Dear Friends,
What do you think of the new screen in our church? Thank you to those of you who approached me or Fr. Lancelot, and shared your joyful approval and positive feedbacks about it – far from the doubts and concerns some had before seeing it. It was a labor of love – extended over four years of deliberations, fundraising, planning, checking with other parishes with similar media projects, choosing a company that would give us the best service, and spending so many hours in meetings, consultations, revisions, re-scheduling, and so on and so forth. Thanks be to God that it has already made a big difference in the participation of the congregation to pray and sing – as many of you commented – due to the clarity of the letters on the screen which can be seen from all angles as well as all the way back. The livestream of the Mass has excellent clarity of the video and sound for those who are watching online. This is an asset for the parish not only for enhancing our liturgy but also for faith formation, sacramental prep and other events.
In the contest of enhancing our liturgical experience, I wish to share with you that Joan Seamon, our music director, and I have been getting some letters about our music. The good news is that these letters were not concerned about the quality of music or singing during Mass. They were appreciative of our music ministers and the quality of their singing. The concern was regarding the desire to have some quiet time to pray in the church before the Mass.
The rehearsal before Mass is a common practice in many parishes – though where the rehearsal takes place varies. But, the unique situation of our church is that the position of the choir is directly facing the congregation which is perfectly fine during Mass. Yet, during the rehearsal, the choir is, as one put it, “in your face”, making it very distracting for people who want to pray. During rehearsal, it is only human and natural to have some small talk, fun, laughter, etc, all of which are watched by the congregation and it is not surprising that those who want to concentrate in prayer/meditation/silence are unable to do so.
More letters began to come in the recent months from parishioners as well as visitors (some anonymous, few with names) – all of which I have shared with Joan Seamon. Some parishioners talked to me in person on this matter. Some wanted me to send the choir back to the loft – which I flatly refused stating that it would not happen during my pastorate. That was one of the reasons I spoke at all the four Masses of one weekend last month (and two Masses previous to that) about why we are a Eucharistic community where the people are surrounding the altar and sanctuary, and that I was not interested in changing the layout of our church. I also discussed these matters with all our deacons and Fr. Lancelot.
After all these months of prayerful reflection, consultations, and listening, my own discernment is that the desire for some quiet time in the church before Mass is not only genuine but is also required by the Church. The General Instruction for the Roman Missal says that there should be a quiet opportunity in the church for the faithful to prepare prayerfully for the Holy Mass (GIRM, no. 45). We have to admit humbly that we have not been practicing this in our church. Considering all these, I have asked Joan to create that time of sacred silence by not having the practice in the church from now on. I understand it will bring some unhappiness and inconvenience. But such sacrifice by a few is for the greater good of our larger community. We are very proud and grateful that we have the best church music in our diocese and beyond. Thank you Joan and all the Music Ministers.
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Abraham Orapankal