Catholics Converting to Evangelical: More Fun and Happy

[Jennifer123]

Then has the church failed in showing the importance of the Eucharist? We have to face reality: Liturgy can be boring in some places. If the leaders of the Catholic community do not make a “big deal” out of the liturgy, then how can we expect the average church goer to think the Eucharist is important?

Just my opinion, but if one finds the liturgy boring then one doesn’t have a grasp of what the Mass really is, the mystical and physical miracle of the whole Mass, not just the Sacrament of Communion.
That this reality isn’t more well-known certainly is an issue for the Church.

 

[rlg94086]

The church growth movement in Protestant churches puts a great emphasis on music and entertainment to get people to attend, and so spur church growth. (for example, the Purpose Driven Church). I’ve been to churches that do this and find that much of the time, the preaching is over-simple and shallow.

People that only leave the Church for the more entertaining evangelical churches, don’t have a mature understanding of the Mass and the Eucharist and what it all means. It is to worship God, not be enterained or amused on a natural level.

Very well said. I had the opportunity to attend several different ecclesial communities as I traveled my path from athiest/agnostic to Catholic. The most entertaining was a Baptist youth service with an alternative rock band that played songs including a pop evangelical favorite,“My God is an Awesome God.”

As a Catholic, I went through Cantor school led by Tom Conry and James Hansen. I cantored at folk Mass, so I am more than familiar with contemporary liturgical music.

The problem IMHO is that the focus is on the music and feelings. It’s all about “what do I get out of it?” To have a real change in your relationship with God, it has to be more than just a temporary ecstatic experience. To do that, focus needs to be turned toward the Eucharist in a very reverant manner.

 

[Dale_M]

“The evangelical church is more dynamic, accommodating and entertaining. Here we have the sense of belonging, with more freedom to worship God the way we like. More so, you can easily meet the pastors, pray and share your problems with them, unlike our former church (Catholic) which officiate masses thus making everything official. Your church should be your second home where you can relate and dine with the brethrens,” Fernandes stressed.

I think evangelical churches often do a good job at fostering a sense of community, which is sometimes lacking in Catholic parishes.

 

[aspawloski4th]

kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NzgzMTU4MzY5

I believe that it is our own Church’s responsibility to try to keep people in the faith. Perhaps more folk masses, or, letting the people pick from a list of songs that they want to sing at mass. I am not advocating a free for all, however, why not allow more participation from the people in picking music suitable for the liturgy?

whatever happened to going to Mass just to worship God?! sounds like the whole point of Mass has been lost somewhere down the line to me.

 

[Pius_X]

scylla:
I happen to find folk music uplifting and I feel that more of it, done properly, would increase participation.

 

[Pius_X]

Just my opinion, but if one finds the liturgy boring then one doesn’t have a grasp of what the Mass really is, the mystical and physical miracle of the whole Mass, not just the Sacrament of Communion.
That this reality isn’t more well-known certainly is an issue for the Church.

I do not find the liturgy boring, personally, I find the poor music distracting, and many others do find it boring. I should have phrased that better. If the liturgical elite do not put effort into making the liturgy important, and do the music properly, then how can they expect the people to think the Eucharist important?

 

[chewchoo]

I do not find the liturgy boring, personally, I find the poor music distracting, and many others do find it boring. I should have phrased that better. If the liturgical elite do not put effort into making the liturgy important, and do the music properly, then how can they expect the people to think the Eucharist important?

we need to pray to the holy spirit to help us get the most out of mass. but in order to do that you need to know that you are supposed to be getting “something” out of mass. as already stated, catechesis is the problem. people only think of mass as a once a week obligation, because that is what their mother did. where did all of the parts of the mass come from? why is it arranged the way it is? people don’t know these things and so mass is just something you need to do… educate people and then hopefully they will be fulfilled and won’t want to find something else.

 

[aspawloski4th]

we need to pray to the holy spirit to help us get the most out of mass. but in order to do that you need to know that you are supposed to be getting “something” out of mass. as already stated, catechesis is the problem. people only think of mass as a once a week obligation, because that is what their mother did. where did all of the parts of the mass come from? why is it arranged the way it is? people don’t know these things and so mass is just something you need to do… educate people and then hopefully they will be fulfilled and won’t want to find something else.

you are not supposed to be getting something out of Mass, you are supposed to be worshiping God. all else is nice and not bad, but not the purpose… thats why we call it the Holy sacriface of the Mass. you are giving some time to God. if he wants you to get something out of it you will. that the trouble with modenr american thinking, we think there gotta be something in it for us on every little thing we do.

 

[Nohome]

I happen to find folk music uplifting and I feel that more of it, done properly, would increase participation.

Our local Catholic Church has excellent music; however, the preist is profoundly inarticulate. He follows a rigid script each week and I’ve heard several people compare him to the teacher in the movie “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off”. Monotone without any passion for what he is doing.

