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To: dsc
You know, the Church was not founded at VAT II.

I knew the VAT I church as well, and frankly there was not a lot of singing going on at my Parish, I don't know about other places. Most people don't know the difference between good music and tripe, but if they are singing in Praise to God, it doesn't really matter to them.

I've attended Latin Mass as an adult, and it doesn't hold that much fascination for me. I do like the old Latin hyms, but wouldn't want a steady diet of them. A lot of the modern music is silly to me, but others like it, and it enhances their worship of God. Isn't that what music is supposed to do? They aren't looking for hidden meanings in the words; they just sing and while doing so 'pray twice'!

29 posted on 09/24/2004 5:28:59 AM PDT by SuziQ (Bush in 2004-Because we MUST!!!)
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To: SuziQ

“Most people don't know the difference between good music and tripe”

Don’t they? You have a pretty low opinion of “most people,” don’t you?

“but if they are singing in Praise to God, it doesn't really matter to them.”

It’s irrelevant whether it matters “to them” or not. What is central is whether it matters objectively, as a question of Truth.

It does.

“A lot of the modern music is silly to me, but others like it, and it enhances their worship of God. Isn't that what music is supposed to do?”

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, a thousand times no, that is NOT what music is supposed to do.

Music is supposed to EXALT us in a way that only great art can do.

“They aren't looking for hidden meanings in the words; they just sing”

I can’t get over how you seem to think of “most people” as ignorant and mindless.


31 posted on 09/24/2004 5:38:26 AM PDT by dsc
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To: SuziQ
A lot of the modern music is silly to me, but others like it, and it enhances their worship of God. Isn't that what music is supposed to do? They aren't looking for hidden meanings in the words; they just sing and while doing so 'pray twice'!

Like most people this is true. I agree though, I prefer to sing at Mass, I think the problem is a bit deeper.

People claim ownership of various ministries, and are deaf to criticism. When you comment on a "silly song" the rest of the criticisms made are lost on the person, who are you to tell them what to do in "their" ministry. Personally, I would eliminate the word Ministry, and tell them it is a JOB. The serve at the pleasure of the Pastor, and many forget that fact.

There was an alternate 9AM Mass at my Church, for "overflow". We were blessed with having two Priests available for the second Mass. There we didn't have the "folk" choir singing, we had the organ and a guy playing and singing, it wasn't the huge Pipe organ that sits idle for 9AM, it is a little "practice" organ.

The overflow Mass was packed to the brim. The main Mass had seats open. People were mad when we had to go to the main Church.

Recently, the group got moved to the back, up in the loft (where they should be) and they are using the nice Organ as well, but the overflow Mass is no longer possible.

I agree with you about singing at Latin Mass, I prefer the Tridentine sometimes, but there are many reasons to prefer the Novus Ordo. I think the participation of the Faithful is important, and is forced by the Novus Ordo. I disagree about the music being the central place for the Mass, it is an enhancement to Mass. If people are worshiping more devoutly by singing a song that is theologically correct even though it may be banal, then that is a good thing. Unfortunately, "God of Day and God of Darkness" has many serious theological flaws.
33 posted on 09/24/2004 5:53:40 AM PDT by Dominick ("Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought." - JP II)
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To: SuziQ; Desdemona
and it enhances their worship of God. Isn't that what music is supposed to do?

Nope.

Properly understood, liturgical music should "glorify God and raise the minds and hearts of the Faithful to God." (Pius X, Tra le Soll.)

Your understanding is elliptical, not aligned with the definition.

78 posted on 09/24/2004 2:57:16 PM PDT by ninenot (Minister of Membership, TomasTorquemadaGentlemen'sClub)
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