Worst Mass Ever

[PJD1987]

Sorry for a bit of a rant, but I just endured one of the worst liturgies I’ve ever sat through. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence at the parish I go to.

First, the readings were changed to Year A because of the scrutiny held for RCIA this weekend. I’m not sure if that is okay, or if they received permission, but I’m willing to let that go to give the benefit of the doubt, but it seems strange to change all the readings for this reason, is there not a reading for the weekend for RCIA scrutiny for the year cycle we’re in?

Second, after this there was no Creed. Again, I’m not 100% positive of the rubrics, so I don’t know if the scrutiny for RCIA replaced the Creed this week.

Third. THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER!!! AHHH! This is one of my biggest pet peeves. This particular priest who says Mass ad libs a great deal of the Eucharistic Prayer (and the whole Mass too). Of course he says whats in the actual book as well, but he adds his own “flare” to it and expands, loses his place and has to find it again every sentence. Then he said “together with our Pope…Emeritus Benedict XVI and with our bishop and also in a special way…” and then added like 5 separate personal intentions for his father, his parents wedding anniversary or something, and then made a joke about his mother’s age which made everyone laugh…during the consecration!!!

Fourth, the Agnus Dei tropes have been stopped by the Vatican…back in October, and yet my parish just blatantly refuses to stop adding “God’s own Son” “Healing Lord” “Lord of Life” and all these ridiculous tropes to the Agnus Dei and it goes on forever. Again, the Congregation for Divine Worship notified Churches to stop this…back in October, linked here: (chantcafe.com/2012/10/vatican-intervenes-no-more-tropes-in.html). I’ve also mentioned it to the Pastoral Council back in December…and it still goes on.

Now, I try to humble myself and realize that Jesus is there and that is all that matters and I should give the benefit of the doubt as much as possible. I really don’t want my pride to get in the way of Mass, however, I feel that this is beyond my ability to just accept. I am so upset because of the lack of reverence and spirit of obedience, and respect given to the Church and to Our Lord during Mass at this parish. Unfortunately, I have no other parish to go to at the moment (which is an entirely different story), but Mass should not be a source of aggravation and frustration every weekend. Today I left right after receiving the Eucharist for the first time since I don’t know when, but I just couldn’t stand to be there anymore, I couldn’t focus on Our Lord, I was too frustrated.

Again, I’m hoping this isn’t a matter of pride, but the laity are entitled to a reverent Mass, and I’m not getting that, and this parish is not helping me deepen my relationship with Christ during the Mass. Anyway, I’m sorry for the rant, I’m just very saddened by this lack of respect for Christ and His Church and I needed to vent.

Thanks, and if you have any thoughts or comments, it’d be greatly appreciated!

God bless.

-Paul

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

First, the readings were changed to Year A because of the scrutiny held for RCIA this weekend. I’m not sure if that is okay, or if they received permission, but I’m willing to let that go to give the benefit of the doubt, but it seems strange to change all the readings for this reason, is there not a reading for the weekend for RCIA scrutiny for the year cycle we’re in?

If you’re going to rant about something, it’s a good idea to make sure that something is actually wrong.

If there are elect at a Mass and there are scrutinies, the readings to be used are from cycle A. If you go to the USCCB web site to look at the readings you’ll see that there are two sets of readings for this week (and the next two weeks). Your parish did exactly the right thing.

Second, after this there was no Creed. Again, I’m not 100% positive of the rubrics, so I don’t know if the scrutiny for RCIA replaced the Creed this week.

And again if you’re going to rant, make sure something is actually wrong. The scrutiny takes the place of the Creed.

 

[PJD1987]

If you’re going to rant about something, it’s a good idea to make sure that something is actually wrong.

If there are elect at a Mass and there are scrutinies, the readings to be used are from cycle A. If you go to the USCCB web site to look at the readings you’ll see that there are two sets of readings for this week (and the next two weeks). Your parish did exactly the right thing.

And again if you’re going to rant, make sure something is actually wrong. The scrutiny takes the place of the Creed.

Firstly, thank you for the correction. Part of my rant was for clarification of this, and you’ve done that. However, I don’t particularly appreciate your tone, as I very clearly stated that I was not sure of the rubrics, which can be seen in the part you quoted from my post.

Also, my rant was also about much more than the first two points, and it is an ongoing issue with my parish where these things occur on a regular basis. It must be seen in that context and not just a random one time thing that I’m overreacting to.

Thank you for the clarification, however. I do appreciate that.

