RE: Tom/Instruments
            QUESTION from Marcia on December 18, 2003

RE: approved musical instruments from tom posted December 1, 2003 Tom means well; most people just need to read the church documents and learn what is and isn't permitted into the HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS and why; I had to! As both a former Contemporary Giuitarist & Current Organist, I can say that the "Contemporary" serves man while Organ is "exclusive" to the church, hence, immediately calling the mind towards heaven. Music played badly by any musician on any instrument is always a burden. I agree with your comments, Jacob, that it's better not have any instruments, rather than putting in secular instruments to counter a poor organist. Two wrongs don't make it right. Singing is always the first order in music; the voice was made to praise God. Our duty is to the PRAISE & ADORATION of THE MOST HOLY TRINITY; we honor Mary and the saints; NOT OUR OWN PREFERENCES. MODERNISM seeks to constantly CHANGE; TRADITION maintains focus and order. It wasn't without much human difficulty that I chose to "hang up" the Contemporary Instruments and take to the organ and Sacred Music (which does NOT include secular, Protestant, or banal/incorrect Contemporary Catholic Songs, and there are MANY played in all Catholic Churches.) I struggle with my Pastor constantly over the lack of Latin which he dislikes, the promotion of "kiddie tunes" and other "Haugen-nonsense." I'd rather sing good quality, sacred liturgical hymns WITH the congregation, rather than go back to pleasing the "audience" and "myself" by "giggin' with the Folk Group." Alas; 'tis difficult to find a church obedient to Rome and not themselves. I encourage ALL MUSICIANS to pray "THE NOVENA FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE SACRED LITURGY" found on Adoremus.org "All for THEE, Eucharistic Heart of Jesus; All for THEE!" -Marcia