What happened to my Church? What happened to the music?

[Cat]

Does anyone like the song Awesome God?" I’ve only
heard it a couple times and those were at Newman
House played at top volume with drums and electric
guitars. And now our priest wants it in the youth
choir but all we have is an organ. Thoughts?

I have always thought this song was one of the most perfectly-written modern congregational hymns.

It’s antiphonal–a soloist sings a “recitative” and the congregation joins in on the simple response: “Our God is an awesome God.”

Beautiful!

Sometimes churches make the mistake of trying to have the congregation sing the recitatives. This often doesn’t work, because everyone “does their own thing,” and it sound muddy. Nope, the best way to do this hymn is to have a soloist/cantor sing the recitative and have the congregation join in on the responses and the chorus.

Rich Mullins wrote it, and as you know, he was in the process of converting to Catholicism and then was killed in a motor-vehicle accident.

I think that unfortunately, the word “awesome” has become a slang word in modern U.S. culture, and some Catholics have the idea that Mullins is using “awesome” as an irreverent slang word in his hymn. Not so. The words of the song make it clear that Mullins is showing the utmost reverence and respect for God.

 

[Convert2013]

You say that “it’s not about Jesus and HIS sacrifice for us, but how WE feel and what WE get from going…”

Isn’t that what several of the posters on this thread are saying? They don’t like the Mass music (modern), so they are on this thread with all kinds of complaints about how the Mass music isn’t what they personally like or what they personally think Mass music should be.

One person said that they are never fulfilled with the current Mass music. Isn’t that making Mass all about how WE feel and what WE get from going?

I can’t speak for others on here but I gathered from the responses that they are fulfilled by going to Mass for the very reason to worship God. NOT to hear rock music! The music that fulfills them is prayerful and reverent. Sorry I can’t say that loud thundering drums and electric guitars, etc are prayerful and reverent. At the very least its what we consider part of the beauty of the liturgy. That is the traditional hymns which are prayers.

What I was referring to was the reasons why people often go to these mega churches. I have friends that don’t go to Mass anymore because as they say “I don’t get anything out of it!” "It’s so much more fun at the other church!’ So I’ll go back to what I said in my earlier post about it being a “feel good” experience. Worship of God is just that, worshipping Him, not what we feel good about. If most Catholics truly understand what the Mass is deep down to its core, they wouldn’t want to miss Mass a day in their life and certainly wouldn’t encourage this type of music. I know I hate missing Mass any day that I can’t get there. And that is daily Mass which has NO music whatsover. I find it peaceful and beautiful. I can pray and love God and thank Him and ask for forgiveness …and listen to God! Can’t do that with Metallica playing the background.

Lastly if this music is reverent, then why not push for it to be played at Eucharistic Adoration!? After all if we do it at Mass, and that’s in the presence of the Eucharist and Jesus is truly present then what would it matter?

 

[Jon_S_1]

I can’t speak for others on here but I gathered from the responses that they are fulfilled by going to Mass for the very reason to worship God. NOT to hear rock music! The music that fulfills them is prayerful and reverent. Sorry I can’t say that loud thundering drums and electric guitars, etc are prayerful and reverent. At the very least its what we consider part of the beauty of the liturgy. That is the traditional hymns which are prayers.

What I was referring to was the reasons why people often go to these mega churches. I have friends that don’t go to Mass anymore because as they say “I don’t get anything out of it!” "It’s so much more fun at the other church!’ So I’ll go back to what I said in my earlier post about it being a “feel good” experience. Worship of God is just that, worshipping Him, not what we feel good about. If most Catholics truly understand what the Mass is deep down to its core, they wouldn’t want to miss Mass a day in their life and certainly wouldn’t encourage this type of music. I know I hate missing Mass any day that I can’t get there. And that is daily Mass which has NO music whatsover. I find it peaceful and beautiful. I can pray and love God and thank Him and ask for forgiveness …and listen to God! Can’t do that with Metallica playing the background.

