When Will Lifeteen Mass Go Away?

[Chris-WA]

I usually try to avoid Lifeteen mass at all costs, but if for some reason on a particular weekend I absolutely cannot make the other masses I know it’s better to go to Lifeteen than not go at all. Tonight was one of those times. Whoever thought of this idea…I get what they were trying to do. I’m guessing people figured that Catholic college students were leaving the Church in droves and so figured that if we could make mass more like a Protestant good 'ole time worship and praise service, complete with rock-and-roll style “worship and praise teams,” that teens would be more likely to stay. It seems like one of those the end justifies the means kind of things. Frankly, I don’t know how any priest manages to say mass with a rock concert going on in between every prayer. It’s just so not appropriate for mass. How is this being allowed to happen?

My first clue that things are going to be amiss at lifeteen is when you walk into the church. Somebody is waiting there to hand you a sheet of music for the mass. I took some time to read the lyrics for all the songs and I have to say that had I closed my eyes and just listened to the music, there is almost no way to tell that you are in a Catholic mass rather than at any generic Protestant service. The music is basically devoid of Catholic themes. Is there somebody that has to approve this stuff before it can be used in mass?

Lesson to be learned–if you walk into a Catholic church and people are handing out music sheets instead of using the approved music in the missal, you might want to pay a little closer attention.

Another thing I noticed–during the Liturgy of the Eucharist the priest invited all the youth to come stand down in front of the alter for all the eucharistic prayers. Where is that allowed? Isn’t that in viloation of the GIRM?

Finally, our church has kneelers. In all our other masses everyone kneels during the Liturgy of the Eucharist–but not at Lifeteen. What’s up with that? There seems to be this need for lifeteen to be different–different music, different practices. Do they have some sort of problem with the way mass is normally celebrated?

 

[HCC]

Eternal truths don’t require novelty.

 

[Domnall]

I really have no idea why these Masses are celebrated…

As a teenager, I love the traditions of the church. I swoon over Mass with incense and generous use of Latin. I love the priests who have no problem talking about Hell.

I pray that the organizers of Lifeteen realize they’re doing more harm than good. We young people want our traditional Catholic identity back dangit!

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

Eternal truths don’t require novelty.

I bet people said this too when those horrible secular organs were brought in. I mean, really. Truth is truth, it doesn’t need to be fancied up by some expensive gaudy instrument that is commonly used for secular and disgusting music!



The truth is, tastes change. Just because someone likes chant, doesn’t mean chant is the holiest of all music. Just because some people like that awful 70s crud, doesn’t mean it’s the holiest of all music.

I think it’s more important that young people are actually IN MASS worshipping in a way that brings them relevance, rather than sitting in the pews mouthing along idly or just plain staying home.

I mean, heaven forbid YOUNG PEOPLE actually start going to mass, am I right?

 

[curlycool89]

Lesson to be learned–if you walk into a Catholic church and people are handing out music sheets instead of using the approved music in the missal, you might want to pay a little closer attention.

You mean hymnal right?

 

[joandarc2008]

To the OP -

I don’t think your parish is using the approved Lifeteen program - I know our parish is. Yes our music is different in that it is more accoustic but it is basically the same Catholic themes you would find in the Missal - and at some Masses we still even cut over to the Missal. Kneelers are still used. No one is going up and sitting at the altar. There is a small booklet in the pews for the Lifeteen mass - it includes music from people such as Steve Agrisano, etc. but most are songs that are definetly Catholic themed. It also does not take the place of a regularly scheduled mass - it is at 6pm on Sunday evening - so if someone does not like it they can make their Sunday obligation at four other Masses - which they will have their choice between cantors and choir. BTW - this all done at a parish with one Franciscan priest and one Franciscan deacon - so I think 5 masses in two days well actually six because they still have adoration and daily mass and Liturgy of the Hours on Saturday morning is pretty good and a hetic schedule and thats forgetting weddings and baptisms, and funerals. But I am off topic - that is just an how awesome our Brothers are.

The point is - if they are willing to the extra work, and our teens are willing to be there and enjoy it, and someone else doesn’t to come - they don’t need to come - there are plenty of other masses to go to.God bless you though and I am certainly not agreeing with the way things are being run at your parish.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Eternal truths don’t require novelty.

