Friends,
Watching a show on EWTN International last night, I saw the wonderful story of someone who converted from Mormonism to Catholicism. It reminded me of yet ANOTHER reason why we need real Sacred music at Mass.
Listening to his story, I heard about the years of research he did, learning about the truth of the Catholic Faith. I learned about the enormous sacrifices he made when this former Mormon Bishop finally decided to sever ties with his wife, children, and community to join the Church (because to leave the Mormon Church also means to leave that tight-knit community).
However, I shudder to think about the music this man hears at the typical Catholic church.
The conversion story reminded me of the nobility, seriousness, holiness, and greatness of the Catholic faith. I am deeply sad and embarrassed that at so many of our parishes, the music is trivial, emotional "Barney" music based on Broadway show-tunes.
I'm not trying to be obnoxious with this post.
All I can say is that, if nothing else, WE OWE IT TO THE CONVERTS to assure that music at the Holy Mass is Sacred, Beatiful, Universal, Austere, and in line with the reenactment of the Sacrifice of Calvary.
It is kind of like having a clean house. You should have a clean house for many reasons, all of them important. But at the very least, clean your house when you have visitors!
Watching a show on EWTN International last night, I saw the wonderful story of someone who converted from Mormonism to Catholicism. It reminded me of yet ANOTHER reason why we need real Sacred music at Mass.
Listening to his story, I heard about the years of research he did, learning about the truth of the Catholic Faith. I learned about the enormous sacrifices he made when this former Mormon Bishop finally decided to sever ties with his wife, children, and community to join the Church (because to leave the Mormon Church also means to leave that tight-knit community).
However, I shudder to think about the music this man hears at the typical Catholic church.
The conversion story reminded me of the nobility, seriousness, holiness, and greatness of the Catholic faith. I am deeply sad and embarrassed that at so many of our parishes, the music is trivial, emotional "Barney" music based on Broadway show-tunes.
I'm not trying to be obnoxious with this post.
All I can say is that, if nothing else, WE OWE IT TO THE CONVERTS to assure that music at the Holy Mass is Sacred, Beatiful, Universal, Austere, and in line with the reenactment of the Sacrifice of Calvary.
It is kind of like having a clean house. You should have a clean house for many reasons, all of them important. But at the very least, clean your house when you have visitors!
