Karl Keating's E-Letter of November 14, 2006

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Karl's E-Letter of November 14, 2006

Topics:

Losers and Winners
"Incandescent Hatred"
Diocesan Newspapers
Top (Or Worst?) Hymns

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http://www.catholic.com/newsletters/kke_061114.asp

[julieanne]

"A REMARKABLE EXCEPTION

One of the best diocesan newspapers isn't a newspaper at all. It's a magazine, the "St. Augustine Catholic," published by the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida. It's a full-color, 32-page publication that appears every two months. Bishop Victor Galeone is the publisher, and Kathleen Bagg-Morgan is the editor.

Not only does the magazine look good, but its content is solid. It should be, given Bishop Galeone's superintendence. I've been acquainted with him for years, ever since he had me give a seminar at his parish, back when he was a priest."

Isn't Bishop Galeone still a priest?

[pnewton]

Amazing Grace - Heretical?

Three of the four classic verses are first person testimony. How can a description of John Newton's conversion be considered heresy? True, Catholics are first infused with Grace at baptism, but many of us where not so fortunate to be raised Christian and truly the Grace of God did appear boundless and precious from the moment of conversion.

BTW - I noticed there were no Eucharistic hymns on the list. I find that rather interesting coming from a group of Catholic musicians.

[Regenhund]

It's patently obvious that Elton John is a spectacle in desparate search of an audience. I think he learned the unfortunate lesson several years ago that since he is a cultural has-been he needs to say something (progressively more) outrageous in order for anyone to take notice of him. I doubt he even beleuves most of what comes out of his mouth. I don't think he can stand the fact that he can't even really sing anymore and his last hit was a rehash of a modest success from the seventies (I think). And even THAT was 15 years ago. He reminds me of Joan Crawford: an aging queen in search of a court. It's pretty sad.

Maybe we just haven't been praying for him hard enough.

Thanks Karl. Another slam dunk.

[William Bradley]

Karl certainly makes a point which are on the minds of many faithful yet quiet Catholics. I too lament the greater usage of Protestant and secular music in our workship and pray for the greater usage of Eucharistic and Marian hymns in our music. It leads me to wonder though if the music committees are sometimes a symbol of a greater abuse that of some of our lay committees mistaking their roles from being advisory to that of being closer to that of a Potestant Church Board. Certainly, it is a time for a new evangelization within and without the Church.

[maggieodae]

Originally Posted by julieanne

"A REMARKABLE EXCEPTION

One of the best diocesan newspapers isn't a newspaper at all. It's a magazine, the "St. Augustine Catholic," published by the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida. It's a full-color, 32-page publication that appears every two months. Bishop Victor Galeone is the publisher, and Kathleen Bagg-Morgan is the editor.

Not only does the magazine look good, but its content is solid. It should be, given Bishop Galeone's superintendence. I've been acquainted with him for years, ever since he had me give a seminar at his parish, back when he was a priest."

Isn't Bishop Galeone still a priest?

Karl probably meant to say...a parish priest.

[kentkevin]

Originally Posted by William Bradley

Karl certainly makes a point which are on the minds of many faithful yet quiet Catholics. I too lament the greater usage of Protestant and secular music in our workship and pray for the greater usage of Eucharistic and Marian hymns in our music. It leads me to wonder though if the music committees are sometimes a symbol of a greater abuse that of some of our lay committees mistaking their roles from being advisory to that of being closer to that of a Potestant Church Board. Certainly, it is a time for a new evangelization within and without the Church.

There is probably a legitimate reason for the use of any song in Karl's list whether it be for greater unity among religions (the inclusion of Protestant hymns), the call to younger or more "contemporary" Catholics, or a staple for older Catholics. I think it unfair to blame music committees who are many times volunteer and often unguided in their ministry. It has always been a wonder to me that there has been no governing authority in the Church when it comes to the selection and use of music in our liturgies.

[FredM]

I am so tired of number 8. If I never hear it again, it will be too soon.

Once in a while I go to St Patricks Cathedral here in NY and I hear a nice rich hymm that I haven't heard since l left the Episcopal Church. Back at my regular parish we have the easy sing song book (OCP). Maybe they will come out with an adult version one day.

