You know The Church is in trouble when...

...the music detracts from the Mass.

In St. Augustine's time, the question was whether or not to allow music in the Mass at all. That great Saint said music should be allowed, as long as it did not detract from the Holy Sacrifice.

Now, the music in our Catholic churches does nothing but.

Two years ago, one of our priests died. The parish raised enough money to purchase a grand piano in his memory. Nice, right? Guess again.

Our organ has been forgotten. The music director only plays the piano now. Before Mass, while I'm trying to pray before the Blessed Sacrament (which is made difficult enough by my fellow parishoners' talking), he displays his virtuosity on the instrument by playing a variety of tunes that, while appropriate for a recital, don't quite cut in a Catholic Church.

Then there are the new hand bell ringers. Why? Beats me.

The real problem is, of course, the selection of hymns. Frankly, the organ couldn't make these dogs sound like proper church music, so I guess the point about the piano is moot. For years I thought the reason nobody sang in my parish was their lack of familiarity with the "hymns". Now I think more and more people are like me: refusing to sing because the songs stink.

BTW, all of this goes triple for the guitars, tambourines, flutes, violins, drums, bongoes, recorders, and rhythmic hand clapping.

I would love to have Gregorian Chant restored to its proper place, but I am a realist. That won't happen soon. I would be happy with music and lyrics that match the dignity of the Mass itself. That means music that doesn't sound like it comes from tv commercial jingles and lyrics that proclaim Catholic doctrine, not our love for the rocks and trees.