Q: I attended a Funeral Mass last week. The cantor sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the musical CAROUSEL at the Preparation of Gifts and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” at Communion. I was appalled. Which Liturgical Documents speak to the appropriate use of Sacred Music at Liturgies?
Thanks.
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A: GIRM 41 says that in addition to Gregorian Chant, “other kinds of sacred music” may be used.
The Order of Celebrating Matrimony says that all music should express the faith of the church (30).
In my view, the examples you cite do not comply.
I understand that much of secular music can beautifully touch the heart, but there are better ways to incorporate it in addressing a family’s grief outside the funeral liturgy.