Expert: Fr. Michael - 7/23/2010

Question
I am a traditional Catholic and am an acquaintance of another traditional Catholic, a professional musician who has pretty much retired.  Sundays she plays the organ (as a volunteer) at a traditional Latin Mass.  To get better at this she has been taking organ lessons from a fine teacher who is also paid to play the organ every Sunday at the services at an Episcopal church.  In fact, the Episcopal church has a wonderful organ and she takes her lessons and practices at that church.

Recently her teacher asked her to substitute for him at the Episcopal church on one Sunday later this summer. (Since starting his job, he has not had a vacation because until she came along he had not considered anyone qualified enough to play in his place on Sundays.)  If she accepts and plays in his place she will be paid for doing so.

She asked me if she should take the job. I told her that traditionally Catholics are not permitted to "participate" in non-catholic services.  I was not sure her organ playing in these particular circumstances would be considered participation.

I guess what I am asking is this: does a Catholic who is/was a professional musician and is paid to play at a non-catholic service participate in the service?  To be clear, it is my understanding that she does not need the money.

Father, I am not completely sure why she does not ask this question of the priest who says the Latin Mass at which she plays.  Anyway I thought I would ask you in this manner rather than perhaps create embarrassment by asking that priest for her.

Answer
Normally, one would not do so.  However, since it is a temporary situation and could be considered part of her organ training, it might possibly be considered an instance of material rather than formal cooperation.  But you are right.  She should be asking this question of her own confessor or pastor.  It should not be a case of "embarrassment."  People need to speak directly to their confessors and pastors.  Not to do so would be a sin against religion.