Cultural differences and the Mass

[minkymurph]

I am exploring cultural differences in relation to the Mass. I live in Ireland and I have found that in my part of the world, which is exceptionally small in comparison to other nations, there are quite contrasiting cultural differences. In my part of the world no one has a problem with it as it is just considered a cultural difference but I am interested in the views of people in other parts of the world. The reason I ask this is because when I have posted on this site, some posters often take offence at what I say and I believe the problem is simply cultural differences. To give examples, at some Masses here, they kneel when the penital rite is said, in other Parishes they stand. Some parishes stand when the gifts are consecrated, others kneel. Some parishes stand for the final blessing, others kneel. I personally was severly criticised by another poster for saying I was a little shocked at this forum because they sent me an e-mail asking if you could speak at the Mass on trips to the Holy Land. I tried to say that you cannot do that at a Mass here. You can put an advert in the Church bulletin, but it would not be accepted to speak at a Mass on a subject other than Missions or charity such as St Vincent de Paul, anything else would be perceived as ‘selling.’ I was not being critical of anothers faith, I was just trying to say it’s not done here. I am therefore inviting people to share their views to help me distinguish what is simply a cultural difference from a theological differnce. I would also ask for views on Vatican II as here, because of the situation, people by and large accept Vatican II as a means to an end of violence. In other parts of the world there seems to be a problem with it. I myself am a convert to Catholicism being raised JW and in an intensly loyalist part of Belfast. Therefore I have no knowledge of Catholicism prior to Vatican II and my judgement is coloured by growing up in a very violent society. I do not ask for the purpose of criticism, I simply seek greater understanding of what I do not know so please cut me a bit of slack.

 

[Chancellare]

RCC is a universal church, as its name connotes. Cultural differences should enrich, not separate us all. As to the proper time to kneel and stand during Mass, we are all enjoined to follow the Order of Mass, which puts forth all the guidelines and details. A copy of the Roman Missal should be kept handy all the time.
Hope this helps.

 

[LilyM]

I am exploring cultural differences in relation to the Mass. I live in Ireland and I have found that in my part of the world, which is exceptionally small in comparison to other nations, there are quite contrasiting cultural differences. In my part of the world no one has a problem with it as it is just considered a cultural difference but I am interested in the views of people in other parts of the world. The reason I ask this is because when I have posted on this site, some posters often take offence at what I say and I believe the problem is simply cultural differences. To give examples, at some Masses here, they kneel when the penital rite is said, in other Parishes they stand. Some parishes stand when the gifts are consecrated, others kneel. Some parishes stand for the final blessing, others kneel. I personally was severly criticised by another poster for saying I was a little shocked at this forum because they sent me an e-mail asking if you could speak at the Mass on trips to the Holy Land. I tried to say that you cannot do that at a Mass here. You can put an advert in the Church bulletin, but it would not be accepted to speak at a Mass on a subject other than Missions or charity such as St Vincent de Paul, anything else would be perceived as ‘selling.’ I was not being critical of anothers faith, I was just trying to say it’s not done here. I am therefore inviting people to share their views to help me distinguish what is simply a cultural difference from a theological differnce. I would also ask for views on Vatican II as here, because of the situation, people by and large accept Vatican II as a means to an end of violence. In other parts of the world there seems to be a problem with it. I myself am a convert to Catholicism being raised JW and in an intensly loyalist part of Belfast. Therefore I have no knowledge of Catholicism prior to Vatican II and my judgement is coloured by growing up in a very violent society. I do not ask for the purpose of criticism, I simply seek greater understanding of what I do not know so please cut me a bit of slack.

I also can’t believe that anyone would think such a talk is wrong, as long as it doesn’t take the place of the homily and is done in the proper place, after communion. That’s normally the time reserved for such announcements.

Surely anything fit to be printed in the bulletin is fit to be read out during the announcements? I’ve heard things such as upcoming musical concerts (from rapper Fr Stan Fortuna no less ) mentioned at such a time, so I don’t see how a talk on trips to the Holy Land would be inappropriate.

 

[minkymurph]

I also can’t believe that anyone would think such a talk is wrong, as long as it doesn’t take the place of the homily and is done in the proper place, after communion. That’s normally the time reserved for such announcements.

Surely anything fit to be printed in the bulletin is fit to be read out during the announcements? I’ve heard things such as upcoming musical concerts (from rapper Fr Stan Fortuna no less ) mentioned at such a time, so I don’t see how a talk on trips to the Holy Land would be inappropriate.

This is what I mean by cultual differences. I don’t think it could be deemed wrong. It’s just something that is not done here and I think I offended another poster by saying so. The opinion here would be yes, the Priest when he is concluding the Mass draws peoples attention to the bulletin. You would not however be able, as an individual, get up after the Mass and give a talk on the subject and the Priest would not do so. The impression I got from the e-mail I received which stated, perhaps you can speak on it after the Mass is not done here. I would stress it’s not that I think others are wrong if it is custom and pracitise where they live. I will openly say I may have got the wrong impression because of a cultural difference as here, when the Mass is ended no one gets up to speak on any subject. If it is to promote funds for a website, worthy as it is, it would be viewed as some kind of privatering but please don’t get me wrong. If it is acceptable elsewhere I personally would not have a problem with it. It’s just something that is unheard of here and something I have never experienced at a Mass. I really don’t mean to be critical, I’m just exploring cultural differences within Catholicism as that is the beauty of our faith. It is universal and can encompass all under the one umbrella, and probably the only faith that can. I had a lovely e-mail from someone who said to me, we may be a different kind of Catholic but we are sisters.

 

[pigtown]

Hi, Minky:
Just because something is done one way in one place and another way in another place does not make it right or wrong. Each area of the world has different customs, even in the same religion. In fact, there may be some differences even in different parts of the same country. There is nothing wrong with doing things differently as long as the differences do not take away from the Vatican teachings. We should enjoy and embrace our differences. Don’t let anyone put you down because you may do something different in your Church than is done is another Church.