Mass at the beach.

[Tsuwano]

If catholics truly believe that The Lord Jesus Christ is being immolated (killed in a sacrificial offering to God) at the altar during Mass, how can anyone behave this way? As I have said before, it’s no different than playing a Polka during the crucifixion.

This is an opinion I disagree with. Holding mass outdoors, as long as it is reverent, is nothing like “playing a Polka during the crucifixion.”

 

[pnewton]

Remember: Wait at least one hour after eating Jesus before you walk on water.

Nice.

 

[pnewton]

However, what we should do is advance traditional liturgy and practices, such as the Tridentine Mass, Gregorian Chant, Organ, Rosary, Chaplets, scapulars, processions, etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong, disrespectful, or disobedient about this. We can advance our preferences, without being disobedient towards the bishop’s decisions.

Absolutely! In the parable of the prodigal son, even though the Father welcomed the lost, he still tried to show the elder son his role of son. Not to mention, as people grow in the faith, they might well be drawn to that worship as more conducive to inner worship.

 

[pnewton]

If one has a real reason to say an outside Mass, then that’s a different sack of potatoes. Here’s a real reason to say an outside Mass.

Mark 6:34

“As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”

 

[Mrs_Sally]

I was gone this whole weekend. I have figured this much out. If bishops allow things like Masses on the beach to happen, it is still not okay to be disrespectful or sarcastic like I was being. I hope that nobody follows my example in thinking that disrespect is separate from disobedience and humility. Criticism and disobedience are two different things.

Thank you Thunderballs75. Discerning this difference is a very big step. I hope we can all be this generous as we grow in wisdom.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

They do this sort of thing here too in my area. They have Mass at the park once a year. The reason? They want to have a picnic afterward. If you want to have a picnic after Mass, fine have a picnic after Mass. But that is hardly any reason to take the Mass out of the sacred space that was consecrated especially for that purpose and have it in a place of recreation.

When you are charged with organizing a Mass and fellowship event for hundreds of people coming from all over the diocese with many different transportation needs, you’ll see why it is much easier to hold both events in one location.

All of the examples given so far are once a year events. One Mass at a park, beach, or fair grounds is not going to cause anyone to believe that that is how Mass should always be. In fact, everyone seems to clearly understand that this is a special event and Mass is being held outside for reasons having to do with size of the event or transportation–not because people can’t wait to chow down on the picnic.

I ask everyone on this thread to say a special prayer for their bishop today, for all the difficult decisions he must make every day.

 

[CradleCath]

In these pictures given in the link, NOBODY was shown using beachtowels to sit on, nobody received communion with uncovered chest, and nobody was wearing a bikini.

Did you actually see all these pictures?

Doesn’t it bother you to spread rumors?

“Thou shalt not bear false witness” includes telling untruths about things you don’t like.

Do you recognize sarcasm when you see it?

Do you **ever **laugh.

 

[adstrinity]

If catholics truly believe that The Lord Jesus Christ is being immolated (killed in a sacrificial offering to God) at the altar during Mass, how can anyone behave this way? As I have said before, it’s no different than playing a Polka during the crucifixion.

We do not believe that Jesus is being killed at the altar. He’s been killed once, we are using that, which is outside of time and space, as our sacrifice at the altar.

Nice.

Ta!

 

[Jacafamala]

When you are charged with organizing a Mass and fellowship event for hundreds of people coming from all over the diocese with many different transportation needs, you’ll see why it is much easier to hold both events in one location.

Well I see your point about people coming from all over and it’s a good one but in the past these sorts of Masses were held in the Cathedral. It’s a better option when at all possible.

All of the examples given so far are once a year events. One Mass at a park, beach, or fair grounds is not going to cause anyone to believe that that is how Mass should always be. In fact, everyone seems to clearly understand that this is a special event and Mass is being held outside for reasons having to do with size of the event or transportation–not because people can’t wait to chow down on the picnic.

