MLF LogoSurvey of Monasteries
Regarding Liturgy and Changing Realities

A first-time event for monastics is scheduled for July 17 - 21, 2007 in Yankton, South Dakota! Monastic Liturgy Forum (MLF) and Benedictine Musicians of the Americas (BMA) will, for the first time, gather together in conference to discuss the changing realities within our communities and how these are affecting liturgical celebrations. Fewer and aging members, more guests, larger age gaps between younger and older community members, priest shortages: these are a few of the realities that have changed the way some liturgies are prepared and celebrated.

Members of the MLF and BMA have formed a committee to design the 2007 conference. We believe the meeting will be much more useful if we have in advance specific information about what, if any, modifications communities have made to adjust to changes in the assembly and ministers. Input from your community will greatly help to make this gathering productive. Please give answers to questions below and make any clarifying comments that you think could be useful. Thank you for your time, dedication to prayer and taking this survey online.

The MLF and BMA Convention Committee

The Survey


Community: Date:
Form responses made by [Name(s) and positions(s)]:  
Contact e-mail address:

I. Planning

[Code for this section: 1 = Little or None; 2 = Some; 3 = Many or much; 4= Changes being considered]

Because of aging or fewer numbers,
A. ...have your methods of preparing liturgical celebrations changed? 1 2 3 4
B. ...have you changed your schedule for liturgies? 1 2 3 4
C. ...do you have separate liturgy schedule for infirmary & rest of community? Yes No

Comments?


II. (For WOMEN) Clerical ministries

Because there are fewer priests and the community is aging,
A. ...do you have Eucharist less often than in years past?  Yes No Occasionally
B. ... has use of sacrament of sick changed? Yes No
C. ... are other sacraments available when desired? Yes No

Comments?


III. (For MEN) Clerical ministries

Because there are fewer priests in community and the community is aging,
A. ...do you have Eucharist less often than in years past? Yes No Occasionally
B.... has use of sacrament of sick changed? Yes No
C.... are other sacraments available when desired? Yes No
D.... Are the new vocations coming to your community seeking ordination? Yes No
E.... Assuming there are fewer priests in your diocese, does this fact impact the liturgical life within your community?
Yes No

Please comment to clarify answer to question E.

Other comments on this section?


IV. Other liturgical ministries

Because of aging and fewer numbers,
A. ...do individuals serve in more than one ministry at the same liturgy?  Yes No Occasionally
B. ...do you use guests or associates more often as ministers? Yes No Occasionally
C. ...do you modify way any ministries are done? (If yes, give examples)  Yes No Occasionally
           Example(s):
D. ...does limited mobility modify / hinder your use of processions? Yes No
E. ...does inability to stand / kneel for extended times affect assembly posture

1. during communion procession? Yes No
2. at other times during Eucharist, LOH, or other liturgies? Yes No

Comments?


V. Music

Because of aging and fewer numbers,
A. ...is assembly singing weaker? Yes No Occasionally
B. ... has use of cantors changed? Yes No Occasionally
C. ... has vocal range of community lowered over recent years? Yes No
D. ... does community have more difficulty singing on pitch?  Yes No Occasionally
E. ... is breath control more of a problem than in past? Yes No Occasionally
F. ... has use of choir or schola changed? Yes No Occasionally
G. ...are liturgies celebrated with no instrumental accompaniment?  Yes No Occasionally
H. ...do you have Eucharistic celebrations with no music at all? Yes No Occasionally
I. ... is introducing/teaching music more difficult than in the past? Yes No Occasionally
J. ... How often does community have music practice?
     1. Never 2. Seldom 3. Every few mos. 4. Once a month
     5. Every two/three wks. 6. Weekly

Comments?


VI. Environment

Because of aging and fewer numbers,
A. ...have you modified the sound system in chapel?  Yes No being considered
B. ...have you installed special systems for the hearing impaired?  Yes No being considered
C. ...have you modified the lighting system in chapel?  Yes No being considered
D. ...have you changed paper color, type size, etc. on worship aids?  Yes No being considered
E. ...have you modified the seating arrangement in chapel?  Yes No being considered
F. ...does kneeling continue to be part of your rituals?  Yes No Occasionally
G. ...is the weight, size, color, etc. of LOH book or hymnal problematic for some? Yes No
H. ...have air conditioning, windows, etc. increased as problematic?  Yes No

Comments?

Use the space below for additional comments or examples.
Be sure to reference the # of the question. (E.g., IV. C.)

 

Successful submission of the form produces a copy of your responses.

You can obtain a printed copy of the survey by writing to

MLF/BMA Survey
Holy Cross Monastery
9920 N. Major Dr.
Beaumont, TX 77713-7618

 

Benedictine Musicians of the Americas * Monastic Liturgy Forum