Music in Our Liturgy, Part 1

Dear parishioners,

It has become incumbent on me to address the subject of Music in our Liturgy. First, I must express my gratitude to all who have served our parish, in the music ministry, for many years. Your years of hard work, and your willingness to share your gifts and artistry with our parishioners for many years is greatly appreciated. I thank the pastors who preceded me for the work they did to either preserve or improve the patrimony of our liturgical music over the years. Your labors are greatly appreciated. To our liturgical musicians, past and present, your labor of love in God’s vineyard is deeply appreciated. I know it is not easy having to deal with rejection, negative comments, disapproval, and sometimes vitriol from priests and parishioners alike, but your dedication to the beauty of the liturgy was apparent, and very much appreciated. You did, and are doing your best. Life often comes with a mixture of joy and pain. But pain embraced for the right reasons is redemptive.

Since I first arrived at St. Thérèse, Little Flower, as Pastor, I have continued to receive complaints, concerns, cries, anger, and every emotion you can think of, as it pertains to the state of music in our liturgy. I have had people tell me they did not want to come to Mass because the music was ‘mournful’ and they preferred to either stay away from Mass or go somewhere else. There were some who said the music did not help them pray well.

I also received high praise for the style of music used in our liturgy from some parishioners and visitors. They said the chants and music helped them step away from the busy and noisy world and enter into a sacred space where their hearts could listen to God speak to them and they could communicate with God without distractions. These parishioners commended our liturgy, especially the music.

As Pastor, I listened to all these concerns and comments with both joy and pain in my heart for how my spiritual sons and daughters were feeling when they came to Mass. I found myself in a dilemma of how to satisfy the needs of both those who were in favor of and those who were opposed to the music in our liturgy. I could see the sincere pain in the eyes of some, and I could hear the many unspoken words. At the same time I could see the expression of joy and satisfaction in the eyes of some as well. This dilemma was however not helped by the fact that there are many parishes around town where parishioners thought their music was more welcoming and inviting.

To those who did not find the music welcoming and uplifting, I hear your concern. Your feelings are legitimate. They speak of your desire to be part of the liturgy and to participate as best you can. This is what the Second Vatican Council encouraged - full, conscious and active participation of the people at the liturgy. You are not called to watch the priest or liturgical ministers perform, while you remain in your pews as passive participants. Your desire to participate by singing is a very laudable desire, and must be encouraged.

We have made some changes here and there to accommodate some suggestions received. Even though I know that opinions differ on what is the ideal music for the liturgy, there are however certain expectations for how the liturgy should be celebrated. The popular understanding of many today is that music is added to the Mass so people can praise God. But in the original understanding of the church, we sing the Mass and not add singing to the Mass. The Church’s highest form of prayer deserves the best of preparation and execution. This explains why the subject of music in the liturgy is one that is fraught with so much emotions. Catholics want the liturgy to be not just another gathering, but a sacred assembly.

I will be addressing this subject as it concerns our parish in the bulletin and email. I will integrate the teachings of the church, without necessarily making it an academic enterprise. I want this to be as accessible and comprehensible as possible. I also intend to speak about this at our weekend liturgies in the coming weeks. Please welcome my effort as that of a pastor who listens to his flock and wants the best for all. I ask you to pray with me and be open to the Holy Spirit as he leads us on the path to right worship (Orthodoxy).

With blessings from my heart!