My Church Is Compelling Me To Play The Mass Of A Joyful Heart

[dells_of_bittersweet]

I play in a Praise and Worship band. We've been asked to play for Mass on July 29th. We had originally planned to play the Mass of Saint Timothy, by Matt Maher, which on the whole is a massive improvement over Haas and Haugen. However, the parish music director has told us to play the Mass setting that they usually use, the Mass of a Joyful Heart.

I don't feel that the Mass of a Joyful Heart is a couple steps above party music. The music does not fit the occasion. I'm particularly concerned about the Great Amen and the Memorial Acclamation, which I do not feel convey the sense that God is present. They should be solemn at least on some level, and are anything but.

Further complication: We're playing the 5 pm Mass, where we are expected to play contemporary music. We have an electric guitar in our band, so anything we play has to work with that awful instrument.

So what should I do? I'll campaign really hard for the Mass of Saint Timothy, but if they refuse to let us play it, what should I do?

Also, I'm unwilling (or at least very hesitant) to play the Great Amen from the Mass of Saint Timothy for the same reasons that I don't want to play the one from the Mass of a Joyful Heart. Can anyone point me in the direction of a Great Amen that meets the following criteria:
1. Loud.
2. Solemn. At the very least it needs give off the impression of saying "Amen" to the fact that [i]Jesus is right there[/i]!
3. Can be played with an electric guitar.
Basically it needs to be sacred yet still contemporary.

[cmaD2006]

If the parish music director has asked you to play a particular Mass setting ... I would humbly do so. It is a sort of obedience -- beside the person is in charge of music at the parish.

[cmotherofpirl]

When I sing funerals, I sing what the priest, choir director and the family request. I can add my two cents worth, but that is all my opinion counts, I'm not the boss.
The music director is in charge, not you , you are a guest. When you are a guest you abide by the wishes of your host, and when over-ruled, graciously agree to do what you are asked.

And we would never be allowed to have P & W or an electric guitar in church

[Vincent Vega]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' timestamp='1310796212' post='2268132']
And we would never be allowed to have P & W or an electric guitar in church
[/quote]

[To Jesus Through Mary]

[quote name='dells_of_bittersweet' timestamp='1310778084' post='2268008']
I play in a Praise and Worship band. We've been asked to play for Mass on July 29th. We had originally planned to play the Mass of Saint Timothy, by Matt Maher, which on the whole is a massive improvement over Haas and Haugen. However, the parish music director has told us to play the Mass setting that they usually use, the Mass of a Joyful Heart.

I don't feel that the Mass of a Joyful Heart is a couple steps above party music. The music does not fit the occasion. I'm particularly concerned about the Great Amen and the Memorial Acclamation, which I do not feel convey the sense that God is present. They should be solemn at least on some level, and are anything but.

Further complication: We're playing the 5 pm Mass, where we are expected to play contemporary music. We have an electric guitar in our band, so anything we play has to work with that awful instrument.

So what should I do? I'll campaign really hard for the Mass of Saint Timothy, but if they refuse to let us play it, what should I do?

Also, I'm unwilling (or at least very hesitant) to play the Great Amen from the Mass of Saint Timothy for the same reasons that I don't want to play the one from the Mass of a Joyful Heart. Can anyone point me in the direction of a Great Amen that meets the following criteria:
1. Loud.
2. Solemn. At the very least it needs give off the impression of saying "Amen" to the fact that [i]Jesus is right there[/i]!
3. Can be played with an electric guitar.
Basically it needs to be sacred yet still contemporary.
[/quote]

My .02 worth (I know others will respond to this more fully), but if you are questioning it I would ask yourself why. If it is because in good conscience you don't want to play it, then don't. Step down from the band. Read what the Church says should be played at Mass and conform to that. If the parish doesn't, then don't play. That is the joy of the Church, they have given us guidelines for such matters. (there are many many post on PM on music in the Mass) Research and obey the Church. Werd.

Oh and not sure how you could ever find music that is sacred and involves a electric guitar... just sayin....

