women were not allowed to sing the responses or hymns at Mass if men were available to do it. Then even madder still when Vatican II kept the rule!

What! I'm a lifelong RC and truly cannot remember ever hearing this! But it's a great conversation-starter when the Bishop comes for dinner next week. Can't wait to see what he says.

On reflection, however, and considering the patriarchy in the Church, I guess it shouldn't really surprise me (except the part about Vatican II).