they have been approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops or the diocesan bishop. Songs or hymns may not be used in place of the responsorial Psalm (GIRM 61, emphasis added).

Assuming you haven’t already done so, the first course of business would be to show this instruction from the GIRM to the liturgy coordinator and the pastor, highlighting for them the passage I emphasized. Explain to them your distress at the idea of directly contravening the norms provided for by the GIRM and emphasize that there is plenty of appropriate music available for the responsorial psalm of the day.

If that has no effect, then you’ll have to determine what the consequences of your refusal will be. If you are the only cantor in the parish and not easily replaced, your refusal would mean a choice between accommodating you or having no sung music at Mass. That’s a very strong position from which to flatly refuse to cooperate. But if there are several cantors available and you are easily replaced, then you’ll have to consider whether it is worth it to be dropped from the music ministry at your church over a minor liturgical abuse and thereby effectively end whatever positive influence you might have to change things over time. If you do decide to stay in the program and sing what you’re told to sing, I recommend writing to the bishop and explain to him both the liturgical abuse and the unwillingness of your pastor to respect your conscience.