Bishop opens process of discernment toward promoting participation in the Liturgy through sacred music
Greater unity through sacred music
CLICK HERE to read Bishop McKnight's Nov. 6, 2024, decree.
Sacred music’s power to move hearts and orient people toward unity with God and his entire Church has been evident since Christianity’s earliest days.
Recognizing that power, and intending to use it to strengthen the bonds of communion among all the faithful in our diocese, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight is opening a year-long process of consultation regarding how sacred music can be best used to encourage active participation in the Liturgy.
In the policy promulgated by a Nov. 5 decree, the bishop established a set of common Mass settings for use by all diocesan parishes.
The decree also prohibits the use of hymns by composers who have been found credibly accused of sexual abuse.
In addition, the diocese will open a conversation about the possibility of phasing out certain songs that may be inappropriate for Catholic liturgies, using criteria established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Bishop McKnight determined a synodal approach, one of listening and communal discernment, was necessary after the diocese published an initial decree relating to sacred music on Oct. 28, which is now abrogated by the Nov. 5 decree.
The first decree, which was published following years of research by the diocesan Liturgical Commission and with input from the diocesan Presbyteral Council, included lists of banned songs and composers.
The decision to prohibit specific songs and composers led to a spirited discussion, including on social media, as well as stories and opinions shared in some Catholic media outlets outside the diocese.
“It is inspiring to see such passion and enthusiasm about the music that enlivens our Catholic liturgies,” said Bishop McKnight. “Whenever we see this kind of fervor among the faithful, our Church gives us the perfect way to respond — a synodal response.
“Rather than the faithful being relegated to the outside as commenters on a decision, with their only response being either obedience or disobedience, it is better to invite everyone in our diocese into a discernment process,” the bishop stated.
“The Holy Spirit is working through each one of us,” he said. “When the people of God speak, we have a responsibility to open ourselves to listen, even when that means changing course and trying a different approach.”
Bishop McKnight’s new policy tasks the diocesan Liturgical Commission with gathering feedback from musicians, music ministers and everyone else who has a perspective on the music used in liturgies across the diocese.
The first priority is determining Mass settings that can be sung and learned in parishes across the diocese. When Mass settings are familiar, it is easier for the faithful to actively participate in diocesan liturgies and other liturgies outside their parishes.
The new policy begins with four Mass settings, with the possibility of revising or adding to these four settings after further consultation and discernment.
The four initial settings include the traditional “Chant Mass;” the “Mass of St. Frances Cabrini” by Kevin Keil; the “Revised Mass of Creation” by Marty Haugen; and for Spanish-speaking congregations, the bilingual “Misa del Pueblo Inmigrante” (“Mass of the Immigrant People”) by Bob Hurd.
“This is a step toward fostering a common repertoire that we see as helping the Church to grow in unity and communion,” stated Father Daniel Merz, pastor of St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish and Sacred Heart Parish in Columbia, and chairman of the diocesan Liturgical Commission.
“People enjoy traveling and visiting other Catholic churches in the diocese and beyond,” he noted. “They appreciate that the Mass is celebrated in diverse and beautifully familiar settings, wherever they go.
“Music is such an important part of that,” he said.
He emphasized that parishes are not being limited to four Mass settings.
“We’re just saying, ‘please be familiar with these,’” he stated.
He said the inclusion of a bilingual Mass setting welcomes the growing number of Hispanic Catholics in the diocese, for whom Spanish is their first language.
Called to something more
In the new policy, Bishop McKnight also prohibited the use of music by composers who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse.
The bishop also instructed pastors and liturgical ministers to use guidance from the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine when choosing suitable songs for the Liturgy.
In addition to doctrinal concerns, this guidance encourages sensitivity to language that may be disrespectful of other religions.
“This is all about providing good direction and guidance,” Fr. Merz stated. “We want to foster good music for our liturgies, because we recognize that music is such an important part of how we worship God and pass along the faith.”
The Catholic Church has a long and beautiful tradition of music and singing in the Liturgy, and of assessing hymns according to pastoral, doctrinal, aesthetic and liturgical criteria.
An important part of the doctrinal criteria is promoting a fuller understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
“Part of the concern is that a lot of the songs that we sing overemphasize one dimension of the Eucharist,” Fr. Merz noted.
For example, he cited highlighting the communal and social dimensions of the Eucharist, without giving proper emphasis also to the Sacrifice and Real Presence of the Lord, and the need for continuing conversion among every communicant.
“It’s about the Great Commandment,” he said. “Love God first, and that enables you to love your neighbor. When we get the first part right, the second part will follow.”
“Many of the common themes of our hymns speak to our humanity and highlight the emotions that people struggle with, so they come up over and over again,” Fr. Merz noted.
“But we have to remember we not only want to express who we are, but also be called to something more,” he said.
Let us sing with one accord
Comments will be gathered by Aug. 1, 2025.
The new policy directs the Diocesan Liturgical Commission to invite the assistance of the diocesan chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) to consult parish ministers throughout the diocese.
This input will then be reported to the Diocesan Pastoral Council and Presbyteral Council for their deliberations and advice to Bishop McKnight on the present policy and what additional steps should be taken.
“I am excited about moving forward with an open mind and an open heart,” said Bishop McKnight. “Music is such an important part of who we are as Catholics. The act of singing is intensely personal, helping us to encounter the mystery of Christ and the Church.
“I am eager to hear from everyone, in a synodal process of deep listening, as we embark on this process together,” he said. “Let us use this time to ensure that we hear the Holy Spirit through all voices as we work to make our approach to sacred music a reason for unity across the Diocese of Jefferson City.”
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