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Any Catholic churches out there where no preludes or postludes are allowed during Lent?

kas

New member
I had just started playing this morning when our parish music director (a misnomer in many ways) came to me with a handwritten note that said "no preludes or postludes during Lent" and mumbled something about "Father just told us this morning" (I doubt it). I was dumbstruck. I've been organist at my home parish for 20+ years and never experienced this. I had no idea what to do, so temporarily stopped mid-phrase, waited a minute or two, then thought - this is ludicrous and so continued, despite a less than friendly look from the director. I played a postlude too. I practiced this stuff all week and felt I should do it. It was highly emotionally distressing. NO word from the priest on it, but what is probably supposed to be some sort of comforting email from the director tonight that our priest is "following Diocesan guidelines and that we must comply with it". I replied, "point me to the specific guideline that mentions not being able to do instrumental music before or after Mass". I don't think there are any. I understand the spirit of Lent requiring a more austere and subdued tone. We always do acapella Mass parts, but have always sung the hymns, plus my usual pieces before and after. It's not so much the change in not being allowed to play, but rather the poor way it was handled.

And so I just wonder what is happening in other churches? Thanks for any input....
 
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