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Honestly, you all have my sympathy. My archdiocese has been blessed with a very conservative, orthodox bishop from the Holy Father's inner circle. Among other things, ALL Tabernacles have been ordered to the foot of the Crucifix in each church. The only exceptions are if it is on a side altar visible in all parts of the church. Many parishes who had already made renovations were furious, but too bad.

Church renovations in this archdiocese must be approved by the Chancery. All contractors have to be bonded and approved. Other than the "reconciliation rooms" and removal of the Communion Rails, I haven't seen anything completely objectionable of late. I can't say the same of the previous regime.

The music around here has definitely improved, but it's spotty. We've gone from guitars to pianos, which wouldn't be so bad if the pianists had any artistic ability. Most of them are frustrated pop band people trying to sing and play bad imitation pop. The archbishop is working on at least being sure there is an organ in each church - whether or not they are used is another question. St. Francis Xavier, the church at SLU where all the Jesuit crap started, to my knowledge, still doesn't have one. The old one was HUGE with all these big pipes. They're talking $1.5 mil to replace it. Now the organ loft is the "band set". They do have a beautiful Steinway Concert Grand, but when they did the renovation, they put non-acoustical tile on the floor and the sound dies.

As for "Song Number announcements" - I don't like it, I've never liked it and never will. And if musicians can't act with dignity on the altar they should not be there. Put them back up in the choir and organ lofts where they belong, not in the front.

Oh, my, Des...we have no "choir loft." Too separatist, don't you know?

Nope, we've got a "music ministry" section. It is right up front next to the altar. The "music ministry" has a better seat in the house than the tabernacle. And while the choir clearly has some talented individuals, they are encouraged to sway and clap whilst singing (bad songs).

Next year my son will receive his First Holy Communion. I plan to at least be on the planning committee for that, and I hope to be the Chairman. At least that way I can rest assured that it won't turn into a circus. Wish me luck.

Regards,