The restoration of Sacred Music

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Greetings and blessings to you all! Before I get to the issue of the restoration of Sacred Music, I’d like to briefly introduce myself. I’m 19 and just entered into full communion with the Catholic Church this past Easter Season. This afternoon I was listening to Catholic Answers Live and head about the forums. Kudos to whoever thought of this! There are many good webforums for our Eastern Catholic brothers and sisters, but until now there hasn’t really been a “hangout” for Latin Catholics. Yay! Anyway…

Next to being Catholic, I consider myself first and foremost to be a musician. I was brought up a Lutheran and received an excellent musical education from various organists/teachers, and I am extremely thankful that I have had the opportunity to play at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, WA since my reception into the Church. Even as a Lutheran, I was familiar with Western Chant (Gregorian and Ambrosian, specifically) and some schools of Eastern Chant (Byzantine, Moscow, and Ruthenian) as well as Renaissance polyphony. I was always a little saddened that I could not impliment those elements into the Lutheran liturgical services. My girlfriend is a member of the Gregorian Schola at Gonzaga University. The Schola and Jesuits there put on (not the best wording…) a very reverent Novus Ordo, with the Ordinaries chanted in Latin and the Propers chanted in English following Gregorian formulas. Suffice it to say that the Holy Spirit used music that I knew to be penned by God himself --even before my conversion-- to bring me into full communion with Christ and His Church.

I returned home from college the other day, and I have quickly realized that the liturgical honeymoon is over. I’ve been appointed organist at a parish that has nothing but OCP missalettes and “Music Issues” available for use and a guitar-slinging music director from the late 70’s… This parish is perhaps the largest in the diocese, and has considerable influence in the surrounding community. The theology preached there is orthodox, and members of the congregation seem to be engaged in works of mercy 24 hours a day. All things considered, a wonderfully Catholic parish. Yet the music program is horrible… You’re probably all aware of the illegal monopoly and icy grip that OCP and folks like Marty Haugen (not even Catholic!) and Dan Schutte hold over our parishes. I really do feel that the profane music being promulgated by these “composers” and this publishing house are designed to undermine our faith.

Pope St. Pius X certainly recognized the importance of Sacred Music. Just read the encyclical “Tra le sollecitudini” (Among the Concerns). A Papal encyclical, devoted entirely to Sacred Music!!! Consider the following excerpt: (posted in the next post due to character limit)

Somehow, people are under the impression that Vatican II abrogated just about everything that Pius X decreed, including the primacy of Gregorian Chant in the Latin Liturgy, and the banning of profane instruments/musical styles. It didn’t! Sacrosanctum Concilium most explicitly reaffirms the dignity of Sacred Music and the primacy of Gregorian Chant in the liturgy. Yet it seems to have completely disappered from the average parish church. Our Holy Father, on the 100th Anniversary of Tra Le Sollecitudini, issued his own statement regarding the corruption of Sacred Music!!! This is a frightening issue, and I feel that the restoration of Sacred Music will put a swift end to the liturgical abuses facing the post conciliar Church. I cannot directly change a person’s mind, but I can influence how he feels before, during, and after Mass by the music I select to be performed, and by the music I perform myself on the organ. Eventually, people cannot help but be moved by this stuff… How do we go about rescuing the musical tradition of the Latin Rite? I really don’t know… I think I’m going to hold classes throughout the summer to teach people the basic Gregorian ordinaries and to explain what Vatican II and previous councils had to say about Sacred Music. Sound like a good idea? Anyone in the same boat? Or am I just a lone voice crying in the wilderness?
 
“Among the cares of the pastoral office, not only of this Supreme Chair, which We, though unworthy, occupy through the inscrutable dispositions of Providence, but of every local church, a leading one is without question that of maintaining and promoting the decorum of the House of God in which the august mysteries of religion are celebrated, and where the Christian people assemble to receive the grace of the Sacraments, to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar, to adore the most august Sacrament of the Lord’s Body and to unite in the common prayer of the Church in the public and solemn liturgical offices. Nothing should have place, therefore, in the temple calculated to disturb or even merely to diminish the piety and devotion of the faithful, nothing that may give reasonable cause for disgust or scandal, nothing, above all, which directly offends the decorum and sanctity of the sacred functions and is thus unworthy of the House of Prayer and of the Majesty of God. We do not touch separately on the abuses in this matter which may arise. Today Our attention is directed to one of the most common of them, one of the most difficult to eradicate, and the existence of which is sometimes to be deplored in places where everything else is deserving of the highest praise – the beauty and sumptuousness of the temple, the splendor and the accurate performance of the ceremonies, the attendance of the clergy, the gravity and piety of the officiating ministers. Such is the abuse affecting sacred chant and music.”
 
