Hi Mike,

Historically, the Church has incorporated various cultural expressions into Her worship. The classic hymns which we sing in traditional liturgies, were once considered modern and popular.

That said, much of the popular Praise and Worship music is composed and performed by non-Catholic Christians.

This, in and of itself, does not disqualify its use in a Catholic context. Some of the hymns we sing were also composed by Protestants. Case in point:

• Amazing Grace, and
• How Great Thou Art

Nevertheless, the music minister must be careful in selecting music where the lyrics may promote non-Catholic theological understandings.

For the most part, contemporary Praise and Worship, is simply Scripture (predominantly the Psalms) set to more modern melodies and have more contemporary beats. These songs or choruses normally don't present a problem, however, there are some Contemporary Praise choruses that present doctrinal problems and shouldn't be used.

In so far as the music being a motivation for Mass attendance, I'm not sure whether the music should be the primary motivation. Our youth (and indeed, all the laity) need to be properly instructed in exactly what Catholic worship is all about. The Mass is Christ's Sacrifice and Resurrection made present to us. At the Mass, we are united to the Liturgy taking place in Heaven. Our motivation ought to be participating in this Mystery. Moreover, Catholic worship involves participating in God's Divine nature through the grace of the Sacrament. At Communion, we receive Our Lord sacramentally present under the appearance of Bread and Wine.

As it relates to the music used in Liturgy, there are two very valid schools of thought:

1. Some argue that music used in Liturgy ought to be different than the music you hear on the radio; the point being, the music ought to remind us of something other-worldly.
   
   
2. Some would argue that music is a very powerful teaching tool. When someone can:

• relate to the melody
• sing it easily, and
• find it catchy

the music is likely to stay with them once they've left the liturgy. Such melodies will ring in a person's ears as they go about their daily business. Hence, the melody serves as a constant reminder of the lyric and, therefore, reinforces what we believe.

These two schools of thought are not irreconcilable. It is possible to make contemporary music sound ethereal. They key is: music ministers need to be just that, music ministers and not performers. They are not giving a concert, rather their function is to lead the congregation into the presence of the Lord. Hence, the singers and musicians must themselves be worshiping with their voices and their instruments.

The tendency of singers and musicians to perform is not limited to contemporary praise teams. I've heard plenty of cantors and choirs perform, rather than worship.

If you think about it, a Cantor, a Choir, or a Contemporary Praise Team, are nothing but a kind of Lector or Minister of the Word. The only difference is that the Word is set to music.

The problem is: this principle is not taught. Mostly Choirs and praise teams are composed of people who like to sing and since they are Catholics, the choir or Music Ministry is an outlet for talent. I'm not blaming the individuals. As the Prophet Hosea wrote:

My people perish for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

These folks have never been instructed in what praise and worship is. They are not told they are a minister, so don't understand their responsibility.

Finally, music also boils down to a matter of taste. What makes it easier for one person to worship, could be a distraction to others.

I hope this helps,

John DiMascio

Mike,

I'm a music director for a Catholic parish, so I can give you my experience.

Praise and worship music is often used in Masses for the young, and even some regular parish Masses. Typically, the parish priest gives the OK for what is considered appropriate. Generally, the Bishop does not micro-manage the parish affairs though if a problem was surfacing, he may intervene. What is ultimately desired is active participation, and if the music engenders that, then it works (provided it is not developing into a concert).

Praise and worship music certainly can enhance the Mass if done well, but some people are not accustomed to it and may find it too charismatic for their taste. Traditional music is still very relevant and I don't see it being abandoned any time soon.

Peace,

Bob Kirby

Mike,

Praise and worship music is of many sorts. Whether orthodox in lyrics or not (and much of it, is not), nearly all of it is modeled after a secular form. There is the:

• faux folk form
• the Broadway form
• the 70's wall of sound/soft rock form
• and others, including varieties of jazz, from torch songs to blues.

Composers consciously imitate these forms, many of which are not suitable for Mass. The music is derivative, and usually out of date by the time it is incarnated as liturgical music. The forms may be suitable for praise and worship as in a prayer group, camp meeting, or any gathering of Christians (like a Protestant service), but they sometimes conflict with the nature of the Mass.

Pope Benedict has been trying to get people to focus on the nature of the Mass and the nature of sacred music, especially sacred music for the Mass. The Mass is an action, not a program punctuated by performances or by self-expression. The music at Mass should express and enhance the action, the work of the people (the meaning of Liturgy), and reflect the meaning of the parts and of the day.

Personally, I wish that we gathered to sing and pray more often than just at Mass, so that many kinds of music would have a place.

Hope this helps,

Mary Ann