Fr. Barron's Catholicism and my parish church -

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Every time I watch Father Barron’s series Catholicism I go to my parish church to look for the Spirit that is so evident in the ancient churches, ceremonies, rituals, mysteries, art and music that he highlights in the series.

My own modern unadorned church has drab brick and mortar walls and seems intentionally unpretentious. There is little room for mystery in it. There are no awe inspiring ceilings or stained glass windows. The music is unbearably distracting and not spiritual in any perceivable way.

D you think that the old fashioned churches, stained glass, organ music etc. are an important element in your experience of the holy in the church?

Of do you feel that the modern church architecture, music and service better serves your spiritual growth?
 
Ontheway said:
Every time I watch Father Barron’s series Catholicism I go to my parish church to look for the Spirit that is so evident in the ancient churches, ceremonies, rituals, mysteries, art and music that he highlights in the series.

My own modern unadorned church has drab brick and mortar walls and seems intentionally unpretentious. There is little room for mystery in it. There are no awe inspiring ceilings or stained glass windows. The music is unbearably distracting and not spiritual in any perceivable way.

D you think that the old fashioned churches, stained glass, organ music etc. are an important element in your experience of the holy in the church?

Of do you feel that the modern church architecture, music and service better serves your spiritual growth?
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For me personally, the older churches make it far easier to “find the Spirit” so to speak. Its not that I cant do that in a modern church, but with most older churches as soon as I walk in I know Im in the presense of God immediately.

I totally agree with your opinion here 🙂
 
Ontheway said:
My own modern unadorned church has drab brick and mortar walls and seems intentionally unpretentious. There is little room for mystery in it. There are no awe inspiring ceilings or stained glass windows. The music is unbearably distracting and not spiritual in any perceivable way.
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intentionally unpretentious. CHECK

little room for mystery. CHECK

no awe inspiring ceilings or stained glass windows. DOUBLE CHECK

the music is unbearably distracting. CHECK (discordant gunfire)

obviously, not a place where you can find the Spirit.
 
I agree with you to some degree. I think that we, as humans, are inherently visual creatures. We like to see the big, old cathedrals. They inspire us. They make us wonder. It’s beautiful.

Unfortunately, not every parish church can be a tiny St. Peter’s, but there’s still hope. I’d recommend you look at the program When Heaven Meets Earth, which was run by EWTN recently. It’s a rather simple parish (still fairly nice though) that the pastor had refurbished, and he also invigorated the parish community.

Regarding the music: If it’s distracting, bring it up with the pastor. I’m sure you’re not the only one to feel that way, and the music at Mass is suppose to support contemplation, not destroy it.
 
Ontheway said:
Do you think that the old fashioned churches, stained glass, organ music etc. are an important element in your experience of the holy in the church?
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I know Mother Angelica used to think so! She used to call some of these modern churches
cookie cutters and what have you. For me personally, I like the more ornate churches like the one pictured below. That’s St. Alphonsus Church St. John Neumann Shrine where I go for confession and First Saturday Mass.
View attachment 17340

Peace, Mark
 
Plain and unadorned churches have been part of the monastic tradition for thousands of years.

Personally I prefer plain churches. But everyone’s different. That’s why the Church (capital C) has such a varied array of charisms, orders, congregations etc. to express such a wide variety of spiritualities.
 
Its only a problem if you are UNABLE to worship God without those things. You need nothing to worship God. Only a willing heart. Also, we should be able to worship God even if we personally feel nothing. That being said, it is very nice to be able to feel good and “in the Spirit” while worshiping God. These things you mention, art, music, architecture, help us to feel that way and it is very good. Remember, worshiping is an act of the will, not a feeling you get. Just like love!

My 2 $! (Because I don’t know how to make a cent sign :confused:)
 
I like my plain, relatively un-adorned church with its huge crucifix, simple seasonal banners and lots of plants and flowers at Easter and Christmas.
We have an ornate basilica in my parish as well, which I just don’t find as welcoming a space.
The third church in my parish is beautiful but the acoustics are terrible and, as a musician, I don’t like it there (and the pews are too close together).

There’s something for everyone in my parish, it seems.
 
For interesting reading on this subject try the book “Ugly as Sin”. It shows in words and pictures how some churches thought Vatican II meant huge changes in design should be made and how some are now rediscovering the beauty of what was there before the changes. At my parish after VII, the Stations of the Cross were all painted solid white. About 10 years ago during extensive remodeling made necessary due to structural problems, they were brought back to their former beauty. A beautiful sacred place is not essential for worship, but it is helpful for many.
 
eyesopening said:
Its only a problem if you are UNABLE to worship God without those things. You need nothing to worship God. Only a willing heart. Also, we should be able to worship God even if we personally feel nothing. That being said, it is very nice to be able to feel good and “in the Spirit” while worshiping God. These things you mention, art, music, architecture, help us to feel that way and it is very good. Remember, worshiping is an act of the will, not a feeling you get. Just like love!
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I agree. It’s nice to be in beautiful surroundings but that really doesn’t (or shouldn’t) have anything to do with how much we enter into the Mass. There are plenty of distractions in beautiful cathedrals too (I know because my parish is one), and the challenge is to ignore them and be present with God as much as possible. That’s why you’re there after all.
My 2 $! (Because I don’t know how to make a cent sign :confused:)
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Look on the right side of the comment form where all the little emoticons are and click on the More link. You’ll get another window open with all kinds of cute little guys, including :twocents::takeoff:
 
The psychological difference of worship in a classic, Gothic style Church, or an unadorned one of Modern Architecture is based on what one is used to. Spiritually it is the same.
In my personal experience, seeking spirituality is very much like seeking love. The harder you work at seeking it, the less likely you are to find it.
However, the more you are humble you are and sincerely pray to the Holy Ghost for enlightenment, the more likely you are to find it.
When you do, you will feel no different that you always feel - only you will have an inner peace that is hard to describe…but when yo obtain it, you’ll know it.
 
Ontheway said:
Every time I watch Father Barron’s series Catholicism I go to my parish church to look for the Spirit that is so evident in the ancient churches, ceremonies, rituals, mysteries, art and music that he highlights in the series.

My own modern unadorned church has drab brick and mortar walls and seems intentionally unpretentious. There is little room for mystery in it. There are no awe inspiring ceilings or stained glass windows. The music is unbearably distracting and not spiritual in any perceivable way.

D you think that the old fashioned churches, stained glass, organ music etc. are an important element in your experience of the holy in the church?

Of do you feel that the modern church architecture, music and service better serves your spiritual growth?
Click to expand...
Fr Barron’s Catholicism Series 👍
The tall high sweeping movement in churches and cathedral architecture :harp:
 
I would be honored to sit in a drab and windowless basement if the Eucharist was there.
 
I’m just glad our rural parish churches didn’t get closed.
 
OraLabora said:
Plain and unadorned churches have been part of the monastic tradition for thousands of years.
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As have grand and glorious churches been a part of the monastic tradition for thousands of years. But I prefer churches along the lines of Solesmes which is quite “plain” but is artistically superior to almost every modern church being churned out today.
 
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