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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Pope Francis & Mike Rowe Are in Agreement

Fr. David Friel · October 5, 2014

N A CHURCH filled with volunteer choirs and cantors, the talent level runs the gamut. It would be nice if every parish could afford to hire professional singers for every Mass, but that is not the reality in most situations. Where it is possible, of course, that should be encouraged and supported. But what should be done the rest of the time, particularly when you get a volunteer with more enthusiasm than talent?

This week, two well-known figures gave similar answers to this conundrum. The first was Pope Francis, who has been discussing various charisms during his general audiences. During last week’s audience, the Holy Father stressed that charisms must be recognized and acknowledged by the wider ecclesial community:

Someone cannot figure out by himself if he has a charism and which one. It’s a bit like that kind of person everyone has heard about, who says, “Oh I have this talent, I know how to sing so well.” And yet no one has the courage to tell him, “Hmm, it’s better you keep your mouth shut. You torment us when you sing.”

The other figure who spoke out this week is Mike Rowe, host of the TV series “Dirty Jobs.” Months ago, Rowe gave a speech in which he characterized the cliché “Follow your passion” as bad advice. One of his listeners took issue with this and wrote him a note. Defending his original position, Rowe had this to say:

Like all bad advice, “Follow Your Passion” is routinely dispensed as though its wisdom were both incontrovertible and equally applicable to all. It’s not. Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean you won’t suck at it. And just because you’re determined to improve doesn’t mean that you will.

I’m fascinated by the beginning of American Idol. Every year, thousands of aspiring pop-stars show up with great expectations, only to learn that they don’t have anything close to the skills they thought they did. What’s amazing to me isn’t their lack of talent—it’s their lack of awareness, and the resulting shock of being rejected. How is it that so many people are so blind to their own limitations? How did these people get the impression they could sing in the first place?

This is a real issue that needs real solutions. The liturgy has too often served as a sort of fallback coffeehouse for lackluster musicians who cannot find an audience elsewhere. These men & women are often wonderful, active parishioners—the sort of people the parish can rely upon to volunteer for many needs throughout the year. But, if they lack sufficient talent to be of true service to the sacred liturgy, something must be done so that the parish’s worship does not suffer.

So, what to do? Fundamentally, both Pope Francis & Mike Rowe agree that the first step is to muster up enough courage to be honest. We shouldn’t fear confrontation, but it is also good to remember that the messenger (and his or her manner) can make a world of difference. If you have a wretched cantor or organist who needs to be addressed, try to think of who might be the best person to have a talk with them; it could be the music director, the priest, a deacon, or even a senior member of the choir. Then, in the conversation, be sure to affirm the person’s generosity & reliability & other good qualities. A good idea may be to have in mind another role that you could invite the person to take on—something that is better suited to their gifts & talents.

It is hard to be this honest, but the worthy celebration of the liturgy requires it. As the Holy Father stressed, charisms are never self-declared; they are always discerned in the context of the community.

If you have occasion to confront a poor musician in your parish, it may be difficult at first. Down the road, however, that person may come to be grateful for your intervention. Consider Mike Rowe’s retrospection:

When I was 16, I wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. I wanted to be a tradesman. I wanted to build things, and fix things, and make things with my own two hands. This was my passion, and I followed it for years. I took all the shop classes at school, and did all I could to absorb the knowledge and skill that came so easily to my granddad. Unfortunately, the handy gene skipped over me, and I became frustrated. But I remained determined to do whatever it took to become a tradesman.

One day, I brought home a sconce from woodshop that looked like a paramecium, and after a heavy sigh, my grandfather told me the truth. He explained that my life would be a lot more satisfying and productive if I got myself a different kind of toolbox. This was almost certainly the best advice I’ve ever received, but at the time, it was crushing.

Saying things that people need to hear is often frightening, sometimes heroic, and rarely easy. When motivated by true charity, it can be a great blessing to everyone involved.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Liturgical Abuse, Pope Francis, Simple Steps To Improve Parish Music Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Fr. David Friel

Ordained in 2011, Father Friel is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and serves as Director of Liturgy at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    “Music List” • 23rd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
    Readers have expressed interest in perusing the ORDER OF MUSIC I’ve prepared for 7 September 2025, which is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). If such a thing interests you, feel free to download it as a PDF file. As always, the Responsorial Psalm, Gospel Acclamation, and Mass Propers for this Sunday are conveniently stored at the spectacular feasts website alongside the official texts in Latin. My singers really enjoy singing the resplendent COMMUNION ANTIPHON with its Fauxbourdon verses.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Saint John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Pope Pius XII Hymnal?
    Have you ever heard of the Pope Pius XII Hymnal? It’s a real book, published in the United States in 1959. Here’s a sample page so you can verify with your own eyes it existed.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

At the Council of Trent, the subject was raised whether it was correct to refer to the unconsecrated elements of bread and wine as “immaculata hostia” (spotless victim) and “calix salutaris” (chalice of salvation) in the offertory prayers. Likewise the legitimacy of the making the sign of the cross over the elements after the Eucharistic consecration was discussed.

— ‘Fr. Uwe Michael Lang, Cong. Orat.’

Recent Posts

  • PDF Download • Croft’s “Canonic Kyrie” (SATB)
  • Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
  • “Music List” • 23rd in Ordinary Time (Year C)
  • PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
  • “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)

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