Mass vs. Service

[Faustina1965]

Recently I notice that Catholics are using the word “service” when referring to Mass. My sister and brother and law, for example said they went to Easter service (at a Catholic church). And on my parish’s web site they have a link to “Mass/services”. I’m having a bad reaction to this. Is there something I don’t know?

 

[IrishDude45]

That does not sit well with me at all. Protestants have “services” Catholics have MASS! Once a Catholic starts referring to Mass as a service I’d start to worry about how sound their beliefs are…

pax

 

[diggerdomer]

Recently I notice that Catholics are using the word “service” when referring to Mass. My sister and brother and law, for example said they went to Easter service (at a Catholic church). And on my parish’s web site they have a link to “Mass/services”. I’m having a bad reaction to this. Is there something I don’t know?

I don’t understand the significance, seems to me it’s merely semantics. Is there some theological principle at stake here? Sorry if I’m not seeing the concern. Thanks.

 

[Lainey63]

I have seen that term Easter service for years…I pretty much see it only in reference to Easter Sunday. Also, I thought that perhaps it was because the Mass was held outside…ie Sunrise Easter service.

 

[dixibehr]

That does not sit well with me at all. Protestants have “services” Catholics have MASS!<<

There are more services in the Catholic Church besides Mass.

Or did you know that?

Morning Prayer (Lauds) is a service. Evening Prayer (Vespers) is a service. Baptism is a service. Wedding is a service. Confession is a service.

And so it goes.

 

[wolfgang]

Recently I notice that Catholics are using the word “service” when referring to Mass. My sister and brother and law, for example said they went to Easter service (at a Catholic church). And on my parish’s web site they have a link to “Mass/services”. I’m having a bad reaction to this. Is there something I don’t know?

I do know what you mean - since you are referring specifically to Mass. It’s not said at my church. But, I have seen/heard it before when visiting other Catholic churches.

:angel1:

 

[IrishDude45]

That does not sit well with me at all. Protestants have “services” Catholics have MASS!<<

yes, I realize that, but when referring to the main worship it seems more Protestant in style of refer to Mass as a service instead of calling it Mass. Kind of like calling a Catholic church a “faith community”.

pax

 

[T700]

Language follows belief, in my experience. I would be worried. Think of it as the lump in the breast. Not harmful in itself, but perhaps indicative of a very serious, hidden condition.

Paul

 

[agapewolf]

This sounds as if it is perfectly legitimate becasue there is no Mass on Good Friday.

Therefore, when a parish is listing its Easter Masses/Services…it is probably including Good Friday, AND maybe a penance service.

 

[Chatter163]

I associate it with the use of Protestant terminology, and the fact that in many places our Masses appear more like Protestant services than they formerly did.

 

[japhy]

We should use distinctly Catholic terminology (or at least terminology which sounds more Catholic than generic) when possible, because… well… the Catholic Church is different.

I would use “Mass”; “Vespers” or “Evening Prayer”; etc. I would avoid “service” and use “liturgy” for any liturgical celebration “liturgy”. I think I would only use “service” for something which is not liturgical.