Mass Review #6

The family went to visit the in-laws this past weekend, and because of circumstances we would not be attending our usual Maronite parish. Instead we would be attending the parish of my husband's youth, and where his parents still attend.  I really like these non-typical chandeliers.

The old confessionals are still in place and are actually used.

The church is quite large and very beautiful. Large marble columns line both sides of the church, and the original gorgeous high altar still stands, as does the marble altar rail with stone inlay. Some very questionable remodeling and repainting has be done, but could be easily fixed.

Old tabernacles still lay underneath the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph at their respective side altars.

More photos of the Communion rail:

There's really just one problem with this church:

The music.

There is no organ in this church, even though some pipes from what was surely a glorious instrument lay wasting in the back.  But there *is* an electronic keyboard! Yippee!

(At this time I must confess that this is one of the very few churches where I had to STOP myself from walking out during Mass, due to the carelessness of the former priest, and the horrible awful terrible music.)

Before Mass, our ears were assaulted with a keyboard (!with underlying string sounds!) playing a medley of Glory and Praise tunes.  I didn't realize that he was just warming up for the big show.

Indeed, we got to hear those same songs through the Mass, except at an obscene volume.  Additionally, he served as cantor and "song leader".  He was SO LOUD that I think I heard some hearing aids howling with feedback.  I whispered to Oldest Daughter that if I had a gun I'd shoot out the speakers, may God forgive me. The worst part of it all is that he seems to have *no clue* how to choose music for Mass, as evidenced by his selection for Communion.

However, this parish got a new priest about two years ago.  He is a very holy young man who not only performs the liturgy by the books, but also is an excellent homilist.  In fact, he chanted nearly every part of the Mass (except the Our Father), including the Kyrie Eleison in Greek. Now maybe you'll yawn at that, but this is almost unheard of in our diocese. My family loves him as I'm sure do all the parishioners.  What's not to love? I just wish they had the music that they (and the church) deserve and are entitled to.

I suppose the priest's gentle manner is what prevents him from trying to replace the music guy.

In summary, the Mass sans music gets 10/10 stars, and the music gets -10/10 stars.

Oh -- I almost forgot to tell you about the Communion Song: "Suddenly There's a Valley"

When you've climbed the highest mountain
When a cloud holds the sunshine in
Suddenly there's a valley
Where the earth knows peace with man

When a storm hides the distant rainbow
And you think you can't find a friend
Suddenly there's a valley
Where friendships never end

Touched only by the seasons
Swept clean by the waving grain
Surveyed by a happy bluebird
And kissed by the falling rain

When you think there's no bright tomorrow
And you feel you can't try again
Suddenly there's a valley
Where hope and love begin

Suddenly there's a valley
Where hope and love begin