Lastly if this music is reverent, then why not push for it to be played at Eucharistic Adoration!? After all if we do it at Mass, and that’s in the presence of the Eucharist and Jesus is truly present then what would it matter?

I have to disagree!!!

As much as I love traditional music,

Some of my most significant times of meditation has been while worshiping with guitars and drums.

To call it rock music is a bit much, but just because it’s not your taste does not mean it’s irreverent.

Here is a video of traditional Aztec Worship of Jesus.

This is one of the most reverent things they can do in that culture.

You may cringe, but they would cringe hearing old catholic folk hymns that you love !!

youtu.be/CQetJmKpwzk

God creates all of these things, and whenever we direct it at him, he is honored.

 

[Convert2013]

I have to disagree!!!

As much as I love traditional music,

Some of my most significant times of meditation has been while worshiping with guitars and drums.

To call it rock music is a bit much, but just because it’s not your taste does not mean it’s irreverent.

Here is a video of traditional Aztec Worship of Jesus.

This is one of the most reverent things they can do in that culture.

You may cringe, but **they would cringe hearing old catholic folk hymns that you love **!!

youtu.be/CQetJmKpwzk

God creates all of these things, and whenever we direct it at him, he is honored.

They probably would. Why don’t we make them worship that way and see what they say. Will they be “wrong” for wanting to keep their tradition?

So are you suggesting that you can’t possibly go to a traditional Mass with traditional “old catholic” folk hymns (as you put it), and worship God effectively? That wouldn’t fulfill you?

 

[Jon_S_1]

They probably would. Why don’t we make them worship that way and see what they say. Will they be “wrong” for wanting to keep their tradition?

So are you suggesting that you can’t possibly go to a traditional Mass with traditional “old catholic” folk hymns (as you put it), and worship God effectively? That wouldn’t fulfill you?

It’s not about me. I am happy worshipping God in a Tridentine mass, Byzantine, Novus Ordo, or Lifeteen mass.

I have even attended masses in foreign languages I don’t know with their cultural music, Hispanic and Vietnamese.

I try to embrace the diversity as God is the creator of all of this. It’s nice being part of a global church with lots of different nuances.

 

[Cat]

They probably would. Why don’t we make them worship that way and see what they say. Will they be “wrong” for wanting to keep their tradition?

So are you suggesting that you can’t possibly go to a traditional Mass with traditional “old catholic” folk hymns (as you put it), and worship God effectively? That wouldn’t fulfill you?

It’s not about what would “fulfill me.” Mass is about Jesus, and He is Truly Present no matter what style of liturgical music is used.

JESUS fulfills me!

I would like to suggest that you be careful about judging those who attend the non-Catholic “megachurches” or “fellowships.” We certainly don’t appreciate it when people judge Catholics by what they observe in our parishes: repetitive prayers, bowing before statues, the wearing of crucifixes and scapulars, etc… In the same way, we should not judge Christians who attend megachurches by what we observe in their buildings: loud music, lots of body movement (clapping, swaying, etc). We can’t possibly know the hearts of the people we are watching. Only God knows. But what we can know is how they live OUTSIDE the church building. Christians trust and obey Jesus Christ and love their fellow believers as well as those who don’t believe.

 

[pianistclare]

I’m picking up on some sensitivity there, Music Minister. Change is ongoing, and it is not necessarily limited to going in one direction towards modernism. Some Parishs in my area have gone back to more traditionalism in liturgy and music. The choir has been moved to the side or back. Music hasn’t been eliminated or diminished. Just the focal point of the Mass has been placed on where it should be all along.

I would ask our Priest, but he avoids sharing dinner with Parishioners. “All people want to do is complain.” His words, not mind. Our resident Caruso doesn’t respond.

Me, I try to attend more like minded Masses. Not to turn back the clock for that new car smell. Change. It goes both ways.

You just made my point. Music Directors would love to add in some chant, some Latin, some traditional songs. Who know who opposes them the most at the parish? the old timers. they LOVE the praise and worship music, and the Pastor doesn’t want to pay for sheet music or hymnals.
I do get tired of the constant whining.
Who wouldn’t? Isn’t that exactly what your pastor said as well?

