Liturgical question

[Gandalf the Grey]

So, since the beginning of Advent my parish choir has changed the music to being one constant theme. Every song now is carried to the theme and tune of "O come, o come Emmanuel," including such songs as the "Hosanna", the "Amen," the "Lamb of God," etc. Which is is fine and not something that I have any real problem with.

The problem is that the week prior and now this past Sunday they've included changing the Doxology where usually the priest chants in the Gregorian mode when holding up the Eucharist instead he's attempted to sing it according to the same theme....and I don't know who or what would have happened to him to be compelled to do this because he's clearly not comfortable doing it. The words of the Doxology clearly don't "fit" with the theme they're trying to incorporate with it and he's clearly and truly trying to do his best it seems to be a stretch too far for him. In trying to sing according to the tune half the words wind up being mumbled and incomprehensible. It's obvious that he's embarrassed to do it and I feel embarrassed for him. I think that it's extraordinarliy unfair to have him be placed in this position while trying to perform his duties at the altar.

What I'm wondering is whether or not if this is even licit to do in the Doxology.

[zeno]

I think as long as they aren't changing the words singing it any which way is ok if still a very bad idea. One of the parishes we frequently attend has started doing this (but not so far as the doxology afaik). We find it horrific and are actively avoiding until after Christmas. Why anyone would think something so obnoxious and annoying is beyond me!

[peregrinator]

I think as long as they aren't changing the words singing it any which way is ok if still a very bad idea. One of the parishes we frequently attend has started doing this (but not so far as the doxology afaik). We find it horrific and are actively avoiding until after Christmas. Why anyone would think something so obnoxious and annoying is beyond me!

Could be worse, it could be to the tune of Cohen's "Hallelujah" instead!

Real talk - O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a dreary, overused hymn.

[Kage_ar]

I think as long as they aren't changing the words singing it any which way is ok if still a very bad idea. One of the parishes we frequently attend has started doing this (but not so far as the doxology afaik). We find it horrific and are actively avoiding until after Christmas. Why anyone would think something so obnoxious and annoying is beyond me!

Could be worse, it could be to the tune of Cohen's "Hallelujah" instead!

Real talk - O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a dreary, overused hymn.

Thing is, I did not spend the first part of my life in a liturgical world, so, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is still sentimental to me.

[zeno]

in fairness there aren't too many advent hymns so it's no wonder we hear o come o come Emmanuel, though outside of the horror described above we haven't heard it much this year really. O Come Divine Messiah is a favorite of mine (and I really like Advent at Ephesus for music for the season).

[gherkin]

The words of the Doxology clearly don't "fit" with the theme they're trying to incorporate with it and he's clearly and truly trying to do his best it seems to be a stretch too far for him. In trying to sing according to the tune half the words wind up being mumbled and incomprehensible. It's obvious that he's embarrassed to do it and I feel embarrassed for him. I think that it's extraordinarliy unfair to have him be placed in this position while trying to perform his duties at the altar.

If this is the pastor, he needs to act like the pastor and tell the music people to go pound sand. If it's the parochial vicar, I guess it's an opportunity for him to grow in holiness through practicing humility.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

It's licit. But I forbid my choirs to sing OCOCE before Dec. 17.

[Gandalf the Grey]

The words of the Doxology clearly don't "fit" with the theme they're trying to incorporate with it and he's clearly and truly trying to do his best it seems to be a stretch too far for him. In trying to sing according to the tune half the words wind up being mumbled and incomprehensible. It's obvious that he's embarrassed to do it and I feel embarrassed for him. I think that it's extraordinarliy unfair to have him be placed in this position while trying to perform his duties at the altar.

If this is the pastor, he needs to act like the pastor and tell the music people to go pound sand. If it's the parochial vicar, I guess it's an opportunity for him to grow in holiness through practicing humility.

He's the associate pastor.

[Riverboat]

Could be worse, it could be to the tune of Cohen's "Hallelujah" instead!

I'd smack myself on the head with a hymnal if I heard that, assuming I couldn't reach the choir director.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

How good is your arm? Can you throw a hymnal accurately into the choir loft?

[Gandalf the Grey]

How good is your arm? Can you throw a hymnal accurately into the choir loft?

I don't know about Riverboat but I got tendonitis in my right elbow so I'm not throwing anything at anyone for the time being.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

I just went through elbow rehab. I'm not throwing anything either.

[Kage_ar]

How good is your arm? Can you throw a hymnal accurately into the choir loft?

This is a GREAT game for the next church festival!!!

[Tired]

(I missed this board. Some comments in this thread made me actually laugh out loud. I don't know they were intended to do so but nonetheless, good show. Thanks and thanks for being informative at the same time ).

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

They probably were. Glad we helped!

[zeno]

New one on me ... the parish I attended last weekend set the Gloria to the tune of Angels We Have Heard on High.

[peregrinator]

New one on me ... the parish I attended last weekend set the Gloria to the tune of Angels We Have Heard on High.

Oh I've heard that one. Not a fan

[gherkin]

I don't sing anyway, but that one's impossible to sing. Nobody knows what's going on.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

I agree with peregrinator.

[Riverboat]

How good is your arm? Can you throw a hymnal accurately into the choir loft?

I couldn't hit a peach basket with a marble if I were standing over it. But I can wait 'til he comes downstairs for a little surprise.