Out of curiosirty...

Can, and do, Catholics play regular Hymns? One of my favourites for instance is "How great Thou Art." surely this , a peice of good sound music, could find a place?

but then, its also a Hymn, so I was curious.

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), January 15, 2004

Answers

Response to HOW GEAT THOU ART

It depends on the music director on the choice of hymns/music but I have heard that one at Mass before as well as others like Amazing Grace and Faith of Our Fathers. In fact I've heard the song book called a hymnal.

-- Andy (aszmere@earthlink.net), January 15, 2004.

Yes, Zarove. At most Sunday Masses, at least in the United States, three or more hymns are sung. Many Catholics love to sing "How Great Thou Art." Tasteful, beautiful Christian hymns that do not promote heretical theology are permitted at Catholic Masses, even if written by non-Catholics, including such a terrible ex-Catholic as Martin Luther. Father Martin wrote the lyrics of "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" and "From Heaven High I Come To You," which are sung in many Catholic churches.

Of course, there are some hymns sung in Catholic churches that will never be heard in most Protestant churches, such as those that honor Mary and the other saints, those that clearly state the dogma of Transubstantiation, and those that are in the Latin language. (Some of these may be heard in certain Anglican churches.)

-- (Catholic@Music.Lover), January 17, 2004.