But people do. We have to recognize this as an effort by the Church to keep a specific group of people interested in the faith. This is not something for you or I, but if the Church is keeping it and using it then it means there’s some measure of success to be found somewhere.

 

[joandarc2008]

You mean hymnal right?

In our parish we have combination missal and hymnal but you have the point.

 

[Bob_Aliano]

But people do. We have to recognize this as an effort by the Church to keep a specific group of people interested in the faith. This is not something for you or I, but if the Church is keeping it and using it then it means there’s some measure of success to be found somewhere.

What sort of Catholic will we produce by fostering an attitude of entertain me or I’ll leave? We seem to have totally forgotten what the Mass is, why we are there and most importantly, Whose sacrifice we are witnessing.

 

[ConstantineTG]

What sort of Catholic will we produce by fostering an attitude of entertain me or I’ll leave? We seem to have totally forgotten what the Mass is, why we are there and most importantly, Whose sacrifice we are witnessing.

Like I said, it targets youths who otherwise are more interested in sports, video games, or worse, sex and drugs. Its not for us to decide these things. The Church in her wisdom has allowed for this to happen for a specific reason. I for one do not agree with the Charismatic Movements within the Church, buy many found spirituality in it. I would definitely not go to a Charismatic service but at the same time I’m glad that those who find spirituality in it found it within the Catholic Church rather than a Protestant group.

I think its unfair to expect everyone in such a diverse Church to be on the same spiritual level as yourself. I know for one that the things I do for my faith today I would have never done 10 years ago. My interest was not there, my faith was not there. Perhaps LifeTeen could have helped me back then, maybe not. I wouldn’t know. But what I know is that I was hardly interested in the OF Mass. There was nothing the EF Mass could have done about it, or any Eastern Liturgy. See, the problem is not the Mass, it is me, a limited human being. That is why such concessions must be made because ofthe challenges of our time, that there are so many distractions and we must meet the people at where they are because they obviously are not coming up to where we want them to be.

And you know what, I can only speak of good things of keeping people in the Church no matter what. Eventually they’ll break out of their slump and seek a deeper, more meaningful spirituality. But if we let them leave, they they will not get the graces to grow nor the Church would have fulfilled her role in calling the sinners.

 

[kmuestwin]

I usually try to avoid Lifeteen mass at all costs, but if for some reason on a particular weekend I absolutely cannot make the other masses I know it’s better to go to Lifeteen than not go at all. Tonight was one of those times. Whoever thought of this idea…I get what they were trying to do. I’m guessing people figured that Catholic college students were leaving the Church in droves and so figured that if we could make mass more like a Protestant good 'ole time worship and praise service, complete with rock-and-roll style “worship and praise teams,” that teens would be more likely to stay. It seems like one of those the end justifies the means kind of things. Frankly, I don’t know how any priest manages to say mass with a rock concert going on in between every prayer. It’s just so not appropriate for mass. How is this being allowed to happen?

My first clue that things are going to be amiss at lifeteen is when you walk into the church. Somebody is waiting there to hand you a sheet of music for the mass. I took some time to read the lyrics for all the songs and I have to say that had I closed my eyes and just listened to the music, there is almost no way to tell that you are in a Catholic mass rather than at any generic Protestant service. The music is basically devoid of Catholic themes. Is there somebody that has to approve this stuff before it can be used in mass?

Lesson to be learned–if you walk into a Catholic church and people are handing out music sheets instead of using the approved music in the missal, you might want to pay a little closer attention.

Another thing I noticed–during the Liturgy of the Eucharist the priest invited all the youth to come stand down in front of the alter for all the eucharistic prayers. Where is that allowed? Isn’t that in viloation of the GIRM?

Finally, our church has kneelers. In all our other masses everyone kneels during the Liturgy of the Eucharist–but not at Lifeteen. What’s up with that? There seems to be this need for lifeteen to be different–different music, different practices. Do they have some sort of problem with the way mass is normally celebrated?

