Aug 18

Fourteen Easy Ways to Improve the Liturgy

Arlene Oost-Zinner and Jeffrey Tucker

 

Boredom during the liturgy is something all Catholics have felt from time to time, and it's never justifiable. No matter how mundane the architecture, how dull the homily, or how bad the music, what's taking place on the altar is a miraculous sacrifice that gives us the grace for salvation. That reality should be enough to keep our attention.
 
And yet boredom is a reality that good liturgy can help fight. Many parishes try to do so by inventing every manner of new enticement: brighter and larger banners, forced attempts to create an upbeat environment of friendliness and community, big bowls of incense carried by special ministers, and Donahue-style homiletics.
 
The attempt to jazz up the liturgy usually takes the form of musical enhancements and nearly always means more instruments and rhythms drawn from popular music. The rationale isn't complicated. Liturgists are frustrated that people don't get as excited about religion as they do about the pop divas and music videos, and they conclude that they need ever more musical pyrotechnics to make the difference.
 
But these approaches often backfire since the argument for them is flawed at its root. Community feeling and fun are fine, but if the liturgy doesn't offer a setting conducive to prayer and the contemplation of eternal mysteries, it has failed its first aesthetic aim.
 
In any case, Catholics can't compete with the local evangelical community centers for inspiring a toe-tapping community feeling. A recent Gallup poll of Catholics shows that weekly Mass attendance (45 percent do so) continues to slip, and for the first time has slipped behind Protestant churches (48 percent). The defectors from the Roman rite include those who flee to indults and Eastern liturgies or just drop out.
 
There are many reasons for this (demographic, cultural, and theological) and liturgists don't deserve all the blame. Yet the decline in the desire to attend Mass coincides with the de-emphasis on solemnity and the advance of mundane art forms in liturgy -- the popularization of music being the most conspicuous shift. People may say they love to hold hands, dance, and tap their toes at Mass, but this wears thin over time and eventually undermines the rationale for steady devotion. In fact, a 1981-1989 Notre Dame Study of Catholic Parish Life concluded that unrelenting attempts to get people to sing -- especially attempts that employ guitars -- actually increase boredom.
 
There are, however, ways to break with routine and inspire steadfastness and personal attachment to the liturgy. What follows are 14 very simple steps for repairing the weaknesses that mar many U.S. Catholic liturgies. Professional liturgists resist them because of the prevailing bias against anything that smacks of a pre-Vatican II sensibility. Nonetheless, the following suggestions are born of experience and a conviction that the first aim of liturgy is to aid inner reflection.
 
The suggestions below are simple and costless. They need not be implemented all at once. Small changes week by week will make a huge difference over time.
 
 
1. Turn down the volume.
 
It's hard to imagine this today, but Christian liturgy thrived for 1,950 years without microphones, electronic keyboards, amplifiers, mixers, sound technicians, and surround-sound speakers. These days, conventional guidebooks on liturgy emphasize "proclaiming" and broadcasting one's voice. Cantors use microphones as if they're music-video performers.
 
Beyond just being heard, the goal of all these contraptions and behaviors is to make the liturgy ever louder. The results are more often than not earsplitting, creating a sort of stupor. People feel that they're being imposed upon. Most of this, of course, comes about in reaction against the traditional use of the sotto voce -- the under voice -- which has been derided by modern liturgists as silence or whispering so that the people couldn't hear what was going on. Ironically, experts in the advertising world have found that the low voice actually draws out the attention of the listener.
 
The virtue of silence has been rediscovered in recent years, with numerous statements by the late Pope John Paul II and Vatican officials praising its ability to convey meaning in a noisy world. The musical counterpart to silence is not in-your-face pop but distant sounds of contemplation. Turn down the mikes and sing as if the human voice alone is responsible for filling the space. This will diminish the electronic presence in the liturgy and increase the God-given one as a means through which we are worshiping Him.
 
 
2. Chant for a prelude.
 
If you've ever been to an evangelical service, you know that the ten minutes prior to the service are social time. For Catholics, on the other hand, it's a time for prayer and preparation. Keyboard music is common during this time, but imagine something different: simple Latin chant, sung calmly, without affectation, with silence between verses. The simple sounds inspire prayer. A common objection is that people can't understand the words. Yet this isn't the time for pedagogy. It is a time for reflection, to begin to hear the voice of angels who speak in an unfamiliar tongue. The meaning is conveyed in the line of notes. The holy sounds remind people entering the church that they're in a holy place.
 
 
3. Curb the announcements.
 
In an age when the secular world lays claim to most of our time, making a few announcements has become a pastoral necessity. Sunday Mass is often the only opportunity a pastor has to inform his flock concerning parish and community life. Few are lucky enough to have schedules that permit them to go to daily Mass, much less have their children attend Catholic schools, and gone are the days where the parish or church plays a central role in the life of the village.
 
That being the reality, it's wise to adhere closely to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal's directive, inserting announcements after the liturgy of the Eucharist and before the dismissal, where they have the least chance of interrupting the framework of prayer set up by the liturgy. Welcoming statements from cantors or others before the procession even begins have nothing to do with the rite itself and are most likely utterances contrived for the purpose of artificially engaging the attention of the congregation. Announcements should not be made before Mass begins, save concerning matters absolutely necessary to the people's understanding of that particular Mass itself or other issues prudentially suggested by the pastor.
 
Mass doesn't begin because a cantor gets up and proclaims when, where, and how it is to happen. Mass begins when the priest enters the church, with or without a cross bearer, book bearer, lector, or deacon.
 
 
4. Choose plain, traditional hymns for the processional.
 
The first Christian hymns were Psalms, the text of which was already 500 years old when first used, and the melodies handed down from Jewish and Greek traditions. The principle then is the same today: Hymns should bespeak the long tradition of the faith, whether in Latin or in English, in form or in style. Liturgical music that mimics the sound of secular music should be left outside the church.
 
Singable hymns with familiar meters and cadences will tie members of the congregation together in adoration and prayer and to the experience of the whole body of Christ, in all times and all places. Liturgical music exclusively tied to current times and styles cannot accomplish this. More importantly, the sights and sounds of the Mass, although communal in one sense, must ultimately point the individual conscience to the mystery unfolding on the altar.
 
Processional music can also employ the choir alone, a stately piece of polyphony that lets people put down their hymnbooks and watch as the celebrant and altar servers walk forward carrying the crucifix. People should not be so busy with their hands and eyes that they don't notice this beautiful sight. In any case, liturgists make a great mistake in believing that people come to Mass only because they want to sing or that active participation can only take one form.
 
 
5. Sing the Kyrie.
 
One of the earliest and most recognizable parts of the Mass is not in Latin but Greek: the Kyrie. It has long been a living symbol of the unity of Eastern and Western Christendom. And yet for all the bits of music in the Roman Rite, the "Lord, Have Mercy" is most often said, not sung, by the priest and answered by the people. This beautiful passage of the penitential rite begins and is over in less than a few seconds.
 
The Kyrie seems to have taken on a diminished role in the liturgy, but is it too much to ask that a bit more time be taken in this beautiful expression of penance? If active participation in singing is what we desire, the Kyrie can be easily sung by even the least-musical priest or cantor and answered by the faithful. It can be sung in the original Greek. Everyone knows the words. By introducing new music settings according to the liturgical season, variation can be brought to the Mass. It serves at the outset as a reminder of why we have gathered at Mass as a community.
 
