The Singing Pastor

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My pastor sings a “meditation song” after each Sunday homily, usually acompaning himself on the guitar, but sometimes with a tape recording. Most of the songs are’nt even particularly Catholic, e.g. “One Day at a Time”, etc. This has been going on since his installation one year ago. What should I do? I know this is liturgically unorthodox, but can anyone give me any Church documents concerning this? Thanks.
Ken
 
Ken Grooms:
My pastor sings a “meditation song” after each Sunday homily, usually acompaning himself on the guitar, but sometimes with a tape recording. Most of the songs are’nt even particularly Catholic, e.g. “One Day at a Time”, etc. This has been going on since his installation one year ago. What should I do? I know this is liturgically unorthodox, but can anyone give me any Church documents concerning this? Thanks.
Ken
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Run for your Life (spiritual) 😛
 
I’m sure Rome will retroactively approve things like this at some point. Under the 1983 Code of Canon Law, priestly guitar strumming is likely already ok. We just don’t know it yet.

My advice is just go with the flow. When he’s done, hold your Bic lighter aloft. Maybe he’ll favor you with an encore.
 
Unless he starts into Van Halen’s Running with the Devil, I wouldn’t get too concerned. :rolleyes:

Perhaps you could make requests. I had a drama teacher in high school who liked to start classes with a “meditation” session which was usually done to the Doors. Light My Fire and Riders on the Storm were good for this.
 
Dr. Bombay:
I’m sure Rome will retroactively approve things like this at some point. Under the 1983 Code of Canon Law, priestly guitar strumming is likely already ok. We just don’t know it yet.

My advice is just go with the flow. When he’s done, hold your Bic lighter aloft. Maybe he’ll favor you with an encore.
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Could you please post the specific Canon law permiting this? Thanks.
Ken
 
Are cell phones allowed in place of bic lighters? Or would they be prohibited as artificial light?
 
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SMHW:
Since no one else has asked, I guess I will.

Is this priest actually any good?
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He’s a bit of a show man - balloons on the altar, etc., but his homilies are orthodox.
 
Ken Grooms:
He’s a bit of a show man - balloons on the altar, etc., but his homilies are orthodox.
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Maybe you should book him at a children’s party…or the local talent saloon… 😃
 
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SMHW:
Since no one else has asked, I guess I will.

Is this priest actually any good?
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Well, he does play the guitar and occasionally sing I guess. Is anything else important? I mean should he really be concerned with anything else? The man is a performer for Heavens sake, and I suppose the congregation is being entertained. Why he even uses balloons. Hopefully he’ll bring the clowns in soon and everyone can have a real party. 👍
 
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SMHW:
Are cell phones allowed in place of bic lighters? Or would they be prohibited as artificial light?
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i was at a conference where they passed out little flashlights which we were supposed to use during a song/prayer service, Christ is our light, but which we actually used during the Bishop’s address to us instead of applause, no reason we could not stock the hymnal racks with these
 
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SMHW:
Since no one else has asked, I guess I will.

Is this priest actually any good?
Click to expand...
is any any good at pickin’ and a-grinnin’ ? or is he any good at the canonical role of priest, preaching and conferring the sacraments?
 
Ken Grooms:
Could you please post the specific Canon law permiting this? Thanks.
Ken
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Negative.

But I’m sure there’s a liturgist somewhere who can assure you that this kind of thing is approved under certain Canons.

And we know Vatican II encouraged it… :cool:

Remember, it’s the spirit, not the letter of the law we should be concerned with.

And in case anyone is wondering, I’m being sarcastic.
 
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Lapsed:
Unless he starts into Van Halen’s Running with the Devil, I wouldn’t get too concerned. :rolleyes:

Perhaps you could make requests. I had a drama teacher in high school who liked to start classes with a “meditation” session which was usually done to the Doors. Light My Fire and Riders on the Storm were good for this.
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Did he do “Break On Through”?
 
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SMHW:
Since no one else has asked, I guess I will.

Is this priest actually any good?
Click to expand...
My question is, Why him? Aren’t there any talented parishioners able/willing to get up and play the guitar and sing?
 
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puzzleannie:
i was at a conference where they passed out little flashlights which we were supposed to use during a song/prayer service, Christ is our light, but which we actually used during the Bishop’s address to us instead of applause, no reason we could not stock the hymnal racks with these
Click to expand...
I was at a mass where they passed out glo-sticks to sway with during the communion hymn. And then they set off fireworks during communion while they played “And I saw God’s face…now I’m a believer” to the tune of the Monkees song. I’m sure Edwin will verify, he was there.

They’ll be doing it again this year on August 6. Bishop Pilla is scheduled to be the celebrant. Last year the celebrant was the seminary rector.
 
We had one of those in a small parish here in Tampa Bay. He was of the hippie era . He also liked outdoor Masses which were right out beside the church. The church was a " utility building " were the chairs were so close together you couldn’t kneel but you couldn’t kneel in the soft wet ground either. He also like songs were the congregation would sway back and forth. He kept his hair dye dark black so the gray wouldn’t show. After ten years the bishop kicked him upstairs to a lager parish in Pasco County. Don’t know if he still sings.
 
Dr. Bombay:
Remember, it’s the spirit, not the letter of the law we should be concerned with.
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:rotfl: Oh dear oh dear … sign me up for the Dr Bombay fan club 😃
 
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