 

[JakeWI]

I hate what has happened at some churches in regards to the music. I actually disagree with many of you in regards to the Mass continuing to change and become more musically like the mega churches. The Parish I belong to has a Priest that started there in 2011. He became a Priest in 2005. He is 35 years old. And man, how much I agree with him and how fortunate I feel that we have him. He is a calm, soft spoken man who really gets it. None of this over the top, almost yelling that I have found from some Priests.

Me, being 25 years old, can definitely relate to him when he does his homily. He is totally respectful of the tabernacle, doesn’t stand and walk around in front of it, and bows at all times when passing it.

His philosophy is that the Church provides such beauty and grace, solemnity and deepness, that other religions/Christian faiths don’t necessarily provide. He has even delved deeper into things that were pre-vatican two. And I will tell you, I have NEVER in my life felt more connected to God than I am right now… and I say it is because of my Parish and the wonderful Priest.

The music director is new as of 2012 as well. I can tell you that she is definitely an improvement too, and is on the same wavelength as the Priest. I have conversed with her about some of the other Catholic churches going to the rock band type, and she shuns that. Again, she is not that old… maybe upper 30s/lower 40s. This past Easter Vigil, it was the most magical Mass I have ever been to. Half the music was in Latin, majority was pre-1900’s music. She pulled out all sorts of beautiful, reverent, respectful sounding instruments… organ, grand piano, viola, cello, the bells, and even a trumpet on the last song celebrating Jesus rising, alongside both a male and female choir that sounded like something out of a cathedral. The readings alternated between Male and Female, beginning was all in dark with candles. Every bit of it was the way I imagine it was supposed to be, and man did I get a connection like no other… those 2+ hours flew past, and I can tell you that has never happened in my life.

And you know what? We have a head Priest, an Associate Priest that does one of the Masses, and two Deacons. We have a Saturday morning and Saturday evening Mass, and three Sunday Masses, all traditional in the Ordinary Rite. I usually go to the 11am Mass, and it is packed full in the 800 seat pews, more than half (I have observed this to make sure of it this past weekend) are young families in their upper 20s/30s that have newborns, as well as young kids. I have gone to the 5pm Sat Mass, as well as the 9am Mass, and those too are packed. The school is doing so well, that they beat their expectations for this past year monetarily.

The traditional Mass is doing quite well with people my age, at least where I am. I am getting tired of people saying on these boards that things are progressing towards the “mega-church” style, as that is definitely not the case in some areas. We do have a few larger churches in the area that are doing that, yes, but I would give it about a half and half ratio to contemporary vs. traditional. And I hope it stays like that. It would alienate those who find the rock music offensive and interruptible to the prayerful nature of the Catholic church.

With that, I will stick with my Parish, volunteer for the liturgy and music part of it, and make sure I do what I can to stick with our current Dir of Music so she stays and keeps progressing things the way she is. They must be doing something right to have such high numbers of participation, that is for sure!

 

[Thomas_Casey]

Everyone . . . do not use CAF to complain.

You may discuss things from a purely academic and intellectual perspective.

You may answer people’s questions, objectively, without your personal spin on things.

You may agree or disagree with another point of view as long as you do so with respect.

You can offer suggestions as to how to improve what you believe needs improving as long as you’re open to the suggestions from others.

Complaining . . . how does that enrich your neighbor’s life? How does that lead your neighbor to God? See Pope Francis’ take on complaining.

 

[Cat]

I hate what has happened at some churches in regards to the music.

