Perfunctorily celebrated Masses do harm. So do utilitarian Masses

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Duesenberg

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Perfunctorily celebrated Masses do harm. So do utilitarian Masses.

So do the litany of excuses people concoct to justify the above.

I’m not sure why either exist – particularly in environments where sufficient time and resources exist? Then again, some of the most reverent Masses I have ever attended were in some pretty dire settings in poor sections of Mexico.

For every justifying recollection of “we used to have Mass on the hood of a Jeep using a chipped coffee mug!”, there are stores of St. Theresa of Calcutta demanding proper (not necessarily “fancy” or “expensive”) gold sacred vessels and proper priestly habiliments for the celebration of the Mass in the facilities she was responsible for, because simply put, God was worth it and that fact was worth underscoring to the faithful.

Celebrating the Mass as if it’s nothing more than just another required daily task does great harm – whether it is done in a great basilica or a modest chapel. Celebrating the Mass with great care, dare I say, great LOVE on the other hand, lifts up those in attendance.

No, this is not just about mere “preferences” or “perceptions.” It’s about showing respect for God, and for the representation of the greatest and most important event in the history of mankind. It’s about treating and presenting a miracle for what it is – a work of God.
 
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Duesenberg said:
Perfunctorily celebrated Masses do harm. So do utilitarian Masses.

So do the litany of excuses people concoct to justify the above.

I’m not sure why either exist – particularly in environments where sufficient time and resources exist? Then again, some of the most reverent Masses I have ever attended were in some pretty dire settings in poor sections of Mexico.

For every justifying recollection of “we used to have Mass on the hood of a Jeep using a chipped coffee mug!”, there are stores of St. Theresa of Calcutta demanding proper (not necessarily “fancy” or “expensive”) gold sacred vessels and proper priestly habiliments for the celebration of the Mass in the facilities she was responsible for, because simply put, God was worth it and that fact was worth underscoring to the faithful.

Celebrating the Mass as if it’s nothing more than just another required daily task does great harm – whether it is done in a great basilica or a modest chapel. Celebrating the Mass with great care, dare I say, great LOVE on the other hand, lifts up those in attendance.

No, this is not just about mere “preferences” or “perceptions.” It’s about showing respect for God, and for the representation of the greatest and most important event in the history of mankind. It’s about treating and presenting a miracle for what it is – a work of God.
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Perhaps you could enlighten us as to your definitions of “perfunctory” and “utilitarian.” And if someone uses the more humble term “vestments” instead of “habiliments,” is that a sign of being “utilitarian?”
 
Amen. You are right. The Mass is about worship, about prayer and realizing that reverence needs to be shown by all. The abuses exist for various reasons. In fact, I suggest you contact the local Bishop and politely and accurately describe what you experienced. If we are given nothing sacred or a “just going through the motions” activity then that does have a bad influence on all.
 
I wouldn’t say you are wrong or misleading, but I have been to many a Mass that is said in a"let’s do this and move on to the daily events of the day" sort of manner/feeling, whatever. Yet what will often fill me with wonder is that, even if the mass is listless, lifeless, perfunctory, whatever, if said by a validly ordained RCC priest who seems bored or otherwise preoccupied, Jesus Christ makes Himself present to me/us even though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of “reverence”. Maybe sometimes, it’s the ordinariness (if that’s word) that makes me stand in awe of a God who humbles Himself to be present to me in my/our ordinary/perfunctory daily routine. Regardless of our failings, God is present in the Eucharist in spite of ourselves, and in recognition of His love for us.
My two cents.
 
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edwest211 said:
Amen. You are right. The Mass is about worship, about prayer and realizing that reverence needs to be shown by all. The abuses exist for various reasons. In fact, I suggest you contact the local Bishop and politely and accurately describe what you experienced. If we are given nothing sacred or a “just going through the motions” activity then that does have a bad influence on all.
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It’s not just “abuses” – it’s often about “just going through the motions” as you note. I have seen the Mass celebrated by two different priests in the same church on the same day with the same resources (music, etc.) The difference was astonishing. One priest seemed to care deeply based on his comments and actions. The other one did not. It made a profound difference.

