Using Catholic hymns containing doctrinal inaccuracies, or those written by composers with credible accusations of abuse against them, is no longer allowed in one US diocese. “Lord of the Dance” is off the list the diocese says. So is “Let us Break Bread together on our Knees”. Guidelines Last week a decree from the Diocese Read more
Numerous things liturgical have changed for the better since Vatican II. Should you have any doubt of the progress, plan a Tridentine Mass in your parish next Sunday. Turn the altar about and scout a copy of the Leonine prayers. However, one cannot escape the dread feeling that the reforms have not made the grade. Read more
It’s a long-standing joke that the Church of England exists largely to remove any idea of religion from our national life. The more the Church has sought to make its services more “inclusive” and “relevant”, the more Christians have converted to other denominations where they think things are done properly (notably Roman Catholicism), and the more those curious Read more
Churches are shunning traditional hymns in favour of more modern songs backed with guitars and bands. A world-wide lack of organists and pianists is partly to blame for the shift to guitar-backed music, but churches are also changing to appeal to newer tastes. Retired Nelson church organist and teacher Alan K Gray said churches were struggling Read more
A US bishop has directed that all parishes in his diocese will be chanting some parts of the Mass by 2020. Marquette Bishop John Doerfler wrote a letter to priests in his diocese in January spelling out what he wants. The Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei will be sung and the Communion antiphon will be Read more
A liturgical music specialist who was to have a key role in preparations for a US papal Mass has resigned over differences with his archbishop. John Romeri resigned as head of liturgical music for Philadelphia archdiocese, effective on June 30. It was a role Dr Romeri held for five years. It is unclear what role Read more
An American parish music director has been fired from his role in a parish in the Diocese of Arlington because he entered into a civil same-sex marriage. Mike McMahon was a former director of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. This is the national body for liturgical music leaders in the Catholic Church in the Read more