Unfortunate Side Effect

[Dr.Colossus]

I love these forums, but over the past few weeks I have realized a very unfortunate side-effect of all the knowledge one can learn here. I was at Mass–and all I could see were the abuses! It occured to me for the first time that my church had a resurrected Christ on the Cross. The songs were played on guitar, and most of the lyrics were heterodox. This week the homily was foregone in favor of a woman speaking on behalf of Catholic Charities, which was followed by much applause. The Precious Blood was poured into chalices after consecration, in direct opposition to Redemptionis Sacramentum. And at the end of the Mass, conversation was louder within the sanctuary than outside. And even worse, I imagine I could count the people who also realized these things on one hand.

I find it difficult to see the beauty of the Mass at all anymore, even though I know it’s there. So what do I do now? Ignore the problems? Storm the Archbishop’s office and demand change? Cease attending any church but the one Traditional chapel in the city? Obviously none of that would help. I just want to be able to enjoy the Mass again.

 

[deogratias]

Oh my dear, I know the feeling. I was absent from the Church for a long time - from before Vatican II. When I first returned, I thought “gee this is fun” and it was but knowing that I had missed a lot, I began to study seriouisly all the documents of Vatican II and realized this “fun Mass” I was attending was very little of what was intended and was so full of abuses that I might exceed my post limit if I tried to list them. The priest was jolly and friendly and much loved by his congregation but he was permissive beyond belief.

Fortunately for me, at that time there was another parish in my town that was much more in keeping with what was intended by Vatican II and the priest was very conservative and gave the best homilies I have ever heard. Oh there were a few irregularities - like holding hands during the Pater Noster and his calling the EMHC Eucharistic Ministers but otherwise he was meticulous, Was it fun - or a thing of enjoyment - not in the same way as the liberal one was but it was more satisfying spiritually because it was more reverant.

Eventually I moved from that town and could not find an N.O. to equal that one and began attending an FFSP Indult Mass. Unfortunately I had to move again to another diocese where I found no N.O. Mass to equal that again. Eventually the Indult Mass was offered here and I now attend that.

What do you do? Visit other parishes and see if you can find one that is less abusive in the liturgy. Otherwise just pray, focus on Christ and regardless of what the people around you do, you follow the rubics as outlined in the GIRM and RS.

The Precious Blood was poured into chalices after consecration, in direct opposition to Redemptionis Sacramentum

.

Don’t present you Bishop with a laundry list but first address those things that are abusive with regard to the Eucharist.

Who was it that said, “a little larning is a dangerous thing”?

 

[Crusader]

Dr. Colossus:

I love these forums, but over the past few weeks I have realized a very unfortunate** side-effect of all the knowledge** one can learn here. I was at Mass–and all I could see were the abuses! It occured to me for the first time that my church had a resurrected Christ on the Cross. The songs were played on guitar, and most of the lyrics were heterodox. This week the homily was foregone in favor of a woman speaking on behalf of Catholic Charities, which was followed by much applause. The Precious Blood was poured into chalices after consecration, in direct opposition to Redemptionis Sacramentum. And at the end of the Mass, conversation was louder within the sanctuary than outside. And even worse, I imagine I could count the people who also realized these things on one hand.

I find it difficult to see the beauty of the Mass at all anymore, even though I know it’s there. So what do I do now? Ignore the problems? Storm the Archbishop’s office and demand change? Cease attending any church but the one Traditional chapel in the city? Obviously none of that would help. I just want to be able to enjoy the Mass again.

What fascinating insight! And so very true…

Whatever you do, don’t become angry during the Mass. Focus on the most important part of the Mass – that is Jesus Christ while working to help change things in your parish…

 

[kmktexas]

Oh my dear, I know the feeling. I was absent from the Church for a long time - from before Vatican II. When I first returned, I thought “gee this is fun” and it was but knowing that I had missed a lot, I began to study seriouisly all the documents of Vatican II and realized this “fun Mass” I was attending was very little of what was intended and was so full of abuses that I might exceed my post limit if I tried to list them.

deogratias,

I could have written that post. I was fortunate that at the time of my return, I was (and still do) attending a relatively orthodox parish. With my feet hardly in the door, I was drafted for CCE and thanks to my newfound “knowledge” found out tha the RE program was anything but orthodox. I also felt called to attend Mass during the week which meant going to other Churches near my work. I have shed tears at some of those Churches.

