Wanting to change the Mass setting for Advent

[mommycookx2]

Hello everyone -
I found a post here regarding music from years ago, so I hope this is the best place to post.

I am currently a choir director for a military community and I am hoping to change our Mass setting to the Mass of Carols beginning the first week of Advent. We normally have four priests(two are downrange and one is on leave). The only priest present, the priest that suggested the mass setting in the first place, has stated that he does not want us to begin the setting until the third week, not until the Rose candle is lit. I am concerned about changing the setting in the middle of the season, but he is standing firm. I would normally concede to any of his decisions, but this one is really disturbing me.

Should I let it go and do as he says? Is there anything in the GIRM to support my desire to change on the first week or is there something about waiting until the Rose candle is lit to begin singing carols to support his point? Please help is you can…

 

[Leopard]

Much as in the military, some ecclesial ranks outrank others. A Major outranks a Lieutennant; a Celebrant outranks a choir director. You can not overrule a priest’s decision as to how he will celebrate Mass.

If you are concerned that the Mass is being celebrated wrongly, bring the matter to the attention of your Bishop. Then he can overrule the priest if he so decides.

 

[baltobetsy]

I’m not familiar with the Mass of Carols, but from the name, I would infer that the tunes are the tunes of Christmas carols. Perhaps your priest is concerned about preserving the penitential character of Advent by deferring the use of carol tunes until near the end. Our society today begins Christmas the minute Halloween is over, and the Church is nearly alone in observing Advent. This seems to be on your priest’s mind. I’d agree with him. Can you continue to use this setting throughout the Christmas season so you get a bit more use out of it?

Betsy

 

[benedictgal]

I would have to agree with Betsy. The big problem is that the secular world is already putting up Christmas Trees at the malls and at the big department stores. Some are even standing next to scarecrows and pumpkins. As Catholics, we must remember that the Christmas season does not begin until the first vigil Mass celebrated on December 24th. Then, you can use the Mass of the Carols setting.

Why not try a more sublime setting by using a simple Latin Sanctus and a simple Amen. The memorial acclamation could be from “A Community Mass” or the “Land of Rest” setting.

Advent is the time of quiet, joyful hope and expectation of the Messiah. Hope this helps you.