A few mid-summer observations about the liturgy and how it is celebrated.

First, the Vatican has said that the Sign of Peace will remain in its place in the liturgy, but some abuses about the pratice must be addressed. See our news story on Page 10.

I’m concerned, however, about some other liturgical practices – like music. While music can greatly enhance the celebration of Mass, the converse also is true. When it is bad, it drags down the ceremony. My pet peeve is leaders of song who cannot be understood. Recently, I sat in church for Sunday Mass and could not decipher one word of the entrance hymn or the Responsorial Psalm. I realize that the words are in the missalette, but I think the cantor needs to work on properly enunciating the words rather than warble like he or she has a mouth full of marbles. Perhaps there would be more participation if those in the pews could understand the words the first time they are sung.

I don’t write this to insult anyone. Believe me, I have nothing but the greatest admiration for those who have enough courage to stand up and sing in front of the congregation, but I do think many parish liturgies suffer because of bad liturgical music. One alternative could be a Sunday Mass when there is no music at all, just to allow the silence to reverence the ceremony.

A parishioner in Brooklyn recently complained to me about the music in her parish, but it was not about the leader of song. It was the organist who, she said, played every hymn as if it was a dirge. Sunday Mass is meant to be a celebration, not a funeral.

To see how well it can be done, I would recommend tuning in to the noontime broadcast on The NET each day from St. James Cathedral-Basilica, where the music is always exemplary.

To be fair, there are aspects of parish Masses that have greatly improved. For instance, the quality of lectors is very high, and it is one of the few places on the altar where you see young people. Readers seem to be well prepared. Clearly they have gone over the reading beforehand and are familiar with the texts. They are slow and deliberate and try to make eye contact with the audience. I’m especially encouraged by how articulate many of the young people are when they stand to read.

And of course, the ongoing controversy of the gender issue continues. The other evening at Mass, the priest and deacon were the only two males. All seven servers, lectors and ministers of Communion were female. We raised this issue several years ago, and the Readers’ Forum was flooded with letters. But there continues to be a dearth of men who step forward to assist at the liturgy. That’s assuming that they are even present. Lately, I’ve even noticed more women taking up the collection, once the bastion of an all-male ushers society. No one seems to have come up with an answer to the dominance of females in church ceremonies.

It’s been suggested that men’s spirituality needs a totally different approach than women’s. Men and women are unique creations in themselves, and they require unique approaches that we seem to be missing.

Last Sunday as I watched some men walking into Mass, I was amused by the way they were dressed – much too casual, I thought. Then, I corrected myself and reminded myself that I should be glad they were there. Maybe, that’s a better approach rather than complaining about how the liturgy is celebrated. Just be happy that someone is willing to take a leadership role.

What do you think? I would like to know! All reactions welcome!