The music director is new as of 2012 as well. I can tell you that she is definitely an improvement too, and is on the same wavelength as the Priest. I have conversed with her about some of the other Catholic churches going to the rock band type, and she shuns that. Again, she is not that old… maybe upper 30s/lower 40s. This past Easter Vigil, it was the most magical Mass I have ever been to. Half the music was in Latin, majority was pre-1900’s music. She pulled out all sorts of beautiful, reverent, respectful sounding instruments… organ, grand piano, viola, cello, the bells, and even a trumpet on the last song celebrating Jesus rising, alongside both a male and female choir that sounded like something out of a cathedral. The readings alternated between Male and Female, beginning was all in dark with candles. Every bit of it was the way I imagine it was supposed to be, and man did I get a connection like no other… those 2+ hours flew past, and I can tell you that has never happened in my life.

And you know what? We have a head Priest, an Associate Priest that does one of the Masses, and two Deacons. We have a Saturday morning and Saturday evening Mass, and three Sunday Masses, all traditional in the Ordinary Rite. I usually go to the 11am Mass, and it is packed full in the 800 seat pews, more than half (I have observed this to make sure of it this past weekend) are young families in their upper 20s/30s that have newborns, as well as young kids. I have gone to the 5pm Sat Mass, as well as the 9am Mass, and those too are packed. The school is doing so well, that they beat their expectations for this past year monetarily.

The traditional Mass is doing quite well with people my age, at least where I am. I am getting tired of people saying on these boards that things are progressing towards the “mega-church” style, as that is definitely not the case in some areas. We do have a few larger churches in the area that are doing that, yes, but I would give it about a half and half ratio to contemporary vs. traditional. And I hope it stays like that. It would alienate those who find the rock music offensive and interruptible to the prayerful nature of the Catholic church.

With that, I will stick with my Parish, volunteer for the liturgy and music part of it, and make sure I do what I can to stick with our current Dir of Music so she stays and keeps progressing things the way she is. They must be doing something right to have such high numbers of participation, that is for sure!

I apologize for deleting part of your good post–not enough space!

You have a good attitude. The key phrase in your post that I think should be framed in gold is "volunteer for the liturgy and music part of it.’ Good for you! So many people have lots of negative things to say about the music, but they aren’t willing to volunteer or to chip in the money needed to buy different music.

I am puzzled over one thing in your post–how did the music director in your parish “pull out” a choir of males and females that “sounded like something out of a cathedral,” along with all the orchestral instruments that you listed, plus bells. ??? Where did the singers and instruments come from? Did the people from your parish step up and volunteer after hiding their talents all these years? How about the instruments–did the parish have them sequestered away in a closet for decades? (If so, the tuning alone would cost a lot of money.)

Please don’t think I’m being sarcastic here. I’m just curious exactly how she was able to “pull them out.” I think it would be useful for other parishes to know her method of recruiting the choir and instrumentalists.

I’ll admit, I’m very skeptical that these singers and the instruments came from your parish, although it’s possible. I’m wondering if your music director has connections in your community or perhaps at a nearby university, and if she recruited all kinds of singers and instrumentalists from the community or university for the special occasion of the Easter Mass, along with their instruments. (You realize that if this is the case, she had to pay the instrumentalists, and possibly the singers as well.)

Now there’s nothing wrong with that, and it certainly is nice to have exquisite music on the special Church days.

But not all parishes can afford to do this. So it’s not a solution to the music situation in most parishes.

Of course, another possibility that occurs to me is that your music director may have made it clear that she intends to present only the best music in your parish, and all the real musicians (not just the enthusiastic volunteers!), along with all the wealthy people in the parish, are cheering for her policies and leaping to volunteer, as you apparently did! A lot of times, wealthy people (or people who aren’t wealthy, but are generous with their regular incomes), will step up when there is something worthy of donations, but they will not be as willing to support mediocrity. Also, a really GOOD, high-class, professionally-done music program at a church can actually ATTRACT wealthy patrons who crave high-level music rather than just regular hymns.

It’s a good strategy. I’m not sure if this would work in all parishes, but it would certainly be worth a try.

I’m really looking forward to hearing more about how she “did it.” Thanks!

 

[JakeWI]

I apologize for deleting part of your good post–not enough space!

