How do you tell a priest you love that you didn't love his mass?

[acadian]

• there was a huge “risen Jesus” cross in the middle instead of a crucifix
  We have this in our parish. It has nothing to do with the priest. It was there when he got there and it’ll be there when he leaves in all liklihood.
• the Tabernacle was off to the side Not my preference, but it’s allowed.
• after the Lamb of God all the people stayed standing until they received (I had to kneel…this one really bothered me) I prefer to kneel, but if there are no kneelers, I would probably stand at this point.
• they read a clip of history about where and when and who wrote that particular reading before each reading sort of putting it in context (not before the Gospel though) I’ve heard worse things. Sometimes knowing the context helps.
• the music was performed by a band and the hymns were by famous catholic pop stars(granted they were really good…but a band?) Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but some people probably love it.
• during many of the parts of mass where the priest was talking there was “background” music One of the most beautiful Masses I can recall attending had quiet background music during the Eucharistic prayer which the priest sang. But not everyone would love it, I’m sure.
• the congregation raised a hand over the newly consecrated Hosts almost as if their blessing Him could make Him anymore present than He already was…That I could do without!
• after communion but before the final blessing, they took a moment to pass on the “Elijah Cup” from one family to the next (I haven’t heard of this before) Probably OK. I’ve heard of some parishes that pass a chalice from one family to another to pray for vocations.
• after mass they applauded (again the band was really good…but that is not the point) After Mass wouldn’t bother me too much. I attended a Mass in New Orleans where the congregation broke into applause right before the Eucharistic prayer to appreciate the music.

I feel horrible…I love this priest…but I don’t think the right way to touch teens hearts is through dramatization of the mass. sure…in a way it reaches them because teens (even a lot of adults) sometimes are drawn to drama…but I guess what I’m saying is that I wish everyone understood that Mass feels good because of how holy it is…it is not holy because of how good it feels. So what do I tell my priest friend???

Tell him that Mass is always wonderful. That something more traditional is your cup of tea. But that the band was very talented. you appreciated the enthusiasm of the congregation. That it seems to be a very vibrant communtiy. Etc.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

Here is something to consider: if this priest was recently ordained, he is a parochial vicar or associate pastor. As such, he has practically no control over how things operate in that parish, whether it be the music program or the placement of liturgical items in the sanctuary. He only has control over whatever his pastor has delegated to him. I know nothing about him, but perhaps he may have been asking peoples’ opinion about the youth Mass so that he would have some support behind him when he approaches his pastor about making changes.

 

[benedictgal]

The OP certainly covered a lot of issues, so I’ll have to take them in small bites.

First of all, there is the issue of background music. Redemptionis Sacramentum is very clear as to this question:

[53.] While the Priest proclaims the Eucharistic Prayer “there should be no other prayers or singing, and the organ or other musical instruments should be silent”,132 except for the people’s acclamations that have been duly approved, as described below.

Now, regarding having the faithful hold their hands up towards the newly consecrated Hosts, this is a big no-no. In 1997, the Congregation for Clergy issued a document called On Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of the Priest. The document says, in part, that:

§ 2. To promote the proper identity (of various roles) in this area, those abuses which are contrary to the provisions of canon 907 are to be eradicated. In eucharistic celebrations deacons and non-ordained members of the faithful may not pronounce prayers — e.g. especially the eucharistic prayer, with its concluding doxology — or any other parts of the liturgy reserved to the celebrant priest. Neither may deacons or non-ordained members of the faithful use gestures or actions which are proper to the same priest celebrant.

Regarding the “historical” presentation, what is the purpose for this? Nowhere in the rubrics or in the GIRM is this allowed.

