How should a Catholic react to liturgical abuses?

[laudarebenedicere]

Liturgical abuse (such as dancing in a place where there’s no indult or whatever special privilege, some are even dancing in the sanctuary, “drive-thru” communion this pandemic time, “concelebrating via online” during a Mass of the bishop, and let me also include incomplete vestments [although I’m not that sure whether this is also termed abuse or not, but clearly, it is a violation of the rubrics], changing the texts of the Mass and other liturgies, and the list goes on and on) often leads to division in Catholic discussions (especially in Catholic social media groups/forums). Some would sort of defend the violators, others would denounce it. Some find posting it in the internet is inappropriate. I understand, however, that there are people who resort to posting in the social media because their complaints in the parish office or in the diocese were just ignored. How then should a Catholic react (and respond) to liturgical abuses and violations?

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Is this related to the topic of your last thread expressing concerns about a form of Filipino Mass?

It seems like you are very focused on liturgical abuses.
Are you seeing a lot of them at your parish? If not, then why the focus on them?

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Perceived Liturgical abuse often leads to division in Catholic discussions

^^ Added the proper clarification here.
Most abuses we hear reported on this forum simply aren’t abuses. They’re legitimate options or personal preferences that the reporter doesn’t like.

How then should a Catholic react (and respond) to liturgical abuses and violations?

Study. Learn why you’re experiencing what you believe to be an abuse. Ask the clergy involved. Once you’ve exhausted the notion that it could be something legitimate, if you are in the slim percentage of reports wherein an actual abuse occurs, you may choose to discuss with the bishop.

 

[Lou2U]

Absolutely it would be inappropriate to go to social media and complain, not to mention very petty. If there is a suspected liturgical abuse, go through the official steps.

Study. Learn why you’re experiencing what you believe to be an abuse. Ask the clergy involved. Once you’ve exhausted the notion that it could be something legitimate, if you are in the slim percentage of reports wherein an actual abuse occurs, you may choose to discuss with the bishop.

This, 1000%.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Most abuses we hear reported on this forum simply aren’t abuses. They’re legitimate options or personal preferences that the reporter doesn’t like.

I’m fairly confident that the above is also a huge reason why a parish or diocese might not pay much attention when people come to them complaining about purported “liturgical abuse”.

 

[laudarebenedicere]

Not at all. I’m referring here especially on the “innovations” for the so-called new normal because of the COVID pandemic (e.g. drive-thru communion) and also problems that happened since long ago (such as dancing in the liturgy and others are even dancing in the sanctuary; there is no indult for dancing here)

 

[laudarebenedicere]

Some bishops make actions against these (after complaints or criticisms in social media) while some are silent and allowed them to continue happening

 

[laudarebenedicere]

I edited my post and cited examples of the liturgical abuses I’m referring to, but then again, its list continues

 

[Montrose]

Liturgical abuse (such as dancing in a place where there’s no indult or whatever special privilege, some are even dancing in the sanctuary, “drive-thru” communion this pandemic time, “concelebrating via online” during a Mass of the bishop, and let me also include incomplete vestments [although I’m not that sure whether this is also termed abuse or not, but clearly, it is a violation of the rubrics], changing the texts of the Mass and other liturgies, and the list goes on and on) often leads to division in Catholic discussions (especially in Catholic social media groups/forums). Some would sort of defend the violators, others would denounce it. Some find posting it in the internet is inappropriate. I understand, however, that there are people who resort to posting in the social media because their complaints in the parish office or in the diocese were just ignored. How then should a Catholic react (and respond) to liturgical abuses and violations?

Is all of this hearsay or you have actually witnessed all of the alleged abuses you have commented on?

 

[laudarebenedicere]

1. Dancing has been an issue for a long time already. In the past I personally witnessed it but now, as I moved to another place I no longer saw it. But anyways, I still see broadcasted Masses with dancing. If this place was Africa then I have no right to complain, but it’s not!
2. Drive-thru communion. Posts from the Social Communications Ministry of certain parishes announced drive-thru communion. A video was even uploaded showing the priests distributing the Body of Christ to people in vehicles along the streets.
3. Online “concelebration”. The priest who did this during the Easter Vigil Mass by the bishop posted this himself on social media.
4. Vestments. I think you would agree that this has been a problem for a long time and in most (if not all) parishes. We often see priests offering Mass without the chasuble, others wear only the stole over the cassock, others wear chasuble and stole but replaced the alb with a cassock.

If these were only mere hearsays, I would not post them here or else I am spreading fake news

 

[Irishmom2]

How should a Catholic react? With skepticism that it is actually an abuse.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

We’ve addressed some of this before; there is apparently an implied approval for cultural adaption in the Philippines, so I’m not going to pretend I’m knowledgeable enough about that to say any more.