Poor cathecisim, lousy music and other demands on people’s time all contribute to the problem, but preists who themselves lack a passion for Christ can turn off the congregation in a hurry.

Nohome

 

[nilofc]

1. I understand what is going on, and I like knowing what each word is. However, there is nothing worse than having to listen to horrid music as the collection is taken up, for example.
2. The liturgy is not about me, no, it is about the Eucharist, however, Jesus instituted the Eucharist for us. Let’s face it: everyone has their preferences. Many that want Gregorian Chant want it because they like it. Yes, it was the tradition, however, that does nto exclude new traditions that may be developed through the Holy Spirit.

First of all, I do not mean to be offensive and if I was, I am truly sorry, my apologies. I didn’t mean it that way.

The mass is full of meaning and everything is from scripture, just singing “Holy, Holy, Holy…” we join the courts of heaven in giving praise to God. This is taken from Revelation 4:8 where it says "Day and night they do not stop exclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.”

Malachi 11:
“For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, my name is great among the nations; And everywhere they bring sacrifice to my name, and a pure offering; For great is my name among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.”

…should be familiar to us catholics for we hear this everytime in the mass. But you may not recognize this verse right away being read in the mass for the wordings are:

“From east to to west a perfect sacrifice has been made…” - now this sounds familiar but is really taken from the verse I just pasted above. It prefigures the mass in the old testament, a perfect sacrifice who is the Lamb of God, the Son of God, Jesus, amazing huh?

“The Lord Be with you…” has great meaning and you can see this many times in the Old Testament as well as the New.

Every word said in the mass is with great importance and meaning if we know where to find it in scripture.

And one more thing, when you said everyone has their preference, it sounded a bit odd. You see God established a monarchy and not a democracy. God is the King and we are his subjects. We don’t get to vote whether abortion is right or wrong, it is WRONG. We don’t get to choose whether the mass for this parish would be ultra-progressive or will it comply with tradition.

As St. Paul said "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter. - 2 Thess 2:15

Horrid Music?? I don’t think so. And mind you, the Holy Spirit does not develop new traditions rather it teaches what was already revealed through the church.

As Jesus came into the world not to do away with old traditions but to fullfill it.

As a final note, would you rather go to mass on pajamas or beach shorts just because that what makes you feel comfortable? The Eucharist maybe for us, but it doesn’t mean we have the right to choose how and what we’re gonna wear when we come to receive it. It is really up to you but you will be disrespecting the Body of Christ when you come not prepared internally and externally.

 

[nilofc]

kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NzgzMTU4MzY5

I believe that it is our own Church’s responsibility to try to keep people in the faith. Perhaps more folk masses, or, letting the people pick from a list of songs that they want to sing at mass. I am not advocating a free for all, however, why not allow more participation from the people in picking music suitable for the liturgy?

I don’t agree. It is one’s responsibility to pursue and acquire knowledge of our faith so that individual will not lose it’s treasure of staying inside the one true holy and apostolic catholic church. And if one’s seeks the kingdom, he begins to study church history and he understands clearly the music we have in the mass.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God…”

 

[nilofc]

Makes me wonder when worship became connected with entertainment? Like you say…if church isn’t entertaining enough, go out to a show afterwards!

I have a dear friend who sings at a contemporary worship service. The music is great and the people are warm and welcoming (and I don’t doubt they have real faith in Christ), but I wonder when I visit…do they add all these feelings to the worship because, in their heart of hearts, they know something (the Eucharist) is missing?

I think once you understand the importance of the Eucharist, it wouldn’t matter how boring Mass got, a bomb couldn’t blast you out of that church!

If these people seeks wordly entertainment then the mass isn’t the place to go to. Mass is all about worshipping God and communing with the Body of Christ. It is not for entertainment.

Thank you sister for the comment.

 

[nilofc]

On the other hand, I agree with you, too.

When I started back to Mass after 30 years away from the Church, I discovered that the music hadn’t changed all that much. The liturgy committee in the church I attend seems to refugees from the late '60s, early '70s.

Makes me glad that the Church I am a member in doesn’t change, we celebrate the same solemn mass filled with very sweet solemn music and same teachings that is NOT swayed by modern day thinking that one’s preference is more important than what was passed down to us by tradition.,

Galatians 1:8-9
*"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach (to you) a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed!

As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone preaches to you a gospel other than the one that you received, let that one be accursed!"*

You should really be happy. You’re in good and stable hands.

 

[SFLCatholic]

Then has the church failed in showing the importance of the Eucharist? We have to face reality: Liturgy can be boring in some places. If the leaders of the Catholic community do not make a “big deal” out of the liturgy, then how can we expect the average church goer to think the Eucharist is important?

If you want more parish involvement, start something. Action gets action. Did Jesus just sit around? NO!

Why don’t you start a weekly educational class on understanding the Eucharist. People have a desire to know but don’t necessarily have the impetus to start on that path to knowledge.

