How To Deal w/ Holy Week

[Ricedw3]

Hello,
I am new to these forums and I am also a college student and a sponsor for a person entering the Church this Easter Vigil. Despite the best efforts of the local RCIA progam, my elect will enter into the Church without any major heresies. That being said, this upcoming holy week will be a challenge for me. There are liturgical abuses throughout the year at this church but they are usually stuff I can tolerate and don’t distract me. However, being that Holy Week is “special”, the local liturgists are vamping up the abuses. One of the many things that will horrifiy me is that at the Easter Vigil, they are going to have an army of people carry flowers up to the altar during the Gloria and later have an army of people carry water in pitchers to the baptismal font.

This along with other abuses and just poor taste in music causes some problems. I find myself easily distracted by these abuses. It draws my attention away from true meaning of the celebration.

Also being a sponsor, I have been signed up to participate in this marching. Basically, I am asking for tips to keep my mind focused and not on the abuses.

I am also asking that when a parish uses texts other than those prescribed, should I sing or say them or remain silent. One small example is the “Keep in Mind…” for the memorial acclamation. Because abstaining from praying these additions or innovations keeps me focused on the abuses. But by praying with these texts I am actively particpating in the abuses.

I know this is a long post, but any suggestions and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JustSomeGuy]

if i were you, i would tell the person you are sponsoring that you are unwilling to participate in the innovations and that you are explaining it to him/her out of respect. when asked “why?” just say “because it’s wrong.” if the person wants more, he/she will ask. don’t shove it down his/her throat and don’t expect agreement. you are just trying to prevent surprise.

then just tell the ‘liturgist’ who signed you up “No thank you.” when they try to coerse, explain, etc. just keep smiling and saying, “yeah, but no thanks.” during the Mass, just don’t do it. stay put. if others have to climb over you in the pews to participate, let them.

i don’t know what you mean by “keep in mind…” but what i do when they mess with the text of the Mass is not use whatever aide they are handing out. i hold nothing in my hands. if it is not in my memory, it most likely doesn’t belong in the Mass. if i don’t know the wrong response, i can’t say it. if i hold the xerox they hand out, i get sucked in.

as far as not getting distracted by abuse, to a certain degree you can’t prevent it. that is exactly why abuses are abuses. the liturgy of the Church gives proper dignity to the Trinity, especially to the Son, who is present on the altar. abuses diminish that dignity. if you don’t notice that, then you are probably not paying attention to the right thngs at Mass. your distraction is normal.

focusing on God at Mass is much more than your mind reaching out to Him. it’s your eyes, ears, etc. take it all in, offer your personal praise God to help make up for what is lacking in your neighbors, and console Him, because He has to sit there and watch it too. making your distractions part of your prayer will keep you focused on God.

peace,

john