On the other matters:

• Many places are offering what you term “drive thru” sacraments; yours is the first (although I’m sure not only) complaint I’ve heard about it given that we’re all trying to figure out ways to manage the pandemic circumstances. The most strict and orthodox priests I can point you to are involved with such activities. I find it hard to make an issue of it for the interim period in which we find ourselves.
• If the bishop not only chose to participate but promote an online delivery of Mass, why do you believe there’s an issue for you to attempt to “correct”? I’m not saying it’s entirely prudent, but again, he’s trying to minister to those in need in a particularly challenging time. I’d tend to give him the benefit of the doubt.
• There could be a handful of reasons for incomplete vestments. You’re absolutely right; this is a rubrical violation - one that’s been discussed on this site before. Unless you’ve determined through proper diligence that it’s an intentional disregard for the rubrics, how do you claim it as an abuse and how did you appoint yourself as arbiter?

Edit to add: My ‘bottom line’ point here is that it seems efforts are made to bring the sacramental life of the Church to people in need in a difficult, exceptionally challenging time. Why focus on the complaints rather than the gratitude?

 

[Montrose]

Drive-thru communion. Posts from the Social Communications Ministry of certain parishes announced drive-thru communion. A video was even uploaded showing the priests distributing the Body of Christ to people in vehicles along the streets.

Maybe this is the only way to have true social distancing. I am elderly and ill (as you know during the pandemic the sick, elderly and children have had the Mass obligation dispensed with) but if I were attending Mass during the pandemic I would not want to be standing in a Communion line. People here in the Philippines just do not practice 6 feet distancing.

 

[CRV]

How then should a Catholic react (and respond) to liturgical abuses and violations?

With prayer, then more prayer.

 

[laudarebenedicere]

It would be more prone to desecration. Aside from that, the bishop’s conference has issued guidelines for Mass during these times, and it is properly implemented in areas where Masses are already allowed

 

[EricF]

How would I respond? I would hope I’d respond with enough humility to shut my mouth and realize that those making these decisions (priests, deacons, bishops) know in great degree more than I do what is appropriate and what is not.

 

[laudarebenedicere]

By online conelebration I’m referring to a priest at home, in front of a screen where the easter vigil mass is played, and acting as if he’s concelebrating it

 

[Montrose]

It would be more prone to desecration. Aside from that, the bishop’s conference has issued guidelines for Mass during these times, and it is properly implemented in areas where Masses are already allowed

I wouldn’t agree about being more prone to desecration. I personally think it’s a good alternative.
Anyway, I assume where it takes place the Bishop must have okayed it.

 

[MtnDwellar]

I’ve witnessed many abuses. I brought up two of the most egregious abuses to my pastor.

1. Using a wooden salad bowl to hold the Eucharistic instead of a ciborium.
2. Adlibbing the Eucharistic Prayer.

He responded by first informing me that he is an expert liturgist. Then explained that the wooden bowl is a symbol of Christ’s humility and the adlib prayer is a prayer from the heart which is always better than a prayer read from a book.

My point is that priests know better than I do what is required during the liturgy. Knowing the GIRM and Redemptionis Sacramentum, he decided that he knows better than the Church. I can have no influence on him.
Although this church was very conveniently located, I stopped attending Mass there. I knew the consecration was illicit and I was concerned about the validity. If a priest doesn’t teach what the church teaches, doesn’t do what the Church requires, then how can I possibly trust that he intends what the Church intends during consecration?
I continued to use this Church for Confession. I believe that Sacrament was valid and there was never a line.
My advice regarding liturgical abuse is to find the best liturgy possible and accept it.

 

[vitejose]

Without knowing the exact specifics of your situation, I agree that liturgical abuses continue to occur with upsetting frequency. Here are my recommendations:

1. Pray, obviously.
2. Consider attending a different parish.
3. Become a priest yourself and strive for excellence
4. I would say stay far away from social media. Instead, I would quietly escalate the your complaints, starting from the pastor, to the bishop. As a last resort, there is always Rome to appeal to—but let me emphasize that this is a last resort. From the instruction Redemptionist Sacramentum:

In an altogether particular manner, let everyone do all that is in their power to ensure that the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist will be protected from any and every irreverence or distortion and that all abuses be thoroughly corrected. This is a most serious duty incumbent upon each and every one, and all are bound to carry it out without any favouritism. Any Catholic, whether Priest or Deacon or lay member of Christ’s faithful, has the right to lodge a complaint regarding a liturgical abuse to the diocesan Bishop or the competent Ordinary equivalent to him in law, or to the Apostolic See on account of the primacy of the Roman Pontiff. It is fitting, however, insofar as possible, that the report or complaint be submitted first to the diocesan Bishop. This is naturally to be done in truth and charity.

My last recommendation is try not to get too bent out of shape, lest it start affecting how you view/treat other people. Liturgical abuses are a violation of our rights as the Christian faithful; still, it’s important to not let feelings get the best of us (as I have sometimes let them do).

And by the way, CAF is pretty laid back when it comes to most things, so I wouldn’t waste your time here trying to get people on your side. Your energy is better spent elsewhere.