 
6. Choose a plainer Gloria.
 
So many thousands of settings of the Gloria are available today that it's a wonder that most parishes use pop versions filled with frippery and faux exuberance. An about-face is in order toward the simpler settings that can be easily learned and sung by all. A simple, English version can tap into traditional, chant-like sensibilities and do much to restore dignity and beauty to this song of praise.
 
A timeless Latin Gloria remains unmatched for the purpose of praising God in the liturgy. If your parish is one where a Latin ordinary is feared, as is the case in many parishes across the country, there's still something that can be done. Attempting the Gloria in Latin can be part of your reformist plan, but it's best to start on a small scale. Congregations can be easily overwhelmed when faced with something the length of the Gloria. The Latin will come in time, should you choose to keep working toward it.
 
An English Gloria may well fit the needs of the congregation on most occasions. Not to be forgotten, however, is that the General Instruction does permit a Gloria sung by the choir alone. You might want to exercise this option and do a plain Latin Gloria on certain feast days only, or perhaps even pull out all of the stops and do a polyphonic version, if rehearsal time and resources permit.
 
 
7. Fix the Psalm.
 
St. John Chrysostom reports that the Christians sang the Psalms unceasingly, and it was the earliest part of Scripture translated into Latin. Their centrality in Christian worship cannot be overestimated. The development of the sung Psalter is central to the development of all Christian music and music itself. What has happened to the Psalms today? Many settings published today sound like miniature versions of jazz ballads, and they're preprinted in the missalettes, giving the impression that these are an ecclesiastical requirement (they're not).
 
The goal might be the restoration of the Latin Psalter (via the Graduale or the Simplex), but that simply isn't viable at most parishes today, nor is any English rendering of the elaborate Gregorian chant readily available. What is possible is that they be done in radically reduced melodic form, without strange intervals or leaps. A simple line consisting of just a few notes is a fitting transition to using psalm tones or something more elaborate. At first, it might seem intimidating, even downright frightening, to abandon the printed line of music. The method is to sense the need for solemnity, and let the ear guide you.
 
The Psalm should begin not with an instrument but a confident single voice. His or her line of notes should be simple enough to be repeated by the people. The verses themselves should not be sung by the entire choir (which makes them sound muddy) but, again, by a single voice, who should think of it as a sung text. That means the singer must enunciate clearly and modulate the voice in a way that uses the space well.
 
 
8. The Offertory should be a time of preparation.
 
During the offertory, the bread and wine are brought forward to prepare us for the Eucharistic Prayer and the Consecration. The music therefore should not overshadow what follows but rather point to the coming sacrifice and prepare us mentally and spiritually.
 
Something quiet and beautiful (again, employing the human voice) is the way. Have the congregation sing a simple hymn, beginning with accompaniment if necessary, allowing the final verse or two to be sung a capella. The keyboard might be of assistance in getting people to sing, but in the long run, the congregation will become more confident if allowed to experience the beauty and mystery of their own voices joining together in preparation for the feast.
 
The offertory is also a good time to familiarize people with the great Latin hymns of the faith. Over the course of a year, the goal can be to cover only a modest number: Ave Maria, Jesu Dulcis, Ave Maris Stella, Ubi Caritas, Attende Domine, Ave Verum, and seasonal chants like Veni Creator and Regina Caeli. With enough repetition, these can be learned by anyone. They really should become part of the life of faith again.
 
 
9. Reduce and simplify the 'Mystery of Faith' and the 'Great Amen.'
 
The settings of these used in parishes are most commonly those put out by the big publishing houses. They tend to have Broadway-type orchestration, to be overdrawn, and to appear suddenly and without warning. Jarring at best, their drama, distilled into five seconds, can compete with the mystery of the Consecration itself. Simple chants sung by the people in a manner that extends from silent prayer are more appropriate.
 
The "Mystery of Faith" was never separate from the Consecration in the "old" Mass, so there is no authentic precedent to light our way. What can be done, however, is to reduce the "Mystery of Faith" to a single, unrepeated line without accompaniment. For that matter, the Amen need not be "great" but rather just two notes.
 
 
10. Shorten the Sign of Peace.
 
Let's be frank: This part of the liturgy, once very formal and reserved to the deacons and subdeacons, can be disconcerting. The minutes after the consecration just seem like a bad time to be required to greet people with a friendly hello or a kiss. The choir can do something about this. Don't let the Sign of Peace go on and on. Just begin the "Lamb of God" right away. Most people will be grateful.
 
 
11. Begin the communion chant (a simple Latin hymn will do) after the priest receives.
 
What to do while waiting for Communion? In parishes, there is no choice: watch in silence as the celebrant gives Communion to the elite laypeople who have been selected as official "eucharistic ministers." That is just not a pleasant sight, so it's best to introduce some music as a way of diverting attention and turning toward inward prayer. The General Instruction recommends that the communion song begin when the priest receives. So it should. And by the choir alone.
 
 
12. Don't force people to sing during communion.
 
Various attempts have been made over the years to get people to sing while they're standing in line or receiving. But these have been a failure. It is a simple fact that people don't want to sing during communion. Here's the archetype when active participation means something other than singing a song. It means receiving the Body of Christ. This is the perfect time for the choir to develop a sense of singing in a sacred manner, quietly and beautifully. Again, chant and polyphony are best, but don't overlook the possibility of a quiet organ piece as well. It should be prayerful, not boisterous. Mostly, people will be glad just to be left alone.
 
 
13. Allow for silence after communion.
 
One of the remarkable aesthetic aspects of the Roman rite is how quickly and suddenly it ends. Only a few minutes pass between the reception of Communion and the time of departure. This is a wonderful time for silence: no music, announcements, children's blessings, or anything. Just prayer.
 
 
14. Don't attempt a rousing good-bye.
 
Mass ends with the words "The Mass is ended," so nothing that happens after that should upstage what came before. The recessional, which is not mandatory, can be exuberant, of course. But many parishes have the problem of a great deal of talking and saying hello taking place after Mass, and upbeat recessionals can only make the problem worse. If the goal is to send people out into the world with a sense of what just took place, a recessional that recalls the quiet power of the whole liturgy is best.
 
 
More Elaborate Suggestions
 
There are other methods for enhancing the sense of solemnity, which really means creating sights and sounds that remind people they're in church. The choir can be in an inauspicious place. Carpet can be pulled up to eliminate the deadness in a room that compels the use of microphones. Traditional polyphony is a great way to add texture to a liturgy dominated by chant. Starting a children's choir is an investment in the future generation of singers and can dispel the impression that Latin is anachronistic or unsingable. Tacky banners can be taken down and replaced with beautiful art and statues from Christian history.
 
All of these changes help a liturgy become rooted in the broad range of Christian experience through the ages and convey the sense that the individual is part of something far larger than one parish or one age.
 
Catholic liturgy, by its nature and structure, cannot provide an imitation form of popular entertainment any more than the rock concert can suitably provide a good medium to encourage a sense of penance and the presence of the sacred. The unrelenting attempt to try and try again can have the unintended effect of causing people to feel manipulated. What's more, the clamor for ever more innovative liturgical enticements is wholly unnecessary.
 
The General Instruction is a worthy guide for achieving solemnity at Mass, and 2,000 years of tradition provide experience enough to prove it. Further proof comes when the liturgy again begins to spark the spiritual imagination and reminds us why we're there.
 