CHAPTER VI - Sacred Music
112. The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as sacred song united to the words, it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn Liturgy.

Holy Scripture, indeed, has bestowed praise upon sacred song, and the same may be said of the fathers of the Church and of the Roman pontiffs who in recent times, led by Saint Pius X, have explained more precisely the ministerial function supplied by sacred music in the service of the Lord.

Therefore sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. But the Church approves of all forms of true art having the needed qualities, and admits them into Divine Worship. Accordingly, the Sacred Council, keeping to the norms and precepts of ecclesiastical tradition and discipline, and having regard to the purpose of sacred music, which is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful, decrees as follows.
  1. Liturgical worship is given a more noble form when the Divine Offices are celebrated solemnly in song, with the assistance of sacred ministers and the active participation of the people.As regards the language to be used, the provisions of Art. 36 are to be observed; for the Mass, Art. 54; for the Sacraments, Art. 63; for the Divine Office. Art. 101.
  2. The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation which is rightly theirs, as laid down in Art. 28 and 30.
  3. Great importance is to be attached to the teaching and practice of music in seminaries, in the novitiates and houses of study of religious of both sexes, and also in other Catholic institutions and schools. To impart this instruction, teachers are to be carefully trained and put in charge of the teaching of sacred music. It is desirable also to found higher institutes of sacred music whenever this can be done. Composers and singers, especially boys, must also be given a genuine liturgical training.
  4. The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman Liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services. But other kinds of sacred music, especially polyphony, are by no means excluded from liturgical celebrations, so long as they accord with the spirit of the liturgical action, as laid down in Art. 30.
  5. The editio typica of the books of Gregorian chant is to be completed; and a more critical edition is to be prepared of those books already published since the restoration by Saint Pius X. It is desirable also that an edition be prepared containing simpler melodies, for use in small churches.
  6. Religious singing by the people is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises, as also during liturgical services, the voices of the faithful may ring out according to the norms and requirements of the rubrics.
  7. In certain parts of the world, especially mission lands, there are peoples who have their own musical traditions, and these play a great part in their religious and social life. For this reason due importance is to be attached to their music, and a suitable place is to be given to it, not only in forming their attitude toward religion, but also in adapting worship to their native genius, as indicated in Art. 39 and 40.Therefore, when missionaries are being given training in music, every effort should be made to see that they become competent in promoting the traditional music of these peoples, both in schools and in sacred services, as far as may be practicable.
  8. In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man’s mind to God and to higher things.But other instruments also may be admitted for use in divine worship, with the knowledge and consent of the competent territorial authority, as laid down in Art. 22, 52, 37, and 40. This may be done, however, only on condition that the instruments are suitable, or can be made suitable, for sacred use, accord with the dignity of the temple, and truly contribute to the edification of the faithful.
 
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CatholicNerd:
How do we go about rescuing the musical tradition of the Latin Rite? I really don’t know… I think I’m going to hold classes throughout the summer to teach people the basic Gregorian ordinaries and to explain what Vatican II and previous councils had to say about Sacred Music. Sound like a good idea? Anyone in the same boat? Or am I just a lone voice crying in the wilderness?
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I am glad you are willing to try on the local level. I don’t know what kind of reception you’ll get. If you’ve got a large orthodox parish, you should find many who will help you with your effort. I think it’s a good idea and wish we had someone of your mind and enthusiasm at our parish. I’ll pray for you. May you find other voices in your part of the wilderness!
 
Check out the thread on “praise and worship music at Mass.” Many people would like the education and opportunity to worship with the type of music that you describe. However, as a new Catholic, a little humility and gentleness toward the way that people at your parish already worship will go a long way toward your meeting your goals. As I stated in the other thread, some of this “horrible” music that you don’t care for developed my spiritual life in a way that organ music and traditional hymns would not have. We can be distracted from worship of God by the talent of the organist and majesty of the organ music or chant as well as by other types of music.

Ellen
 
Good luck on your venture. It might bode well if you asked for a meeting with your Bishop. Explain to him your talents and your education and your desire to see some traditional worship music reintroduced into the Church (don’t knock the bad music too much, he might like it LOL) and perhaps you could get his backing to get it introduced into at least one weekly Mass and his blessing to teach chant, etc.

My next question would be what Diocese you are in and to see if that Diocese has a legitimate Indult Mass. If so, this may be where you can put your talents to use as well.

We have just recently been granted permission to have this Mass in my Diocese and it was to our good fortune that one of the Professors at the University teaches gregorian chant and polyphony as well and is putting together quite a good men’s group for schola and a mixed choir for the ordinaries.