I agree. On my college campus our mass is celebrated with music like that of the lifeteen masses. Every song that should be solemn sounds like a Christian gum commercial. None of our music comes from the hymnal and most of the songs are protestant tunes that I hear at the grocery store I work at. Three weeks ago there was a song that contained words that were completely unCatholic. I talked to my priest about it and he told them never to play it again but it never should have been played in the first place.

I love the Catholic Campus Ministry and I spend a lot of my time working there trying to make it a better place. I could find other places to go to mass but I feel like I am working too hard to leave it when I know they need me. (Oftentimes I find the readers, do a reading, act as an usher and I help organize our weekly activities on facebook.) The homilies are great and I can’t find any other abuses other than the horrible music. I feel tempted to leave and find a new church every time I hear the songs but I love my church and my priest is an excellent confessor. I feel stuck but at least music is the least of my worries there.

 

[baltobetsy]

joandarc2008 has correctly pointed out that Lifeteen as described by the OP is not being done according to the instructions. Several years ago, Lifeteen was instructed to stop inviting the teens around the altar and a few other non-standard things as well.

My daughter and her friends were involved in Lifeteen for a couple of years, and I went along to drive across town to the parish. I observed very reverent teens, all kneeling in deep prayer before Mass. A number of these young people have discovered vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and I don’t mean in wacky orders, either. I mean Mother Angelica’s order, the Nashville Dominicans, etc. The music, though contemporary in style, was extremely well done and full of Catholic themes. After Mass, there was a Life Night at which the teens received good, orthodox instruction in the Catholic faith. It was done in a style that would not be intimidating to someone with less formation than the OP, but it covered the basics of the Faith very well and helped them apply it to their lives. As the teens graduated, went to college and married, they stayed with the Lifeteen Mass. Lots of reverent young families with babies were there every week.

So, OP, before you condemn the whole movement, learn about what it’s supposed to be.

Betsy

 

[joandarc2008]

Like I said, it targets youths who otherwise are more interested in sports, video games, or worse, sex and drugs. Its not for us to decide these things. The Church in her wisdom has allowed for this to happen for a specific reason. I for one do not agree with the Charismatic Movements within the Church, buy many found spirituality in it. I would definitely not go to a Charismatic service but at the same time I’m glad that those who find spirituality in it found it within the Catholic Church rather than a Protestant group.

I think its unfair to expect everyone in such a diverse Church to be on the same spiritual level as yourself. I know for one that the things I do for my faith today I would have never done 10 years ago. My interest was not there, my faith was not there. Perhaps LifeTeen could have helped me back then, maybe not. I wouldn’t know. But what I know is that I was hardly interested in the OF Mass. There was nothing the EF Mass could have done about it, or any Eastern Liturgy. See, the problem is not the Mass, it is me, a limited human being. That is why such concessions must be made because ofthe challenges of our time, that there are so many distractions and we must meet the people at where they are because they obviously are not coming up to where we want them to be.

And you know what, I can only speak of good things of keeping people in the Church no matter what. Eventually they’ll break out of their slump and seek a deeper, more meaningful spirituality. But if we let them leave, they they will not get the graces to grow nor the Church would have fulfilled her role in calling the sinners.

I really like this post - just one thing I would like to add -if I may - of course I may -I’m typing and you can’t stop me - mwahuahaa- not so much with the contemporary masses but with things such as the Charismatic movement, etc. I think sometimes we confuse being on different levels as being on better levels. I think sometimes to remember that they are just different because the minute we start thinking of the level we are on as being better we are guilty of the sin of pride and that does tend to level out the playing field as far the Church being a hospital for sinners. I am not pointing fingers at any posters I am just sowing a different way of looking at it that the Church is using a tool - the music to meet the people where we are at. And yes, the Sacrifice of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist absolutely should not change and where we are has not changed.

 

[ConstantineTG]

I really like this post - just one thing I would like to add -if I may - of course I may -I’m typing and you can’t stop me - mwahuahaa- not so much with the contemporary masses but with things such as the Charismatic movement, etc. I think sometimes we confuse being on different levels as being on better levels. I think sometimes to remember that they are just different because the minute we start thinking of the level we are on as being better we are guilty of the sin of pride and that does tend to level out the playing field as far the Church being a hospital for sinners. I am not pointing fingers at any posters I am just sowing a different way of looking at it that the Church is using a tool - the music to meet the people where we are at. And yes, the Sacrifice of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist absolutely should not change and where we are has not changed.

