To "rap" The Mass

[Hirsap]

Hello,

Would it be illicit and a form of liturgical abuse for a priest to say the Mass through 'rapping' the Mass? Is this prohibited?

Thanks.

[Laudate_Dominum]

[quote name='Hirsap' post='1221028' date='Mar 28 2007, 02:37 AM']Hello,

Would it be illicit and a form of liturgical abuse for a priest to say the Mass through 'rapping' the Mass? Is this prohibited?

Thanks.[/quote]
I would be surprised if there was a document anywhere that specifically mentioned "rapping the Mass", but introducing a novel practice of this sort into the celebration of the liturgy would seem to be illicit by default (the Mass is not a free for all). The Mass is not a show or the personal expression of a particular community and it is not to be prayed in any way that the priest or congregation may find entertaining. It is proper to speak the prayers of the Mass or intone them, but this does not mean that any manner of articulation is appropriate or approved. I have seen video of a priest celebrating the Mass in a manner styled after the show [i]Barney[/i] for example. Such things are essentially an attack upon the spirit of the liturgy and no individual, priest or otherwise, has the authority to impose upon the Church's liturgy in this way. So yes, I would say that a priest who "raps the Mass" would be guilty of a liturgical abuse. It would be the responsibility of the Bishop to correct this priest so if this question stems from a concrete situation in your midst I would not encourage a lynching mentality, it is quite possible that the priest has the best of intentions (perhaps trying to make the Mass cool for young people) and that his seminary formation was simply liturgically impoverished. Approach him respectfully with your concerns, pray for him, and if the scandal still persists write a letter to the Bishop. That would be my advice anyway.

Cheers.