When I was singing at the diaconate ordinations last week, I had a bird’s eye view of about 30 priests during Mass. I was amazed at how many didn’t crack open a hymnal, program or even move their mouths during the acclamations. Singing during Mass has something common with tithing – give anyone an excuse not to and they won’t. So Father – grab a hymnal, turn off the wireless mic and let it rip! And the cranky folks in the congregation won’t be able to say, “Well, Father doesn’t sing, so why should I?”
I have many more thoughts on congregational singing but will save them for later.