Fr. Simon kicks this episode off with a great letter from a non-Catholic named Mandy, who went to her first Mass, loved it, and hilariously responded “Hi” when someone turned to her with “Peace be with you.” 😂
But the big question Mandy asked is:
“Why don’t Catholics sing more at Mass?”
Yes, Harmony is Totally OK!
Mandy wonders if Catholics are supposed to sing only in unison, and Father says it’s totally OK to sing in harmony. He even points out how Greek Orthodox congregations often harmonize beautifully. But… most Catholics don’t.
So… Why the Silence?
Fr. Simon notices that in many churches, only like 20–30% of people actually sing. Why?
Well, part of it’s cultural and historical:
-Back in the day, there were “Low Masses”; these were quiet, quick, and with no music.
-Then there were “High Masses”, complete with incense, chant, choirs, and lots of altar servers.
-But until the 1960s, congregational singing wasn’t really the norm. So that “I’m not going to sing” habit stuck around.
There’s even a theory that because Irish Catholics were persecuted under English rule, they celebrated Mass quietly to avoid arrest.
So when Irish immigrants shaped American Catholicism, that quiet sense came with them. Meanwhile, over in Germany, Catholics sing their hearts out. 🎵
“We’re Not Supposed to Sing AT Mass. We’re Supposed to Sing THE Mass” – Fr. Simon
Fr. Simon says Catholics aren’t just supposed to pick songs and sing them like it’s a playlist. We’re supposed to sing the actual parts of the Mass, which are scriptural.
-Entrance Antiphon → from the Psalms
-Responsorial Psalm → sing it!
-Alleluia verse → sing that too!
-Offertory and Communion verses → yes, more Psalms
The Mass is soaked in Scripture. In fact, Fr. Simon is a big fan of Gregorian chant, especially in English.
Beware the “Four Hymn Syndrome”
Fr. Simon critiques the popular idea that you have to sing four hymns at Mass:
-Entrance 🎶
-Offertory 🎶
-Communion 🎶
-Recessional 🎶(+ Bonus round: post-Communion song if the organist decides to)
But he says that this mindset misses the point. We end up skipping the actual texts of Scripture (the Psalms), written by the Holy Spirit Himself, in favor of songs written by modern composers.
He says: “Psalms are better than anything else.” Always.
Did you know that Relevant Radio has a channel devoted to Sacred Music? You can learn more here!
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