Just attended first college mass it was a disgrace... what should i do?

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mcclan10

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I just started going to Iona college in New York a school run by the Christian Brothers. I wen’t to a highschool also run by them, but it seems as though the college has lost alot of its founding faith.

So this is what happened.
Background:
School owns a church and about 3,400 students attend the college.

When I walked in they had screens seperating the church down the middle with a little dinky alter setup horizontal to one of the walls in the church in a small cove. Mind you they have a perfectly fine alter at the front of the church!

The permenant solution for the mass was to setup a bunch of plastic folding chairs on a hard floor facing the little alter. There was no kneeling room or little carpets you could take to kneel. Mass started, and went on how it should.

Then this is what just really got me mad a student from the ministry department went up to the alter before the priest and casually poured water and wine into the chalice.

Does this not completly invalidate the mass? the act of pouring the water into wine is a very symbolic part of the mass that was just thrown away.

Then during peace the priest came down from the alter and shook everyones hands. Then proceeded back to the alter to touch the holy eucharist.

Lastly there is only one sunday mass for the whole college and itss at 7pm. To me this in no way promotes faith for a school that was founded on christian teachings.

please let me know what actions i should take against the campus ministry department.
 
I have the same problem. I attended a Mass at my univ. and it was almost like that one.

But I haven’t said anything to the University Ministry, because they are as liberal as the Mass that was performed at your school and mine. They wouldn’t do anything.

Luckily, for me, I commute so I don’t have to go to their sacrilegious Mass. I go to my Church.

I probably wasn’t much help to you.
 
I plan to go all out on this one. I can’t see how it should be tolerated and plan on correcting it but i am looking for help before I confront campus ministries. :confused:
 
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mcclan10:
I just started going to Iona college in New York a school run by the Christian Brothers. I wen’t to a highschool also run by them, but it seems as though the college has lost alot of its founding faith.

So this is what happened.
Background:
School owns a church and about 3,400 students attend the college.

When I walked in they had screens seperating the church down the middle with a little dinky alter setup horizontal to one of the walls in the church in a small cove. Mind you they have a perfectly fine alter at the front of the church!
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I think you mean “altar”.
The permenant solution for the mass was to setup a bunch of plastic folding chairs on a hard floor facing the little alter. There was no kneeling room or little carpets you could take to kneel. Mass started, and went on how it should.
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One could always kneel on the floor.
Then this is what just really got me mad a student from the ministry department went up to the alter before the priest and casually poured water and wine into the chalice.
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That action is reserved to the priest or deacon.
Does this not completly invalidate the mass? the act of pouring the water into wine is a very symbolic part of the mass that was just thrown away.
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No, it did not invalidate the Mass. What happened was an illicit action within the Mass, but that alone does not invalidate it.
Then during peace the priest came down from the alter and shook everyones hands. Then proceeded back to the alter to touch the holy eucharist.
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This is not supposed to take place per the instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum.
Lastly there is only one sunday mass for the whole college and itss at 7pm. To me this in no way promotes faith for a school that was founded on christian teachings.
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Be thankful that a Mass is even offered. Unless there is some exceptional reason to do so, one Mass should be sufficient – after all, a part of the faith is challenging ourselves to do what is right, and that includes getting up early to go to Mass.
please let me know what actions i should take against the campus ministry department.
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Gee, that sounds kind of negative. How about suggestions for the positive actions you should take? Have a talk with the priest about the ritual action of adding water to the wine and how that is reserved to the priest or deacon and should not be done casually or by a lay person. Have a talk about the Sign of Peace and the fact that the priest should remain in the sanctuary. If that fails, discuss it with the local bishop or with the president of the school. Keep a record of what you say and do (my former bishop used to say if it wasn’t in writing it didn’t happen).

Good luck!

Deacon Ed
 
The faithful have a right to a proper liturgy.

RS says:
  1. The Apostolic See
[181.] Whenever the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments receives at least a plausible notice of a delict or an abuse concerning the Most Holy Eucharist, it informs the Ordinary so that he may investigate the matter. When the matter turns out to be serious, the Ordinary should send to the same Dicastery as quickly as possible a copy of the acts of the inquiry that has been undertaken, and where necessary, the penalty imposed.

[182.] In more difficult cases the Ordinary, for the sake of the good of the universal Church in the care for which he too has a part by virtue of his sacred Ordination, should not fail to handle the matter, having previously taken advice from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. For its part, this Congregation, on the strength of the faculties given to it by the Roman Pontiff, according to the nature of the case, will assist the Ordinary, granting him the necessarydispensations[289] or giving him instructions or prescriptions, which he is to follow diligently.
  1. Complaints Regarding Abuses in Liturgical Matters
[183.]** 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.**

[184.] 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.[290] 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.