I commisurate with you entirely though and sacred music is one of the things that attracts me to the Traditional Latin Mass.
 
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catholiclady:
Good luck on your venture. It might bode well if you asked for a meeting with your Bishop.
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Or it might not - you might find yourself and your ideas suppressed. Get some information about your Bishop before you do this.

Parish musicians have lots of freedom. If you introduce the good music in a friendly, respectful way, you will have good results. If you publicly turn your nose up at what the parish is doing now, you won’t.

I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a good, old fashioned hymn sing, perhaps in the context of a dinner or other social event in the parish. I’d let the attendees have control of about half of the program, singing their requests, and use the other half for introducing the kind of thing you want to do. That way everyone feels included, and gets a chance to practice the beautiful “new” music you want to introduce to them. Lots of people don’t sing because new music is intimidating - becoming familiar with it outside of Mass will surely help.

I’ve used the OCP stuff, too, and if you look carefully, you’ll find lots of traditional tunes in the Music Issue, albeit with nasty, modified texts. You can (without drawing much attention) continue to use these materials and still make a move to better music. Does your parish use a printed order of worship at Mass? You can (get the necessary permissions from publishers and) print good texts to familiar tunes in there, once the congregation learns some traditional hymn tunes. It will be a slow process, but you can do it with patience and resourcefulness.

Betsy
 
I must have misunderstood - I thought it was “old” music and not “new” music he wanted to introduce:)
 
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catholiclady:
I must have misunderstood - I thought it was “old” music and not “new” music he wanted to introduce:)
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LOL - that’s why I put “new” in quotes! 😉

In any case, it’s “new” to them! Although, on second thought, maybe it’s not - maybe the people are just waiting for someone to bring back their “old” favorites.

Betsy
 
Here’s a little tid-bit. Back when Oregon Catholic Press put together the music books, a theological advisor, who so happens to be the rector at Mt. Angel Seminary, was a part of analyzing the text of the songs. It turns out that a whole bunch of songs were not compatible with church teaching, which means they are not essentially Christian songs. OCP put them in anyway. We need songs that focus on God more than “we the body of christ.” It sure seems like some of the songs are focusing on worshipping us more than God. Fortunately, I think a series of songs are in the process of being removed from the music issue.
I’m all for sacred music. My favorite liturgies are at a Benedictine monestary in my hometown. Big organ, chanting monks, amazingly organized liturgy. Awwww yea!

Justin
 
One way we introduce “new” music in our parish is to do solo work at the Preparation of Gifts, or even during Communion (when the congregation doesn’t sing too much anyway!). On Corpus Christi, we did Mozart’s “Ave Verum Corpus”.
I agree with those who say you have to take it slowly and gently. I don’t know how many times I’ve been told that no one wants the Latin anymore!!
The NPM yearly conferences are really disheartening — I think they’re trying to undermine our clergy!
Let us know how you progress!! Wish I had your knowledge and ability. Our music director/organist is awesome, but we need more support and training in real liturgy.
 
CatholicNerd,

Is the parish you are in this summer in the same diocese as your university?
 
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baltobetsy:
It will be a slow process, but you can do it with patience and resourcefulness.

Betsy
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I think this is the key to any introduction of new again old music. Depending on the amount of musical sophistication in your parish, you might have to move slower or faster. Since I wasn’t raised with a lot of the traditional sacred music it takes me forever to learn. Last Easter we started “Pater Noster” for Triduum and I had to start learning it before Lent to get it down. :whacky:
 
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mikworld:
Here’s a little tid-bit. Back when Oregon Catholic Press put together the music books, a theological advisor, who so happens to be the rector at Mt. Angel Seminary, was a part of analyzing the text of the songs. It turns out that a whole bunch of songs were not compatible with church teaching, which means they are not essentially Christian songs. OCP put them in anyway. We need songs that focus on God more than “we the body of christ.” It sure seems like some of the songs are focusing on worshipping us more than God. Fortunately, I think a series of songs are in the process of being removed from the music issue.
I’m all for sacred music. My favorite liturgies are at a Benedictine monestary in my hometown. Big organ, chanting monks, amazingly organized liturgy. Awwww yea!

Justin
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Yup. The other day I was at a youth Mass at a parish other than my own, and a good friend of mine asked me to sing with their choir. I was a little hesitant at first, but I accepted, since these people are all my friends and did, each in their own way, help me along the road to Rome. The communion “hymn” had “CONSUBSTANTIATION!!!” written all over it. Most of them do… take, for example, “precious Body, precious Blood, here in bread and wine” and another one making references to the precious body being “under the bread.” Never once tries to make clear that the bread and wine are mere accidents. I was a Lutheran for many, many years and I know consubstantiation when I see it… Most of the traditional hymns either have their Latin text removed entirely, or have been shortened to two or three verses, while modernist **** gets six or seven verses… Somebody at OCP’s got an agenda.
 