 

[Cinette]

• there was a huge “risen Jesus” cross in the middle instead of a crucifix
  We have this in our parish. It has nothing to do with the priest. It was there when he got there and it’ll be there when he leaves in all liklihood.
• the Tabernacle was off to the side Not my preference, but it’s allowed.
• after the Lamb of God all the people stayed standing until they received (I had to kneel…this one really bothered me) I prefer to kneel, but if there are no kneelers, I would probably stand at this point.
• they read a clip of history about where and when and who wrote that particular reading before each reading sort of putting it in context (not before the Gospel though) I’ve heard worse things. Sometimes knowing the context helps.
• the music was performed by a band and the hymns were by famous catholic pop stars(granted they were really good…but a band?) Might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but some people probably love it.
• during many of the parts of mass where the priest was talking there was “background” music One of the most beautiful Masses I can recall attending had quiet background music during the Eucharistic prayer which the priest sang. But not everyone would love it, I’m sure.
• the congregation raised a hand over the newly consecrated Hosts almost as if their blessing Him could make Him anymore present than He already was…That I could do without!
• after communion but before the final blessing, they took a moment to pass on the “Elijah Cup” from one family to the next (I haven’t heard of this before) Probably OK. I’ve heard of some parishes that pass a chalice from one family to another to pray for vocations.
• after mass they applauded (again the band was really good…but that is not the point) After Mass wouldn’t bother me too much. I attended a Mass in New Orleans where the congregation broke into applause right before the Eucharistic prayer to appreciate the music.

I feel horrible…I love this priest…but I don’t think the right way to touch teens hearts is through dramatization of the mass. sure…in a way it reaches them because teens (even a lot of adults) sometimes are drawn to drama…but I guess what I’m saying is that I wish everyone understood that Mass feels good because of how holy it is…it is not holy because of how good it feels. So what do I tell my priest friend???

Tell him that Mass is always wonderful. That something more traditional is your cup of tea. But that the band was very talented. you appreciated the enthusiasm of the congregation. That it seems to be a very vibrant communtiy. Etc.

Your response was almost identical to mine but at the end of the day we do not go to Mass to be entertained. We go to worship God and to receive his most precious gift - the Body and Blood of Jesus. We should be focused. We should contemplate. We should do our best to realise the enormity of the grace we are receiving. We should pray - praise and thanksgiving.

 

[benedictgal]

Regarding the issue of kneeling, the GIRM says the following:

The faithful kneel after the Agnus Dei unless the Diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.5

This may have been the call of the bishop of that particular diocese. However, when asked that question, Francis Cardinal Arinze noted the following:

Does everybody have to stand until the last person has received Holy Communion?

There is no rule from Rome that everybody must stand during Holy Communion. There is no such rule from Rome. So, after people have received Communion, they can stand, they can kneel, they can sit. But a bishop in his diocese or bishops in a country could say that they recommend standing or kneeling. They could. It is not a law from Rome. They could – but not impose it. Perhaps they could propose. But those who want to sit or kneel or stand should be left reasonable freedom.

Now, concerning the location of the tabernacle, Redemptionis Sacramentum makes the following statement:

[130.] “According to the structure of each church building and in accordance with legitimate local customs, the Most Holy Sacrament is to be reserved in a tabernacle in a part of the church that is noble, prominent, readily visible, and adorned in a dignified manner” and furthermore “suitable for prayer” by reason of the quietness of the location, the space available in front of the tabernacle, and also the supply of benches or seats and kneelers.221 In addition, diligent attention should be paid to all the prescriptions of the liturgical books and to the norm of law,222 especially as regards the avoidance of the danger of profanation.223

You can find the complete copy of Redemptionis Sacramentum by following this link:

adoremus.org/RedemptionisSacramentum.html#anchor1242988

I would suggest that you print it, read it carefully and compare what you have witnessed with what the documents says. Then, write a letter, charitably informing the priest that his actions are inappropriate.

 

[EasterJoy]

Well, he asked, so I’d tell him the truth: the parts that are not according to the GIRM need to be corrected, and whether I liked them or not was besides the point. C’mon, friend, you’ve been to the seminary, I’m not your mother, enough said. Do what’s right. The parts that were more entertainment than prayer are not doing the Mass justice. Teens hunger for real worship, just like everyone else. The parts that are just not what I like…well, what I like isn’t that important, because a) I’m not a teen and b) I don’t belong to the parish.