CONCLUSION

[185.] “Against the seeds of discord which daily experience shows to be so deeply ingrained in human nature as a result of sin, there stands the creative power of the unity of Christ’s body. For it is precisely by building up the Church that the Eucharist establishes fellowship among men.”[291] It is therefore the hope of this Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments that also, by the diligent application of those things that are recalled in this Instruction, human weakness may come to pose less of an obstacle to the action of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, and that with all distortion set aside and every reprobated practice removed,[292] through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Woman of the Eucharist”, the saving presence of Christ in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood may shine brightly upon all people.

[186.] Let all Christ’s faithful participate in the Most Holy Eucharist as fully, consciously and actively as they can,[293] honouring it lovingly by their devotion and the manner of their life. Let Bishops, Priests and Deacons, in the exercise of the sacred ministry, examine their consciences as regards the authenticity and fidelity of the actions they have performed in the name of Christ and the Church in the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. Let each one of the sacred ministers ask himself, even with severity, whether he has respected the rights of the lay members of Christ’s faithful, who confidently entrust themselves and their children to him, relying on him to fulfill for the faithful those sacred functions that the Church intends to carry out in celebrating the sacred Liturgy at Christ’s command.[294] For each one should always remember that he is a servant of the Sacred Liturgy.[295]

All things to the contrary notwithstanding.

This Instruction, prepared by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments by mandate of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II in collaboration with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was approved by the same Pontiff on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, 19 March 2004, and he ordered it to be published and to be observed immediately by all concerned.

From the offices of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Rome, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, 25 March 2004.

Francis Card. Arinze
Prefect

Domenico Sorrentino
Archbishop Secretary
 
I don’t mean to sound negative.

Do you really think celebrating the mass in the middle of the church with screens blocking the alter is appropriate.

I ussaully kneel on the floor despite if theres a kneeler or not but with plastic folding chairs it makes it kind of hard cause of the lack of space.

Thank you for your advice
 
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mcclan10:
I don’t mean to sound negative.

Do you really think celebrating the mass in the middle of the church with screens blocking the alter is appropriate.

I ussaully kneel on the floor despite if theres a kneeler or not but with plastic folding chairs it makes it kind of hard cause of the lack of space.

Thank you for your advice
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My answer depends one the reason the screen was there. I attended Mass at a church in Rome where they had a screen because the lights were not working on one side of the church (which they had just finished repairing). They were trying to a) keep people out of the repaired area to allow everything to set and, b) trying to keep people happy by offering Mass where they could. I understand that the next month the screen blocked the side I had seen and allowed access to the refinished side.

Since I don’t know the reason for the screen at your school I certainly can’t make any sort of judgement.

Deacon Ed
 
In 1991 or 92, when I was in south Texas, I attended what could best be described as a very liberal and apparently enlightened parish :eek:

The church was well over 100 years old and incredibly beautiful, with a truly magnificent altar. Absolutely lovely. However, they too would put screens up about 1/4 of the way down the aisles, to block the view… For Mass they used a folding table for the altar. It was a standard folding table about six feet long with a white table cloth, or possibly a sheet. It had no markings so I doubt it was anything more. Sometimes it did have ruffled edges though. The “sisters” who normally ran things there explained that since we we celebrating the Supper of the Lord, an ornate altar was totally out of place. Instead, a simple table, the simpler the better I assume, was the only way to truly experience Christ as he was meant to be experienced and received. After all as they explained, Christ did not use an altar at His supper.

I am truly saddened to see that such things continue to occur, and are apparntly sanctioned…
 
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palmas85:
For Mass they used a folding table for the altar. It was a standard folding table about six feet long with a white table cloth, or possibly a sheet. It had no markings so I doubt it was anything more. Sometimes it did have ruffled edges though. The “sisters” who normally ran things there explained that since we we celebrating the Supper of the Lord, an ornate altar was totally out of place. Instead, a simple table, the simpler the better I assume, was the only way to truly experience Christ as he was meant to be experienced and received. After all as they explained, Christ did not use an altar at His supper.

I am truly saddened to see that such things continue to occur, and are apparntly sanctioned…
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While it is certainly valid to use a table for the altar, I agree with you. I believe that our best talents should be used to glorify God. It would be inappropriate to use a folding table for the altar, and then build put a beautiful oak table in my dining room. God should get the best!
 
Palmas, I can see the sisters’ logic. Sometimes we lay folk forget that many religious brothers/sisters view austerity as a part of their prayer life.
 
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mgy100:
Palmas, I can see the sisters’ logic. Sometimes we lay folk forget that many religious brothers/sisters view austerity as a part of their prayer life.
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Austerity and obedience to the Magesterium ie Reverence for Jesus Christ are 2 different things.