You have a good attitude. The key phrase in your post that I think should be framed in gold is "volunteer for the liturgy and music part of it.’ Good for you! So many people have lots of negative things to say about the music, but they aren’t willing to volunteer or to chip in the money needed to buy different music.

I am puzzled over one thing in your post–how did the music director in your parish “pull out” a choir of males and females that “sounded like something out of a cathedral,” along with all the orchestral instruments that you listed, plus bells. ??? Where did the singers and instruments come from? Did the people from your parish step up and volunteer after hiding their talents all these years? How about the instruments–did the parish have them sequestered away in a closet for decades? (If so, the tuning alone would cost a lot of money.)

Please don’t think I’m being sarcastic here. I’m just curious exactly how she was able to “pull them out.” I think it would be useful for other parishes to know her method of recruiting the choir and instrumentalists.

I’ll admit, I’m very skeptical that these singers and the instruments came from your parish, although it’s possible. I’m wondering if your music director has connections in your community or perhaps at a nearby university, and if she recruited all kinds of singers and instrumentalists from the community or university for the special occasion of the Easter Mass, along with their instruments. (You realize that if this is the case, she had to pay the instrumentalists, and possibly the singers as well.)

Now there’s nothing wrong with that, and it certainly is nice to have exquisite music on the special Church days.

But not all parishes can afford to do this. So it’s not a solution to the music situation in most parishes.

Of course, another possibility that occurs to me is that your music director may have made it clear that she intends to present only the best music in your parish, and all the real musicians (not just the enthusiastic volunteers!), along with all the wealthy people in the parish, are cheering for her policies and leaping to volunteer, as you apparently did! A lot of times, wealthy people (or people who aren’t wealthy, but are generous with their regular incomes), will step up when there is something worthy of donations, but they will not be as willing to support mediocrity. Also, a really GOOD, high-class, professionally-done music program at a church can actually ATTRACT wealthy patrons who crave high-level music rather than just regular hymns.

It’s a good strategy. I’m not sure if this would work in all parishes, but it would certainly be worth a try.

I’m really looking forward to hearing more about how she “did it.” Thanks!

Well, I believe that the organ and piano were there to begin with. I had just began at that Parish around the same time that she came, so I didn’t get a huge amount of how the old music was done… but I do think that it wasn’t as “creative”, and had a lot more of the P&W type songs I believe… though never a rock band. She has brought a majority of the music back that is pre-1900s since she arrived.

The people playing the cello/viola/bells are young… I would say high school or college age, maybe even their 8th graders at the school. Never really any super professionals brought in, but I think she must have done some recruiting within the Parish in regards to those instruments. The Parish doesn’t own them (outside of organ, piano, and bells), as the people who play bring them in. Again, these don’t get used during normal Masses, just during the holidays and when I think they are available. Either way, you wouldn’t be able to tell they are so young playing them… they are so smooth sounding.

In regards to the choir, it is a similar situation… all volunteer (it is plastered all over their website to volunteer for the adult choir, bell players, etc). I just feel like we have that many people who want to help out in our area (like me) because we feel our Parish provides so much. They may not have been utilized to the extent that they were this past year, as I believe I have heard them before… though maybe not as “powerful” sounding in the past. I think our music director has spent A LOT of time preparing people and getting them trained. Again, they are only used during special Masses… probably hard to round up that many people for normal week to week Masses.

She may have some connections, though I am not sure that they are paid. She isn’t new to being a music director. She was at another very traditional Parish maybe 10 minutes away for some years.

I think you are right though… her talent (and our Priest’s ambition) are what is making things happen at our church. Not often have I found a Parish like this before… where people come from all parts of our metro area to go there (sometimes past 5-6 different other churches). It is in a wealthier part of the city, but definitely doesn’t seem like super rich snobby type people. It is right across the street from a Sisters home. My wife and I are smack dab in the middle class, don’t really have a lot of money to give (due to my health issues)… but we do give what we can. My wife likes it because there are so many families with young children there, so she feels right at home, especially with us trying for a kid in the next couple years. The Parish has about 4,000 members, and it seems to be at least 3/4 that go to church weekly.