Fred


1. On Eagle's Wings
2. Here I Am, Lord
3. Be Not Afraid
4. You Are Mine
5. How Great Thou Art
6. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
7. Amazing Grace
8. All Are Welcome
9. Prayer of St. Francis
10. Ave Maria

[Grandsmoor]

I couldn't agree more with Karl. The diocese newspaper here is horrid. Even the program which the newspaper presents on the radio is incredibly boring. The opinions written by their columnists are right off of the Democratic Pary platform. It is all I can do to read the Bishop's column which I do say is very good when he writes it himself. However, he often pastes in something he read some place which is such a disappointment. I am no writer but I wish there was a good writer editing our Chuch newspaper here in this needy diocese.

[JBT]

From Karl's letter today:

>7. Amazing Grace
>
>[...] And one of the songs actually is heretical. Do you know which one it is? (Hint: It's is a fine Protestant hymn, but the problem is its Protestant theology regarding the first infusion of sanctifying grace.)

I have heard this said before, and would like to know clearly and specifically where in the text the error lies.

Thanks very much.

[JFlats]

A tentative exception to your mention of mediocre diocesan papers: the Archdiocese of Seattle Catholic Northwest Progress. After years of reflecting National Catholic Reporter's bias, the Progress has greatly improved in the past year or two. We actually have competently written reports about pro-life activity around Western Washington ... with photos! The latest issue covered Veterans Day and spoke intelligently (i.e., without screeching) about the sacrifices of the American military. The cover story was about a local priest who served as chaplain with the Marines. http://www.seattlearch.org/Formation...st11-02-06.htm
Counterweight was given by an article about a Catholic woman-peace activist whose father was a career naval officer. http://www.seattlearch.org/Formation...st11-02-06.htm

I said "tentative" at the beginning of this post because as with all diocesan "house organs" the bishop is the publisher and therefore the boss. The current archbishop is to be commended for the changes, including the step a few years ago to cancel the regular column by Fr. Richard McBride. (However, I regret that the counterweight to that move was to cancel George Wiegel's regular column.)

Thank you Mr. Keating as always for your e-letter, and for keeping up with National Catholic Reporter on behalf of your readers. I agree with you that its news coverage is fine, but the opinionists--editors & letter writers--need serious prayer.

God bless

[music patrimony]

Yes, Catholic friends, the music in most Catholic churches today is banal and uninspiring. How sad that with our great heritage of art and music, today's Catholics get crumbs.

There is a bright light on the horizon. At my parish the music is magnificent and uplifting. It's the music written by the greatest artists that ever lived.

If you want to learn how a parish should do church music, visit the website of Mater Ecclesiae parish in New Jersey and read the two newsletters posted, or read our pastor's messages.

Home page: http://www.materecclesiae.org/

The newsletters: http://www.materecclesiae.org/newsletters.php

[StephanieC]

Glad to speak up for my award-winning archdiocesan newspaper: The Catholic Standard & Times,the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Top-notch, fearless and devout.

[valient Lucy]

Originally Posted by JBT

From Karl's letter today:

>7. Amazing Grace
>
>[...] And one of the songs actually is heretical. Do you know which one it is? (Hint: It's is a fine Protestant hymn, but the problem is its Protestant theology regarding the first infusion of sanctifying grace.)

I have heard this said before, and would like to know clearly and specifically where in the text the error lies.

Thanks very much.

The error lies in the third verse.
'Twas Grace that tought my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

That's the problem. It implies that people recieve grace for the forgiveness at the moment that they believe, or "recieve Jesus into their hearts." This is of course contrary to Catholic theology, which says we recieve this grace at the moment of our baptism.
Personally, I can't stand the first song either. It mentions symbols such as the altars and such. But the Mass is MORE than a symbol. Much, much more.

[amycorazon]

I agree with Karl on the music. I am in RCIA and have discussed the bad music at Mass with some of my fellow converts from Protestantism, in hushed tones of course. We are so excited about joining the Church but sometimes miss the reverent music from our old denominations. I feel that many people are initially attracted to one denomination over another because of music. This is a little sad, but it is human nature.
My favorite day at Mass during the last 6 months was August 15 when we strayed from the same 10-15 boring, gooey songs that are always sung to actually sing some Marian hymns. I can't tell you how thrilled I was.
The worst part about music at Mass is the bongo drums, maracas, and cheesy melodies. Sometimes it sounds like we are at a pool party or by the campfire, not at church. It is no wonder people come to church in shorts and flip flops.