Songs at Mass

[EasterJoy]

Most Eastern-rite churches do not have organ in them. That is a western church development. And, not only that, if the piano was part of the Roman circuses and moved into the Church, I am sure the organ would be considered ‘inappropriate’. Look at the Bible. What instruments were used to praise God that are mentioned in the Bible? Woodwinds, drums, cymbals, horns, etc. You find references all over the place. And it is true 0 just because some “priests and liturgists” think certain ways about worship doesn’t make it so.

Oh, goodness. If you rely on Scriptures, you could have worship that allows dancing and shouting, too!

 

[Matt33]

I didn’t answer because the instruments, i.e. electric guitar, drums, bongos, etc are annoying but singing the latest top 40 hits form the local Christian music station is more problematic. Electric guitar solo of amazing grace for communion is so great!

 

[mattkubes]

I didn’t answer because the instruments, i.e. electric guitar, drums, bongos, etc are annoying but singing the latest top 40 hits form the local Christian music station is more problematic. Electric guitar solo of amazing grace for communion is so great!

That just happened at my parish this past Sunday! Well, it was actually an electric bass and electric guitar duet. Good to know I’m not alone…:banghead:

 

[Robster7]

I don’t think any instrument is non liturgical necessarily. If it is played well and the music is appropriate. I sometimes think however that music ministries get a bit too enthusiastic.
Good music should encourage folks to sing. My complaints usually have to do with the sappier gunk such as “All are welcome”. Message is okay to some extent, but i cant help feeling it’s a bit too nice or new Agey–Like “We are the World” sort of thing.

In a couple of churches, I’ve heard a Gloria that sounds just too much like a Broadway number. No sense of praising God’s glory, just entertainment.

I do thing a number of the contemporary songs by Haugen, Haas, et al. are good and make me want to sing. However, sometimes an overenthusiastic music ministry overdoes it.

 

[daeve]

Many priests and liturgists think that the piano is a non-Liturgical instrument. The piano is mainly used for secular purposes, therefore not fitting for the liturgy.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis has a 4/36 Mighty Wurlitzer in the lobby. Does that mean the organ is no longer suitable for liturgical music?

As long as the priests and bishops allow us to use pianos and guitars and maracas, I’m not going to worry about it. I figure Bishop Herman knows more about this sort of thing than I do.

 

[ethelzguy]

Oh, goodness. If you rely on Scriptures, you could have worship that allows dancing and shouting, too!

What should we rely on then?

Every church organ I’ve ever seen has stops that say things like “flute”, “oboe”, “french horn”, etc…

 

[Cat]

I don’t think any instrument is non liturgical necessarily. If it is played well and the music is appropriate. I sometimes think however that music ministries get a bit too enthusiastic.
Good music should encourage folks to sing. My complaints usually have to do with the sappier gunk such as “All are welcome”. Message is okay to some extent, but i cant help feeling it’s a bit too nice or new Agey–Like “We are the World” sort of thing.

In a couple of churches, I’ve heard a Gloria that sounds just too much like a Broadway number. No sense of praising God’s glory, just entertainment.

I do thing a number of the contemporary songs by Haugen, Haas, et al. are good and make me want to sing. However, sometimes an overenthusiastic music ministry overdoes it.

If YOU were kicked out of your evangelical Protestant church like our family was, the “too nice” message of “All Are Welcome” would be heaven on earth to you.

Please don’t knock this song. It truly was a refreshing change from “we’ve decided that you would be happier worshipping elsewhere.”

 

[peary]

Oh, goodness. If you rely on Scriptures, you could have worship that allows dancing and shouting, too!

**No dancing and shouting during worship? How unbiblical!! **

 

[Robster7]

Cat,

I was just expressing my preference in musical taste. I just don’t like the combination of the music and lyrics “All Are Welcome” as I have heard it.

I don’t know why anyone would be kicked out of their evangelical church or over what. Would like to hear the story, although it is off-topic

The “all are welcome” message is a bit open ended, however, and open to misinterpretation, like “what ever you ask in faith is yours.” Is someone who is a non Catholic attending Mass out of curiousity welcome to attend? Sure! But are they “welcome” to receive the Eucharist? Technically not; they must learn what it means to Catholics first.

Unfortuneately, some would consider this inherently exclusionary, although it makes sense, but must be carefully explained.

Sorry this is off topic, perhaps I should start a thread on these questions.