Outdoor mass, it was nice.. please read

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We had an outdoor mass this weekend. It was in the middle of a parish event, and everyone was working all weekend, so the mass was said outdoors.
It was a simple mass. But it was great. I know people will argue.
But it was a bunch of us real close together. It was all recited, and took about 20 minutes. All the major parts were there. But it was nice to celebrate as a smaller group together, so close to everything. Sure, no kneeling or what not, but we were a small group and all there because we chose to be.
A few protestants were present and said they never saw a Catholic Mass, and they were impressed. And we told them how this was a simple mass and the one in church is more regulated and has music. No homily, just the crucial parts. It was community, prayer, and the Eucharist, given by the priest.
Sorry, I like the TLM too, but I also love this type of mass, people gathering. You can only imagine a small group of people celebrating similiarly 2000 years ago in simple, but yet very “want to be there” situations.
Rip me apart, but it was a very great mass.
 
I’d be the last to rip you apart. Jesus preached in the outdoors, mostly, as did St. Francis. Prior to battle soldiers would hear mass out of necessity in an open field, sometimes. You needn’t sound apologetic.
 
John Paul II used to say mass outside when he was still a priest and he was on canoeing and hiking trips. An upturned canoe or a picnic table often served as an altar.
 
I doubt very much that our soldiers around the world would argue the validity of an outdoor mass.
Personally I would love to attend one!
Kathy
 
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mgy100:
We had an outdoor mass this weekend. It was in the middle of a parish event, and everyone was working all weekend, so the mass was said outdoors.
It was a simple mass. But it was great. I know people will argue.
But it was a bunch of us real close together. It was all recited, and took about 20 minutes. All the major parts were there. But it was nice to celebrate as a smaller group together, so close to everything. Sure, no kneeling or what not, but we were a small group and all there because we chose to be.
A few protestants were present and said they never saw a Catholic Mass, and they were impressed. And we told them how this was a simple mass and the one in church is more regulated and has music. No homily, just the crucial parts. It was community, prayer, and the Eucharist, given by the priest.
Sorry, I like the TLM too, but I also love this type of mass, people gathering. You can only imagine a small group of people celebrating similiarly 2000 years ago in simple, but yet very “want to be there” situations.
Rip me apart, but it was a very great mass.
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A regulary scheduled Mass should not be moved outdoors “just because it’s nice outside today” A Mass like this is great and reflects the Mass offered in the fields for migrant workers in many places. Our Bishops have always made a point to celebrate Mass at Scouting events sponsored by the diocese outdoors. There were many times when he was under a tent everyone else was out in the drizzle, kneeling in the mud! However you said “no kneeling” What there was no ground near by? I’ll bet if only a few would have knelt at the proper time everyone else would have too.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
A regulary scheduled Mass should not be moved outdoors “just because it’s nice outside today” …
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Code: 
         Didn't Jesus preach outdoors too? And is a Mass said outside any less valid than one said in a Church?
              ~ Kathy ~
 
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Katie1723:
Didn’t Jesus preach outdoors too? And is a Mass said outside any less valid than one said in a Church?
~ Kathy ~
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Jesus did preach outdoors, and I have nothing against A quick,simple outdoor Mass. Kinda like the one the OP described. Ihave even been Blessed to be present at A few. However on Sunday I attend the indult TLM. I am A convert and really love it.

The only reservation (based on personal observation) is that sometimes things can get out of hand.
2 years ago A local priest decided to have Mas outside, complete with procession. He rode down the streets to the empty lot where He was going to “DO” the Mass. On A little donkey. He sat on this poor animals back,Head erect , swathed in bizzare African robes.
Followed by A crowd that was less than “reverent” After about 3 blocks the "procession " had quite A following. And the crowd went wild! They had “Hoochie Mammas” and “Geechie girls” all scantily clad. followed by young males drinkin 40’s and 8balls.

The criminal element was amply represented also. I saw Rappah Souljah Slim, and Hiz Boyezz. (shot down in A hail of gunfire not long after) 5th ward weebie was represented (in jail for Murder now) anyway, The noise, the screaming,shouting,cursing, drinking and smoking (and believe me it wasnt cigarettes) just got out of hand. the Police came and broke up the crowd. for not having A Parade permit.

It just didnt seem the proper setting for A Mass.
I could be wrong just my observation

Now time for that Starbucks! (taking down skateboard)
 
I used to live in Wrightwood, California, which is located in the San Bernardino mountains.

