Musical Pews

What is the role of music in the mass? What type of music is "appropriate?" Some think that Gregorian chants are the ideal musical accent. Others feel something more modern, more mainstream would hold a greater effect.

My wife fulfilled a life long dream and began singing in the Life Teen Band at our church. The music is pop/rock in nature and the band does an excellent job of incorporating that style of music with the reverance required in a mass. Every week the attendance at this mass has grown and last week it was near capacity.

But is that type of music appropriate?

In my opinion, all music is topical or "new" at some point. The first time some Gregorian monks got together and hummed a divine diddy, it was new and different. Granted, some music instills a more harmonious experience for most, but, in the end, does that necessarily make it better than other music. Is not the mass really a celebration? Should the music reflect that?

I remember in high school when the metal band Stryper first came out... it was great... a metal band singing about Jesus. What could be better? However, Stryper was eventually undone by the continued criticism within their own faith... not understanding that they were addressing their music to the people that needed to hear The Word the most.

Wasn't it David who said singing is like praying twice? How did David sing the Psalms? Is that the "right way?"

At the end of the day, if the music inspires the heart, moves the spirit, is both divine and reverant, can it not be entertaining as well? As long as it does not distract the focus of the mass on the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Word, isn't that acceptable?

Musical tastes are unique for each individual. But, if the growing attendance at the Life Teen mass is any indication, this latest flavor of music is the right choice for our growing Catholic youth.