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Dolly:
CatholicNerd,

Is the parish you are in this summer in the same diocese as your university?
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No, thanks be to God! EWU is in the Diocese of Spokane under Bishop William Skylstad (Vice-President of the USCCB). Thankfully, my home parish is in the Diocese of Yakima. Cardinal Francis George used to be the Bishop here, and has left a few safeguards in place regarding posture during reception of the Eucharist, placement of tabernacles, etc… Cardinal George also–God bless him–before he was raised to the purple, allowed several parishes in the dioccese to celebrate the Tridentine Mass. Bishop Skylstad replaced Cardinal George before being transferred to Spokane and did a great deal to undermine Cardinal George’s work here in the diocese.

Currently, Bishop Skylstad will not allow any Indult Masses in the Diocese of Spokane, despite the fact that there are THREE SCHISMATIC PARISHES IN THE CITY OF SPOKANE ALONE! Nevermind the fact that a few miles from Spokane in Post Falls, Idaho are a few more sedevacantist parishes and an SSPX parish. His Grace also frowns upon the Novus Ordo being said entirely in Latin, and I believe has issued a decree forbidding the Novus Ordo to be said Ad Orientem.

I don’t know too much about the current bishop of Yakima, but I do know that he’s not trying to strip my parish of the right to have an Indult Mass and he’s not messing with the posture of the faithful during communion. In my opinion, he’s a friend if he’s not a foe…
 
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catholiclady:
My next question would be what Diocese you are in and to see if that Diocese has a legitimate Indult Mass. If so, this may be where you can put your talents to use as well.
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Well, we have a very beautiful Indult Mass offered at the parish (one of two left in the diocese), but because there’s a shortage of deacons and subdeacons, we can’t have a High Mass 😦 Most of my friends who are familiar with the Chant and Sacred Polyphony are nervous about singing at an Ecclesia Dei Mass, too. For some reason, they’ve got the mindset that the Tridentine Mass is something that you just do not go to if you’re under 80, and that it’s so frocked with problems (I’ve yet to find any substantial ones) that it’s better to go to a Novus Ordo Mass anyway. The priest is in his late 80’s, and I’ve spoken to him about music before but he keeps forgetting. sigh
 
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Prometheum_x:
What is the definition of “Sacred Music”?
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I like St. Pius X’s definition of the qualities that music must posess to make it “Sacred:”
  1. Sacred music, being a complementary part of the solemn liturgy, participates in the general scope of the liturgy, which is the glory of God and the sanctification and edification of the faithful. It contributes to the decorum and the splendor of the ecclesiastical ceremonies, and since its principal office is to clothe with suitable melody the liturgical text proposed for the understanding of the faithful, its proper aim is to add greater efficacy to the text, in order that through it the faithful may be the more easily moved to devotion and better disposed for the reception of the fruits of grace belonging to the celebration of the most holy mysteries.
  2. Sacred music should consequently possess, in the highest degree, the qualities proper to the liturgy, and in particular sanctity and goodness of form, which will spontaneously produce the final quality of universality.
It must be holy, and must, therefore, exclude all profanity not only in itself, but in the manner in which it is presented by those who execute it.

It must be true art, for otherwise it will be impossible for it to exercise on the minds of those who listen to it that efficacy which the Church aims at obtaining in admitting into her liturgy the art of musical sounds.

But it must, at the same time, be universal in the sense that while every nation is permitted to admit into its ecclesiastical compositions those special forms which may be said to constitute its native music, still these forms must be subordinated in such a manner to the general characteristics of sacred music that nobody of any nation may receive an impression other than good on hearing them.

You can find the rest of the document here adoremus.org/MotuProprio.html or at the Vatican website.
 
That’s unfortunate that your friends think this. I have observed here and elsewhere where I attened Tridentine Masses that the “mix” was pretty much the same as at any other Mass. But finding priests who are well versed in Latin is indeed a problem today.

We have just begun having Tridentine Masses at our Parish and 6 priests have faculties to celebrate it now but I think most of them are retired or semi-retired as well. One younger priest however has expressed a desire to learn the Tridentine Mass and to be given faculties to celebrate it.

I think when a Diocese determines that Indult Mass is successful and desired by some of the flock, they frequently invite FSSP priests to come to the Diocese to celebrate the Mass.

Anyway maybe eventually they would offer a high Mass on Feast Days or special occasions if a choir could be formed - don’t give up.
 
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