I wonder if any (arch)dioceses have ongoing training and education programs focused on the celebration of the Mass?
 
joeybaggz said:
I wouldn’t say you are wrong or misleading, but I have been to many a Mass that is said in a"let’s do this and move on to the daily events of the day" sort of manner/feeling, whatever. Yet what will often fill me with wonder is that, even if the mass is listless, lifeless, perfunctory, whatever, if said by a validly ordained RCC priest who seems bored or otherwise preoccupied, Jesus Christ makes Himself present to me/us even though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of “reverence”. Maybe sometimes, it’s the ordinariness (if that’s word) that makes me stand in awe of a God who humbles Himself to be present to me in my/our ordinary/perfunctory daily routine. Regardless of our failings, God is present in the Eucharist in spite of ourselves, and in recognition of His love for us.

My two cents.
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That’s quite true. But the impact of a “let’s do this and move on to the daily events of the day” attitude can still have dire consequences to the faithful. It can certainly impact their ability to absorb the grace that effuses from a validly celebrated Mass.

It can make them begin to question the importance of the Mass if it’s routinely celebrated in such a cavalier manner. For many, the Real Presence becomes questionable after seeing how the Blessed Sacrament is treated at Mass. It also can make them question the celebrant, which can have impacts far beyond the celebration of the Mass.

I would like to know how many have stopped attending Mass altogether, because they lacked your insight/understanding, and based on the perfunctory manner in which the Mass was celebrated at their parish, they just couldn’t conclude that it was all that important?

For people like me, we wonder why some priests always take the most utilitarian route? Why is EP #2 always their choice for instance? Why are their homilies seemingly shorter and shorter? I believe that the perfunctory celebration of the Mass, and utilitarian Masses themselves take a HUGE overall toll on the Church.

Finally I think what we’re discussing has also spawned a cancerous attitude of “rather than understand this and remedy this shortcoming, let’s make excuses for it.” That mindset impacts many parts of the Church and once again, it does take a toll on the faithful.
 
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Duesenberg said:
I have seen the Mass celebrated by two different priests in the same church on the same day with the same resources (music, etc.) The difference was astonishing.
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Yes, some priests are energetic, brilliant, eloquent, graceful, or charismatic. Some priests are tired, anxious, inarticulate, stiff, or reticent.
Duesenberg said:
One priest seemed to care deeply based on his comments and actions. The other one did not.
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Can you be sure? How can you know what is in their hearts? Judge not…

Support our priests and pray for them.
 
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RandomAlias said:
Yes, some priests are energetic, brilliant, eloquent, graceful, or charismatic. Some priests are tired, anxious, inarticulate, stiff, or reticent.
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Yes, there is always an abundance of excuses. Interesting how you missed: careless, uninterested, irritated, imprudent and a great, great many more…

Ever notice the focus is always on providing excuses? The more the better. Rarely are efforts made it seems to help Mass celebrants become less “tired, anxious, inarticulate, stiff, or reticent.”
RandomAlias said:
Can you be sure? How can you know what is in their hearts? Judge not…
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The best indicator are their actions. Lex orandi, lex credendi.
RandomAlias said:
Support our priests and pray for them.
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Let’s add “train, educate, set expectations for and discipline when necessary.” How does that sound?
 
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Yes, we can’t judge our beloved priests. But we have to admit, when the Holy Spirit is alive in a little priest’s heart, and the priest is in a beautiful state of grace, it’s like brilliant music flowing and pouring out of one’s soul into another’s… into the whole congregation’s. I feel like it’s almost as if the priest knows how to play the different chords of my soul. If that doesn’t sound too cheesy. But its really a beautiful thing. That’s why we must pray for them.
 