 
 
Musical Reminders from the General Instruction Purpose
 
The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord's coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart's joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus Saint Augustine says rightly, "Singing is for one who loves." There is also the ancient proverb: "One who sings well prays twice."
 
 
Goal
 
[All elements of the Mass] should form a complete and organic unity, clearly expressive of the unity of the entire holy people. The character and beauty of the place and all its appointments should foster devotion and show the holiness of the mysteries celebrated there.
 
 
Style
 
All other things being equal, Gregorian chant holds pride of place because it is proper to the Roman liturgy. Other types of sacred music, in particular polyphony, are in no way excluded, provided that they correspond to the spirit of the liturgical action and that they foster the participation of all the faithful.
 
 
Assembly
 
Since the faithful from different countries come together ever more frequently, it is fitting that they know how to sing together at least some parts of the Ordinary of the Mass in Latin…
 
 
Choir/Cantor
 
Among the faithful, the schola cantorum or choir exercises its own liturgical function, ensuring that the parts proper to it, in keeping with the different types of chants, are properly carried out and fostering the active participation of the faithful through the singing. It is fitting that there be a cantor or a choir director to lead and sustain the people's singing. When in fact there is no choir, it is up to the cantor to lead the different chants, with the people taking part.
 
 
Mass Parts
 
The singing at the entrance is done either alternately by the choir and the people or in a similar way by the cantor and the people, or entirely by the people, or by the choir alone. Since the Kyrie is a chant by which the faithful acclaim the Lord and implore his mercy, it is ordinarily done by all, that is, by the people and with the choir or cantor having a part in it. The Gloria is intoned by the priest or, if appropriate, by a cantor or by the choir; but it is sung either by everyone together, or by the people alternately with the choir, or by the choir alone. It is preferable that the responsorial Psalm be sung, at least as far as the people's response is concerned. The Alleluia constitutes a rite or act in itself. It is sung by all while standing, and led by the choir or cantor. The supplication Agnus Dei is, as a rule, sung by the choir or cantor with the congregation responding. While the priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion chant is begun. The singing is continued for as long as the Sacrament is being administered to the faithful. This is sung either by the choir alone or by the choir or cantor with the people.
 

 


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Beautiful Liturgies
Or, you can attend a Maronite Catholic Liturgy where you will find all of the above elements at each liturgy. The Sign of Peace is before the Consecration. It flows from the altar through the priest who encloses the hands of the servers with his hands and the servers bring that Sign to the ushers and in turn to the congregation. In our parish, the "ushers" who bring the peace are children. They carry that "peace" to the first person in each pew who passes it to the next person, and so on. It is both reverent and beautiful and elicits smiles from the congregation.

To hear the Words of Institution, chanted in Aramaic (the everyday language of Jesus, the Blessed Mother and the Apostles) is as close as one can come to being at the Last supper.

I would encourage all Roman Catholics to discover the beauty of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
NYer , August 18, 2009
Your article is right on the money..
In reference to your point #2, at my church, the prelude has become a loud, annoying social chit-chat time (including our pastor); OR, one can sit nearer the back and listen to the old ladies make nasty comments about the other churchgoers whom they do not approve of. It is very difficult to get into any sort of reflective or prayerful mood.
VR , August 18, 2009
why not just say it?
Just go to a Tridentine Mass. It has all of this and more.

The Catholic-Protestant hybrid Novus Ordo Mass doesn't do justice to either Catholicism or Protestantism at their best.

The Tridentine Mass is a unique experience in our world, it contrasts with everything we see and hear and think during the regular work week. This in and of itself makes it more "appealing" than a Mass that tries too hard to fit in comfortably with modern society.

We can be the cool and mysterious religion that people are drawn to because it doesn't simply go with the flow, or we can be the big dork that tries to keep up with all the latest trends but always somehow ends up one or two fads behind, and is mocked and ridiculed for it.
Joe H , August 18, 2009
Taking Liberty With the Mass
We have a priest who takes liberty with songs, particularly before giving communion when he includes the song "This is the bread of Life" right before This is the Lamb of God, who.... It drives everyone crazy. While he is trying to charismatic in his celebration, I believe it completely takes away from the Eucharistic Feast that we are about to receive. We have informed the Bishop. But here is the crux of the problem: Most priests need to read the General Instructions occasionally or at least the Bishop needs to remind the priest that masses should be offered with Christ in mind, not the "feelings" of the priest. Sometimes the Spirit moves in mysterious ways with our priest.
arkyump , August 19, 2009
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I agree with Joe H's above comment.

Also, the bishop of Tulsa's recent decision to restore mass ad orientam at the cathedral should be listed as the number 1 way to restore the liturgy at your average novus ordo parish.
Rick , August 19, 2009
Alternate Titles
Let's face it.

There is the children's liturgy, also known as the Novus Ordo.

There is the adult's liturgy, also known as the Extraordinary Form.

For some reason, the children's liturgy has an even more dumbed down form, so we have Dumb and Dumber, as it were.

The split between the liturgies is as difficult as the split between "two" popes we experienced for seventy years in the Western Schism. That took a council and a humble pope to solve.

We've got another thirty years or so of de facto schism before the people who started this mess are all dead and we can safely move on.
Steve Kellmeyer , August 19, 2009 | url
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"13. Allow for silence after communion."

Amen. Silence is so hard to find in our world. Even our chapel that is used for "Silent Adoration" is used by various prayer groups for very vocal prayers. Are we afraid of silence?
dpt , August 19, 2009
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I can get on board, way on board, with 1, 3, and 11-14. #4 is more of a problem as hymnody is more proper to the Liturgy of the Hours, and I think this is where the St Louis Jesuits and those who followed them had a superior solution to hymnody: setting the psalms.
Todd , August 19, 2009 | url
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If these 14 points would seriously be implemented in our church, I'd really have to consider to join some evangelical community.[smiley=think] No not seriously...
Our mass should be a celebration of the fact that Jesus died for us and saved us, not only of contemplation. I think, our main care should be that people believe in Him really deeply, and give their lives to Him, and live like He told us to.
I'm from Holland, where mass attendance is like 4%, and the few living parishes are not necessarily the ones with the nice gregorian chants, but those with a living faith!
Richard , August 19, 2009
good suggestions
I can agree with these suggestions. Many of them are done at the solemn OF Mass at our Cathedral, which is absolutely beautiful. I'd love to see these in the various parishes, though.
Susan , August 19, 2009
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You seem to indicate that a lot of Latin should be used in hymns, chants, meditation etc. While that is good, the main thing is simply to simplify. There is a lot of good "English" or other music that could also be used. Quite frankly the so called traditional Mass is too ornate. We need to get back to a more authentic version of the Mass, say from around the 4th or 5th century.
Ralph Esposito , August 19, 2009
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"What to do while waiting for Communion? In parishes, there is no choice: watch in silence as the celebrant gives Communion to the elite laypeople who have been selected as official "eucharistic ministers."

As an Extraordinary Minister of Communion, I do not consider myself part of an "elite" group. A call went out that people were needed to serve, and I responded to that call. I am awed that Almighty God would allow me to touch his sacred body, and to give him to others. Besides, is that not the purpose of being a Christian? To give Christ to others?
Sue , August 19, 2009
restore proper communion rite
Get rid of the "extra-ordinary" (daily, in my parish)ministers and restore altar rails; put the LORD front and center; stop the endless bowing to the empty altar. And somebody pull-eeze have the courage to tell women NOT to wear pants to church.
Mary , August 19, 2009
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How would I go about finding a Tridentine Mass?

