Fr Tim Finigan writes about the way we help people to 'participate' in the Sacred Liturgy by having something other than the Sacred Liturgy instead...

To take just one example: what is meant to be sung at the beginning of Mass is the Introit; and Vatican II gave pride of place to Gregorian Chant for liturgical music. Most people will only ever hear the Introit sung at Mass celebrated according to the usus antiquior. At English Masses, they will not hear the Introit in English set to Gregorian Chant or even in some modern musical form. Instead, they will get an "Entrance hymn" chosen to suit the "theme" of the Mass or the season, or because it is one that people know and enjoy.

Imagine suggesting that the Entrance hymn be replaced by the Introit - perhaps sung in English according to one of the psalm tones to start with. One of the most likely objections will be that the people cannot participate.

This leads to a deeper question concerning the nature of liturgical participation. From Pope St Pius X onwards, there have been calls for active participation - culminating in the call of Sacrosanctum Concilium for the full, conscious and active participation of the people.

Notice, however, that "participation" implies that we are participating in something. What we are meant to be participating in is the Sacred Liturgy. The hymn "Holy God we praise thy name", or "Colours of Day" - take your pick - is not a part of the Sacred Liturgy. If such a hymn is chosen in preference to the Introit, nobody is actually participating in the Sacred Liturgy: people are simply singing a hymn that they like (or at least that somebody likes or thinks that other people should like.)

Has not "active participation" given way to mere activity?

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"Imagine suggesting that the Entrance hymn be replaced by the Introit"

Imagine! I don't have to imagine it - I've done it. The introit is very definitely on the list of things I am excluded from by the modern Church in the name of inclusion.

It's the same story as the Latin. Eleven year olds in England are routinely taught to say "Hello, Pleased to meet you, My name is Jack, How old are you? Where is the hotel?" in French (to help them feel in touch with Europe or something) but oh mercy won't somebody think of the children if anybody suggests they might learn five lines of Pater Noster and so speak in one voice with Catholics around the world and through the centuries... So we are excluded from Latin.

I hope someday we will be able to partake in these things from which we have been excluded in the name of inclusion. In the meantime, the madness continues.