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Daisy said:
Yes, we can’t judge our beloved priests. But we have to admit, when the Holy Spirit is alive in a little priest’s heart, and the priest is in a beautiful state of grace, it’s like brilliant music flowing and pouring out of one’s soul into another’s… into the whole congregation’s. It’s really a beautiful thing. That why we must pray for them.
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I honestly don’t know how a priest could celebrate the Mass in a perfunctory manner, yet it happens all the time. I get the utility part under extreme circumstances. But to always choose to celebrate the Mass in the fastest, most stripped-down manner possible? That makes no sense to me. It gives the distinct impression of “ticket-punching” and it takes a toll.
 
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The Irish mass, anyone? 😅
We used to have a tiny priest from Ireland who was done in 40 minutes. He was a very good, tidy man. No nonsense lol. I’d say he was in a state of grace. Things don’t need to be overdone. Tight, is what you might call it.
 
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Daisy said:
We used to have a tiny priest from Ireland who was done in 40 minutes. He was a very good, tidy man. No nonsense lol. I’d say he was in a state of grace. Things don’t need to be overdone. Tight, is what you might call it.
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I’d call it “utilitarian” and/or “perfunctory.”
 
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There is one important thing I do need to mention. Many priests (mostly pastors) are often under pressure (sometimes by influential people in their parishes) to celebrate Mass in the absolute shortest time possible. I’m talking about Sunday Masses. There are some people out there from the old days who believe speed is king and a 43 minute Mass is infinitely “better” than a one hour (or longer) Mass.
 
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I love a mass that is celebrated with reverence and devotion by the priest!

But when I attend a mass with a priest who rushes through things, who seems irritated or impatient, who seems to be just “going through the motions” – I beg God for the grace not to pass judgment, and I pray for him.

Our priests are walking targets for the evil one. We need to make sure we are servants of Our Lord and do whatever is in our power to assist our priests. I can’t set up training for them, and it is certainly not my place to reprimand.

But I can offer a smile, shake a hand, and offer prayers and sacrifices for their needs.
 
Duesenberg said:
There is one important thing I do need to mention. Many priests (mostly pastors) are often under pressure (sometimes by influential people in their parishes) to celebrate Mass in the absolute shortest time possible. I’m talking about Sunday Masses. There are some people out there from the old days who believe speed is king and a 43 minute Mass is infinitely “better” than a one hour (or longer) Mass.
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43 minutes?

We haven’t seen a mass that was less than an hour and fifteen minutes in YEARS! 😄
 
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Given the ever growing challenges of priests and pastors to persevere as their workloads exponentially grow…I’m comforted that even more priests (after say 10 years of service) are not emotionally drained. Not long ago, as a lay minister, I was privy to our pastor’s written calendar. We were attempting to work in a session with him on a particular subject. As he flipped through his calendar, it was impossible not to note that each day began at 5am and sometimes due to hospital and other commitments did not end until very late into the night. When I asked about the overwhelming schedule he just smiled and said that’s what he signed up for as a servant of Christ. Now we are seeing young priests, barely out of the seminary, assigned to parishes as administrators or more. God help these men as the priestly population continues to decline…and God guide the Church to acceptable, reasonable alternatives for we the faithful
 
Read the black, do the red. Don’t forget hypocrite means play actor.
Do it with great reverence and belief, of course.
 
bjryman said:
Given the ever growing challenges of priests and pastors to persevere as their workloads exponentially grow…I’m comforted that even more priests (after say 10 years of service) are not emotionally drained. Not long ago, as a lay minister, I was privy to our pastor’s written calendar. We were attempting to work in a session with him on a particular subject. As he flipped through his calendar, it was impossible not to note that each day began at 5am and sometimes due to hospital and other commitments did not end until very late into the night. When I asked about the overwhelming schedule he just smiled and said that’s what he signed up for as a servant of Christ. Now we are seeing young priests, barely out of the seminary, assigned to parishes as administrators or more. God help these men as the priestly population continues to decline…and God guide the Church to acceptable, reasonable alternatives for we the faithful
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Are you actually suggesting a heavy workload is justification for celebrating Masses in a perfunctory and/or utilitarian manner?
 
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