O quiet night: Christmas carols likely a COVID casualty at Masses
Joseph Chrisman, pastoral associate for music and faith formation at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Beech Grove, Ind., plays the organ during the Mass on the first Sunday of Advent Nov. 29, 2020. (CNS photo/Ann Margaret Lewis, The Criterion)
By Ann Margaret Lewis • Catholic News Service • Posted December 16, 2020
INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) During the Christmas season, we expect to hear and sing carols at Mass as an expression of joy in the birth of Christ.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, one of the church’s complex liturgical challenges has been with its music.
Pandemic causes shift in liturgical music expectations for Christmas
This year due to the pandemic, some common safety accommodations have included
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Choristers sing during a photo call as the St Paul s Cathedral Choristers prepare for their first livestreamed Christmas concert at St Paul s Cathedral in London on December 14, 2020. (Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)
During the Christmas season, we expect to hear and sing carols at Mass as an expression of joy in the birth of Christ.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, one of the church s complex liturgical challenges has been with its music.
Due to the pandemic, some common safety accommodations have included removing hymnals from pews, forgoing choirs and wind instruments, and discouraging congregational singing.