I HAVE to take issue with Z G Sudull over his taking issue (CL 21/10/07) with Elizabeth Harrington’s comments in Liturgy Lines “Hitting right note may miss the point in music ministry” (CL 7/10/07).
I cannot see where Elizabeth Harrington’s comments suggest in any way that sacred liturgical music sung in Latin, supported by grand organs and cathedral choirs distract us from prayer.
I agree that if one is lucky enough to experience that combination of a cathedral full of worshipers singing praise to God with all the encouragement of a great choir and excellent music, one’s prayer and participation in the Mass is enhanced.
For me, if the Mass is sung in Latin, and sung by a fantastic choir, then no doubt I would enjoy the performance, but alas, I would not be able to participate in the sung Mass along with that cathedral full of people who understand Latin.
For myself I prefer to be a participant in the liturgy of the Mass.
I prefer to do my own praying through my active participation (singing, listening etc) and I acknowledge that others may prefer to be passive participants and let others do all the singing.
I also believe that every Mass is a “great Mass”, not just the ones in great cathedrals, referred to by Z G Sudull, where we are impressed by someone else’s vocal contribution no matter how professional the standard of singing may be.
I believe Elizabeth Harrington had a simple message for us.
No matter where we gather for Mass, the music ministry is there to lead us and encourage us to participate.
We can just sit and listen or we can participate. What we should not have to put up with is someone at a microphone, loudly drowning out our attempts at participating in the music ministry.
I am fortunate to attend Mass in a parish where our liturgy committee, musicians and choir do a marvellous job of lifting us to great heights in our shared ministry of music, in praise and worship of our God.
I do appreciate the effort that Elizabeth Harrington makes to provide us with information about the official teachings of the Church on matters of liturgy. Elizabeth, thank you, and keep up the good work.
DAVID MAPSTONE
The Gap, Qld