And once I find one, is there anything different I need to know? Do I just go in and sit down and watch the first time? Do I have to receive communion on my tongue? Do I have to wear something on my head? A dress?

Our priests are wonderful and they really try to keep the Mass reverent and I can't say anything against them.

BUT

It's everything else. Honestly, and this sounds horrible and I don't even like having these thoughts, it's the people who show the disrespect. The clothes, the chattering. And don't get me started on the "fashions" that have appeared this summer.

And yes, the music. Oh the music. We have this opera singer and she just dominates the whole Mass. She dominates what the priest is doing and is always murmuring these little introductions before Mass and Communion.
Ann , August 19, 2009
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Re Ralph's comments

I'm not familiar with the different versions of the Mass or the history, but I have noticed that the simple daily Mass at our parish offers much more time for contemplation of what is really happening, and is much more moving than the raucous that goes on on Sundays. And of course, it is just as valid. I feel like they are trying to put on a big theatre production on Sunday. I'm all for simplifying.
Ann , August 19, 2009
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Very well said Joe H. Our Sunday Mass is like holy cow what is going on here. From the moment that you walk in the building the noise level is very high, until you leave when the congregation starts applauding. Applauding what, I still do not know. In my parish we never hear a hymn sung in Latin, except in the adoration chapel where we sing the hymns of Benediction in Latin. No choir present.
marjer , August 19, 2009
To Ann
Hello Ann,

I know how you feel. That was how I was about a year ago. For the last several months I have been attending a TLM every weekend, and I must admit, I would never go back to Novus Ordo if I could do so.

I like you was intimidated at first by the Latin Mass, and I felt embarrassed for not knowing more than I did about it. But one begins to understand it quickly. My main recommendations are to watch some videos online, find a Mass nearby, attend and sit towards the back so you can see what happens on the altar and what the people do. And usually the crowd is welcoming to someone who is trying to learn, so no need to be afraid.

You also may consider finding a new version of the old Roman Missal from 1962. I have one from Baronius Press in London, and I think it is the best, though there are other more comprehensive missals you can find. The link below will show you where you can find the Mass anywhere in the US. Also, try sanctamissa.org for some useful information. God bless.

http://latinmass.com/latinmassdirectory.html
MWK , August 19, 2009
Am I missing something?
One of the hardest parts of the Mass to get through and the easiest to fix is longwinded sermons by Priests that seem to either want to lecture people (who by the way are going to Mass so doesn't that make them people who are trying to do better?), or who give sermons with irrelevant details regarding the Greek origin of the word, etc. I didn't see anything about the homily mentioned in the above article. I completely agree with the points made regarding more quiet time and silence at Mass and maybe some of this advice should be started with the length and content of the homily. Just a thought.
apex , August 19, 2009
Extraordinary ministers
My intention here is not to offend. Extraordinary ministers are supposed to be just that, used in extraordinary circumstances, not daily Mass or even every Sunday Mass. The title is not "Ordinary Ministers". It has become an abuse no matter how good the intentions. They a supposed to be used "when Holy Communion would take an inordinate amount of time". to paraphrase the GIRM.

When I was an altar server, we did not dare touch a consecrated host. That was reserved for the priest. Their fingers are consecrated. "I am awed that Almighty God would allow me to touch his sacred body" , says Sue. Yes but, should you? Laity receiving in the hand and giving out Holy Communion regularly has largely contributed to a decline of belief in the Real Presence of the Lord in the eucharist over the last 30 or so years. Think about it.
Steve , August 19, 2009
Re: restore proper communion rite
And somebody pull-eeze have the courage to tell women NOT to wear pants to church.


I'd be happy if we could just get people to WEAR pants, and not shorts, tube-tops, and flip-flops.
Jim L , August 19, 2009 | url
Change it and they will come.
Your article '14 ways to improve..." is excellent. Please be sure the Pope gets a copy of your article if we are to expect any of these suggested changes to be implemented. Thank you.
Miniopolis , August 19, 2009 | url
Shorten the Sign of Peace but not eliminate the Lamb of God
I take issue with your suggested solution to number 10, (shorten the Sign of Peace) for the simple reason that I see a different problem. The Lamb of God is a serious prayer that many times gets sung while the people are still glad-handing their neighbor in the pew behind them. They are not singing or even listening to the Lamb of God prayer. This even occurs with extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist who gather around the altar at this time and feel they have to shake everyone's hand despite the fact that the Mass is past the Sign of Peace and everyone should be asking God for mercy! This bothers me to no end. So, if we absolutely HAVE to have the Sign of Peace... the music ministry needs to make sure there is enough time for all the kissing and hand shaking to be finished BEFORE starting the Lamb of God. Otherwise half of the people will probably not say or sing the Lamb of God.
Ches , August 19, 2009
Holding hands during when praying the Our Father
When did it become customary to hold hands while praying the Our Father? I usually don't do it and my children think I'm wrong because everyone else is doing it. Why and when did this become part of the the posture for praying the Our Father?

I also agree with the over use of extraordinary ministers on a regular basis. Our parish even allows teenagers to give out communion. It become such confusion as they don't know where to go and stand. They show no reverence whatsoever and think it's funny to be up there. They also are dressed inappropriately (shorts, t-shirts, flip flops) It's so disheartening. I don't understand why our priest allows this.
LMS , August 19, 2009
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Thank you so much MWK. So helpful.

I like the homilies, although I wish that they would be a bit more challenging or something. I feel like they are written for a third grader to understand.

On the women and pants issue, I agree with the comment after. We have so much work to do in this department that pants aren't even on the radar. I am utterly shocked at the state of people's attire at Mass, I really am. It sickens me. Especially the teenage girls.

On the Sign of Peace, I would rather there was a pause between that and the Lamb of God too.

Holding hands during the Our Father. Oy vey. Oh please, who do we write to to get rid of that? Is it even allowed? It's just plain awful.

Finally. What happened to the Penitential Rite? (I confess to almighty God...) I feel like that part of the Mass is so watered down without it that people don't even get it that they are supposed to be repentful.

Anyway, thanks again for the tips on the Latin Mass. Maybe it's time for me to start exploring that option [smiley=happy]
Ann , August 19, 2009
...
I would like the Sign of Peace be changed to just after the Offertory; it is so disruptive when we are at the most solemn part of the Mass.

I would like to see homilies confined to the Word of God and catechises. I believe the most likely reason for attendance at Sunday Mass is lack of belief in, and reverence for, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I have heard homilies where the priest says we are the "People of God" (or some such) by the very fact we are at Mass. Bunkum! we are only doing the bare minimum.

Secondly, homilies do not inform us of Sin; I know people who go to receive the Lord bypassing Sacramental Confession ('I go to confession directly to God, I do not need a priest'). People receive the Lord and do not accept the teaching authority of the Church on issues such as birth control, abortion, living in cohabitation-fornication and part of that blame for such aweful Sacrilege is lack of preaching.

God Bless
Light , August 19, 2009
With the TLM There is No Need For Improvement
There is only one improvement necessary for the NO: The TLM.

If I had to attend a NO service, I would not go to Church. It is nothing more than a Protestant service, IMO.

