Your musings on the purpose of hymnody is interesting, Not being a musicologist, I will not presume to debate your experience and logic. Lastly, a hopeful story. Some friends had a big picnic bash at their house the other Sunday. Only when our seminarian wanted to sing a Garth Brooks tune did the kids slink off to the basement family room. I have a lot of hope for the future of music and ministry.
Fewer parishes seem to venture out of a very safe repertoire.
Your ideas on seasonal music are outstanding. Even parishes without a music director should be emphasizing seasonal hymns, songs, and chants. After getting a music ministry in gear with psalmody and a consistent set of acclamations, that should be a priority. Some friends had a big picnic bash at their house the other Sunday. Only when our seminarian wanted to sing a Garth Brooks tune did the kids slink off to the basement family room.