Fr. Simon kicks this episode off with a great letter from a non-Catholic named Mandy, who went to her first Mass, loved it, and hilariously responded “Hi” when someone turned to her with “Peace be with you.” 😂 

But the big question Mandy asked is:
“Why don’t Catholics sing more at Mass?”

Yes, Harmony is Totally OK!

Mandy wonders if Catholics are supposed to sing only in unison, and Father says it's totally OK to sing in harmony. He even points out how Greek Orthodox congregations often harmonize beautifully. But... most Catholics don't.

So... Why the Silence?

Fr. Simon notices that in many churches, only like 20–30% of people actually sing. Why?

Well, part of it’s cultural and historical:

-Back in the day, there were "Low Masses"; these were quiet, quick, and with no music. 

-Then there were "High Masses", complete with incense, chant, choirs, and lots of altar servers.

-But until the 1960s, congregational singing wasn’t really the norm. So that “I’m not going to sing” habit stuck around.

There’s even a theory that because Irish Catholics were persecuted under English rule, they celebrated Mass quietly to avoid arrest. 

So when Irish immigrants shaped American Catholicism, that quiet sense came with them. Meanwhile, over in Germany, Catholics sing their hearts out. 🎵

"We’re Not Supposed to Sing AT Mass. We’re Supposed to Sing THE Mass" - Fr. Simon

Fr. Simon says Catholics aren’t just supposed to pick songs and sing them like it’s a playlist. We’re supposed to sing the actual parts of the Mass, which are scriptural.

-Entrance Antiphon → from the Psalms

-Responsorial Psalm → sing it!

-Alleluia verse → sing that too!

-Offertory and Communion verses → yes, more Psalms

The Mass is soaked in Scripture. In fact, Fr. Simon is a big fan of Gregorian chant, especially in English.

Beware the “Four Hymn Syndrome”

Fr. Simon critiques the popular idea that you have to sing four hymns at Mass:

-Entrance 🎶

-Offertory 🎶

-Communion 🎶

-Recessional 🎶(+ Bonus round: post-Communion song if the organist decides to)

But he says that this mindset misses the point. We end up skipping the actual texts of Scripture (the Psalms), written by the Holy Spirit Himself, in favor of songs written by modern composers. 

He says: “Psalms are better than anything else.” Always.

Did you know that Relevant Radio has a channel devoted to Sacred Music? You can learn more here!

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Fr. Simon kicks this episode off with a great letter from a non-Catholic named&nbsp;Mandy, who went to her first Mass, loved it, and hilariously responded &ldquo;Hi&rdquo; when someone turned to her with &ldquo;Peace be with you.&rdquo; 😂&nbsp;
But the big question Mandy asked is: &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t Catholics sing more at Mass?&rdquo;
<hr data-start="595" data-end="598">
Yes, Harmony is Totally OK!
Mandy wonders if Catholics are supposed to sing only in unison, and Father says it's totally OK to sing in harmony.&nbsp;He even points out how Greek Orthodox congregations often harmonize beautifully. But... most Catholics don't.
<hr data-start="937" data-end="940">
So... Why the Silence?
Fr. Simon notices that in many churches, only like 20&ndash;30% of people actually sing. Why?
Well, part of it&rsquo;s cultural and historical:
-Back in the day, there were "Low Masses"; these were quiet, quick, and with no music.&nbsp;
-Then there were "High Masses", complete with incense, chant, choirs, and lots of altar servers.
-But until the 1960s, congregational singing wasn&rsquo;t really the norm. So that &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not going to sing&rdquo; habit stuck around.
<hr data-start="1536" data-end="1539">
There&rsquo;s even a theory that because&nbsp;Irish Catholics were persecuted under English rule, they celebrated Mass quietly to avoid arrest.&nbsp;
So when Irish immigrants shaped American Catholicism, that quiet sense came with them. Meanwhile, over in Germany, Catholics sing their hearts out. 🎵
<hr data-start="1963" data-end="1966">
"We&rsquo;re Not Supposed to Sing AT Mass. We&rsquo;re Supposed to Sing THE Mass" - Fr. Simon
Fr. Simon says Catholics&nbsp;aren&rsquo;t just supposed to pick songs and sing them like it&rsquo;s a playlist. We&rsquo;re supposed to sing the actual parts of the Mass, which are scriptural.
-Entrance Antiphon &rarr; from the Psalms
-Responsorial Psalm &rarr; sing it!
-Alleluia verse &rarr; sing that too!
-Offertory and Communion verses &rarr; yes, more Psalms
The Mass is soaked in Scripture.&nbsp;In fact, Fr. Simon is a big fan of Gregorian chant, especially in English.
<hr data-start="2649" data-end="2652">
Beware the &ldquo;Four Hymn Syndrome&rdquo;
Fr. Simon critiques the popular idea that you&nbsp;have to sing four hymns at Mass:
-Entrance 🎶
-Offertory 🎶
-Communion 🎶
-Recessional 🎶(+ Bonus round: post-Communion song if the organist decides to)
But he says that this mindset misses the point. We end up skipping the actual texts of Scripture (the Psalms), written by the Holy Spirit Himself, in favor of songs written by modern composers.&nbsp;
He says: &ldquo;Psalms are better than anything else.&rdquo; Always.
<hr>
Did you know that Relevant Radio has a channel devoted to Sacred Music? You can learn more <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/03/experience-the-beauty-of-sacred-music-by-relevant-radio/">here</a>!
<hr data-start="3193" data-end="3196">
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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