The Gloria at mass

[austen23]

In my parish (in Kobe, Japan) about four months ago I was surprised when a member of the choir suddenly began singing a strange version of the Gloria at mass. It starts with him singing in a very loud voice “Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to the Father” etc. through the Trinity with the congregation repeating after him.

This was the first time I’ve heard anything but the standard Gloria being said or sung during the mass.

My question: Is this OK by Church rules? In fact, what are the Church rules regarding this matter?

Bob Austenfeld
(austen23)

 

[benedictgal]

In my parish (in Kobe, Japan) about four months ago I was surprised when a member of the choir suddenly began singing a strange version of the Gloria at mass. It starts with him singing in a very loud voice “Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to the Father” etc. through the Trinity with the congregation repeating after him.

This was the first time I’ve heard anything but the standard Gloria being said or sung during the mass.

My question: Is this OK by Church rules? In fact, what are the Church rules regarding this matter?

Bob Austenfeld
(austen23)

The Gloria has to match what is written in the Roman Missal for your particular country. It has to be word-for-word. Please read what Redemptionis Sacramentum states:

[59.] The reprobated practice by which Priests, Deacons or the faithful here and there alter or vary at will the texts of the Sacred Liturgy that they are charged to pronounce, must cease. For in doing thus, they render the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy unstable, and not infrequently distort the authentic meaning of the Liturgy.

I hope that this helps.

 

[PS4ever]

In my parish (in Kobe, Japan) about four months ago I was surprised when a member of the choir suddenly began singing a strange version of the Gloria at mass. It starts with him singing in a very loud voice “Glory to God, Glory to God, Glory to the Father” etc. through the Trinity with the congregation repeating after him.

This was the first time I’ve heard anything but the standard Gloria being said or sung during the mass.

My question: Is this OK by Church rules? In fact, what are the Church rules regarding this matter?

Bob Austenfeld
(austen23)

It’s very, very wrong. Changing just one word or two words is bad, but changing the entire piece is just terrible. Please ask someone in authority (priest, bishop, music director) to put an end to this.

 

[austen23]

Dear benedictgal and PS4ever,

Thanks for your help. I want to write a letter to our parish council about this matter. I will probably say it is wrong based on the Redemptionis Sacramentum issued by the Vatican which instructs how to celebrate the Mass per the Roman Rite as contained in the Roman Missal. I will quote some of the RS to make my point including part 59. If either of you have any other ideas on how to make my point please tell me. I’m deeply sadden by this matter since I agree with what I’ve now read in the RS on how such behavior can weaken the Mass and even destroy the intended meaning of some of its parts when they are abused this way. Austen23

 

[austen23]

The Gloria has to match what is written in the Roman Missal for your particular country. It has to be word-for-word. Please read what Redemptionis Sacramentum states:

I hope that this helps.

Dear Benedictgal,

I wrote to my Parish Council quoting Redemptionis Sacramentum (59). But a priest who is speaking for the Council tells me the parish does this (different Gloria) to encourage participation by the members of the parish (implying that RS doesn’t apply in this case). I don’t really understand the logic of this. I guess I need more information. Do you know of A reference that would specifically say what applies in this case. My country is Japan but our Mass is said in English. So what applies in this case (since the Roman Missal for Japan, I assume written in Japanese, wouldn’t apply to our Mass in English). Anyway, I am becoming discouraged and believe pursuing this further is affecting my health. So maybe I’ll just, with great reluctance, throw in the towel. But any last minute help will be appreciated. Bob Austenfeld

 

[corsair]

Sounds to me like Benedictgal has given the answer. The Roman Mass is the Roman Mass.
I think that there are too many deviations that make up an abuse.

The priest has enough options in the OF Mass without inventing his own.