It has been reported to me second-hand that some of you are concerned about the music-aspect of our worship. I don’t know if this is a large group, a medium sized group, or just a small minority. Whatever the case, it sounds like one question has to do with the notion of reverence: are we lacking in reverence when we sing praise-oriented songs or when we clap our hands? I will admit that my own personal tastes run fairly traditional. But I’m not going to assume that my tastes are identical with God’s tastes. In other words, I am not convinced that God finds it somehow displeasing when we sing something praise-oriented or when we might clap our hands. If anything, the Book of Psalms would seem to indicate that God actually approves when we clap our hands, when we “clash cymbals,” or when we make a “joyful noise” (see Psalms 47, 98, 100, 150). Additionally, we need to acknowledge the Charismatic Movement. This is a legitimate movement within the Church, tracing its origins back to the year 1967. Recently, the Charismatic Movement marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration in Rome. Pope Francis himself took part in the celebration, comparing the movement to a great river, producing a “current of grace.” If you have familiarity with the Charismatic Movement, then you will understand how it reflects a free-flowing style of worship, geared largely toward the concept of praise. If our pattern at St. Patrick’s has begun to incorporate aspects of the Charismatic Renewal, then at least we know that we are part of something legitimate, something that actually has the Pope’s blessing. Again, my own personal tastes run more traditional. But I get the impression that the majority of you are appreciating the praise-orientation of our worship. If I am incorrect about this, then you will need to reach out to me, either directly or through the office or through a council representative. At the same time, if you want to reach out for the purposes of affirmation, that will likewise be helpful. As I conclude, I should also mention something about the use of hymns. Are the hymns being sung at our church sufficiently “Catholic?” Actually, we are talking here about a Protestant development. The Protestant Churches began composing hymns back in the 16th century. We began incorporating their hymns into our worship during the early stages of the 20th century. So if you feel we should limit ourselves to strictly Catholic compositions, then it will mean saying goodbye to most of the selections found in our hymnal (to include Amazing Grace). Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to the flow of the wind (John 3:8). Hopefully we can avoid the futility of trying to impose containment on the wind. The Lord bless and keep you.