If one has access to the proper altar in God’s house and sets up a folding table, that is not only turning one’s back upon the Lord in the tabernacle (which should be placed in a central location in the front of the church), but it is completely disregarding the REVERENCE AND WORSHIP due to OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.

They are not setting bread and wine upon that folding table…the priest is consecrating the species into the very body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.

True austerity would not set up a table…austerity uses what they are given when it is given to them for the purpose for which it is given. Not to do so is contrary to the monastic rule.

It is also disrespectful to set up a folding table in the presence of God, who is deserving of the finest materials available. Hey! What about that beautiful and ornate marble altar crusted in gold that people died to mine? Let’s use that! Good idea! That’s the purpose of it, after all!

** sarcasm intended

As a woman discering religious life, I find the lack of reverence of many so called “sisters” to be revolting. I’m the anti-radical-feminist. Sorry if I got carried away. Those poor sisters need prayers, not sarcasm. But they also need correction and given the scenario of a folding table while in the presence of the altar I find the need for correction to be carried out.
 
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mgy100:
Palmas, I can see the sisters’ logic. Sometimes we lay folk forget that many religious brothers/sisters view austerity as a part of their prayer life.
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As a young man, boy, actually, I would always attend midnight mass when available at the Poor Claire Monastery near my home. These sisters were very, very austere in their dress, strictly cloistered, generally barefoot and came out to beg food on occasion through the neighborhood. Their Chapel was small, rather stark, and very clean. A grill separated those attending the Mass from the sisters. There was no decoration except for a statues of the Blessed Virgin and Saint Claire, a large crucifix and a few flowers here and there… The altar however, was immaculate, beautifully maintained and treated with a reverence that cannot even be understood unless you actually saw it.

No I don’t believe the “sisters” in Texas had anything else in their minds except the cheapening of the Mass for whatever personal motives they had.

They were real big on liberation theology however, so maybe that had something to do with it.
 
Mcclan10:

If I may me so bold to ask, which campus do you attend ?

In Christ’s Love,
Br. Mark, OSB
 
I am going to Iona College in New Rochelle, New york
Founded by the Christian Brothers

Which was founded as a catholic college but has since strayed.

As for why they had screens up. The front of the church is fine and no contruction is taking place or other renovating efforts. So my only reasoning is that rather then keep the front of the church clean and decorated they saw a chance to do mass “cheaper” and setup a dinky altar in the middle of the church.

I also should note that the school is not low on funds so to cut back on things like the mass is in no way needed.

I went to a christian brothers high school where the catholic faith was actually cultivated. Now coming to Iona i feel the christian brothers here are not doing justice to their founder edmund ignatius rice.
 
I was flatened at the SUNY Newman near me. Not only did the priest use sweetened, flavored, leavened bread but he also was dropping crumbs of it left and right all over the floor.
Self communication was commonly accepted and so were ‘open’ homilies for all to share.

I am currently battling self-communication at the college my children attend. Heaven only knows what else is slipping by the naive students.
 
I empathize. After attending a college run by Dominicans, I went to a SUNY and, without a car, could only attend a less than optimal Mass for some time. If you are able, you might check out St Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church in New Rochelle. It would satisfy your Sunday obligation, expose you to a different element of the Church, and respond to a papal encyclical encouraging Catholics to experience the Eastern Catholic rites. I’m not familiar with New Rochelle, but I love our Maronite Catholic Church in San Antonio. Additionally, Eastern Catholics generally love their liturgy and are happy to share it with Roman Catholics-liturgical abuses are unlikely.

If you are unable to make another Mass, remain faithful, attend the Mass you can, and thank God for that freedom!!
 
What can I tell you? It is little better at Lewis University, another Chrisitan Brothers school. Sancta Alberta Chapel is seldom used for Mass or other religious activity. It is, however, used for everything esle, including luncheons.

I CAN say that the Baccalaureate Mass this year was very reverent, and the music not of the strum-strum variety.

But the day-to-day, average Sunday Mass really requires a drive into Joliet or Romeoville. Right now, the committee that controls the “regular” Masses is in the majority (actually, a minority of the students, but one clique) those who lean toward experimentation and heterodox practices. There is a second element that does the “big” Masses, as well as some of the charity work.

Perhaps you can do the same, drive into New Rochelle.

However, you might consider enlisting like-minded friends, and trying to change things. There are a lot of young nursing and criminal justice students who just don’t agree with having heterodoxy shoved down their throats in the name of education, and are trying to change things here.
 
Our Newman Center here at the University of Kentucky is a lot like that. Full of dissident catholics, irreverence, and liturgical abuse. Many Catholic students on our campus, such as myself, attend Mass at other local parishes instead of the one on campus. You should either do that or transfer to a real Catholic university (Franciscan Univ. of Steubenville, Christendom College, Ave Maria Univ., etc.)
 
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