Singing during Mass

[nikolays3010]

I enjoy Mass more than anything else I do during the week (although this last year and 2 months my faith has been lost almost completely).

However, my family moved out to Michigan in 1998 from New England (then Ohio about 5 years ago); In this area/midwest, its commonplace for parishioners to sing during Mass. Only a few verses are not sung by the parishioners. Its during this time I’m very uncomfortable because I was never under the impression that singing was encouraged.

I don’t know if the difference is because I attended Mass mostly in Europe during my childhood years (my father had frequent business in Western Europe and he always took the family with).

I always thought certain aspects of Mass were standard (who is designated to sing, Priest performs Communion, dress code–no skirts above knee, etc).

So, at Mass should I just join in and sing, regardless of anything else?? I haven’t been able to take this step yet (even after all this time.)

 

[benedictgal]

What you are hearing might be antiphonal. There are some pieces that are designed like responsorial psalms, were the faithful sing the refrain while the cantor or choir sings the verse. That’s done a lot at St. Peter’s in the Vatican.

Now, for me, I won’t sing something that is Praise and Worship, nor will I sing something that is against Catholic doctrine and liturgical theology. I can’t, in good conscience, sing something that is troubling or something that places more emphasis on the community than on the Lord whose Holy Sacrifice we witness at every Mass.

You are right in that there is an order of the parts of the Mass that should be sung:

The Gospel Acclamation is one of those pieces that must be sung. It is the Alleluia or the Lenten acclamation. If it is not sung, it is not done.

The Gloria, Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), the Memorial Acclamation, the Great Amen and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) are other parts of teh Mass that may be sung. There are some who prefer to sing the Pater Noster (Our Father).

The truly optional pieces are the Entrance, Preparation, Communion and Recessional hymns. Now, if there is no Communion hymn, then the antiphon must be proclaimed. My PV does this (as well as the entrance antiphon) when the cantor and/or choir are absent.

 

[nikolays3010]

Thank you.

 

[bpbasilphx]

**Its during this time I’m very uncomfortable because I was never under the impression that singing was encouraged.
**

Where did you get that idea? Even Pope Pius XII in his motu proprio about church music encouraged sung responses by the congregation.

 

[pnewton]

Yes, singing is encouraged and it is part of participation of Mass. But if you are uncomfortable, don’t worry. Just enjoy Mass for what it is. I think it is very understandable if all this is new to you to have these feelings. After a while, when you are more accustomed to it, join in on the parts you know well and go from there. It is good for all of us to venture outside of our areas of comfort from time to time. However, do not let it be such a chore that it detracts from the focal of Mass, the Eucharist. It is the Eucharist that is always top priority.