Liturgical developments
  • ScapularScapular
    Posts: 8
    Reading the 3rd ed. of the Roman Missal on the subject of the Communion Chant I continue to see that the Mass that I am attending is nothing at all like that described in the Missal. I really must be niave (deficient of worldly wisdom) to think that we would be the type of people that would follow toward creating such beauty.

    Anyway, on one thread I noticed some considerable expertise regarding the status of the translation and implementation (at least in writing) of various changes and developments in liturgical rubrics and music.

    I am wondering if you-all would consider a Category like "Rubrics and Status" where one could gather understanding about the plans and progress of the Church regarding the availability and implementation of the elements and resources that come together to support the likes of Sacrosanctum Concilium.

    This is a rich topic and one that suffers from strong head winds. I have had to extensively educate myself to have reasonable discussions with those who think the Mass is for pop entertainment value.

    Thanks!
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    I was going to post something based on your last sentence, but then I remembered that I recently proposed not to do so.
  • SkirpRSkirpR
    Posts: 854
    I was going to post something based on your last sentence, but then I remembered that I recently proposed not to do so.


    @cgz, I hope you're not talking about my suggestion to you from another thread regarding discussing congregational singing. If you're talking about something else, then ignore this. But if you are, I think then I'm confused - becaused I don't see how congregational singing = pop entertainment value. Maybe your perception is that it does, but that's never really been my perception.
  • bkenney27bkenney27
    Posts: 444
    I was actually wondering if there was a LITURGY forum similar to this one. I have often had liturgy questions that I have had to refrain from posting here because this is a Sacred MUSIC forum, hahaha. But perhaps a category, or a spin-off forum about Liturgy would be helpful!
  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,325
    I think you would probably be safe to post your liturgical questions here, BK. There's a wealth of knowledge in this forum, and I bet someone could at least point you in the right direction, if not answer your question straightaway.
    Thanked by 1francis
  • BenBen
    Posts: 3,114
    Go ahead and post liturgical questions here! Many of us here are pretty knowledgeable in that area too. I know for me, I MC masses with my Bishop regularly...
  • ryandryand
    Posts: 1,640
    The forum name isn't a limiting and binding contract. This is the first place I look for answers for liturgical questions.
  • Scott_WScott_W
    Posts: 468
    I was going to post something based on your last sentence, but then I remembered that I recently proposed not to do so.


    I'll do it. I'm one of the ardent "Death to all things pop!" guys here, but while I can call for Sodom & Gomorrah-like destruction on the Gather hymnal, pianos, guitars, rainsticks, djembe and the entire Haugen/Hass oeuvre with the best of them, I've never once thought, said, or implied the defenders of it "think the Mass is for pop entertainment value". I just think they're wrong, misguided, and have a white-knuckled monopolistic stranglehold on liturgical music. I've never thought they were deliberately malicious. :)
    Thanked by 5ScottKChicago ryand Mad_Dan_Eccles Adam Wood TheUbiquitous
  • CHGiffenCHGiffen
    Posts: 5,193
    ... a white-knuckled monopolistic stranglehold on liturgical music. I've never thought they were deliberately malicious.

    Just greedy? power hungry?
  • Adam WoodAdam Wood
    Posts: 6,482
    while I can call for Sodom & Gomorrah-like destruction on the Gather hymnal, pianos, guitars, rainsticks, djembe


    Clearly you've never heard the Gregorian repertoire sung with its original and authentic Afro-Caribbean percussion accompaniment (from the Nova Ohmagahd Harmonia)
  • bkenney27bkenney27
    Posts: 444
    Oh, I'm sure most of us have above average understanding of liturgy by default so I have no doubt any questions could be answered. Just didn't want to abuse the boards if they were meant for sacred music. Thanks for the clarification! I'll feel better posting the occasional liturgy question now. :)
  • hartleymartin
    Posts: 1,447
    It's pretty hard to separate sacred music and the liturgy. I've basically found that if you're going to be a church musician, you need to know about the liturgy in order to do your job properly.

    If you want to read up on how things are done, there are two very good books I can recommend: "Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite" and "Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year" both written by Peter Elliot, who is now the Bishop of Wollongong. Just be sure to get the most recent editions, which account for changes made in the 3rd Typical Edition of the Roman Missal.

    I also have copies of the Harper-Collins Weekday and Sunday Missals. These are intended as a combination hand-missal and lectionary, but the Weekday missal also includes the GIRM, which is essential reading. They form a handy reference book for liturgy planning, as I will know the Introits, Communions, Responsorial Psalms and Readings. The Antiphons and Readings are important for helping you to chose suitable hymns, where they are being used in the liturgy, and I often find that the Gospel reading of the day inspires the choice of text for a motet.

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