How to End Bad Liturgical Music

How many times have you dealt with the ‘folk group’ problem.  The one that can’t stop singing or getting in the way.  That group with guitars and the tambourine….The tambourine should never be used.

I have put together some resources that I used while working for dioceses across the country to correct the usual problems.  These types of groups frustrate me, too.  I do believe this is the correct label to call these groups, but I would never call myself a ‘folk musician.’   Nor when I was at Franciscan University would I call them ‘folk groups.’

There are three problems that I saw consistently throughout the diocese with music groups. Poor or inappropriate song selection, poor performance, and lack of regard for liturgical norms.  I believe these problems are inherent to any music ministry, but are much easier to see in music ministry that organ is not the main instrument.

Here are three quick remedies that may help:

1.  Franciscan University Canticle Hymnal – Franciscan University published a guitar/piano accompaniment hymnal that carries the approval of the Committee on the Liturgy, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (This is written on the 2nd page of the book).  This eliminates the problem of playing secular music at mass.  Often times musical ministry groups are not aware of high quality music and stick to playing what they can ‘get their hands.’  This is found at www.franciscan.edu.

2.  Be Perfect – Many times there is little emphasis placed on a musicians talent and only on their willingness to give of their time.  Strict standards are required to lead music at Mass.  For example in college auditions were required, mandatory two hour practices, music ministry guidelines were published, and annual retreats for formation.  In addition there were two leaders who actively oversaw all music selection, ministry teams, and taught through example.

3.  Liturgical Norms – Musicians are constantly breaking norms because often times they do not know them.  A simple way to alleviate this problem is by creating packets of do’s and don’ts.

There can be many distractions from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and music should not be one of them.  Formation of music ministers is essential to proper ministry.  When I was younger I made many mistakes that today I would never repeat.  However this is only because I finally was in an environment with exceptional musicians who lead music from their heart and their heart was formed in Christ.

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