There is a concept in the Eastern Church called Oikonomia where the good of humanity and the faith is placed ahead of the Canon Laws, or simply you bend the rules if there is a greater good out of it. I know the Roman Church practices this as well but I haven’t heard any specific terminologies assigned to explain it. Perhaps dispensations and indults would explain it. Things like CITH and LiteTeen are examples or Oikonomia. You will hear certain people challenging it by asking what greater spirituality it offers. But its not offering greater spirituality, its is offering little spirituality for those who has none or far smaller. Think of it this way, if we are all like school kids who go through the grade levels of our faith. You don’t expect a Grade 1 student to understand Trigonometry, so why force them to learn Trigonometry? Give them simple Math in the hopes that one day they can easily understand Trigonometry. We all want to graduate one day, but it can’t be done by teaching the same thing to all levels.

 

[joandarc2008]

There is a concept in the Eastern Church called Oikonomia where the good of humanity and the faith is placed ahead of the Canon Laws, or simply you bend the rules if there is a greater good out of it. I know the Roman Church practices this as well but I haven’t heard any specific terminologies assigned to explain it. Perhaps dispensations and indults would explain it. Things like CITH and LiteTeen are examples or Oikonomia. You will hear certain people challenging it by asking what greater spirituality it offers. But its not offering greater spirituality, its is offering little spirituality for those who has none or far smaller. Think of it this way, if we are all like school kids who go through the grade levels of our faith. You don’t expect a Grade 1 student to understand Trigonometry, so why force them to learn Trigonometry? Give them simple Math in the hopes that one day they can easily understand Trigonometry. We all want to graduate one day, but it can’t be done by teaching the same thing to all levels.

And it makes it perfect sense - I am just not sure I would put the Charismatics on that same level as their purpose is more of a bond with the Holy Spirit/healing charism that is supported Biblically. I have been to Masses done by a true Charismatic priest not one claiming to be a charismatic but one who actually is approved to do charismatic healing and it is a very different experience. I would say it would serve a different healing purpose - more like a school nurse with your above analogy. But I am off to bed now as it is almost two thirty in the morning - God bless. Pax et Bonum.

 

[Chris-WA]

I bet people said this too when those horrible secular organs were brought in. I mean, really. Truth is truth, it doesn’t need to be fancied up by some expensive gaudy instrument that is commonly used for secular and disgusting music!

Tell you what, if the Magisterium puts rock music into official church documents as a favorable form of liturgical music the way they have with the organ, then I will change my tone on this one. Somehow I don’t see rock music getting the same endorsement though.

The truth is, tastes change. Just because someone likes chant, doesn’t mean chant is the holiest of all music. Just because some people like that awful 70s crud, doesn’t mean it’s the holiest of all music.

No, it’s not simply about taste. If that was true, we would be making big changes all the time, which we don’t. There are some forms of music more suitable for liturgy than others as spelled out in church documents. The problem is that some people tend to take a mile when an inch is given, which I believe is what’s going on in lifeteen masses with regards to liturgical music.

I think it’s more important that young people are actually IN MASS worshipping in a way that brings them relevance, rather than sitting in the pews mouthing along idly or just plain staying home.

No, because if young people are going to be mass to be entertained then we’re not really accomplishing anything. That’s just building a shallow foundation that won’t last.

I mean, heaven forbid YOUNG PEOPLE actually start going to mass, am I right?

No one is saying that here, and for you to suggest that is unfair. Obviously young people should be going to mass, but if we change things too much that we practically lose our Catholicity in the process, what was the point? I think Lifeteen is the wrong solution to the problem. The underlying problem is a big one–in the modern age parents are failing to live and teach the Catholic faith to their children. We are now at the point where most parents are no longer the primary educators of their children when it comes to the faith, and many religious ed programs are not doing a good job of teaching the basics to kids. If anything we need to go back to our roots, not the other way. I think the pendulum is starting to swing in the right direction, but it’s going to be a long process.

