I got an invitation to the "Advent Celebration and Benefit" for the Georgetown Center for Liturgy today. It looked harmless enough, until I opened it.
The "Celebration and Benefit" honors "the 2004 recipients of the National Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Liturgical Life of the American Church"
(How about "Church in America?")
And who's one of the recipients? None other than the Canonizable Marty Haugen. He's giving a talk on "Writing Music for Today's Christians: A Composer Reflects in Word and Song On How It's Done"
Spare me. The man arguably most responsible for turning Liturgical Music into Liturgical Muzak gets to reflect in "Word and Song." Then there's a Mass (probably a Haugenfest) and a buffet reception.
I'm normally not one to turn down a buffet, but after all that I wouldn't have an appetite.
My last thought is, I wonder who should get an award like that? James Chepponis, who writes music that is much more reverent and interesting? I really don't know any other giants of Catholic Liturgy in this age because the age seems to be the terrible long Era of Cheese. Just when some of those jokers should be sunsetted they trot them out for another Award, Mass and Buffet.
That was a little mean spirited don't you think, John? I am not crazy about Marty's music either, but remember love, love, love.
Your wife
"Haugenfest" --- I love it! You may have just created one of those terms that captures in a word something we usually stumble around to describe. It may be in use for decades!
I don't know, Teresa -- Haugen has done a lot to tear out the guts of Catholic culture in the last third of a century.
That being said, anytime you want to rebuke John in the comment box, be our guest! Just don't go after me!
John, have you heard any of Fr. John Schiavone's works? If so what did you think?
Yes - I like Fr. Schiavone's works too!
(I had no idea my wife was on a first-name basis with the amazing Marty...
Buffets are for "Cafeteria" Catholics.
Real Catholics attend Spaghetti Suppers or Pancake Breakfasts. Remember, no picking and choosing!
Good one, Tony C.
Although we should agree that buffets have their place and can be tasty.
Yeah, JS, but you gotta watch where you indulge in those buffets. You can get Montezuma's revenge and worse!
Gee maybe the menu matched the score at mass--they had haugenhash.