G
George22
Guest
How do we counter the “Mass is boring” crowd? I guess it would be that Faith and Worship are “more than a feeling.”
- Status
F
FrStevenJones
Guest
They need to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ. Until they do, Mass will not be of interest. Be a witness to them of Christ’s transforming power in your life.
C
CR89er
Guest
Priests not telling jokes and/or talking about professional sports during Mass would be a good start.
M
mountee
Guest
The Mass needs to be understood, the parts of the worship completely broken down so that there is respect and understanding of what is taking place. Our worship in the Mass as compared to some of the other faiths who utilize popular music and video performances can seem boring on the surface. But, as a person grows through the Catholic faith, whether they come to the Church baptized as a baby or later through RCIA, a complete understanding of what we are really doing can only enhance ones faith and interest. Of course, I personally enjoy the priest who tries to use the sermon time to seem a little more interesting and bring in real life situations, the rest of the Mass even though repetitive in words is so compelling when you consider what is going on that it can never be boring. We will never compete and never should we try to compete with the sound system, Hollywood productions of other churches.
M
MarcoPolo
Guest
I agree with FrStephenJones. Also, if someone says mass is boring to you, you could open the door to questions like, “If you are searching for the truth, what is important to you?” or “Are you saying regardless of whether or not the mass is true, or whether or not Christ operates through the mass, you reject it if you feel it is boring?” I guess the bottom line is “What do you seek? Truth? Entertainment?” And you can assure them you do not find the mass boring because angels are by your side praying. And a portal to heaven opens during the. epiclesis. Etc…
F
fastenatingguy
Guest
Our retired Monsiegneur has done a great job of using sports metaphors every so often in his homilies. I know they have been helpful because my 17 year old son enjoys his sermons more than others, all because of those little stories. It has helped my son, and some of his fellow scouts, and some of my catechism students. They have mentioned this to me and I think it is helpful that teenagers would talk about this priest so fondly, rather than just “some old guy” with a collar.
I agree it isn’t needed on a continual basis, but this is a 72 year old man of the cloth who has been around and has some insight into what works and what doesn’t. So I defer to his judgment.
F
freiabereinsam
Guest
The one way I would not want that taken care of is by making it “more interesting” (whatever that may be). Mass isn’t supposed to be entertaining; you go to Mass to feed your soul and to strengthen your faith. It’s not a musical that you’re going to; anything along that line would only serve to corrupt the church service. And if someone does go to Mass for the entertainment, their attitude about the matter is flawed to begin with.
So, if the question of boredom does surface, it is best to question the arguer’s initial line of reasoning.
On an off-topic note about Mass, I think we should actually go back to Latin Masses.
Very good point. I actually find an old-school service to be far better, far more fulfilling for the spirit, than any “modern” service.
F
FrancisBenedict
Guest
More Awe?
(Fan of adoration)
(Fan of adoration)
C
ccmcmg
Guest
If you want to be entertained as you sit back and watch, go to the movies.
I sometimes wish our Mass was a little MORE boring. The music can overwhelm what should be quiet moments of prayer. The music goes from before we line up for Communion until the time of final prayers.
These are full hymns/songs with full lyrics and accompaniment.Also, reading the Scripture for the Mass, as well as the surrounding text, can be helpful.
P
ProdigalSon1211
Guest
Maybe these people need to start attending Charismatic Masses if they think the regular Mass is boring. Perhaps if a Priest talked about something that people actually cared about. Some people are bored to death with Church history and other stuff. People want things they can apply in their own lives.
Here are 2 links to some Catholic Charismatic Homilies
youtube.com/user/TVFoodforLife/videos
youtube.com/user/CompanionsCross/videos
Here are 2 links to some Catholic Charismatic Homilies
youtube.com/user/TVFoodforLife/videos
youtube.com/user/CompanionsCross/videos
A
Abbagail
Guest
So true.
A
ACanthony
Guest
I always thought Mass was boring until I fully believed that the Eucharist was truly the body of Christ. Also, when I found out the Mass was the best thing I could do during a day and that during Mass, all the guardian angels of those attending were also present, then I started paying attention! Mass is truly a blessing, and it will be boring if someone believes they are just going to fulfill an obligation. Rather, when I started going because I truly wanted to worship God, that’s when Mass changed for me.
D
Deus_tecum
Guest
I think if someone makes suggestions to the Priest or even complains, the Priest should be understanding and not flippant and not try to make the person feel guilty, ashamed, or sacrilegious for mentioning the issues. The “It’s your fault you get nothing from the Mass.” attitude will simply drive the questioner away. That happens to be what some Priests want.
- Status