It is a diamond in the rough, I am very fortunate to have stumbled upon. I think I was talking to my Uncle right after I moved here about how I wanted to find a traditional Parish, and he mentioned this one. It definitely is a great thing…

 

[Convert2013]

**It’s not about what would “fulfill me.” Mass is about Jesus, and He is Truly Present **no matter what style of liturgical music is used.

**JESUS fulfills me! **

I would like to suggest that **you be careful about judging those who attend the non-Catholic “megachurches” or “fellowships.” **We certainly don’t appreciate it when people judge Catholics by what they observe in our parishes: repetitive prayers, bowing before statues, the wearing of crucifixes and scapulars, etc… In the same way, we should not judge Christians who attend megachurches by what we observe in their buildings: loud music, lots of body movement (clapping, swaying, etc). We can’t possibly know the hearts of the people we are watching. Only God knows. But what we can know is how they live OUTSIDE the church building. Christians trust and obey Jesus Christ and love their fellow believers as well as those who don’t believe.

I agree Mass is about Jesus and worship of Him! That’s what I’ve been saying. Its not about what we get out of it as far as the principle reason for attending. It’s about giving thanks to God first and foremost. Not about “hey lets change the music to keep up with the times so we can draw in people who like to come just to feel good about their experience.” If we’re attending Mass for the right reasons, being uplifted will be a blessing God betows upon us. Maybe doing away with all music is the way to go. Then no complaints over which music is best!?

I fail to see at what point I judged anyone. Please explain to me how I did that. I did mention what was told to me by those who have gone to those churches and what their reason were. That is so THEY could feel “good”. How is that judging? They are my friends. I love them. Oh and I was also speaking again, from my OWN experiences. Maybe that’s not acceptable here?

 

[Jon_S_1]

I agree Mass is about Jesus and worship of Him! That’s what I’ve been saying. Its not about what we get out of it as far as the principle reason for attending. It’s about giving thanks to God first and foremost. **Not about “hey lets change the music to keep up with the times so we can draw in people who like to come just to feel good about their experience.” ** If we’re attending Mass for the right reasons, being uplifted will be a blessing God betows upon us. Maybe doing away with all music is the way to go. Then no complaints over which music is best!?

I fail to see at what point I judged anyone. Please explain to me how I did that. I did mention what was told to me by those who have gone to those churches and what their reason were. That is so THEY could feel “good”. How is that judging? They are my friends. I love them. Oh and I was also speaking again, from my OWN experiences. Maybe that’s not acceptable here?

People should always feel good about worshiping God. It’s why you don’t want praise music. It’s why we have a mass. To worship God and heal our souls. Healing our souls and worshiping God feels pretty good to me regardless of the style of mass.

I have NEVER seen a catholic praise band in a mass that was so fantastic, that I just couldn’t wait to go back. Cantors yes, but praise band not do much.
Honestly they are generally awkward since they are trying so hard to keep it mild.

Regardless this idea that they are using praise bands to recruit people is silly to me. People aren’t going to go to mass because of a praise band, and they aren’t going to leave their Protestant church because the local Catholic Church just started using guitars.

Again, you show that mass is about you by saying what I bolded above, perhaps you don’t realize it, but I hear from a lot of people with your position that the church better stop changing or else

Do we truly believe in the authority of the church or not?

 

[Cat]

I agree Mass is about Jesus and worship of Him! That’s what I’ve been saying. Its not about what we get out of it as far as the principle reason for attending. It’s about giving thanks to God first and foremost. Not about “hey lets change the music to keep up with the times so we can draw in people who like to come just to feel good about their experience.” If we’re attending Mass for the right reasons, being uplifted will be a blessing God betows upon us. Maybe doing away with all music is the way to go. Then no complaints over which music is best!?

I fail to see at what point I judged anyone. Please explain to me how I did that. I did mention what was told to me by those who have gone to those churches and what their reason were. That is so THEY could feel “good”. How is that judging? They are my friends. I love them. Oh and I was also speaking again, from my OWN experiences. Maybe that’s not acceptable here?