I got so sick and tired, so shocked at the degradation of the Mass, the sacrilege of the Blessed Sacrament, the irreverence of those in attendence, children running back and forth to the bathroom, (once watching 2 women, one being an EM, standing in front of an open Tabernacle, chatting it up, while one was removing a Host to take to a sick one, I assume).

The Mass of the Saints, the TLM, is over a thousand years old and after attending just one TLM Mass, one knows without a doubt Our Lord is King.

GPK , August 19, 2009
Traditional Mass
Joe H. is correct; what this article is really saying, but not overtly, is "Say the Traditional Mass at your parish." I think if that is the goal of every priest and parish in this country, then people will start to see that all of these issues/problems will go away by themselves.

If the Traditional Latin Mass was good enough for St. Thomas Aquinas, the greatest mind ever born of woman, then it's good enough for this enlightened, modern era of ours, so replete with great thinkers...
antohnypadua , August 19, 2009
More and Less
More Latin, chanting, kneeling and silence. Less singing, musical instruments, talking and hand-holding (both when receiving Communion and with other parishioners).
Bill , August 19, 2009
Mass, More Quiet Time
I love daily mass because it's quiet. Sunday mass is noisy, the choir has taken over. People come in and start visiting with the person next to them. I've come to realize that this is why I don't like Sunday mass, I would like a more quiet contemplative setting, one of peace, like a monastery's chant where the focus is completely on God. I don't like masses where the choir is the center, where it's the organ constantly blaring, after awhile, it's like someone constantly screaming in my ears. By the time it's over, I yearn for quiet time. I also don't like Latin because I like to talk to God from the heart. If I don't what I'm saying or what is being said or I have to take the time to mentally translate, it further takes away from the intimacy that one seeks at such a holy occasion.
Cindy , August 19, 2009
Distractions at mass
I really can't add much that hasn't already been stated. I believe that we are in the "Great Apostasy" mentioned by Paul and the result of it is everywhere and at mass.

Priests need to lead their flocks and parents need to raise their children. Unfortunately these don't always happen.

Ted Baker , August 19, 2009
...
I so agree on the comment about the organ. Organ music can be beautiful, but it takes a highly skilled musician. 99.9% of the time it sounds like a cheezy merry-go-round and is too loud.

As mentioned above, I feel scattered and disturbed after Sunday Mass at my parish. I don't feel this way after Holy Hour or regular daily Mass. Something is wrong.

You all say the TLM is the answer (and I am going to investigate that further) but I would like a Mass in English. I guess that is too much to ask for.
Ann , August 19, 2009
liturgicus
What is REALY needed is a complete NEW RENDITION OF THE NEWRITE, far less streamlined and text bolderized, that retains MUCH more of the Ancient Rite and would look like something HALFWAY BETWEEN THE Tridentine Mass and a faithful celebration of the new one.

ESSENTIAL is the ad orientem celebration LATIN LIMITED TO SHORT PIECES OF THE ORDINARY and a FEW familiar antiphons.
THESE SHOULD ALMOST NEVER BE TAKEN OVER BY THE CHOIR.
Simple vernacular chant of the Introit (NOT HYMNS!)
FAcing God NOT THE CONCREGATION when the prayers are directed to HIM! (absurd is the present Our Father with the priest LOOKING AT THE PEOPLE, for heaven's sake!)
A sign of reverent recognition at the kiss of peace, retention of more of the ceremonial from the old rite for the priest; traditional distinction between Sunday and WEEKDAY Masses, as in the past. Communion on the tongue by intinction done by the priest as the ONLY way to receive communion under both species, and MANY MORE DETAILS, like GREETING GOD FIRST before averting to the congregation, elimination of altar GIRLS, AND LAY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION, REPLACED BY DEACONS, AND PERMANENT MALE ACOLYTES.
These measures, including returning the Offertory prayers, would be a faithful implementation of what the actual Vat II documents SAID. Oh yes, RETURN OF THE TRADITIONAL ROMAN FORMULAE OF THE CONSECRATION -- I reckon that the Council Fathers would have been SHOCKED if by their voting for the Decree on Liturgy they would have suspected that the Words of Consecration WOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGED IN THE SLIGHTEST!
pete , August 19, 2009
bring latin back
Did anyone ever think how much it costs to print all of the different mass books that are in churches now?
What was wrong with the old readings and bringing your own missal to mass!
Nobody has reverence anymore, the priest doesn't do anything except consecrate, the music is horrible and drags on and on, people wear shorts to church, etc etc.
Bring back the old time religion-LATIN and holiness back to church!
Linda , August 19, 2009
The World and The Church
I think that the church today reflects the state of the world. Afterall, the people are the church. People that attend Sunday mass that dress inappropriately, can't wait for it to be over, leave before the last song is sung, reflect a lack of respect toward the sacred, reflect the world.

The overbearing choir reflects the noise of the world, the constant need to be entertained, forbid there be quiet, what would there be?

I like short Sunday masses, the kind that are typically heard in small towns. The choir is in the background helping to keep everyone on key. Without the choir, which sometimes I've seen at daily mass [smiley=think] , we get so out of key [smiley=wink] we lose the song!

I don't think Latin is the solution. Afterall, some churches have some Latin in the mass, it hasn't changed the hearts of the congregation or made the choir less overbearing.
Cindy , August 19, 2009
#10
# 10 doesn't work. We do that at our parish and people just keep shaking hands, high fiving each other, talking etc. during the Lamb of God. Good catechesis is the answer and is no where to be found.
Brian , August 19, 2009
The Final Solution!
After 40yrs of wandering through a liturgical/spirtual desert, let us find a landfill for the Novus Ordo and return to the Sacred Devotions which in themselves, expanded, protected and advanced The Faith!
Carlist , August 19, 2009
An Un-Published Editorial
Music Editorial My Diocese Paper Would Not Publish

The old joke goes...Some one in Church yells out, "The organist is a schmuck! The priest asked the congregation, "Who called the organist a schmuck?" A parishioner stands up and asks, "Who called that schmuck and organist?"

What are the qualifications or credentials to be a music litergist? Do they need to be highly skilled and proficient on their instrument and as a vocalist? No. They need to "Love" music.

Now, if I went into my local Church and said I'll work on your air conditioner for free, the question I would be asked is, "Are you licensed?" My answer would be, "No, but I love air conditioners."

Don't get me wrong. We have a couple of great music litergists in our diocese even though some of them dance around like Mick Jager, but never the less they are skilled musicians.

But when a parishioner comes to the Church believing they are called by God to sing, don't automatically give them a microphone. This is not karaoke! The music loving parishioner should be directed to follow their calling from the 27th pew near the front of the vestibule.

My solution is this. For any one that is on the music platform at Mass with a musical instrument or as a vocalist should go through a stringent audition at the diocese level judged by a music director from one of our local high schools or colleges.

After that, parishes can start investing in decibel meters.
Juan Oskar , August 19, 2009
...
So, I found a TLM near me, but I have a question,

Is the F.S.S.P. in good standing with the Vatican?

This church doesn't seem to be part of the diocese that it would be a part of....why is that?
Ann , August 19, 2009
The FSSP is in good standing
If it is an FSSP Church, it is indeed in good standing. The SSPX is the one with quesitons surrounding it, and although in other countries it is sometimes called the FSSPX (just to confuse you a bit!), in the US, it is almost always rendered the SSPX.

