Where are the Young People in the TLM's?

[TrueLight]

I constantly hear about how young people are flocking to the TLM in droves.

I’ve been to EF masses in three different parishes in NYC and frankly the average age of the parishioners seem to be about 45-55. If the same parish has an OF, I see more young people in those services.

Where are all these young people and what can we do to attract them to the traditional mass?

 

[markomalley]

I constantly hear about how young people are flocking to the TLM in droves.

I’ve been to EF masses in three different parishes in NYC and frankly the average age of the parishioners seem to be about 45-55. If the same parish has an OF, I see more young people in those services.

Where are all these young people and what can we do to attract them to the traditional mass?

At St Mary Mother of God in DC (Chinatown), there are lots of young people, along with their children. In fact, last week we had a nice traditional May Crowning with a procession of them.

Having said that, the way to get young people to the EF Mass is to get them interested in the eternal truths of Catholicism. To include the beauty of the EF Mass.

Theology on tap seems to me to be a good vehicle for that.

 

[ProVobis]

I constantly hear about how young people are flocking to the TLM in droves.

I don’t know if I ever heard the term “flocking to the TLM in droves.” Perhaps it was the Holy Father and other members who noticed that young people were more open to attending the TLM than the older ones (or their direct descendants) who are carrying a lot of post-60’s baggage.

The one thing that I’ve noticed, though, is that families who do bring their kids to the TLM-only parishes tend to be a little bigger. Those EF’s within a mixed community don’t seem to show any difference one way or the other. But perhaps others have had different experiences.

 

[TrueLight]

The one thing that I’ve noticed, though, is that families who do bring their kids to the TLM-only parishes tend to be a little bigger. Those EF’s within a mixed community don’t seem to show any difference one way or the other. But perhaps others have had different experiences.

Oh yes, I meant to say excluding the SSPX and FSSP(?) parishes.

 

[TrueLight]

Theology on tap seems to me to be a good vehicle for that.

What is Theology on Tap?

I have always had a heart on young people and hopefully one day I will be able to work in that type of ministry.

 

[markomalley]

What is Theology on Tap?

I have always had a heart on young people and hopefully one day I will be able to work in that type of ministry.

totnyc.org/

From the FAQ:

What is the mission of Theology-on-Tap NYC?

               Theology-on-Tap  NYC's mission is to provide young                   adults with an opportunity to explore issues and  topics that relate to the Catholic faith in a fun and casual  environment.                   ToTNYC hosts various talks by both religious and lay  speakers to encourage thoughtful discussions and a deeper understanding                   of the faith. ToTNYC operates in complete fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

When did Theology-on-Tap begin?

The program for young adults originated in 1981 in the Archdiocese of Chicago. There are now programs throughout the United States, including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Boston.

How did Theology-on-Tap come to New York City?

Coworkers from Regnum Christi first brought Theology-on-Tap to New York City in 2000. Events were held in Irish pubs around Manhattan. Now a completely volunteer-run ministry, ToTNYC hosts a series of
“six-pack” talks in the winter/spring and another series in the fall.

Come on! Discussing theology in a bar? What does the Church say about that?

Theology-on-Tap is in perfect alignment with the Pope! The Holy Father tells us to bring the gospel of Christ into the streets and to speak it from the housetops, and to go to where people are. Theology-on-Tap aims to discuss the teachings of the Catholic Church in a comfortable, nonthreatening environment.

I will tell you that the some of the best theological discussions are over a pint. At least in my experience.

The point is that discussing the liturgy in an informal, relaxed environment is the best way to get young adults involved. Much better than a stoic class in the basement of a parish.

(The same principle can hold true for young stay-at-home mothers…theology and coffee cake with rotating co-op care for the kids while the moms learn about various and sundry subjects, along with having fun)

 

[laszlo]

My experience is that traditional Masses are attended by larger families (4+ children), but probably this is the result to being faithful to the tradition.