 

[Chris-WA]

But people do. We have to recognize this as an effort by the Church to keep a specific group of people interested in the faith. This is not something for you or I, but if the Church is keeping it and using it then it means there’s some measure of success to be found somewhere.

I guess I have no problem with it as long as it’s thoroughly Catholic in all aspects, but I think there is a lot of abuse going on out there. I see it every time I witness a Lifeteen mass. Having Lifeteen is not a license to violate the GIRM or other Church rubrics when it comes to the celebration of the mass. We are not Protestants. We don’t change things on our own just because we personally like something better or think something is more fun.

 

[Chris-WA]

What sort of Catholic will we produce by fostering an attitude of entertain me or I’ll leave? We seem to have totally forgotten what the Mass is, why we are there and most importantly, Whose sacrifice we are witnessing.

Exactly. The question is do we water down the faith simply to fill the seats? Do we ignore Church law or liturgical norms in order to entertain? Obviously no, we shouldn’t, but I submit that it’s happening all to frequently, and because most Catholics have such a mediocre education in the faith, they barely notice when something is amiss. One of the beauties of the Catholic faith is our steadfastness when so many others change whenever expedient to do so.

 

[Chris-WA]

joandarc2008 has correctly pointed out that Lifeteen as described by the OP is not being done according to the instructions. Several years ago, Lifeteen was instructed to stop inviting the teens around the altar and a few other non-standard things as well.

My daughter and her friends were involved in Lifeteen for a couple of years, and I went along to drive across town to the parish. I observed very reverent teens, all kneeling in deep prayer before Mass. A number of these young people have discovered vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and I don’t mean in wacky orders, either. I mean Mother Angelica’s order, the Nashville Dominicans, etc. The music, though contemporary in style, was extremely well done and full of Catholic themes. After Mass, there was a Life Night at which the teens received good, orthodox instruction in the Catholic faith. It was done in a style that would not be intimidating to someone with less formation than the OP, but it covered the basics of the Faith very well and helped them apply it to their lives. As the teens graduated, went to college and married, they stayed with the Lifeteen Mass. Lots of reverent young families with babies were there every week.

So, OP, before you condemn the whole movement, learn about what it’s supposed to be.

Betsy

Perhaps if I saw what you witness, I would feel the way you do. I think I could appreciate the program if I saw what you describe. From what I’ve seen, the mass has been watered down to a performance by a generic Christian rock band. If it wasn’t for the eucharist you wouldn’t know you’re in a Catholic church. If anyone from the Lifeteen movement is out there I would encourage you to get the word out as much as possible the proper way of conducting the program and discourage its abuse.

Incidentally I’ve read that one of the founders of Lifeteen has been in some trouble with the Church. This article gives me some concern:
PHOENIX (CNA) - Bishop of Phoenix Thomas J. Olmsted has issued a decree of excommunication to Monsignor Dale Fushek, founder of LifeTeen, and Father Mark Dippre for their establishment of and leadership in an “opposing ecclesial community.”

Fushek, one of three founders of LifeTeen, has not been active in the youth ministry for four years.

The priests had served together in the 1990s at St. Timothy’s Catholic Community in Mesa, Arizona, the East Valley Tribune reports. A year ago, they founded the non-denominational Praise and Worship Center, which meets Sundays at the Fiesta Fountains Recreation Center in Mesa.

Their meetings regularly draw 250 to 300 people. The priests’ 90-minute services begin at 10 am each Sunday and feature much music but do not include sacraments. Reportedly, the priests have repeatedly said their services are not to be considered “Catholic” in any way.

“They always claim that they are not doing something in opposition to any denomination, but they are always holding their worship services at a time that coincides with a lot of Catholic Masses.” Jim Dwyer, a Diocese of Phoenix spokesman, told the East Valley Tribune.

The East Valley Tribune quoted two attendees of Monsignor Fushek’s service who also attend Catholic Mass.

“I go to Mass for my sacraments, and I go to Praise and Worship for my Christian fulfillment,” Stan Nicpon said, adding that it has a “good community feeling.”

