[ConservativeMind]

I find it funny that Catholics seem to place so much importance on how esthetically pleasing things should look in their churches, while some of these same Catholics, when asked why their songbooks lack the beautiful sorts of songs Protestants have (i.e.-Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, etc.) claim, “Well, we don’t believe people should enjoy their music, but instead enjoy God.”

I’ve actually had a couple Catholics say that to me. That the Catholic church specifically keeps songs that sound unpleasing to the ear on purpose.

[al_c]

A couple of Catholics told you that? And that's what led you to the conclusion that "Catholics seem to place so much importance on how esthetically pleasing things should look in their churches, while some of these same Catholics, when asked why their songbooks lack the beautiful sorts of songs Protestants have (i.e.-Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, etc.) claim, “Well, we don’t believe people should enjoy their music, but instead enjoy God.”

Generalizing on what 2 people say. Interesting.

FWIW, in my Catholic parish, those songs you listed are in our song books along with many other beautiful songs.

[radiohead]

Many years ago, I wanted to be in the school choir. This was at a Catholic elementary school (1-8 grade) and the school choir also sang at Mass and special Masses. It was about as cool as you could be, given the circumstances.

Sister told me no girls could be in the choir because the female voice was not pleasing to God. Yup. Might as well have been a freakin’ Muzlim.

[sayuncledave]

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but those ARE in the missals in my parish, from one of the major publishers of missals in the country. There is, however, a reason that we don’t generally sing them. They do not espouse Catholic theology. Speaking only for myself, I’m not too fond of the music I usually hear at Novus Ordo Masses. I’m much more fond of the music I hear at Tridentine Latin Masses. That’s just me. I will add, and this is not any sort of a sleight, that, in Mass, we aren’t singing for ourselves. We sing to give glory to the Lord, where it is due. I can, and, in the right circumstances, do, enjoy some of the protestant hymns. They simply aren’t appropriate for a Catholic Mass. No offense meant, whatsoever. Now, as to esthetics, I will always favor non-modern architectures. I am a traditionalist, to the bone. I have participated in Mass at churches of almost any architectural style you can think of. Whether or not the architecture suits me, I am there for Mass, not to criticize the choice in columns.
On a separate note, major kudos to your priest, mware. Beautiful altar displays, well captured.

[mware]

When our retired Monsignor passed away earlier this year, he had request 3 songs specifically in his will,

Amazing Grace, Eternal Father Strong To Save, and Be Not Afraid.

[ArrogantBustard]

The Oregon Catholic Press, to which too many Catholics subjected, is execrable. Oddly, some of the composers featured in its publications aren't Catholic. Marty Haugen, for example, is Lutheran. Additionally, many of them specifically write "non-denominational" music, which then goes on to infest protestant congregations.

Catholics Pastors and musicians who actually care about music have other options.

St Michael Hymnal

Adoremus Hymnal

[Ransomed]

“I find it funny that Catholics seem to place so much importance on how esthetically pleasing things should look in their churches”

Liberal Catholics think it’s funny too.

Freegards

[vladimir998]

You wrote:

“I find it funny that Catholics seem to place so much importance on how esthetically pleasing things should look in their churches, while some of these same Catholics, when asked why their songbooks lack the beautiful sorts of songs Protestants have (i.e.-Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, etc.) claim, “Well, we don’t believe people should enjoy their music, but instead enjoy God.””

Sorry, but what you’re saying is complete bunk. Some parishes have beautiful music - much better than 98% of Protestant parishes. especially if they have this as their songbook: http://www.archive.org/details/westminsterhymna00londuoft

And honestly, although Amazing Grace is loved by many people, I don’t want any Protestant songs no matter how well lovedin my parish. We never sing any Protestants songs - EVER. Everything is strictly Catholic. We have a Latin schola for men and a girls’ choir. Both are excellent. We sing/chant most of the Mass. Most Protestants who come to our parish love our music and many stay and become Catholic!

“I’ve actually had a couple Catholics say that to me. That the Catholic church specifically keeps songs that sound unpleasing to the ear on purpose.”

And that’s untrue. And Church that INVENTED Gregorian Chant would obviously love beautiful music. The problem is - as so often - Catholics acting like Protestants. Thank goodness we never have that at my parish. I can’t thank God enough for the parish I have.

[dangus]

Usually, the official reason Protestant songs are rejected is because they contain problematic theology. Of course, given the meaningless drivel that is used in its place (”Let Us Build City of God” appears to directly contradict St. Augustine, although isn’t heresy only because it’s so meaningless), that’s hard to believe. But FWIW, Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art are in just about every Catholic hymnal I’ve ever seen, although How Great Thou Art is seldom used..