Christmas Play before Mass

[paramedicgirl]

netmil(name removed by moderator):

I AM!
If you are ever going to be in Detroit, PM me and we’ll take you there.
Or if you are ever in Montreal, our Associate Pastor was just transfered to the Cyril and Methodius there. I know it will soon be the same.

Pity you’re on the other side of the country! I think Fr. Eugene will need some support.

Thanks for the invite! I’ll be sure to take you up on it if I am ever in that neck of the woods!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

slewi:

Yes, but why should we move the Lord from his central location in the church to accomodate something that shouldn’t be happening in the first place?

We shouldn’t need to because the play belongs in another part of the building. Singing religious Christmas songs prior to Mass is acceptable, but should also be done from the choir area not on the steps in front of the altar.

 

[netmilsmom]

Br. Rich SFO:

We shouldn’t need to because the play belongs in another part of the building. Singing religious Christmas songs prior to Mass is acceptable, but should also be done from the choir area not on the steps in front of the altar.

Okay, I understand what you are saying, but why the steps in front of the Altar?
Our choir is in the choir area but our costumed children walk onto those steps and stand there. Do you feel this way because it is children? A Bride and Groom stay on those steps through a wedding. What is the difference?

Can you give us a reference to what you are saying?

 

[TableServant]

netmil(name removed by moderator):

Okay, I understand what you are saying, but why the steps in front of the Altar?
Our choir is in the choir area but our costumed children walk onto those steps and stand there. Do you feel this way because it is children? A Bride and Groom stay on those steps through a wedding. What is the difference?

Can you give us a reference to what you are saying?

Um…

One is a play, specifically designed for entertainment.

The other is a Sacrament, for the Glory of God (and the unity of His people, and…).

 

[TableServant]

It seems to me that we do these things (plays, concerts) in the church because that is the largest gathering place on the campus, the place where we all gather. But, the axiom “Just because we can doesn’t mean we should” seems to apply here. A church building is a place consecrated to the celebration of the Sacraments, the worship of God, the gathering of His people in praise of Him.

If we want a stage, a playhouse, a gymnasium, a dance floor, a dining hall, etc., then we should build one, separate from the church. Yes God is present everywhere, but our blurring the lines in the function of the buildings does God, and us, a disservice.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

netmil(name removed by moderator):

Okay, I understand what you are saying, but why the steps in front of the Altar?
Our choir is in the choir area but our costumed children walk onto those steps and stand there. Do you feel this way because it is children? A Bride and Groom stay on those steps through a wedding. What is the difference?

Can you give us a reference to what you are saying?

The steps in front of the altar would be in an older church the area behind the altar rail. Only liturgy takes place behind where the altar rail would be, including the Sacrament of Marriage, Confirmation and of course the Sarifice of the Mass.

 

[H_Opey]

This has helped out a lot. I am going to suggest that we do it in the hall. If they refuse, then I will pray for guidance.
You have to know one thing, the priest we have did not have a MASS on All Saints Day. Instead he had a service of lights where the DRE read the gospel and gave a homily. So I am very hesitant at anything he suggests which is very sad.

 

[paramedicgirl]

H Opey:

This has helped out a lot. I am going to suggest that we do it in the hall. If they refuse, then I will pray for guidance.
You have to know one thing, the priest we have did not have a MASS on All Saints Day. Instead he had a service of lights where the DRE read the gospel and gave a homily. So I am very hesitant at anything he suggests which is very sad.

I wonder what would be the point of attending that? What role did the priest have? Was he even present?

Is all Saints Day a holy day of obligation where you live? If so, the priest should have said Mass and would be required to give a homily, (unless there is grave reason) according to the Canon law 767

 

[H_Opey]

paramedicgirl:

I wonder what would be the point of attending that? What role did the priest have? Was he even present?

Is all Saints Day a holy day of obligation where you live? If so, the priest should have said Mass and would be required to give a homily, (unless there is grave reason) according to the Canon law 767

We are in the US and it IS a Holy Day of Obligation but all I can guess is that he lacks formation in this area. Please pray for our priest. It never seems that these things are done out of rebellion. I truly believe he does not know what is expected of him and what he can change and what he Can Not.

 

[netmilsmom]

Br. Rich SFO:

The steps in front of the altar would be in an older church the area behind the altar rail. Only liturgy takes place behind where the altar rail would be, including the Sacrament of Marriage, Confirmation and of course the Sarifice of the Mass.

Our kneelers (and therefore the Altar Rail which our Diocese will not let us have) is behind where our children will stand.

 

[paramedicgirl]

H Opey:

We are in the US and it IS a Holy Day of Obligation but all I can guess is that he lacks formation in this area. Please pray for our priest. It never seems that these things are done out of rebellion. I truly believe he does not know what is expected of him and what he can change and what he Can Not.

It’s a sad state of affairs that seminaries could do such a poor job training and forming their priests. How do some of them get ordained?

 

[H_Opey]

I was told today by the DRE that the priest intends to go ahead with the play in the Church before Christmas Mass. His reasoning is that this has been done at other parishes. The DRE’s response is that it has to be ok if the people are ok with it and what could be more “enchanting” than little children.
Please pray for our parish.