Sacred, Religious, or Profane

A couple months ago, I spoke with the men of St. George parish at a Roundtable meeting about the importance of singing in the Mass. We had a very good conversation. One of the things that I taught about was the fact that not all music is created equal. There is good music and bad music, but those were not the categories we used. We used the traditional categories that the Church has given us: sacred music (i.e. liturgical), religious music, and profane (i.e. secular).

In speaking with someone who was not present at that meeting, I realized it would be helpful to outline some of the things that we spoke about. This is primarily for the purpose of making it clear that the Church does have some guidelines for music in the Church; it is not a cafeteria of choices that depend only on what you happen to like. Contrary to what many people in the Church think, the music that you "like" is not necessarily good for your spiritual well being, nor is it necessarily proper for use in the Mass (regardless of whether you can find a parish with music that you "like").

The first category is sacred music, otherwise called "liturgical" music. This refers to music that is written for the liturgy of the Church and uses a sacred or liturgical text as the basis. Let us take for example the Sanctus (dumbed down to being called the, "Holy, holy, holy" -- as though six syllables is somehow better than two!). It is a liturgical text because it is already in the Mass, and if it is not sung it still must be recited; regardless of the music, the words cannot be rejected. It is intended as an essential part of the Mass, so it is sacred. Something we add in by our own choice is not part of the Mass and is therefore automatically lesser.

There are also other texts that, though not an essential part of the Mass (they are not required to be recited when not sung) are still part of the Mass and should not always be ignored. The introit is a good example; it is done at the very beginning of the Mass. There is an introit appointed for every Mass, and it should be sung whenever it can be. The music assigned to the introit is controlled by the words of the introit; the words are not controlled by the music. So the Mass is the authority; we submit the music to the Mass and not the other way around (ever!). The words of the Mass were given with the help of the Holy Spirit and are fully authoritative. The musical notation that we add in afterwards should always conform to what God has given in His inspiration.

Second is the category of religious music. This is music that was not originally intended to be used in a sacred situation (this is why it is not called "sacred" but more broadly "religious"). Religious music is wonderful and can be a great benefit to the faithful in the growth of their spiritual lives. In the original development of religious music it was not, written for the purpose of adding it in to the Mass, but for the laity to have in their homes and other non-church settings. Thus, we have the development of hymns (the term "sacred hymns" is a bit of a misnomer and seems to be an attempt to blur the lines). In the vast majority of these musical settings the words are written to fit with the music, and for the purpose of being used anywhere.

The practice of the Daily Office of prayer was originally intended for the clergy alone, but the laity began to be more interested in it over time. This was one of the original reasons for the development of the rosary -- a daily set of prayers that were easier for the laity to do on their own. So, although, the priests were still required to say these daily prayers, over time a public practice that included the people came into existence, and since it is more focused on the daily lives of the faithful, the use of hymns for Evensong fit perfectly. After all, the Daily Office does not have the Sacrificial offering of Christ, but rather the personal offering of the particpants alone, and is thus more oriented to the use of hymns. Notice, that a layman can lead Evensong, but only a priest can lead the Mass. It therefore was separated from the Mass, and had a more non-sacramental nature.

You have perfect freedom to use and listen to religious music in your homes and other places of your lives (and should do so!). There is a lot of latitude on these various types of music. It can "country", "rock", "hymnody", or "folk" (and a host of others). This is because it is supposed to be suitable for you and your personal preference, and are not to be imposed on the sacred realm of the Mass. I know you will find it in numerous Catholic parishes, but contemporary tunes are never (as in "never!") to be used in the Mass.

Their use in the Mass causes the Mass to conform to the music, and that is backwards. The "nature" or "mood" of the Mass will be significantly affected if the music is of a "religious" and not "sacred" manner. Furthermore, when the Mass if filled with hymns and neglects the intended parts of the Mass, then the hymns control (and change) what the Mass is like. The Mass is designed to be sanctifying, and not "popular". As much as people like hymns and say that they are meaningful to them, the vast majority of them around today are not suitable for the Mass.

The final category is an easy one. Secular or profane music. That is the music written without a specific or intentional view to God and divine things. I might like "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who musically (the theology is certainly problematic), but it is a secular song and to have it (or anything comparable) in the Mass would clearly be a grave sin. No further explanation needed.

Gregorian Chant is the only known divinely inspired form of music, and this is why the Church says that it should "always take precedent over every other form of music" (regardless of the culture). In addition, it refers to all other forms as lesser and only allows them in some instances when there is a difficulty doing what is preferable. The requirement of Gregorian Chant is not some "pre-vatican 2" thing though; it is in the documents of Vatican II itself! Thus, if chant is preferred, we should do everything in our power to learn it and use it in the Mass.

When we use Gregorian Chant to sing the words of the Mass and use the music inspired by the Holy Ghost Himself, we are not just "enjoying it", but we are joining in the with the angels. We are letting the words of God guide us, and not trying to guide the words to our liking. We are letting the Mass form our spirits, and not trying to form the Mass to our personal tastes. It may take a while to get used to having Mass be something that you submit to, and let the authority of the Church guide your spirituality, but I strongly encourage you to do so. Do not allow a "like" to keep you from what the Church says is truly best for you. Enjoy your religious hymns (or your religious heavy metal for that matter) all you want in your home or car (etc.). Yet, when you are in the Mass be humble and ask God to use what He has already togiven to guide your spirit on the path of salvation.