The easy-bake oven churches (Evangelicals), appeal to this desire. But they practice a defective theology. (Thank you Pope Benedict XVI for stating the position clearly once again!)

You are confirmed. Start something. It will increase your knowledge immensely and you will help those seeking to understand thier Catholic faith at a much deeper level.

Its all good.

 

[Pius_X]

And one more thing, when you said everyone has their preference, it sounded a bit odd. You see God established a monarchy and not a democracy. God is the King and we are his subjects.

Christ is King, but is the church a monarchy? No form of government can fully describe the mystery of Church.

See here: divinekings.blogspot.com/

Horrid Music?? I don’t think so. And mind you, the Holy Spirit does not develop new traditions rather it teaches what was already revealed through the church.

The type of music at the liturgy is not dogmatic.

As a final note, would you rather go to mass on pajamas or beach shorts just because that what makes you feel comfortable? The Eucharist maybe for us, but it doesn’t mean we have the right to choose how and what we’re gonna wear when we come to receive it. It is really up to you but you will be disrespecting the Body of Christ when you come not prepared internally and externally.

I received the Eucharist this weekend wearing shorts, a t shirt, and flip flops. I was rpepared, and know that the Eucharist is truely Jesus. I do not think that Jesus looks down on me for how I was dressed. I believe he was happy that I was there.

 

[Pius_X]

If you want more parish involvement, start something. Action gets action. Did Jesus just sit around? NO!

Why don’t you start a weekly educational class on understanding the Eucharist. People have a desire to know but don’t necessarily have the impetus to start on that path to knowledge.

The easy-bake oven churches (Evangelicals), appeal to this desire. But they practice a defective theology. (Thank you Pope Benedict XVI for stating the position clearly once again!)

You are confirmed. Start something. It will increase your knowledge immensely and you will help those seeking to understand thier Catholic faith at a much deeper level.

Its all good.

I plan to suggest more things through the youth group. Thanks.

 

[Jennifer123]

I received the Eucharist this weekend wearing shorts, a t shirt, and flip flops. I was rpepared, and know that the Eucharist is truely Jesus. I do not think that Jesus looks down on me for how I was dressed. I believe he was happy that I was there.

No I don’t think so either but I also think that part of preparation is trying to find time to dress like we are facing the King. That being said, I too have found myself going to Mass during vacation, not having time after getting the kids ready, etc., but for the most part I try to make an effort…

I think a good prescription is first reading Scott Hahn’s The Lamb’s Supper. After reading it I realized that the youth especially don’t need Church teaching disguised as secular cultural knockoffs, one can see that isn’t working in Protestant Evangelical circles, but true catechesis of what the Mass truly is regardless of how it is presented. Everyone is hungry for the Truth.

 

[nilofc]

Christ is King, but is the church a monarchy? No form of government can fully describe the mystery of Church.

See here: divinekings.blogspot.com/

The type of music at the liturgy is not dogmatic.

I received the Eucharist this weekend wearing shorts, a t shirt, and flip flops. I was rpepared, and know that the Eucharist is truely Jesus. I do not think that Jesus looks down on me for how I was dressed. I believe he was happy that I was there.

King and subjects. I wonder why you wouldn’t see that as a monarchy

Monarchy - An autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority. The blog that you showed us, is what it is, a blog. Anybody can start a blog.

I don’t see anywhere in scriptures where God put into vote if Abortion should be deemed good or bad. On moral issues, God tells us what offends him or not. There are no fence sitters in the kingdom of God.

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)

Halfhearted commitment to the faith is nauseating to Christ.

When you received the Holy Eucharist last Sunday and you said you were in Beach attire, I truly hope that Jesus were truly happy when you attended a heavenly banquet dressed like that. (Mt 22:11-14).

By the way, in your line of logic, what’s stopping others in going to church in a bikini? As long as there prepared internally right?

 

[Pius_X]

King and subjects. I wonder why you wouldn’t see that as a monarchy

Monarchy - An autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority. The blog that you showed us, is what it is, a blog. Anybody can start a blog.

I don’t see anywhere in scriptures where God put into vote if Abortion should be deemed good or bad. On moral issues, God tells us what offends him or not. There are no fence sitters in the kingdom of God.

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)

Halfhearted commitment to the faith is nauseating to Christ.

When you received the Holy Eucharist last Sunday and you said you were in Beach attire, I truly hope that Jesus were truly happy when you attended a heavenly banquet dressed like that. (Mt 22:11-14).

By the way, in your line of logic, what’s stopping others in going to church in a bikini? As long as there prepared internally right?

How am I lukewarm in my faith? Human terms can not describe God or his Church completely.

And if we take your logic to the extreme, then what if someone else feels that a suit and tie are distracting? What if they are attracted to men wearing a suit? In your line of logic, we should all put on burquas.

 

[mtr01]

In your line of logic, we should all put on burquas.

Not burqas, albs! Albs are appropriate for all baptized Christians. (I wouldn’t be opposed to that idea ).