His wife Jan described her reaction to the service, saying “It is kind of a fulfillment beyond church. It is just a lot of great music that kind of fills you with a good spirit, inspiration and hope — a lot of hope.”

Monsignor Fushek, the former vicar general of the Diocese of Phoenix, is also awaiting trial on seven misdemeanor counts including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, indecent exposure and assault.

A statement from the Diocese of Phoenix explained the excommunications, saying that the two priests refused to comply with Bishop Olmsted’s “explicit directions” to discontinue public ministry.

“The excommunications were incurred after repeated offers of reconciliation were ignored,” the diocese said.

The diocese’s statement remarks that the priests brought the excommunication upon themselves and explains that the priests cannot celebrate Mass or participate in any other ceremonies of worship.

“They are also prohibited from celebrating or receiving any of the sacraments. In addition, they forfeit the benefits of dignity, office, or any function that they had previously acquired in the Catholic Church,” the diocese statement reads.

The diocese said that Bishop Olmsted continues to express “grave concern” for Catholics who may be “misled or confused” by the priests’ actions. The statement encouraged Catholics not to attend or support the Praise and Worship Center and reminded Catholics that “the ultimate form of praise and worship is and always will be the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.”

“There is no substitution for the graces received at Mass and no prayer more edifying,” the diocese said.

12/18/2008 Catholic News Agency

**“I go to Mass for my sacraments, and I go to Praise and Worship for my Christian fulfillment,” Stan Nicpon said, adding that it has a “good community feeling.” **

Herein lies one of the problems, I think. Anybody see anything wrong with this statement? As a Catholic, the sacraments should be your Christian fulfillment, no? If a Catholic doesn’t get that, he is missing the whole point.

 

[Cat]

The Lifeteen Mass in our parish is reverent, liturgically-correct (no gathering around the altar), and attended by several hundred teenagers, along with several hundred boomers and even elderly folks who enjoy contemporary music. So apparently many teenagers do like that kind of Mass, in spite of the fact that just down the road, there is a TLM available, and there is a schola choir conducted by a very well-trained conductor that the teens can join. (I’ve joined it in the last month just to learn, and I’m sorry to report to all the traditionalists on this forum that the schola is not attracting throngs of teens, in spite of all your assurances that if we offer it, teens will come. No, they won’t.)

I would like to see the OP write the same post in ten or fifteen years when he/she has teenagers that are rebelling and refuse to attend any Mass other than LifeTeen. I think that for parents who HAVE done an excellent job of raising their children in the Catholic tradition and have made certain that their kids were well-catechized from birth, and who have STILL watched their teenager walk away from the Catholicl Church, and who have been grateful to see their kids willing to attend Life Teen Mass, it is a hard thing for them to read posts like the OP.

It is a bad thing to pull the life preserver away from the drowning person. In fact, it’s murder.

Perhaps it will help the OP and other to think of Life Teen as a step rather than as a pinnacle. Many teenagers (and even older people, especially people of my age who grew up with rock music) get to a place in their lives where they simply do not want to attend the traditional Mass, either EF or OF. In some cases their parents are to blame for lackadaisical upbringing and lack of discipline in the home. In some cases their parishes are to blame for fluffy catechesis. But in many cases, no one is to blame. *Everyone did everything right, but the teen just has to rebel * (read the story of the Prodigal Son, whose father certainly seemed blameless). Sometimes Life Teen will attract these kinds of teens (and adults) back to church again. Call it what you like–entertainment, whatever. But for many teens, it is a “step” to get them on the staircase back to the Church again. Many, many teens will eventually move on to a more traditional form of the Mass. But they had to have a step to get there. **Would you pull this step away from them and tell them to either come to a traditional Mass or don’t come at all? ** I don’t think many parents would appreciate this.

Most importantly, Life Teen is NOT our call as laypeople. The bishop has the perogative of allowing or dis-allowing Life Teen Masses, and it is his responsibility to put a stop to any abuses. Our bishop approves of Life Teen, and he makes sure that it is done correctly. Contact your bishop if you have complaints about the abuses in the Life Teen Mass near you. But don’t criticize his decision to hold a Life Teen Mass. He is an apostle, you are not, and criticizing his decisions undermines his authority.