What I keep seeing on this thread is that people don’t “feel good” when “modern” music is done at Mass. What’s the difference between traditional-minded Catholics longing for chant and pipe organs, and Christians who go to megachurch concert/services to hear rock music?

And really–what is so wrong about wanting to “get something out of” the Mass?! What is so wrong with wanting to “feel fulfilled” and come away inspired and uplifted? Isn’t that what those who long for traditional music want, too?

Yes, all of life, especially the Mass, should be about knowing Jesus–but many people have a hard time knowing Him without some kind of physical aid that appeals to our human, God-created senses; e.g., a statue, a picture/painting, a Holy Card, incense, a song/certain musical style, etc. We’re human, and that means there is a physical aspect to us. We are not able to be completely “spiritual” yet. Jesus was Incarnate as a human being; He didn’t come to earth as pure spirit. He knew humans needed to see, hear, smell, feel, and even taste Him (in Eucharist).

 

[Sarabande]

I second this. Excellent book; very insightful and at times amusing. The author really hits the nail on the head.

I’ve worked/volunteered in music ministry for about 20 years since I was a teen and I also found this book enlightening and insightful. It helped me understand and see things more clearly about the evolution of how the music in our Church got to be where it is today.

I also understand pianistclaire’s views, probably because I have also been “behind the scenes” when it comes to what each individual music minister has to go through within the parishes where they work. I struggled with it myself when I was in charge of children’s music ministry for a couple of years and how much my hands were tied once we got a new pastor when I wanted to incorporate music like chant or even more traditional hymns, all of which the children could sing quite well considering that they only learned chant during the time I was there.

There are soooooooooo many factors that music ministers (and sometimes pastors) have to deal with. Sometimes pastors want the traditional music… chant, polyphony, singing of the antiphons, etc., but the bigger voices and bigger pockets in the parishes will drive their heels in the dirt, threaten to pull support for the parishes. Pastors sometimes have to make a difficult decision if they want that parish to survive. Music directors and ministers will often have their hands tied, either because of a pastor who wants to go against the rubrics or has a preference for a certain kind of music, or the level of talent that come through their doors, or a small budget which doesn’t allow them to purchase new repertoire, etc.

In regards to the actual OP, I experienced something very similar to you when I moved back home after being away for a number of years. While the music at my parish was never particularly inspiring, I was wishing for it back when I attended mass and felt like my ears were violently attacked by this extremely loud “rock” band. This wasn’t the kind of “mellow” band that I heard at LifeTeen (music which I didn’t care for either, as a teen, but was bearable in the auditory sense where I still could think and hear myself pray and could just try to tune out). It was like being at a rock concert where it is always obnoxiously loud. I almost lost my hearing as a child and for years had to wear ear tubes and had years of speech therapy. My hearing as a adult is perfect because of the years of medical help. I avoid attending rock concerts or doing things that can harm my hearing because I remember what it was like not being able to hear well and being made fun of for not speaking correctly. The last thing I wanted was to hurt my hearing again, especially just from attending mass. I couldn’t hear myself think or pray, I began to feel physically ill. I actually ended up leaving with my then-boyfriend (now husband) and attended mass at his parish

 

[JakeWI]

I agree Mass is about Jesus and worship of Him! That’s what I’ve been saying. Its not about what we get out of it as far as the principle reason for attending. It’s about giving thanks to God first and foremost. Not about “hey lets change the music to keep up with the times so we can draw in people who like to come just to feel good about their experience.” If we’re attending Mass for the right reasons, being uplifted will be a blessing God betows upon us. Maybe doing away with all music is the way to go. Then no complaints over which music is best!?

I fail to see at what point I judged anyone. Please explain to me how I did that. I did mention what was told to me by those who have gone to those churches and what their reason were. That is so THEY could feel “good”. How is that judging? They are my friends. I love them. Oh and I was also speaking again, from my OWN experiences. Maybe that’s not acceptable here?