Elijah cup…great. We need more vocations, and it is especially good to ask teens to pray for them. It does need to go out with proper catechesis as to how the chalice should be treated.

 

[Cinette]

Well, he asked, so I’d tell him the truth: the parts that are not according to the GIRM need to be corrected, and whether I liked them or not was besides the point. C’mon, friend, you’ve been to the seminary, I’m not your mother, enough said. Do what’s right. The parts that were more entertainment than prayer are not doing the Mass justice. Teens hunger for real worship, just like everyone else. The parts that are just not what I like…well, what I like isn’t that important, because a) I’m not a teen and b) I don’t belong to the parish.

Elijah cup…great. We need more vocations, and it is especially good to ask teens to pray for them. It does need to go out with proper catechesis as to how the chalice should be treated.

What next! They will be handing out popcorn and burghers one of these days or what?

Stand firm! Do the right thing!

 

[Jack_245814]

I know that most teenagers desperately want to be adults; I think he’d win more teenagers if they were just given a normal, traditional, grown-up mass. Anything else would be perceived as patronizing.

At least that’s my experience. You could just frame it like that: not “I didn’t like your mass” but “I think you might be able to win the youth over better by…” etc.

 

[bpbasilphx]

The Priest was “creative” and “imaginative” and communion was with pizza bread

I believe this would be invalid matter in the Latin rite–and probably most others, as well (not knowing the recipe).

 

[Claire_from_DE]

It is proper to give the Elijah cup to the family or single person during the brief period for announcements before the dismissal. At our parish it is a chalice that was used in the past and belongs to the parish. The announcement is made about what the Elijah cup is and who will have it in their house that week.

When mass is said for some Charismatic groups, they raise their hand or hands as a sign of worship at the elevation after the consecration. Could this be what is going on?

As others have said, he probably has no (name removed by moderator)ut as to the large crucifix or the placement of the tabernacle. You said he has a crucifix on the altar as is proper.

If the priest asked your comments, why not take him out for coffee and get him to answer your questions about what he does.

 

[BayernAnhaenger]

He is a new priest, and when I visited his parish he asked me what I thought of the style of the youth mass I attended. He told me he knew it was a little different and wanted to get my opinion but beforehand he seemed so enthusiastic and excited about it that I feel like if I told him the truth I’d break his heart!

I could be wrong here, but I feel that the EWTN daily masses are as close to the way it should be as possible.

Please help me understand which of these really are ok to have at mass in case I am being too critical.

• there was a huge “risen Jesus” cross in the middle instead of a crucifix
• the Tabernacle was off to the side
• after the Lamb of God all the people stayed standing until they received (I had to kneel…this one really bothered me)
• they read a clip of history about where and when and who wrote that particular reading before each reading sort of putting it in context (not before the Gospel though)
• the music was performed by a band and the hymns were by famous catholic pop stars(granted they were really good…but a band?)
• during many of the parts of mass where the priest was talking there was “background” music
• the congregation raised a hand over the newly consecrated Hosts almost as if their blessing Him could make Him anymore present than He already was…
• after communion but before the final blessing, they took a moment to pass on the “Elijah Cup” from one family to the next (I haven’t heard of this before)
• after mass they applauded (again the band was really good…but that is not the point)

I feel horrible…I love this priest…but I don’t think the right way to touch teens hearts is through dramatization of the mass. sure…in a way it reaches them because teens (even a lot of adults) sometimes are drawn to drama…but I guess what I’m saying is that I wish everyone understood that Mass feels good because of how holy it is…it is not holy because of how good it feels. So what do I tell my priest friend???

You could just tell him that the Mass is God’s, and not for him to change.

Say the black, do the red, I think is the mantra some have adopted.

 

[Cinette]

The Priest was “creative” and “imaginative” and communion was with pizza bread

I believe this would be invalid matter in the Latin rite–and probably most others, as well (not knowing the recipe).

Pizza does contain yeast. Does that make it invalid? Please provide whatever information you have as I would love to pass it on.

