HIS DISTURBING VIDEO appeared on the internet. It’s from the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening in Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church (Seattle, Washington): 1
This video doesn’t affect my family—in a certain sense—because it’s not my parish.
On the other hand, what if someone in the parish reported this incident to their local bishop? I’m not sure what actions could be taken, because the USCCB Liturgy Committee declared in 2012 that important sections of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) can be ignored. What’s to stop other sections from being ignored?
Moreover, if you read all the documentation provided by Daniel Craig, you’ll notice a justification being given. The GIRM says clearly (§48) that songs replacing the assigned texts must be approved by the Episcopal Conference. The “American Adaptation” for the GIRM—approved by Rome—says the local bishop can also give permission. But the Bishops’ Committee said the GIRM can be ignored, because “local musicians” without permission can decide for themselves which alternate texts are acceptable:
“The guidelines articulated in Sing to the Lord (2007) are given to guide composers in their composition and those who plan/prepare liturgy in the choice of music…”
You probably think I’m going to say: “See? Judge by that video whether people can make their own liturgical decisions.” But that’s not what I’m going to say.
The GIRM is specific about getting a bishop’s approval because of accountability. We need to start following the GIRM as soon as possible! Then, if a bishop approves the type of goofy songs excoriated by Fr. Paul Scalia, that bishop will receive feedback.
UPDATE :
Judging from their facebook page, this parish seems to have similar things each week:
I was surprised to see composer David Haas comment in support. It might be instructive to compare the processional of an Extraordinary Form Mass with their procession dance.
NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:
1 I’m 95% sure the current pastor, Fr. Patrick Clark, is the priest shown in several videos on their YouTube channel.
