Worship style
I've read enough posts to understand that you accept only masses using a traditional worship style with traditional hymn books and instruments, and that this is due to church laws. I'm having a hard time understanding this, however. I have been Catholic for only three years and came from a Protestant background where I experienced many worship styles and felt that only those that were very casual, disorderly, and "rock-style" were really irreverant and thus unacceptable to me.
QUESTION from Cheri on March 18, 2004
I do understand why the content of the liturgy must be the same in all churches. But I struggle to understand why it is not okay for churches to have a few differences, too, as long as the reverence is not lost. If the instruments are not rock-style instruments (like electric guitars), and the attitude of the congregation is reverent, and the songs include both hymns and contemporary praise songs that do not conflict doctrinally and are placed correctly within the scheme of the liturgy, why isn't it okay to have a bit different style from some other churches? I attend a church that does these things and whose spiritual life and syle is exuberant and joyous in the Lord while yet always being reverent and orderly (for instance, some people will raise their hands in praise while singing, while still following liturgical customs carefully regarding standing, kneeling, etc.). While I appreciate the quieter, more traditional style, too, this church and its "on-fire" energy (both during Mass and in every other aspect of its parish life) has been an incredible blessing to me and my husband in our transition. The church has always been like this and is deeply valued by our archbishop, as well; in fact, it is a church that is known about by many people all over the country (not that this makes it okay automatically; I'm just saying that it has not been condemned by anyone that I know of, although it has had plenty of opportunity). Thank you for your time and also for this web site! It is a real blessing.
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob L. Slavek on March 23, 2004
|
Dear Cheri, Before I answer your question, I would like to set something straight: it is not correct to say that I only accept "traditional style Mass". It IS correct to say that I only accept Mass as celebrated according to the liturgical rules. Once this has been fulfilled, then I take the next step and say that I PREFER the traditional style when it is allowed for. Okay. It's good to hear that you understand why the content must be the same. With that being understood, you can't forget that the Church does indeed allow for a bit of personal choice on the part of the priest and congregation. These choices are spelled out in the Missal. Also Rome has approved for other larger changes NOT spelled out in the Missal for different countries and cultures. To address your specific questions: there is nothing wrong with contemporary music/hymns as long as they are doctrinally correct, musically reverent and the text has to do with the worship of God or the sanctification of the people. (NOT songs that praise how wonderful we are) It would be wrong to refuse a piece of music simply because it isn't OLD. Raising hands has been addressed and disapproved since it is an action that mimics the priest. It belongs to the priest and not the people. I hope this has been helpful, write back please if there are other things on your mind. Mr. Slavek |