I’m not so sure the issue is what it will cause others to believe with regard to where the Mass is celebrated, but rather the issue as I see it is the utter lack of solemnity and reverence these sorts of gatherings encourage.

BTW, there actually are places where the Mass is held outdoors, under the roof of an open barn in in fair weather on a regular basis. The people sit on the grass and on beach chairs. I’ve seen it.

I ask everyone on this thread to say a special prayer for their bishop today, for all the difficult decisions he must make every day.

Yes.

 

[Jacafamala]

Mark 6:34

“As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.”

That’s right: Our Lord was there to teach. Jesus wasn’t there to kowtow to the every whim of the multitudes for their entertainment. He was there to teach and instruct and save souls by His grace. Here in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus saw the crowds who were only interested only in the miracles, so he went up on the mountain to teach those who were willing to make an effort and follow.

• Matthew 5: 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. 2 And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. 5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted…*

 

[CradleCath]

I’ve just finished reading this thread & I must say that people have lost the sense of the sacred. There are places to conduct business, there are places that children go to learn the three r’s, there are places that are filled with books for us to borrow & return & there are places we go to worship God. The latter should be a Sacred Space because that’s where we go to receive God. IMO., to take Him out of His house & down to the beach to be delivered to the laity…by other members of the laity called EEM’s …shows how far we’ve gone. We no longer even recognize the sacred. It seems that some of our prelates are clueless as to what the SACRIFICE of the Mass is all about. Jesus crucifixion was not “FUN”!!

In our efforts to be Christ-like, we’ve tried to bring Him down to our level. Jesus walked this earth for only 33 yrs. Thirty three years filled with persecution & pain. During those 33 yrs., He Who is all good, carried on His back the SINS of every person in existence until He was finally freed from them through His Passion. What a heavy, heavy load it was. Though He is present everywhere, He has been freed from His suffering & is no longer physically present on this earth. His body is glorified & He dwells with the Father & the Holy Spirit in His “father’s house of many mansions”.

Holding Mass on the beach is awfully close to sacrilege. If it’s done with an eye to “getting the people there”, it’s degrading to the Catholic Church & to Christ. Mass is not to entertain us, it’s to relive the ultimate Sacrifice. If our prelates think that they must be “innovating & creative” in order for more people to attend Mass, they are in a bad way.
Those who must have:
**his/her Mass on a beach.
**a physical participation in said Mass in an up-front place. (EXTRAordinary Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, & on & on.)
**dancing in the Sanctuary, etc. etc. ETC.
to attend Mass, won’t stop there. Nothing will ever feed their egos enough. They will always want more, which is why we have clown Masses, Halloween Mass. dancing & more. So why are we catering to them.

 

[TLM08]

We do not believe that Jesus is being killed at the altar. He’s been killed once, we are using that, which is outside of time and space, as our sacrifice at the altar.

Ta!

The Church claims that the Mass is a real sacrifice. Now that’s either true or it’s false. Which it it? Either the sacrifice of the Mass is the same sacrifice as the sacrifice at Calvary or it’s not.

 

[Jacafamala]

The Church claims that the Mass is a real sacrifice. Now that’s either true or it’s false. Which it it? Either the sacrifice of the Mass is the same sacrifice as the sacrifice at Calvary or it’s not.

It’s the real deal. The sacrifice isn’t happening again, rather we are transported back in time to Calvary. And at the Mass, it’s the unbloody sacrifice.

The Mass is not only Calvary, it is also the entire paschal mystery. It is the life death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The reason people think it’s Ok to have light hearted happy Masses in parks and the like is because there’s been a crisis in the Church these past forty years and Catechesis has been very poor. Many Catholics don’t truly understand what the Mass is really.

 

[t68ware]

After looking at those pictures, it reminds me of the Protestant services I have been to at camp and the services that are sometimes held at the shore. Never seen Catholics raise their hands in worship before…looked like my wifes Wesleyan chuch service.