Larger number of youths are concentrated in the youth Masses (in my territorial Church the Sunday 5PM Mass, strictly new form with guitar etc) This concentration should make to seem that they are missing from other masses. Traditional communities with one or two masses on a weekend can not afford such masses.

 

[TrueLight]

totnyc.org/

From the FAQ:

What is the mission of Theology-on-Tap NYC?

               Theology-on-Tap  NYC's mission is to provide young                   adults with an opportunity to explore issues and  topics that relate to the Catholic faith in a fun and casual  environment.                   ToTNYC hosts various talks by both religious and lay  speakers to encourage thoughtful discussions and a deeper understanding                   of the faith. ToTNYC operates in complete fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

When did Theology-on-Tap begin?

The program for young adults originated in 1981 in the Archdiocese of Chicago. There are now programs throughout the United States, including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Boston.

How did Theology-on-Tap come to New York City?

Coworkers from Regnum Christi first brought Theology-on-Tap to New York City in 2000. Events were held in Irish pubs around Manhattan. Now a completely volunteer-run ministry, ToTNYC hosts a series of
“six-pack” talks in the winter/spring and another series in the fall.

Come on! Discussing theology in a bar? What does the Church say about that?

Theology-on-Tap is in perfect alignment with the Pope! The Holy Father tells us to bring the gospel of Christ into the streets and to speak it from the housetops, and to go to where people are. Theology-on-Tap aims to discuss the teachings of the Catholic Church in a comfortable, nonthreatening environment.

I will tell you that the some of the best theological discussions are over a pint. At least in my experience.

The point is that discussing the liturgy in an informal, relaxed environment is the best way to get young adults involved. Much better than a stoic class in the basement of a parish.

(The same principle can hold true for young stay-at-home mothers…theology and coffee cake with rotating co-op care for the kids while the moms learn about various and sundry subjects, along with having fun)

This sounds awesome.

But how does one move from theology at a bar to a TLM? It seems like the most obvious transition would be a relaxed guitar mass.

 

[Thomas_Casey]

You may discuss the question. You may not use the forum strategize how to recruit the young to either the Ordinary or the Extraordinary form of the mass. That can be construed as proselytism.

We treat the mass with great respect, in both forms. It is not a commodity that we market. It is also contrary to forum rules to pit one form of the mass against the other.

Thomas Casey
Moderator

 

[TrueLight]

You may discuss the question. You may not use the forum strategize how to recruit the young to either the Ordinary or the Extraordinary form of the mass. That can be construed as proselytism.

Proselytism?

So it’s wrong to talk about how to evangelize to young people? Is that anti-catholic or is it just the fact that I am talking about the TLM?

We treat the mass with great respect, in both forms. It is not a commodity that we market. It is also contrary to forum rules to pit one form of the mass against the other.
Thomas Casey
Moderator

Duly noted. I thought since this was the Traditional forum, I could discuss this. I’m sure there are tons of pro-TLMs threads in this forum and if you look at some of my other threads, I always say how I do sometimes attend a very reverent OF.

Please feel free to delete this thread.

 

[laszlo]

You may discuss the question. You may not use the forum strategize how to recruit the young to either the Ordinary or the Extraordinary form of the mass. That can be construed as proselytism.

We treat the mass with great respect, in both forms. It is not a commodity that we market. It is also contrary to forum rules to pit one form of the mass against the other.

Thomas Casey
Moderator

I believe our pope’s intention is to keep both forms of the Mass alive forever. This needs proselytizing, and thye knowledge how to proselytize.

 

[Credo_in_Deum]

I’m 27 and I don’t know if that even counts as being a young adult but I attend the TLM for many reasons. It used to be because I was born into a family that loved the TLM and followed it everywhere. We would lose a priest either to death or because they were told to stop celebrating the Mass by their superior and then we would move to the next place we found a TLM. When I turned 16 I was stupid and left my faith and got mixed up into a whole load of bad things. Wasn’t up until 5 years ago did I start coming back to my faith. I now attend the TLM because I can’t get over how beautiful it is.

