I was nearly in tears as I received Holy Communion. It was a beautiful Mass.
Now if we only had your choir’s music instead of our pre-recorded music — if you want to call it that.
De Musica Sacra (1958):60 c) Finally, only instruments which are personally played by a performer are to be used in the sacred liturgy, not those which are played mechanically or automatically.
71. The use of automatic instruments and machines, such as the automatic organ, phonograph, radio, tape or wire recorders, and other similar machines, is absolutely forbidden in liturgical functions and private devotions, whether they are held inside or outside the church, even if these machines be used only to transmit sermons or sacred music, or to substitute for the singing of the choir or faithful, or even just to support it.
However, such machines may be used, even inside the church, but not during services of any kind, whether liturgical or private, in order to give the people a chance to listen to the voice of the Supreme Pontiff or the local Ordinary, or the sermons of others. These mechanical devices may be also be used to instruct the faithful in Christian doctrine or in the sacred chant or hymn singing; finally they may be used in processions which take place outside the church, as a means of directing, and supporting the singing of the people.
If your parish wants help with getting live music under way, contact Jeffrey Tucker at the Church Music Association of America. He has given talks at our church and he is more than ready to help your parish with resources (many of them free!), seminars, etc.
There is plenty of easy music out there that a pickup choir could negotiate, and that a congregation could sing. I don't know who started the rumor that chant is hard -- the more elaborate chants for scholas are difficult but there are easy, easy chants for congregations (Missa de Angelis and so forth).
If you put out the call for singers, you may be surprised how many pop up. Is there an organ in your loft? If not, an electronic keyboard (set to something authentic sounding and gentle) will do in a pinch. All you need is somebody to set the pitch, and if they can actually play a keyboard they can gently support the singing.