A saying comes to mind: You attract more bees with honey than vinigar. I do really appreciate seeing people like minded on this board, makes me feel good that there are a lot who agree with me. However, there are all sorts of people from all different backgrounds in the Catholic church. Growing up with parents that would walk out of a church because they had the tamborine and guitar playing, I come from one who honestly loves the traditions and solemnity of the Church.

Now, after reading many many posts on this board, as well as hearing many many different types of people, I am learning that we need to co-exist. I would love more to come back to the organ, chant, etc. but I realize that is an impossible thing that won’t happen at every Parish. I have even posted a similar thread like you have here, but in my short time here (what… a month, two months?), I have done what I could to change to a more proactive approach.

So, like I was saying before, I have decided to volunteer my time with my Parish to help our music director make sure we keep the traditions in our church. I appreciate her adding some things in Latin, I appreciate the use of old pre 1900s hymns. I have emailed her telling her that, and offered up my services to help her continue the transition into making even more beautiful music at our church.

We can always complain (I have done my share of it too), but I have learned that action means so much more. Get active with a church, offer and show your support for traditional music, make it happen. We all have that power to do that, or at least show our interest. It’s a much better use of our time.

 

[whipp711]

All good posts people. I do understand the hassles that are directed at the music minister and Priest. Can only please half the people less than half the time. Tough jobs. Even when I cringe at some of the music I hear at Mass, I still think highly of the volunteers doing their dead level best. I keep them in my prayers and thoughts.

I think where my thinking heads off in a different direction is when the music ministery starts intruding on the liturgy. Our parish allows The Word to be sliced and diced to fit the music of Dan Schutte, rather than the music fitting the Gloria.

In going from Parish to Parish, it does appear that Catholicism is dividing its forms or worship into smaller liturgical practices, which caters to a select Catholic clientele. It would be prudent to hold on to some forms of worship for us traditionalist. Just thinking out loud here.

 

[kozlosap]

The 7:30 mass at my huge parish was designated the “organ music” liturgy. It was wonderful. Sadly, our organist broke his hip and can no longer climb up the two flights to the organ. Even in a city of over one million we are having trouble finding a replacement. My Dear Brother-In-Law plays the organ and even built one from supplies he purchased in Austria, but alas, he is a Calvinist AND a neurosurgeon, so my preferred plan didn’t work out! I miss the traditional organ music greatly. The piano banging at the front of the sancuary just isn’t the same.

 

[Jon_S_1]

All good posts people. I do understand the hassles that are directed at the music minister and Priest. Can only please half the people less than half the time. Tough jobs. Even when I cringe at some of the music I hear at Mass, I still think highly of the volunteers doing their dead level best. I keep them in my prayers and thoughts.

I think where my thinking heads off in a different direction is when the music ministery starts intruding on the liturgy. Our parish allows The Word to be sliced and diced to fit the music of Dan Schutte, rather than the music fitting the Gloria.

In going from Parish to Parish, it does appear that Catholicism is dividing its forms or worship into smaller liturgical practices, which caters to a select Catholic clientele. It would be prudent to hold on to some forms of worship for us traditionalist. Just thinking out loud here.

We have 5 Sunday masses. Each one has a different musical style. Some have a choir, some a single cantor, one a praise band, one a simple guitar/piano combo with cantor.

I think that’s the way to go if resources allow. If they don’t, then it’s pastors discretion and we try and learn to appreciate a foreign style in worship

 

[kozlosap]

We have 5 Sunday masses. Each one has a different musical style. Some have a choir, some a single cantor, one a praise band, one a simple guitar/piano combo with cantor.

I think that’s the way to go if resources allow. If they don’t, then it’s pastors discretion and we try and learn to appreciate a foreign style in worship

Great idea about the way your parish does music! Are you in SoCal or Florida? If you are in SoCal, have you been to the new, albiet old, Cathedral? I cant wait to go to mass there when i visit my daughter in the LA area and are down in Orange County.