The FSSP should be a part of the diocese, but I suppose it depends on which Diocese you are in how good of a job they do advertising that fact. If you are really worried, go check out the FSSP website, I think they have a list of everyone of their parishes.
Okie , August 19, 2009
Re:
I agree with Joe H's above comment.

Also, the bishop of Tulsa's recent decision to restore mass ad orientam at the cathedral should be listed as the number 1 way to restore the liturgy at your average novus ordo parish.


Yes, one hundred times YES!!!

The single quickest way to improve the Liturgy and what I believe to be the most important step and yet at the same time the simplest is turn that priest around. Ad Orientam.

Take away the permission for versus populum and you will solve 50% of the problem. The rest will fall in to place perfectly.
Giovanni , August 19, 2009
Re: why not just say it?
Just go to a Tridentine Mass. It has all of this and more.

The Catholic-Protestant hybrid Novus Ordo Mass doesn't do justice to either Catholicism or Protestantism at their best.

The Tridentine Mass is a unique experience in our world, it contrasts with everything we see and hear and think during the regular work week. This in and of itself makes it more "appealing" than a Mass that tries too hard to fit in comfortably with modern society.

We can be the cool and mysterious religion that people are drawn to because it doesn't simply go with the flow, or we can be the big dork that tries to keep up with all the latest trends but always somehow ends up one or two fads behind, and is mocked and ridiculed for it.


Yeah- you said it alright. The actions of the priests and congregation usually inspire outrage and boredom in me than spiritual transcendance. I totally understand why uninformed people leave the Church, because in so many parishes Mass is simply unbearable. Of course, I would never leave because I know it is the One True Church Jesus founded, but a lot of Catholics don't understand that. Why? Because they never hear it from the pulpit!
Staten Island Pilgrim , August 19, 2009 | url
What is the Mass?
The first of many ways to "improve the Mass" would be catechesis to inform the faithful about what really occurs during the Mass, what the Mass accomplishes and what their function is during the Holy Sacrifice. Below are excerpts from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. The GIRM gives a very straightforward suggestion as to how to do this, short of actual classes for this purpose.

11. [from the Council of Trent] “Lest Christ’s flock go hungry . . . the Holy Synod commands pastors and all others having the care of souls to give frequent instructions during the celebration of Mass, either personally or through others, concerning what is read at Mass; among other things, they should include some explanation of the mystery of this most holy Sacrifice, especially on Sundays and holy days."

13. Indeed, since the use of the vernacular in the Sacred Liturgy may certainly be considered an important means for presenting more clearly the catechesis regarding the mystery that is inherent in the celebration itself, the Second Vatican Council also ordered that certain prescriptions of the Council of Trent that had not been followed everywhere be brought to fruition, such as ... the faculty to interject certain explanations during the sacred rites themselves.
Robert Johnson , August 19, 2009
One additional suggestion
I like everything you say in this article. I have only one additional suggestion: the use of Anglican chant for the psalms. It is easy to sing, can be sung in parts, and is solemn and spiritual in its effect. It also happens to be well suited to English, having been written for English to begin with, and has a rich, more-than-500 year history of development with countless arrangements from which to choose.
William A. Wheatley , August 19, 2009 | url
Music in the liturgy
My own personal attendence at mass I've found many people to be too shy or even critical with others who would like to worship at the celebration through song. The priests sometimes feel threatened if someone else trys to sing, often awkuardly cutting off the alleluia at the gospel beginning so the celebrant can start his reading, or cutting off the lamb of God at a very precise moment so the celebrant can ridgidly continue. Catholics should jump at the chance to be humble and accepting of others who try to worship publically by singing. If singing is done in the proper prospective at Mass, unity and coheision is established among the worshiping body and the sacrafice offered up by the Priest who represents the bride of Christ is richly strengthened. I believe Jesus loves every aspect of his children and when they truly worship him with their whole heart and soul and physical strength, like when they try to SING His praises, Jesus is happy.
Michael Tischuk , August 19, 2009
There\'s an Easier Way
Joe H. had it right way up above. This article could be titled "How to Make the Novus Ordo More like the Traditional Latin Mass." So why not just have the TLM? Why try to force a square peg into a round hole when a square hole is available?
Aaron , August 20, 2009 | url
...
Miniopolis you wrote "Your article '14 ways to improve..." is excellent. Please be sure the Pope gets a copy of your article if we are to expect any of these suggested changes to be implemented. Thank you."

I do not think it will have much effect, since I am sure he is already aware of the situation as was his predecessor. The document 'Redemptionis Sacramentum' was proclaimed in March 2004 by JP11 and is virtually ignored by the institutional Church in the West. The Pope cited specific practices which were proscribed in areas including the celebrating of Mass, reception of Holy Communion, Adoration. The most egregious of these practices are still continuing, despite any individual efforts to have them stopped.

God Bless
Light , August 20, 2009
Re: Latin mass
My family and I would love to go to the latin mass, but driving 200+ miles for one in my diocese is not really an option; inasmuch as none of my local parishes will offer one. Perhaps we will try the 50 mile drive to one in another diocese; but I really hope things change closer to home.
VR , August 20, 2009
To Ann, Re: FSSP (TLM Revisited)
Dear Ann,

I'm glad to hear of your successes. You are well on your way to becoming a traddie (tehe).

FSSP (Fraternitas Sacerdotalis Sancti Petri, or the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter) is in good standing with the Vatican. It was formed as a reaction to the SSPX predicament. I do not know very much about it, but I will share with you what I do know.

It is an order of priests who, with the permission of the Holy See, practice the rites of the 1962 Roman Missal Exclusively; that means no Novus Ordo or anything post-Vatican II. They have parishes in various parts of the US, the UK, France, and other places. FSSP operates within a diocese as a sort of distinct unity, with the bishop having some administrative jurisdiction, though the head of order answers directly to Rome. In that case, it is not all that different from any other religious order.

The point is that not only is FSSP good, they're great. I have a priest-friend who recently joined, and he cannot say enough good about them. And I have seen in him the salutary effects that it has had. And if you have an FSSP parish nearby, you are in a great situation, as you can practice the other sacraments according to the 1962 Missale Romanum as well.

I hope that helps, and if I made a mistake in any of the details above, forgive me. Again, have no fear of FSSP; no Lefebvres there!

PX,

MWK

A link to the website of FSSP; the banner photo should allay any fears you have that this order does not share in your Petrine sympathies.
http://fssp.org/en/index.htm
MWK , August 20, 2009
The Big Umbrella
The great thing about the Catholic church is its universality. These suggestions could make a great mass. But so does a rousing upbeat mass with "Glory and Praise" type music played on guitars. The great thing about the Catholic church is that it includes both the monasitics with Gregorian chant and the lessor structured charismatics. Both traditions have been around since the beginning of the church and both have equal claim and rights.

We are One Body in Christ, but that doesn't mean our expressions have to be the same. Our God and religion is not a confused because of this. But our worship must be an expression of all things within our body and nature that has been duly ordered and returned to Christ. which
David , August 20, 2009
flexo3000@aol.com
Well, one way to improve the liturgy is for some people to embrace lovingly the teachings of the Magisterium, especially the teaching of Pope Benedict on this matter, and to cease their contemptuous attitude toward the Ordinary Form of the Mass.

