Churches are not concert venues

Churches are not concert venues

Dear Editor, I wonder if any readers are bothered by the latest trend of using Catholic churches as concert halls featuring various artists.

Is this not side-lining the Divine Presence and replacing it with a singer, who receives the sole focus of the attention of the congregation present?

It seems to be a very popular trend lately, with all age groups attending these concerts in their droves. The churches are full to capacity, which is often more than can be said for Mass attendances in the same churches.

Surely there are plenty of concert halls available to help further the career of a singer without using God’s churches for the purpose?

Is God being shoved out of his own churches in preference to entertainment events, presumably with the blessing of the parish priest?

Yours etc., 

Helena Swords,

Claremorris,

Co. Mayo.