Wrightwood is mostly Mormon, but we did have one tiny Catholic church there. During the winter we had Mass indoors in what had once been a bunkhouse but was converted into a church.

During the summer, we had Mass outdoors, with a regular altar and pews. It was beautiful going to Mass with pine trees overhead. Just the scent of them was heavenly.
 
Br. Rich SFO:
A Mass like this is great and reflects the Mass offered in the fields for migrant workers in many places. Our Bishops have always made a point to celebrate Mass at Scouting events sponsored by the diocese outdoors. There were many times when he was under a tent everyone else was out in the drizzle, kneeling in the mud! **However you said “no kneeling” What there was no ground near by? I’ll bet if only a few would have knelt at the proper time everyone else would have too./**QUOTE]

Brother Rich,

I was wondering about the kneeling too. Whenever someone says we can’t kneel since we have no kneeler, I tell about my Church in AZ. Twice a year, we had a parish picnic in the canyon and had Mass. Noone in those days (early 70s) would have dreamed of remaining standing for the consecration if physically able to kneel and all of us knelt on the grass.

My kid’s school had a field day in thanksgiving for the new Pope and had outdoor Mass. In that case, Father specifically told the children not to kneel since we were on a pretty rough concrete surface. Good call, in my opinion, for small children. Grown ups could have toughed it out. The same priest always reminds the little ones to kneel for Mass in the chapel which doesn’t have kneelers but does have a smooth floor (it is actually a Greek Orthodox church).

If this was a Sunday Mass (or vigil) isn’t the homily one of the “crucial parts” as well?

Sorry, I don’t mean to be critical. We are a small parish and our early Sunday Mass is often what some would call “bare bones” too. No singing or anything fancy. But we always include the homily and the rest of the “crucial parts” 🙂
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mgy100:
We had an outdoor mass this weekend. It was in the middle of a parish event, and everyone was working all weekend, so the mass was said outdoors.
It was a simple mass. But it was great. I know people will argue.
But it was a bunch of us real close together. It was all recited, and took about 20 minutes. All the major parts were there. But it was nice to celebrate as a smaller group together, so close to everything. Sure, no kneeling or what not, but we were a small group and all there because we chose to be.
A few protestants were present and said they never saw a Catholic Mass, and they were impressed. And we told them how this was a simple mass and the one in church is more regulated and has music. No homily, just the crucial parts. It was community, prayer, and the Eucharist, given by the priest.
Sorry, I like the TLM too, but I also love this type of mass, people gathering. You can only imagine a small group of people celebrating similiarly 2000 years ago in simple, but yet very “want to be there” situations.
Rip me apart, but it was a very great mass.
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Aren’t all parts of the Mass crucial. 20 minutes for a 45 + minute Mass seems pretty fast. Why not all of it. And why not kneel?

Think of what Christ went through to bring you the Mass. I would think we could have all of the Mass prayed outdoors and also give the same reverence as indoors.

Nothing wrong with outdoors in that stuation.
 
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Katie1723:
Didn’t Jesus preach outdoors too? And is a Mass said outside any less valid than one said in a Church?
~ Kathy ~
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Preaching is not the same as Mass. Jesus followed Jewish Law and attended services in the Temple – the prescribed location for ritual sacrifices.

I agree that there are time when Mass needs to be outdoors…such as on a camping trip or in the fields…and these Masses can be beautiful. But the normal location for our Holy Sacrifice is in our Temple – the Church.
 
Elizabeth B.:
… But the normal location for our Holy Sacrifice is in our Temple – the Church.
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The key word is NORMAL. I only meant to say that there are times when an outdoor Mass would be appropriate. And I for one would have NO problem attending one.
~ Kathy ~
 
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Katie1723:
The key word is NORMAL. I only meant to say that there are times when an outdoor Mass would be appropriate. And I for one would have NO problem attending one.
~ Kathy ~
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I think we’re in agreement. 🙂
 
It was the only place, and there wasn’t any place to kneel. The only thing that made me upset was the one altargirl was leaning with her hands against the “altar.” I told them both to sit down, they didn’t need to be standing at that time anyway, and for sure not leaning against the altar. There simply wasn’t anyplace to kneel. What can you do…
 
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mgy100:
It was the only place, and there wasn’t any place to kneel. The only thing that made me upset was the one altargirl was leaning with her hands against the “altar.” I told them both to sit down, they didn’t need to be standing at that time anyway, and for sure not leaning against the altar. There simply wasn’t anyplace to kneel. What can you do…
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If you really can’t kneel. Then you are not required to kneel.
 
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