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Fr. Tom Ryan
Ecumenical and interfaith
Neela Kale
Culture, ethics and Catholic basics
Mike Hayes
General
Ann Naffziger, M.A., M.Div.
Scripture
Charles C. Camosy, PhD
Medical ethics
Caitlin Kennell Kim
Mary
  • (3)
Our readers asked:

Are Secular Christmas Carols OK for Catholics To Sing?

Mike Hayes Answers:

Of course they are! Catholics are free to sing “Jingle Bells” or “Frosty the Snowman” or any of the many songs that reflect the Christmas season.

Perhaps there are song parodies that might be objectionable material in general, but most of the tried and true carols that we know well can be sung by Catholics.

However, if the question you are asking is if these tunes can be sung at mass? Then the answer is no. Secular songs do not fit with the liturgy at any time and we come to mass to celebrate the coming and birth of Christ. So we only select songs that reflect the true meaning of Christmas for the mass. In fact, even traditional Christmas carols are not sung at mass during Advent. Songs like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” are sung to help create the longing for Christmas in our hearts.

  • (3)
The Author : Mike Hayes
Mike Hayes is the senior editor for the Googling God section at BustedHalo.com.
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  • Sr. Christine Still, OSF

    “Christmas in the Northwest” is one of my favorites–it specifically mentions God.

  • Larry

    But then again, Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, Frosty the Snowman, Sleigh Ride (and the list goes on) make no reference to Christmas, religious or secular. They’re “winter” songs.

  • Stephen Taylor

    Jingle Bells of course!
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