In other words, look in the mirror folks.
Bender , August 20, 2009
Pray The Mass of all time!
Click on link and
http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/
scroll part way down to Interview. Mons. Domenico Bartolucci on the liturgical reforms and the reform of the reform.
Joan Magdalene , August 20, 2009
Return to the True Mass Codified by Pope St Pius V
The above reader/comment is right on the money....the Novus Ordians are trying to make the New Order Mass Traditional.............good luck. Return to the True Mass offered by a True Priest......Codified by Pope St Pius V for all times......
Michael , August 20, 2009
...
Oh good to hear! Thanks MWK and Okie [smiley=happy]
Ann , August 20, 2009
WOW !
I love this article !!!!! Now to get it to the Liturgy Committee ! as for holding hands during the Our Father -- just dont do it ! It is not an approved gesture, ever.
Joe , August 20, 2009
extraordinary ministers
"I also agree with the over use of extraordinary ministers on a regular basis. Our parish even allows teenagers to give out communion."

One time at communion at our parish, I saw one of the extraordinary ministers reach into his pocket to check who was calling him on his cell phone (must have vibrated).
dpt , August 20, 2009
We Really Need This!!!
What happened to the reverence and holiness we once felt upon entering our churches? Now it is a place for priests working the congregation before mass, reading the bulletin (before and during Mass) and chewing gum and blowing bubbles. The "dress code" non existent. They have shelved the beautiful Gregorian Chant and music that spoke to our spiritual nature that we are in the "Holy of Holies". People clap after a song that they like. It is like going to a Music Concert. The "show" is first and the real purpose for going to Mass to experience the miracle of the Holy Trinity and all of heaven coming to earth for one hour is put on the "back burner". After observing this for quite some time I really feel that people need to be reeducated on what mass is all about and how to act during this heaven sent gift. Reintroducing the Latin Mass again may loose some people, however, the ones who will be attending are there because they want to be and not for entertainment or as an obligation. When the Mass becomes a need and not an obligation great things can happen.
Anne , August 20, 2009
FSSP Parish
dpt - that is one of many reasons I will never ever attend another NO Mass -

FSSP was invited by Bishop Brom of San Diego in July of 2008 to begin a TLM parish in the downtown area - the parish grew so fast the priests are now talking about adding a 4th Mass - there are 2 wonderful priests in residence - they answer to their superiors - not to Bsp Brom, who works in an administrative capacity only -

Confessional lines are long, Communion received while kneeling, no EM's, almost everyone genuflects before the Blessed Sacrament - the solemnity, the reverence are strongly evident by the behavior of the young children, which says much about the faith of the parents . . . .

It is the Mass of the Saints . . .

GPK , August 20, 2009
Amen Alleluia!
Well said and, as a friend of mine is fond of saying "from your lips to God's ear!

I started attending a tlm because I could not stand the music and atmosphere of the N.O. masses in my area. To me, they were not condusive to worship and did not reflect the awesome nature of what we were doing in mass.

I just returned from a visit to my home parish in another state and was able to attend wonderful, reverent N.O. masses that incorporate almost everything you state above.
Mary , August 20, 2009
It\'s about time AND...
I agree wholeheartedly with most of what you have posted and I base this on my own experience with the liturgy which goes back over 30 years in terms of service and longer in terms of my Catholic faith. I especially like the emphasis on moments of SILENCE, something so very much needed today for prayer and reflection. The time of Communion and just after the Readings is so ruined because of the notion that it has to be "filled in" with sound. Nothing could be more to the contrary.
For Communion singing, the idea is for the people to sing an antiphon while a cantor or choir sings the verses. I do very much believe in what is contained in the Gospel of Matthew: "the wise scribe knows how to bring in things both old and new from the storeroom". While Latin is part of the patrimony (so is Greek which is older and I'm glad for the number on the Kyrie), I find the hymns of Taize to be very prayerful and useful in this regard -using contemporary languages with Latin. What is important is that people KNOW and UNDERSTAND what they are singing. Simple Latin phrases can be used provided people understand them. The early Church began to use Latin because Greek was being supplanted by it in everyday life. To simply use Latin for the sake of using Latin is to miss the point. I'd like to see some classic hymns revived, but let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater. There are some contemporary hymns which are also beautiful and prayerful. What is important is that we help people to PRAY and to FOCUS on what is going on.
Another item I would add: leave cell phones/pagers/blackberries in the car, use the bathroom BEFORE you arrive and/or Liturgy begins; teach your children about what is going on so that they aren't "bored"; and, yes, the little ones can get by without having cookies and Cheerios laid out on the pew for them. [smiley=wink]
LiturgistT , August 20, 2009
changes
As usual, we have the post hoc, ergo propter hoc responses coming forth. The OF can be said reverently or not, and that is within the provence of the priest. My parish does a number of the suggestions already and has done so for quite a while. I also attend a reverent OF Mass at the local Trappist abbey.

I was, however, amused at the suggestion in the text that going to the organ as opposed to other instruments reduces the volume; having been blown out by electronic and pipe organs both, prior to and post Vatcan 2, perhaps it is simply a matter that the writers had different experiences of organs than I have had - in parishes, cathedrals and abbeys.

Oh, and as to the question of when holding hands during the Our Father started - about 1965.
otjm , August 20, 2009
Ecclesia Dei, etc.
I attend the Traditional Latin Mass about 90% of the time and have for about four years.

It is rare to find a Novus Ordo Mass that follows these 14 suggestions. I used to go to a NO Daily Mass that seemed very reverent. I probably passed about twelve other NO churches on my way... but then the priest retired and the Mass was no longer so reverent. Father just eliminated the petitions and the Sign of Peace, which helped a lot with the reverence.

I have had very good experiences with the Eastern Rites, but since I have moved out west, I have been unable to find them.

ColoSunflowerGirl , August 21, 2009
Liturgiam Authenticam
Liturgiam Authenticam (from 2001, which mandated a much closer, more literal retranslation of the Novus Ordo from the Latin -- dispensing with the 'dynamic equivalence' notion from the 70s) will bring a NEW TRANSLATION OF THE ENGLISH OF THE MASS as early as this coming Spring. This will be immensely helpful: "this pure Victim, this holy Victim, this spotless Victim" -- boredom vanishes when the Truth shines through. The current BORING Eucharistic prayers have been brought to true life as well! I am thrilled...
Paula , August 21, 2009
Sign of Peace
Mostly, I agree with these ideas.

In re of what another poster suggested, in my personal opinion, the rite of peace need not be moved to the offertory to improve it. It may not even need to be shortened. It just needs to be done in an orderly way.

The distinctively emphasis of the Roman (as opposed to Eastern) sign of peace has been its close association with Communion. In many medieval uses of the Roman rite used in various parts of Europe, on Sundays and Feast days the rite of peace was in fact a relatively "big production"--a cross, an evangelary (Gospel Book), or image of the Lamb of God was either passed to the people by the servers for them to kiss after having been kissed by the celebrant, or the people processed up to kiss it, depending on particular diocesan, etc. liturgical law. Of course, in that era, communion was not routinely offered to lay people at most masses, so to some extent you could argue that this elaborate rite of peace was a substitute for communion, and as such is no longer necessary. However, the rite of peace does serve to remind us of the intimate link between maintaining and building the bond of peace between ourselves and receiving the Lord into our hearts, who is our peace, properly speaking.

