Deacon Gary Kappler
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
- Is it proper for a member of the choir to greet the congregation and announce the number(s) for songs, if they are posted elsewhere?
- Where can I find a document that addresses this issue?
Thank you,
Deacon Gary
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{
Is it proper for a choir member to greet the congregation and announce the song numbers? }
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Mary Ann replied:
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Dear Deacon Gary —
Yes, it is improper for the choir member to greet the congregation officially. He can say good morning and announce the number of the song, but it is tacky even to do that.
Nevertheless, show business culture has taken over. I have seen number boards taken out so that someone can have the job of announcing numbers, which interferes with the Mass.
Mary Ann
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Deacon Gary replied:
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Thanks Mary Ann,
- Could someone give me an official reference?
I was certain it was improper, however I would like to cite an official rubric or liturgy document.
Thanks for your assistance.
Deacon Gary
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Mike replied:
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Hi, Deacon Gary —
Try these.
I didn't see anything specific but just briefly scanned them.
Take note of numbers 14 and 26, in the first document, under I. Some General Norms.
- Musicam Sacram from the Congregation for Divine Worship Instruction On Music In
The Liturgy, March 5, 1967.
[Vatican][EWTN]
- Sacrosanctum Concilium Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 1963, and
[Vatican][EWTN]
- Musicae Sacrae (On Sacred Music) Pope Pius XII December 25, 1955
[Vatican][EWTN]
Hope this helps,
Mike
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Mike followed-up later:
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Hi, Gary —
I also found this resource from the USCCB, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Hope this helps,
Mike
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Deacon Gary replied:
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Hi, Mike —
I have also tried some additional research. There are many interesting views on this subject.
One thing I ran across, and it is the case in our parish, is the choir is up front facing the congregation which takes away from all moving prayer forward, with the focus on the altar, the place of sacrifice. (A case for the priest to turn towards the crucifix with his back to the congregation especially during the Canon)
We also have the armpits in the air signaling the time to join in song. Our congregation is middle class white with a couple of exceptions but everyone who wants to sing, knows when to, and they do not need a gesture.
Another tidbit that our pastor allows, is during the prayer of consecration. The choir does not kneel (we do have room) and many times I look over, there is paper shuffling or whispering going on.
I just turned 60 and being a cradle Catholic, I seem to get more confused about this faith of ours the older I get. Being an ordained Deacon and seeing abuses is troubling, and I am limited to how much effective input I can have. With the correspondence I received from you and Mary Ann,
I suggested to our young choir leader, if it is not in the book, don't do it in a nice way. She's a very talented young lady who replied that it is important that they are prayerful but not show casing.
Thanks for your information. I am often reluctant to offer a point of view, not wanting to cause ill feelings.
Thanks,
Deacon Gary
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Mike replied:
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Hi,
Deacon Gary —
You said:
Another tidbit that our pastor allows, is during the prayer of consecration. The choir does not kneel (we do have room) and many times I look over, there is paper shuffling or whispering going on.
I just turned 60 and being a cradle Catholic, I seem to get more confused about this faith of ours the older I get.
That is very sad. I feel so strong, as the Vatican does, about kneeling during the consecration.
In my opinion, if you have the room to kneel, you should. Making or not making these physical gestures, affect the degree to which we believe, because, hopefully we should be asking ourselves internally:
- Why am I kneeling?
- Why am I standing?
- Why am I bowing?
So, over time, our gestures affect our level of faith.
Finally, I encourage you not to get confused about our faith; the faith is solid because Jesus is the Root of our Faith. The members of the Church though can be weak and frail. Keep praying for your pastor and the members of your choir.
I would encourage a period of holy silence after receiving the Eucharist, even if it just for a few minutes; my previous pastor had 10 minutes of Holy Silence after daily Mass!
. . . but my current pastor trashed the idea.
Mike
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Deacon Gary replied:
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Thanks,
Bless you in your work.
Deacon Gary
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