I requested prayers for a special intention of mine last week, and I received a response very soon after posting. Some of you will think it strange that I needed guidance on this particular subject, but for me, there were some strong feelings about whether I should make a particular commitment. Anyway, the die is cast.
I was asked to join the music ministry for the Lifeteen Mass, and I accepted the job. I'll be playing bass and singing. Now, I'm much more of a traditional choir guy, and I like chant. I tend to think that those musical expressions are more appropriate for the liturgy. However, I've had several indications that this might be where I'm needed and where my daughter's faith will thrive (at least for the time being). I suspect that many of the kids who are attracted to the Lifeteen Mass would be attracted to the extraordinary form as well, simply because it isn't what their parents have taken them to all their lives. Ultimately, I want my daughter to understand that the liturgy is the liturgy is the liturgy. The reason for being there is not because we prefer the music, or like a particular priest, or want everyone to keep their hands to themselves during the sign of peace, but because that is where Christ comes to us and where we relive and re-present the pascal sacrifice.
Anyway, please pray for me in this new endeavor. Perhaps I can convince the leaders of te youth ministry that Gregorian chant is really much more appealling to adolescents these days.
4 comments:
The best way to change a system is to work from within.
You may find the value in it; I'm not a fan of LifeTeen myself, but in my job I am a liturgical liason for the teen contemporary band that plays at occasional Masses and has other possible excursions.
Their love for music and involvement in the group is building a foundation for them. I've also spoken to other adults that found themselves drawn in by the emotional response to the music, but as they matured their taste in liturgical music changed as well.
Recently it was pointed out that the Mass does indeed pull us in via emotion; the Church is very sensual, that is, appealing to the senses. God has created us to have (appropriae) emotional responses to stimuli; yet there are some who perhaps started out that way, and are now Trappists or Carthusians, perferring nothing but the silence and pared-down affectations of the Mass, looking for God in purer company.
Again, I'm not a fan of that type of music at Mass, and I do indeed think young people would choose Gregorian Chant if they could be exposed to it, simply due to the transcendental nature; they want to transcend, not be pulled back to reality kicking and screaming.
But when it's all they know...well, people like you need to come along and pave the way.
God bless, you're in my prayers!
~ Adoro
I think you made a great choice, Bill... and I think you did a good job Sunday night, although the bass was a tad hot. ;) (joke) When I heard they were looking for someone, you were the first person I thought of.
I think your choice was a good one as it will truly be an example, a learning experience, for your daughter, just as you say.
Personally, I like (not love) the Life Teen mass, in that it's great seeing the youth there - many of whom are there without their parents... says good things about the kids, not so much for the parents, though. I do love the Chant, having Benedictine roots in me. :) I'm not sure about the St. John's teens being drawn to the chant... maybe for a short time just because it's different.
Hang in there - but let's hear more of your singing!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mark. I think Adoro has something, too, in the need for some to have an emotional response or an emotional connection. Of course, they eventually need to grow out of that into a more mature spirituality, but it doesn't hurt to to start there.
We don't have a LifeTeen Mass yet at our parish, but it is something that our director does want to start as she saw her own kids getting involved in Church again through this kind of Mass at another parish. It actually got her to get LT at our parish. I understand the love of the chant, but I think in this case that the Lord is going to use you as an instrument (pun intended). Good luck.
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