The Singing Pastor

[puzzleannie]

axolotl:

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.

nothing that happens in the Cleveland diocese surprises me, I was at the Lilith fair sponsored by Ursuline college. I do like the glo-stix idea tho, think I will suggest it for the Easter vigil instead of the candles with people dripping hot wax everywhere, let me find the RCIA book and see if we can do the fireworks instead of the Paschal fire, we had a lot of wind last year and nearly lost a couple of boy scouts manning the bonfire.

when I was newly married and moved from Detroit to Cleveland I was astounded to find that guitar Masses were still forbidden, and a Catholic college chaplain was fired for playing Amazing Grace and Michael Row the Boat Ashore at a college Mass. Bishop Isseman (?) was still in charge bless his memory.

 

[Ken_Grooms]

MarthaMartha:

My question is, Why him? Aren’t there any talented parishioners able/willing to get up and play the guitar and sing?

I’m sure there are, but he’s really too full of himself to give up the spotlight. To be fair, he’s very talented - he even has his own TV show on our local Catholic network! But, no matter how beautifully he sings, I still find that it distracts me from the liturgy.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

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

I’m not sure of the liturgical/canonical ramifications, but…shudder!

If there is a groundswell of feeling against this in your parish, I rec. that everyone, from the first chord he strums, pick up their bulletins and hold them directly in front of their faces, pretending to read them. Or, alternately, loudly start singing something else, like “Tantum Ergo Sacramentum” or “O Salutoris Hostia” or “Salve Regina.” Or have everyone go out and buy kazoos and actually start playing the song he’s playing on them. He’d have to be an amoebe not to get the hint.

 

[MarthaMartha]

JKirkLVNV:

I’m not sure of the liturgical/canonical ramifications, but…shudder!

If there is a groundswell of feeling against this in your parish, I rec. that everyone, from the first chord he strums, pick up their bulletins and hold them directly in front of their faces, pretending to read them. Or, alternately, loudly start singing something else, like “Tantum Ergo Sacramentum” or “O Salutoris Hostia” or “Salve Regina.” Or have everyone go out and buy kazoos and actually start playing the song he’s playing on them. He’d have to be an amoebe not to get the hint.

Kazoos – I love it.

 

[MarthaMartha]

Ken Grooms:

I’m sure there are, but he’s really too full of himself to give up the spotlight. To be fair, he’s very talented - he even has his own TV show on our local Catholic network! But, no matter how beautifully he sings, I still find that it distracts me from the liturgy.

That’s not good. I mentioned in a thread on “good cantors” that when I started cantoring and asked the woman who trained me for her best advice, the first thing she said was “It’s not about you.” In other words, anyone involved in music ministry needs to bear in mind that we’re supposed to enhance the liturgy, not distract from it! That should go double for the priest. Either he should tone it down and save the vocal pyrotechnics for his TV show, or invite the entire congregation to share the opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

 

[CathChemNerd]

MarthaMartha:

That’s not good. I mentioned in a thread on “good cantors” that when I started cantoring and asked the woman who trained me for her best advice, the first thing she said was “It’s not about you.” In other words, anyone involved in music ministry needs to bear in mind that we’re supposed to enhance the liturgy, not distract from it! That should go double for the priest. Either he should tone it down and save the vocal pyrotechnics for his TV show, or invite the entire congregation to share the opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Good advice, MM. It’s nice to hear that every now and again when we (in the musical arts) get a little too caught up.

CathChemNerd

 

[moira]

MarthaMartha:

I mentioned in a thread on “good cantors” that when I started cantoring and asked the woman who trained me for her best advice, the first thing she said was “It’s not about you.” In other words, anyone involved in music ministry needs to bear in mind that we’re supposed to enhance the liturgy, not distract from it! .

I completely agree. And if this is true, why on earth did they take all of the musicians and choirs out of the choir loft where nobody could see them and put them right out in front of everyone as if they’re playing to an audience? This, to me, is very distracting. It enhances nothing and I feel like I’m at a show waiting for the next song.

 

[puzzleannie]

I don’t have any problem with the priest joining or leading singing before or after Mass, or joining singing during Mass, as long as the proper times in the rites for singing are observed and as long as the distinction between the proper role of the priest, deacon, cantor, reader, and congregation are preserved. there is a very popular priest here who is noted for mariachi Masses at his church, who joins in the singing and releases CDs where he sings with the band, One Day at a Time in Eng/Span is his signature song.

I also have no problem with the priest teaching new songs or chants before Mass. What I do have a problem with is anyone, priest, cantor or choir, who uses the music to interrupt the proper liturgical action, rather than to support it and enhance it.

 

[MarthaMartha]

puzzleannie:

I don’t have any problem with the priest joining or leading singing before or after Mass, or joining singing during Mass, as long as the proper times in the rites for singing are observed and as long as the distinction between the proper role of the priest, deacon, cantor, reader, and congregation are preserved. there is a very popular priest here who is noted for mariachi Masses at his church, who joins in the singing and releases CDs where he sings with the band, One Day at a Time in Eng/Span is his signature song.

I also have no problem with the priest teaching new songs or chants before Mass. What I do have a problem with is anyone, priest, cantor or choir, who uses the music to interrupt the proper liturgical action, rather than to support it and enhance it.

Especially if they’re interrupting it by calling attention to themselves!

 

[TobyLue]

Hmm, According to the GIRM No. 66 “After the homily a brief period of silence is appropriately observed.”

Nothing about this being a time for music, a show by the priest, or whatever. But then what can we expect by people doing their own thing because its “in the spirit of Vatican II” bleahh!!! Is it any wonder that many are turning to the Eastern Churches? This priest is definitely out of order.

Balloons on the altar??:tsktsk: This is :whacky:

 

[SMHW]

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

I guess one question would be whether this “meditation song” is considered to be PART of the homily or seperate from it.

As far as I know there is nothing in the liturgical guidelines that says a priest can’t SING his homily. I have certainly heard priests reference the words to popular songs in order to make some point.

But you would certainly hope that any kind of singing would be within the bounds of taste and respectful of the nature of the Mass. This sounds rather pretentious.

 

[netmilsmom]

axolotl:

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.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!

 

[Seatuck]

Ken Grooms:

I’m sure there are, but he’s really too full of himself to give up the spotlight. To be fair, he’s very talented - he even has his own TV show on our local Catholic network! But, no matter how beautifully he sings, I still find that it distracts me from the liturgy.

Yes, his singing distracted me from the liturgy as well when he came to our Parish several years ago. Others were thrilled with the novelty. I am glad it has not been repeated.