[Noel's angel]

I agree with To Jesus Through Mary. It is possible to get your point across with humility and respect. You can tell them that you do not feel you can play such music at Mass, and while you won't do anything to 'sabotage' their plans, you cannot partake in the music on this occasion. If they ask why, politely explain that you have learned from the guidance of the Church that some music isn't suitable for Mass, and that it would trouble you to go against the rules laid down. You can let them know that what they are doing isn't in accordance with what should be done, but still maintain good relations with them. Just don't go in all guns blazing and telling them they're wrong. It doesn't work.

Edited July 16, 2011 by Noel's angel

[Groo the Wanderer]

We learned the revised Mass of a Joyful Heart at DCYC this year. Not too bad and better than the Haugen/Haas vomit, methinks. Not the greatest Mass settings, but good for guitar (not electric....blech!) and in youth-led Masses.

Sorry Cam - aint seen too many yoots that can play the organ...

[Groo the Wanderer]

[quote name='To Jesus Through Mary' timestamp='1310823518' post='2268191']
Oh and not sure how you could ever find music that is sacred and involves a electric guitar... just sayin....
[/quote]


Erm yeah. One of the Spanish choirs in my parish has an electric bass guitar, an electric mandolin (didnt even know there was such an animal) and a trap set of all things. That particular Mass sounds more like a tijuana bar...

[CatherineM]

The only times I have seen electric guitar in church was played by a priest.

[BG45]

...Matt Maher wrote a Mass setting? Now I need to track this down, because his stuff is always beautiful.

Edited July 16, 2011 by BG45

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Noel's angel' timestamp='1310825486' post='2268198']
I agree with To Jesus Through Mary. It is possible to get your point across with humility and respect. You can tell them that you do not feel you can play such music at Mass, and while you won't do anything to 'sabotage' their plans, you cannot partake in the music on this occasion. If they ask why, politely explain that you have learned from the guidance of the Church that some music isn't suitable for Mass, and that it would trouble you to go against the rules laid down. You can let them know that what they are doing isn't in accordance with what should be done, but still maintain good relations with them. Just don't go in all guns blazing and telling them they're wrong. It doesn't work.
[/quote]
If this Mass of a Joyful Heart ( and I have no clue what that one is, I sing what I am given) is one used in that diocese or promulgated by the diocese by the music company hired by the Church for hymns etc then that is what is acceptable by the Church in that location. To go in and state that is not good enough and one thinks they are breaking church rules by doing so is the height of hubris and catch you plenty of you know what... Tread carefully, people get attached to bad music just as easily as good music

[Little Flower]

[quote name='BG45' timestamp='1310839318' post='2268243']
...Matt Maher wrote a Mass setting? Now I need to track this down, because his stuff is always beautiful.
[/quote]

edit: nevermind

Edited July 16, 2011 by Little Flower

[dells_of_bittersweet]

[quote name='BG45' timestamp='1310839318' post='2268243']
...Matt Maher wrote a Mass setting? Now I need to track this down, because his stuff is always beautiful.
[/quote]

Yup, although I think Tom Booth wrote a couple of the pieces. It's in Spirit and Song 2, published by OCP. Chant would be better, but his Kryie, Memorial Acclamation, and Lamb of God are really, really good. In my opinion. Not huge on the Great Amen though.

[BG45]

[quote name='dells_of_bittersweet' timestamp='1310853478' post='2268346']
Yup, although I think Tom Booth wrote a couple of the pieces. It's in Spirit and Song 2, published by OCP. Chant would be better, but his Kryie, Memorial Acclamation, and Lamb of God are really, really good. In my opinion. Not huge on the Great Amen though.
[/quote]

Thanks, will take a look at it with those recommendations in mind.

[Noel's angel]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' timestamp='1310847953' post='2268295']
If this Mass of a Joyful Heart ( and I have no clue what that one is, I sing what I am given) is one used in that diocese or promulgated by the diocese by the music company hired by the Church for hymns etc then that is what is acceptable by the Church in that location. To go in and state that is not good enough and one thinks they are breaking church rules by doing so is the height of hubris and catch you plenty of you know what... Tread carefully, people get attached to bad music just as easily as good music
[/quote]

As you'll note, I did say NOT to go in all guns blazing and tell them they're wrong. The bishops in Ireland are promoting a new setting which is written for piano. That doesn't mean the piano is suddenly acceptable for use in the liturgy in Ireland.
There is such a thing as making your point and not making enemies because of it.