The Mass struck me with this profound feeling of being in the presence of a very personal God. The rubrics, practices, rituals, and etc. reminded me of the book of Leviticus where God is telling Moses exactly how he wants the alter to be made, how he wants the priestly garments to look, and how He wants the sacrifices and offerings to be given. It was all a very specific kind of worship which struck me as God being personal with His creation. Well that same personal touch shown through in the EF and made me feel that I was attending a Mass that was about worshiping God how He wanted to be worshiped rather than how we want to worship Him if that makes sense?

I love the OF and I don’t support bashing the OF. I just found my home in the EF. I’m sure there are those that feel the same way about the OF like I do about the EF.

 

[TrueLight]

You may discuss the question. You may not use the forum strategize how to recruit the young to either the Ordinary or the Extraordinary form of the mass. That can be construed as proselytism.

We treat the mass with great respect, in both forms. It is not a commodity that we market. It is also contrary to forum rules to pit one form of the mass against the other.

Thomas Casey
Moderator

You know what? I went back and re-read my original post. I might have given the impression that I wanted to draw the youth who are already attending the OF mass to the EF mass.

That is not what I meant. I wanted to know how to attract young people who are not going to mass to the EF.

I don’t know if you are saying Catholics should not evangelize. I hope that is not what you are saying.

If you are saying, we should not specifically invite young people to one mass or the other, I’m not sure I understand that. If I am attending an EF mass and I invite some young people I know to come and check it out, obviously, I will be inviting them to the mass I am most comfortable with.

 

[TrueLight]

I’m 27 and I don’t know if that even counts as being a young adult but I attend the TLM for many reasons. It used to be because I was born into a family that loved the TLM and followed it everywhere. We would lose a priest either to death or because they were told to stop celebrating the Mass by their superior and then we would move to the next place we found a TLM. When I turned 16 I was stupid and left my faith and got mixed up into a whole load of bad things. Wasn’t up until 5 years ago did I start coming back to my faith. I now attend the TLM because I can’t get over how beautiful it is.

The Mass struck me with this profound feeling of being in the presence of a very personal God. The rubrics, practices, rituals, and etc. reminded me of the book of Leviticus where God is telling Moses exactly how he wants the alter to be made, how he wants the priestly garments to look, and how He wants the sacrifices and offerings to be given. It was all a very specific kind of worship which struck me as God being personal with His creation. Well that same personal touch shown through in the EF and made me feel that I was attending a Mass that was about worshiping God how He wanted to be worshiped rather than how we want to worship Him if that makes sense?

I love the OF and I don’t support bashing the OF. I just found my home in the EF. I’m sure there are those that feel the same way about the OF like I do about the EF.

Well said.

 

[katy]

We have a good number of kids and such at both EF and OF, just the way it is here.

 

[markomalley]

You may discuss the question. You may not use the forum strategize how to recruit the young to either the Ordinary or the Extraordinary form of the mass. That can be construed as proselytism.

We treat the mass with great respect, in both forms. It is not a commodity that we market. It is also contrary to forum rules to pit one form of the mass against the other.

Thomas Casey
Moderator

Sorry. Please delete my offending post. I will not post again on this thread.

Again, please accept my heartfelt apologies.

 

[PA650]

As a young adult convert, I have always been attracted to the TLM and I usually will attend Mass in the Extraordinary Form when offered on Sunday at my diocesan parish in favor of the morning Masses in the Ordinary Form. In addition, I came upon a post from the insightful blog of Orbis Catholicus Secundus regarding Mass in the Extraordinary Form that I very much concur with:

Today we live in what is probably the most completely secularized form of culture that has ever existed. Nevertheless the Classical rite remains and now more than ever there seems little likelihood that it will become extinct.

This rite is the fullness of the Catholic media of artistic, musical and even literary expression which has become the common possession of all the world’s peoples.

Even though dominant prejudices of the moment remain against this rite, its canons of style are immemorial, timeless and eternal.

A paradox is that this rite has already passed through the full cycle of changes. And the truth is that it has always been at issue with the world. And in recent years it even seemed on the verge of being destroyed by it.

