Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sorry, ICEL says no

A few weeks ago, I received a draft of a sung Missal for the proposed new Mass texts, and I posted it for study purposes, to elicit comments and criticisms. Just now I received a note from ICEL that it has to come down. I can't think of a better demonstration of how presumed proprietary nature of what will in fact be the possession of the whole Church impedes the development and dissemination of quality liturgical materials.

On 27 August 2008, I wrote you a letter (see below) asking that you not include settings of the new Order of Mass texts on the music sacra site. Recently it has been brought to my attention that the "Missal of St. Cecilia" containing the new texts was included on the site. Again I kindly ask that these texts be removed from the site until the new Order of Mass texts have been promulgated by the Conferences of Bishops.

It is possible, however, to distribute via email. Send me an email if you want a copy.

Update: I've now sent out about 65 emails (ICEL sure knows how to impose unnecessary work on people!). If you have comments, post them here. Again, I'm sorry for all the run-around here, but it is not my own doing.

Update two: Thanks to all those who have written and continue to write. don't be deterred by the extra step here. This silliness is just what happens under the conditions. I've got it down to a science now.

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