 

[BayernAnhaenger]

Fr 13 years I attended Mass with my husband (who only converted 3 years ago) The Priest was “creative” and “imaginative” and communion was with pizza bread and and and and… for a time we enjoyed it very much but then we began to grow in our Faith and then one day my husband said enough and that was it. My husband was received into the Church at that Parish and I miss the parishioners very much.

We just had to move on.

Pizza bread? Is that even a legitimate option for the host to be made of?

 

[Cinette]

Pizza bread? Is that even a legitimate option for the host to be made of?

I would like to know what the Church has to say.

Many visiting Priests went along with it and I was a recent revert to the Church so I could not comment.

As I said in my earlier post as we grew in our Faith we decided that we should move on. I did email the Priest on several issues and he told me not to email him anymore he would not respond.

 

[benedictgal]

Here is what Redemptionis Sacramentum says regarding the form and matter of the Eucharistic Bread:

THE PROPER CELEBRATION OF MASS

1. The Matter of the Most Holy Eucharist
   [48.] The bread used in the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharistic Sacrifice must be unleavened, purely of wheat, and recently made so that there is no danger of decomposition.123 It follows therefore that bread made from another substance, even if it is grain, or if it is mixed with another substance different from wheat to such an extent that it would not commonly be considered wheat bread, does not constitute valid matter for confecting the Sacrifice and the Eucharistic Sacrament.124 It is a grave abuse to introduce other substances, such as fruit or sugar or honey, into the bread for confecting the Eucharist. Hosts should obviously be made by those who are not only distinguished by their integrity, but also skilled in making them and furnished with suitable tools.125

[49.] By reason of the sign, it is appropriate that at least some parts of the Eucharistic Bread coming from the fraction should be distributed to at least some of the faithful in Communion. “Small hosts are, however, in no way ruled out when the number of those receiving Holy Communion or other pastoral needs require it”,126 and indeed small hosts requiring no further fraction ought customarily to be used for the most part.

[50.] The wine that is used in the most sacred celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice must be natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, not mixed with other substances.127 During the celebration itself, a small quantity of water is to be mixed with it. Great care should be taken so that the wine intended for the celebration of the Eucharist is well conserved and has not soured.128 It is altogether forbidden to use wine of doubtful authenticity or provenance, for the Church requires certainty regarding the conditions necessary for the validity of the sacraments. Nor are other drinks of any kind to be admitted for any reason, as they do not constitute valid matter.

I hope this helps.

 

[Aramis]

Pizza does contain yeast. Does that make it invalid? Please provide whatever information you have as I would love to pass it on.

no, not invalid. Eastern rites use Leavened bread… Wheat, water, yeast.

However, it is illicit to use leavened bread in the Roman Mass.

 

[dconklin]

He asked for your opinion, so I would give him it. However, remember that it’s not so much what you say but how you say it. Perhaps you could use this as a chance to introduce this priest to the New Liturgical Movement headed by the Holy Father? I think teens would prefer reverent, traditional Masses with incense and Gregorian Chant. I know I would have liked this as a teen!

:ehh: For me, if I am in a cathedral I like the incense, organ music and chanting (not so much the chanting) but if I am in a ‘modern’ church I feel more comfortable with guitars. Our ‘youth’ mass does have a violin playing along with the guitars. Does that class it up a little? We had a former priest that had a great knowledge of the scriptures. I loved it when he gave us the extra info.

 

[Walking_Home]

Does pizza bread contain shortening/salt.?

 

[Cinette]

Does pizza bread contain shortening/salt.?

I do know it contains salt!

 

[EasterJoy]

What next! They will be handing out popcorn and burghers one of these days or what?

Stand firm! Do the right thing!

I’m not sure you understand your response to my post?

But you know, having a popcorn or burger social for the teens after Mass, that isn’t a bad idea.

There is a local parish that has an evening social after an hour of Eucharistic Adoration that is organized by and for the teens of the parish. Both Adoration and the social afterward are very well attended. After all, it is a time of life that can pose some serious spiritual “rapids”, a time when an hour spent in quiet with and before the Lord becomes a particularly welcome respite. After that, you get an hour with a bunch of other people your age who feel the same way!