What are the rules in doing a homily/mass?

[herrerajm8]

There was this priest who was singing a Christmas song during the Christmas season last year, I cannot provide an evidence if the priest was singing during or after the mass because the video was taken during his singing not a whole mass and uploaded on 24th of December 2019, 6:32 AM. And another priest criticized him for singing, being said that "fr. you forget about the rules of homily.", "you are not suppose to entertain the church goers during eucharistic celebration. " father do not do this. the eucharist is not a show ". Was the criticizing priest right? should the priests not entertain the church goers during the Eucharistic celebration? Does the rules of homily have "do not sing" rule?

 

[Who Me]

The only rules I am aware of are found in Paul's letters and calling what he wrote rules is stretching it as they are more like 'this is what we do' rather than something carved out of stone.

He was more concerned with the spiritual preparation and serious intent of those taking part than in rules.

 

[WIP]

By the nature of your question, I suspect you are speaking of Catholic Mass. I don't recall ever knowing the answer to this when I was a member of the Catholic church but I do recall Priests on occasion singing and playing guitar. Although I am not Canadian, here's a link to a document I found from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops that may be helpful. I skimmed through it but didn't find anything specific although that doesn't mean it isn't in there.
https://www.scsba.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/guidelines_liturgical_music.pdf

Perhaps some of our Catholic members could provide some insight.

 

[humble soul]

Perhaps some of our Catholic members could provide some insight.

who me? I'm a fringe catholic with scant knowledge of theology.

 

[humble soul]

Was the criticizing priest right? should the priests not entertain the church goers during the Eucharistic celebration?

I'm a bit confused though. You mentioned the 'homily" or sermon. I don't see a problem in singing during a sermon.
We have songs/hymns at the offertory which leads up to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. I must admit if the priest was singing a Christmas Carol during the actual Liturgy of the Eucharist, that would be weird and disrespectful. Priests do sing the lines "Through him with Him and in Him" occasionally but that is entirely appropriate. From my scant knowledge of the Mass, I do know that the Mass is all about the Eucharist. That is why so many go to Mass. In fact it seems more important than the Liturgy of the Word. (scripture Readings). It would be very strange for the priest to try and entertain the congregation during the Eucharistic Celebration because it is the climax of the Mass. Its all about Jesus (body and blood), not the priest.

 

[humble soul]

But if he we was singing during a homily I don't see a problem at all.