IN THE 1960s the hymnody of Holy Mother Church was made relevant to youth by adopting the folk-music style of that generation. That music is still with us today:
This is a humorous and light-hearted spoof of some popular church songs, if considered in the right perspective. I hope that none of your readers take this parody to be derogative of popular styles of liturgical music. (After all, any style of music can be parodied, such as "Tantum ergo makes your hair grow" or "Ave Maria, hey it's good to see 'ya.")
While some debate whether or not this style of music is proper to Roman Catholic liturgy, one cannot deny that these songs have played a significant role in the faith life of many people. As such, I hope that this subject is considered with charity toward those for whom folk styles of liturgical music are a road to God.
I spent the evening last night listening to Catholic organ clips on You Tube, so this post today seems very well timed. I agree at my age that I prefer the hymns of my youth played powerfully on the pipe organ (Holy God We Praise Thy Name),but I must admit there are a couple of modern songs (On Eagles Wings) that have an impact on me when I hear them performed well.
Scott, Not to disagree with you, but the Faith life of whom? I have visited over 100 churches in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The only songs the people in the pews sing with any regularity or enthusiasm are Marian hymns, like Immaculate Mary, patriotic hymns, or Holy God, We Praise Thy Name. Also, most of my cohorts don't listen to folk music, we listen to rock n roll, pop, or rap. When will the the music of the Liturgy reflect that?
Finally, I am an alto and I can't sing many of the more folky songs. They are simply too high for me. How can I actively participate in the Liturgy if the songs are too high?
I would argue it plays a "significant" part for many people because that is all they know. They don't know there is something else out there...
This is a humorous and light-hearted spoof of some popular church songs, if considered in the right perspective. I hope that none of your readers take this parody to be derogative of popular styles of liturgical music. (After all, any style of music can be parodied, such as "Tantum ergo makes your hair grow" or "Ave Maria, hey it's good to see 'ya.")
ReplyDeleteWhile some debate whether or not this style of music is proper to Roman Catholic liturgy, one cannot deny that these songs have played a significant role in the faith life of many people. As such, I hope that this subject is considered with charity toward those for whom folk styles of liturgical music are a road to God.
I spent the evening last night listening to Catholic organ clips on You Tube, so this post today seems very well timed. I agree at my age that I prefer the hymns of my youth played powerfully on the pipe organ (Holy God We Praise Thy Name),but I must admit there are a couple of modern songs (On Eagles Wings) that have an impact on me when I hear them performed well.
ReplyDeleteScott,
ReplyDeleteNot to disagree with you, but the Faith life of whom? I have visited over 100 churches in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The only songs the people in the pews sing with any regularity or enthusiasm are Marian hymns, like Immaculate Mary, patriotic hymns, or Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.
Also, most of my cohorts don't listen to folk music, we listen to rock n roll, pop, or rap. When will the the music of the Liturgy reflect that?
Finally, I am an alto and I can't sing many of the more folky songs. They are simply too high for me. How can I actively participate in the Liturgy if the songs are too high?
I would argue it plays a "significant" part for many people because that is all they know. They don't know there is something else out there...