That said, I think it would be good for you to start to obediently try to do what the Church prefers, rather than what She allows.
Why should people in a parish be deprived of the organ? Obviously cathedrals should have the best program, but I think that ought to be centered on daily capitular Mass & office (which we do not have in these USA). Parishes should have sung/solemn Mass and office at least on Sundays and feasts. Were there even attempts to make things more even we would have a far different scenario.
5) If you have a pastor who has unaccompanied singing as the default position, since you've been given this gift, why not use it? Encourage the congregation to sing, to hear itself honoring God.
This parish appears a strong and true example of this statement. I applaud you for the role that you are taking on and the call that you are answering in this church. You appear to desire what all of us church musicians should desire: Using music to glorify God. I remember when I had a church choir that didn't have any electricity to the sound system and they decided to do the mass a capella and the whole congregation sang because they knew it was a necessity. This might not be the case in your church once you introduce instruments, however, you could include a quote in the front of your hymnals or have the cantor announce that before the mass. Also, you could occasionally do hymns a capella just to reinforce the principle. Thank you so much for answering God's calling and looking for music to glorify God even more. I pray for you and your vocation in this wonderful endeavour.If you don't want to sing, you should come out of yourself and sing because God gave you a voice, so He deserves to hear it.
take up the sackbut and teach three others in the congregation to do the same
I have come to believe, and firmly, that if people are willing to abide or argue for an orchestral Mass, then they should also be willing to abide and argue for a Mass which makes us of a guitar in some way.
Ken,
No, actually, they don't. That's ok, because even a small orchestra is better than a guitar.
I have the perfect solution to allow you to play the organ.
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