Depressing Mass

[Tom_Baum]

When you look at the 75 or so people over 60; you are witnessing the prayer warriors. They are the ones who, like monks and nuns, are praying for your salvation and the salvation of the world. Instead of being depressed, be grateful. Instead of denigrating, rejoice and join them.

And thank God that some are praying for “the salvation of the world” since so many seem to think that “the salvation of the world” is an impossibility.

 

[Casilda]

Yesterday I went to a mass at a parish that I usually don’t attend. The church was just so empty. 75 people in a space for 500. And 60 of them were over 65 (at least). I overlooked the liturgical abuse. That also makes me sad but I’ve just learned to deal with it. What amazed me is how fast a parish can go down the tubes. 10 years ago it had double the current membership, a 500 student school (closed last year with 80 students enrolled for this year) and an attendance triple of what it is now. I actually love this church’s building/location. It is right off of the interstate and is an easy place to get to. I wish I could do something but I feel like I can’t in this parish. It also bothers me that they have 6 EMHCs when only 75 show up. I’m an EMHC and this kind of bothers me. It just seems excessive. The thing that made me happy actually was seeing a homeless man at mass. He did not stay for communion (I can’t judge why) but he did come. I saw him with his shopping cart outside of the church and it made me really happy to know he was coming.

Something similar in our small town. The older, more beautiful church had a handful of seniors and the newer parish, originally ethnic is now multiethnic and full to capacity with multiple services on Sunday.

 

[jochoa]

My only recommendation is to work on your love for the Eucharist. If you will fall in Love with the Eucharist, who is God, first, no Mass will ever be depressing again (not even if it is just 5 people celebrating God). Second, you can start planting seeds in others from the joy you gain from Communion with the Eucharist. Last, they can share in planting, and that leads to one amazing party time!!!

May the peace of Christ be with you in your journey!!!

 

[Discerning13]

The Priest at my parish didn’t even use a chasuble last Sunday.