Dr. Collosus,

I am not sure what advice to give you except to speak to your pastor, even if just conversationally. You never know what spark you might ignite. Also talk to your friends. I was commiserating with one of my friends about somethings that I knew weren’t right. Well her husband is an officer in the Knights of Columbus and Father holds them in highest esteem. When the Knights spoke to him, several things changed. Don’t underestimate possibly hidden allies.

 

[Didi]

I agree with Crusader – try not to focus on only the negative occuring during the Liturgy. Look at the abuses and bring up those that are the worst to the pastor, parish council, and then bishop if necessary. Do so with charity and love because you love the Mass and Jesus so much that you want to see it being done in accordance with the GIRM, to make it the most beautiful and most meaningful it can be.

Our parish has undergone tremendous change in the last four years. We didn’t even have a crucifix for a long time! Now we we have a beautiful crucifix above the altar, kneelers (and we actually kneel!), and are moving our tabernacle to the front of the church instead of in the back of the church hidden in a little room! Your prayers and considerate “prodding” can help your parish understand all the “whys” behind our beautiful Mass!

In the meantime, focus on Jesus, who still arrives on the altar at every Mass (unless there are grave abuses). Bring your frustrations and sorrow to Him – He understands abuse better than anyone! Ask Him to guide you in helping your parish and/or to find a different parish if they are unwilling to be obedient. Offer your Holy Communion at eat Mass for this intention.

My heart is with you! My prayers are, too!

 

[Annunciata]

Dr. Colossus:

I love these forums, but over the past few weeks I have realized a very unfortunate side-effect of all the knowledge one can learn here. I was at Mass–and all I could see were the abuses! It occured to me for the first time that my church had a resurrected Christ on the Cross. The songs were played on guitar, and most of the lyrics were heterodox. This week the homily was foregone in favor of a woman speaking on behalf of Catholic Charities, which was followed by much applause. The Precious Blood was poured into chalices after consecration, in direct opposition to Redemptionis Sacramentum. And at the end of the Mass, conversation was louder within the sanctuary than outside. And even worse, I imagine I could count the people who also realized these things on one hand.

I find it difficult to see the beauty of the Mass at all anymore, even though I know it’s there. So what do I do now? Ignore the problems? Storm the Archbishop’s office and demand change? Cease attending any church but the one Traditional chapel in the city? Obviously none of that would help. I just want to be able to enjoy the Mass again.

Wow Doc!
A lot of the things you describe above have been happening to me lately and I thought maybe I’m just being cranky… I, unfortunately don’t have a choice either. I have decided to just offer it up…
:twocents: Annunciata

 

[Pug]

Several years ago I realized that it was not okay for the eucharistic ministers to receive before or simultaneous with the priest. Sure enough, I went to mass and started looking to see if that was happening instead of praying or whatnot. I think the devil and his type are always trying to get us to forget what is really important and before us in the Eucharist. Abuses are the perfect distraction! For me, they work well because they distract from me being a sinner when I look at another person critically.

If it is any consolation, I eventually settled back down and was not so distracted with such thoughts. I try to imitate that guy in the bible who stood there and beat his breast as a sinner instead of standing there as a pharisee and thinking isn’t it nice that I am not that sinner over there. (around luke 18:10) Find your own bible scene to think about or your own special saint to ask for help or something to do when the distraction strikes. Good luck!

Oh, of course if there is something that should be reported to the pastor or bishop, then take that step after discussing it with wise counsel if needed.

 

[Detroit_Sue]

You might just end up at another parish. Sometimes it’s easier to switch than fight!