What I would like to see is a rite of peace that clearly comes from the altar, and is based on a Christological symbol of some kind, like the medieval practices. It also, obviously, needs to be more specific and formalized (but not necessarily stiff!) to avoid the risk of excess. I understand in some Catholic Eastern rites the method used is much closer to this.
Hieronymus , August 21, 2009
Agnus Dei & Communion chant
One has to remember that the Agnus Dei is not a stand-alone litany but accompanies the Fraction Rite. The choir doesn't have free rein to jump in and start singing it anytime they want to cut short the Sign of Peace.

The Communion chant is supposed to start while the priest is receiving Communion, not after.

Other than that I agree fully with what the authors wrote. It's been so long since we've sung the Kyrie that the only one I remember is the one they chanted when I was a kid in the 50s.
Suzanne , August 21, 2009
Come to the quiet
The quiet is what I long for when I go to mass.It does not matter what time I come to mass there is a certain amount of chit chat, is getting better. The only time I can be entirely close to Christ and his mother is 3 AM for our weekly adoration.
I am afraid the new mass has become a social arena, and the laity has lost the sense that heaven literally comes down to every mass, and the angels are singing profusely with us.
There is a way to get through all of the confusion and noise, realise that the priest is going to give you Jesus Christ, Body blood soul and divinity, and everything else is secondary, get your hands folded and pray, pray,pray that all may have eyes to see and ears to hear. Maybe one day we can beautiful music, reverent silence, and an altar rail when receiving Christ.

Curtis S. , August 21, 2009
Universal not International
Our bishop recently gave a homily that warned of too much diversity in vernacular and cultural customs being used in the liturgy that threatens to make the Roman Catholic Holy Mass Universality rare and become by default a scattered International-style church.

THis is what we have now. If more of the canon was on Latin, a Roman Catholic could at the very least go anywhere to attend the universal Mass. We are in poverty as a universal church because of diversity drunkeness.
marcum , August 21, 2009
you can have it...
"Maybe one day we can beautiful music, reverent silence, and an altar rail when receiving Christ."

It saddens me to hear this because that day is here, if you can find a Tridentine Mass.

Joe H , August 22, 2009
too far gone
The key is well formed clergy who understand their role.
As many of us wait for the mal-formed boomers to die off, the only other option is hard firm and swift fraternal correction from bishops or peers with testosterone and kindness. Everything else will follow. The Latin Mass is returning because Rome has recognized that since V2 'the order of things' has been disrupted. It may seem disconnected but until the Catholic Church in America speaks with 1 voice on the issues of abortion, the very nature of marriage and the sanctity of human life the church will continue to decline in number and moral influence. Appropriate music or not.
TheLastCatholciinBoston , August 22, 2009
Our Liturgical Heritage
Kudos to Arlene and Jeffrey! I recently found St. Stephen Parish in Pensacola, FL where the Gregorian Mass(TLM) is celebrated twice each week (including the main Mass on Sunday (10:30). Father always uses the Roman Canon when celebrating the Ordinary Form. He always celebrates Mass ad orientem. YEA! As this is a small parish, I would encourage anyone in the area to join it. I, myself might relocate just because of this. Other things to consider to enhance the sense of the sacred - to promote our active "mind and heart" participation - since the TEXT GOVERNS the music and chant (English and/or Latin) is the perfect musical form to synergize prayer might include:
periodically using the St. Meinrad Kyriale (English) and also the Meinrad tones for the Responsorial Psalm. The Meinrad tones are based on the Gregorian but are especially suited for the English language.
Recalling that the exchange of the Sign of Peace is optional, I believe that the celebrant having given us the Peace of Christ should be followed directly by the Lamb of God. Eliminate the glad-handing, which I believe was made an option to draw in the Protestants; it didn't!
Too many priests are still too sensitive to those who want to "enjoy" the Mass; we must therefore, express our gratitude to those who celebrate the Mass reverently. Perhaps even write the Bishop to express this gratitude. What a concept!
Bernadette , August 22, 2009
Blessed Silent Prayer
This may seem silly for me to comment on this topic. My background is as an Altar Boy during the 40's and 50's. The daily Low Mass back then was very quiet; so quiet that we could have a Mass at the two side altars while another priest was celebrating the Mass at the main altar.
One of the five Masses we had each Sunday was a High Mass. That one was the only Mass with any singing, except during Christmas.
When I came back from Vietnam, I was shocked when going to my first Novus Ordo Mass. Remaining in the military, I adjusted; there was no choice. I even served as a lector, then as a L.E.M. (Lay Eucharistic Minister). I even served as an "Altar Boy" at our daily, early morning Mass for awhile in one parish.
The Novus Ordo Masses became louder and more busy as the years went by. "Participation" became the name of the game, and casual socialization became more and more common.
Moving around a lot over the years, it wasn't until last year when I ended up in a Diocese with daily Latin/Gregorian Mass. My physical condition will no longer allow me to serve as an "Altar Boy", but "assisting" at daily Mass in the Extraordinary Rite has been a real blessing to me.
Paul , August 23, 2009
Change is indeed needed
Indeed, change is needed and needed now. Because of my weekly attendance at Mass I have watched the Liturgy deteriorate slowly over the last ten to twelve years. It used to be simple, elegant and reverent. It seemed that every church offered a simple spoken mass, usually early Sunday morning. I LOVED this mass because it was not pretentious, entertaining or loud. Then Priest entered from the side of the Altar and began mass without a fake greeting. The Gloria was spoken so that everyone could participate The readings were reverent and not burdened with what seems like countless minutes of "reflective silence" (I still do not know what to do during this downtime) The response between the readings was simple and spoken so that everyone could again participate. The Prieset's homily was simple but caught the spirt of what it took to be a Christian in that day's world - It was not some endless history lesson or a rehash of the readings which we already heard. Bells were rung at the elevation during the consecration so that people had no doubt as to what was occuring. Liturgical prayers were not made up by the Priest - you could actually find the prayer in the printed books, which have been replaced by some printed guide to what the entertainment during the Mass will be. The Our Father was prayed with hands simply folded to one's self instead of everyone looking around to grab hands and distract from an otherwise beautiful prayer. The sign of peace was short and was a either a breif handshake with one person in your vicinity, not the kissing talking and back patting for seven pews around, which includes the Priest. The Outoquist Heresy was long forgotten and Communion was distributed under one species (Body)which made for not only an expeditious reception but also kept the Precious Blood of Our Lord from being poured by some non-ordained helper from a glass vase into numerous chalices while we all sit and stare at them. Final announcements were short AND there was not a "joke of the day" told by the Priest before he stands through six of seven verses of the final hymn before slowly walking down the aisle of the church shaking hands along the way. If it sounds like I am disgusted, I am. I wish some of the Priests in the "new Liturgy" would sneak into a few of these bloated Masses and sit in the back and see if they could stand them! Please get back to basics!
David , August 24, 2009
Who called that schmuck an organist?
The old joke goes...Some one in Church yells out, "The organist is a schmuck! The priest asked the congregation, "Who called the organist a schmuck?" A parishioner stands up and asks, "Who called that schmuck and organist?"


Then the visiting rabbi in the back pew turned to his wife and asked, "When did they start speaking Yiddish?!"
BaltoCath , September 01, 2009 | url
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Why can't we just have the Traditional Latin Mass. It's perfect, without any need for improvment.
Margaret , September 05, 2009
Scripture
If we return to the Latin Mass will we be deprived of the three year cycle of Scripture readings? That loss has not been mentioned in any of the discussions I have read and it does not seem important to anyone I know who wants to to go back to the Latin Mass.
Joan , September 06, 2009

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