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Q On the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, for the post-Communion meditation the choir sang a concert version of America the Beautiful; it was well-rehearsed and executed. When the song began, at least a third of the congregation rose to their feet with hands over their hearts, and stood at attention as if for the national anthem.
What are the guidelines for using patriotic songs in the context of the sacred liturgy? (New York)
A There are no comprehensive, one-size-fits-all regulations that answer your question. Obviously, some individual judgment inevitably is involved. But a good place to start is the general criteria the church establishes on what music may be used in the liturgy, and how it should be used. These criteria are found in the section on sacred music (chapter 6) of the Constitution on the Liturgy of Vatican Council II and in numerous documents by the bishops of the United States, particularly Music in Catholic Worship, issued in 1972.
Briefly, music must meet three tests to be considered for inclusion at Mass or other liturgies. The first is artistic; it should be basically good music in both composition and performance. In my judgment, of the three tests, this is the most offended against. Whether traditional or modern, organ or guitar, choir or folk group, music does not become appropriate for the liturgy simply because the notes hang together and the composer or performers have well-intentioned hearts.
Second, music should be liturgically correct. That means the music must fit the liturgical seasons and feasts, must be appropriate to the ceremony in which it is used, and must give opportunity for the congregation to participate in those parts of the Mass which are theirs. A solo Our Father, for example, or a response to the Preface (Holy, holy, holy) sung by a choral group alone would offend against this requirement.
Third, the music needs to be pastorally appropriate. That doesn't mean it must be something the pastor likes. It must be music which will help this particular congregation at this particular time pray and worship God well together. A host of concerns enter here - the musical experience and proficiency of the people; the economic, social and family cares they bring to that celebration of the Eucharist - and so on.
These criteria apply in fitting ways not only to liturgical texts themselves, but to other vocal or instrumental music such as hymns.
In nearly every nation, some music which reflects patriotic or cultural themes have taken on a reverential, even prayerful character which would make them liturgically acceptable, at least on appropriate feasts or holidays. America the Beautiful and God Bless America would surely be among them in the United States.
As with other hymns, these should not interrupt the Liturgy of the Word or the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but outside of that I believe the widespread custom of including them in liturgical celebrations on national holidays or special events is reasonable and acceptable.
I have no idea where the practice of treating America the Beautiful as the national anthem came from. It has no relation to Catholic ritual guidelines.
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Questions for this column should be sent to Father John Dietzen, P.O. Box 3315, Peoria, IL 61612.
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