 

[pnewton]

The reason people think it’s Ok to have light hearted happy Masses in parks and the like is because there’s been a crisis in the Church these past forty years and Catechesis has been very poor. Many Catholics don’t truly understand what the Mass is really.

Do you know what this sounds like? “If you don’t agree with me then you are ignorant and don’t know what you are talking about.” Think about what you are saying. You assume that lack of understanding of the Mass is why some one can see this Mass as okay. I think it was okay and as far as you know, I may have a better understanding than you do. Assuming that everyone who thinks different than you is ignorant is wrong.

 

[adstrinity]

The Church claims that the Mass is a real sacrifice. Now that’s either true or it’s false. Which it it? Either the sacrifice of the Mass is the same sacrifice as the sacrifice at Calvary or it’s not.

1. True.
2. True.
3. It is.
4. He and His sacrifice are presented, but, he is not re-killed. It’s because He’s been killed that we have His sacrifice to offer. Sheeps and goats just aren’t good enough any more so we must present His sacrifice to The Father. It’s a new and everlasting covenant now. Instead of annually slaughtering an animal, there are Masses being offered up to the Lord throughout the day. The sacrifice is now perpetual. It is possibly because we ask God for mercy and present to Him the body of His Son that God keeps life going. Jesus is the perfection of the Old Testament. Our priests do what He asked; the Old Testament priests offered sacrifices, and our priests make a better one.
5. Incidentally, we also believe Mass opens up Heaven. We are not only at Calvary but we are present with God and the angels and the saints.

 

[Jacafamala]

Do you know what this sounds like? “If you don’t agree with me then you are ignorant and don’t know what you are talking about.” Think about what you are saying. You assume that lack of understanding of the Mass is why some one can see this Mass as okay. I think it was okay and as far as you know, I may have a better understanding than you do. Assuming that everyone who thinks different than you is ignorant is wrong.

I’m glad you thought it so hysterically funny. At least that’s better than this.

Well, perhaps you don’t understand things as well as you think. There’s always that possibility.

 

[pnewton]

Well, perhaps you don’t understand things as well as you think. There’s always that possibility.

Based on the evidence that I do not agree with you? Oh yes. I do find that sort of irony very funny, especially in light of the stereotype these sort of posts support of the Cathotlic T R A D I T I O N A L I S T.

Fortunately, that stereotype is often not true.

 

[CradleCath]

And I think another reason some people are so offended by this is this just shows, you CAN attend Mass in shorts and a t-shirt. Who would be uncomfortably out of place? People in dresses and suits.

Again, I wouldn’t go, I don’t think, but, good on the priests for trying something different. We don’t know. This may be a stepping stone that leads these kids to The Rock of The Catholic Church.

We already have a lot of “Catholics” who were led into the Church" by this kind of Liturgy. Do we really want more? I feel as if we’ve ‘conned’ a lot of people that we’ve converted in the past 40 yrs. We said “follow your own conscience” re ABC. We downplayed the Communion of the Saints, we sort of dismissed the Marion Tradition as “old Catholic Church…unfit for modern man”. To even mention the Litanies, the Novenas, the May crowning of the Virgin has been frowned upon as “embarrassing in this modern age”.

Pope Benedict has said on many occasions that** the church of the future may have to be smaller to remain faithfu**l, referring to Christianity’s short-term destiny as constituting a “creative minority.” He has also used the image of the “mustard seed,” suggesting a smaller presence that nevertheless carries the capacity for future growth as long as it remains true to itself.

 

[CradleCath]

Do you know what this sounds like? “If you don’t agree with me then you are ignorant and don’t know what you are talking about.” Think about what you are saying. You assume that lack of understanding of the Mass is why some one can see this Mass as okay. I think it was okay and as far as you know, I may have a better understanding than you do. Assuming that everyone who thinks different than you is ignorant is wrong.

Personally, I think that the poster in question was HOPING it was the lack of Catechisis, rather than than just plain disrespect for the Eucharist & the Church.