That’s life. What is fallen is raised up, what has grown old is made new and all good things return to unity through Him from Whom they took their beginning. The only way to desecularize culture is by giving a spiritual aim and this is where the Gregorian rite comes into play - it works very well at doing this (as with the Byzantine rite).

The cultural revolution of '68 claimed that culture is just an abstract ideal. But the hippies and their Sartre professors were wrong. Culture is the vital product of an organic social tradition. Catholic culture exists. The Incarnation is the centre of history and we look to the Liturgy as our fixed centre where we renew culture with Christ and His Bride, the Church.

orbiscatholicussecundus.blogspot.com/2011/05/mons-pozzo-sings-high-mass-at-st-mary_05.html

Moreover, I find the Mass in the Extraordinary Form more clearly illustrates the following introduction by Richard Kugelman, C.P., S.T.L., S.S.L. from my copy of the* Saint Joseph Daily Missal*:

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Holy Mass is the unbloody sacrifice of the New Testament in which the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, are offered to God under the appearance of bread and wine.

Humanity’s redemption was accomplished when Christ bowed His head in death on the Cross. The Holy Mass is the sacrament of the sacrifice of Redemption, through which “more abundantly” than through any other means (Council of Trent) the merits of Christ’s redeeming death are applied to souls. The Mass is not a mere symbol recalling the sacrifice of the Cross. It is a sacrament, a symbol that does what it signifies. Through the separate consecration of the bread and wine, Christ our Lord, speaking through His priests, portrays the shedding of His Blood and His dying on Calvary, and becomes really present under symbols that show Him to be in a state of victimhood. In accomplishing this act, Christ presents once more before His Father His immolation on the Cross, with all that it involves of love and obedience, of adoration, thanksgiving, propitiation and petition. Thus, St. Cyprian writing to the Christians of the 3rd century declared: “The sacrifice which we offer to God is the Passion of our Lord Himself.”

Besides being the sacramental renewal of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, the Mass is also our sacrifice. Holy Baptism grafted us in Christ, the true Vine. We are members of Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church. Christ our Head is the priest and the victim of every Mass. “The Sacred Ministers act in the person not only of our Savior, but of the whole Mystical Body and of everyone of the faithful. Christ offers not only Himself as Head of the Church, but in Himself His mystical members as well.” (Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei). In every Mass, therefore, we are associated with the complete consecration, the obedience unto death of Christ our Head. Attendance at Mass should be for us the renewal of our Baptismal promises, a sincere dedication to Christian living, to the following of Christ, to doing the Will of God.

 

[Bl_Pope_Pius_IX]

Well, I am a 15 year old and I attend and serve at the Tridentine Mass at a Parish not far, but I also serve at the OF.

The Latin Mass is, from what I have seen from my own fellows, like a flavor of drink - for lack of a better comparison. What I mean is, you like it or you don’t. Of course this is not the case for all young people, however from what I have seen it is for the majority. At the last Latin Mass I served/attended, we had 88 people in the pews. Not counting the 4 Altar Boys serving the Altar. I see quite a few young people ranging from younger teens, to todlers, to 20+. The problem I see most, is the rebellious mid to older teenagers. I have a lot of trouble among my fellows and friends. At the OF I serve, we lost a long time Altar Server to Atheism.

I, thankfully, do not suffer from such rebellious tendencies.

I find the best way to attract people- of any age to the Latin Mass, is through prayer and awareness. Most of the people I tell about the Latin Mass are amazed that it still happens. They are surprised the Church actually does that any more, and yes I’m speaking about Roman Catholics here.

Pius :knight1:

 

[rben20]

Right here! I attend the TLM exclusively although I not able to any more as I will be moving and there is no Mass available in my new area. I’m 22 by the way

 

[archangel04]

Right here! I attend the TLM exclusively although I not able to any more as I will be moving and there is no Mass available in my new area. I’m 22 by the way

Man I wish I could find people like you around my area, I am 25 lol.