God bless.

-Paul

 

[JM3]

Now, I try to humble myself and realize that Jesus is there and that is all that matters and I should give the benefit of the doubt as much as possible. I really don’t want my pride to get in the way of Mass, however, I feel that this is beyond my ability to just accept. I am so upset because of the lack of reverence and spirit of obedience, and respect given to the Church and to Our Lord during Mass at this parish. Unfortunately, I have no other parish to go to at the moment (which is an entirely different story), but Mass should not be a source of aggravation and frustration every weekend. Today I left right after receiving the Eucharist for the first time since I don’t know when, but I just couldn’t stand to be there anymore, I couldn’t focus on Our Lord, I was too frustrated.

I’m sure you will find many that will pat you on the back and console you, but I find it curious that you would judge others and then act as they have by disrespecting our Lord, disrespecting the Church and giving witness to a lack of respect for the Mass by leaving.

 

[PJD1987]

I’m sure you will find many that will pat you on the back and console you, but I find it curious that you would judge others and then act as they have by disrespecting our Lord, disrespecting the Church and giving witness to a lack of respect for the Mass by leaving.

Again, I don’t appreciate the tone here. I am not judging anyone, I am simply stating facts that are ongoing in this parish. Not being obedient to the Church and what it has proclaimed and said is disrespectful.

Your point about leaving Mass is well taken, however, and I agree with you and don’t feel very good about it, which is why I added it in there. It’s not something that I did and/or do lightly. This is the first time I’ve left Mass early since after I’ve begun practicing my faith.

I’m afraid this thread is being taken entirely the wrong way, I’m not sure why…

I’m not looking for a pat on the back or affirmation about my actions, I was looking for clarification about the rubrics, which I have received, and maybe some thoughts about how to overcome these issues I have with this parish.

Instead…something else entirely has happened with the first two responses.

God bless.

-Paul

 

[smndtupidisaftr]

If you’re going to rant about something, it’s a good idea to make sure that something is actually wrong.

If there are elect at a Mass and there are scrutinies, the readings to be used are from cycle A. If you go to the USCCB web site to look at the readings you’ll see that there are two sets of readings for this week (and the next two weeks). Your parish did exactly the right thing.

And if there aren’t any elect?

 

[malphono]

…

FWLIW, I think I understand where you’re coming from. Sure, you could go the “letter to the bishop” route but, even when such shenanigans are a regular thing, that usually ends up going nowhere.

Best, it would seem, would be to cut your losses. Is there no other parish a bit more on the straight-and-narrow that you might be able to attend? If so, you’ve certainly nothing to lose to try it. If not, it seems to be one of those “you can’t fight city hall” things, and I don’t know what to suggest.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

It seems that every other person has developed some sort of allergy these days. Food allergies, pollen, incense, but the worst allergy of all is an allergy to reverence. The Mass, for these priests and lay people, is just too formal without a cheery “Good morning!” at the beginning or ad libs and puns during the most sacred portions. Let us pray for this priest, that God will cure his allergy.

 

[smndtupidisaftr]

Again, I don’t appreciate the tone here. I am not judging anyone, I am simply stating facts that are ongoing in this parish. Not being obedient to the Church and what it has proclaimed and said is disrespectful.

Your point about leaving Mass is well taken, however, and I agree with you and don’t feel very good about it, which is why I added it in there. It’s not something that I did and/or do lightly. This is the first time I’ve left Mass early since after I’ve begun practicing my faith.

I’m afraid this thread is being taken entirely the wrong way, I’m not sure why…

I’m not looking for a pat on the back or affirmation about my actions, I was looking for clarification about the rubrics, which I have received, and maybe some thoughts about how to overcome these issues I have with this parish.

Instead…something else entirely has happened with the first two responses.

God bless.

-Paul

The reason people don’t like when you leave early because of an abuse is because you deprive yourself of the Eucharist. Yes, what is going on is awful and should be corrected with haste, but it should not be enough to deprive you of the Eucharist. It’s not as if it was an invalid Mass, in which case you would have a duty to leave.

EDIT: Nevermind, I see you stayed for Communion. I still think that staying for the final blessing is more prudent. But if you feel the need to find a new parish, I would completely support that decision.

 

[smndtupidisaftr]

It seems that every other person has developed some sort of allergy these days. Food allergies, pollen, incense, but the worst allergy of all is an allergy to reverence. The Mass, for these priests and lay people, is just too formal without a cheery “Good morning!” at the beginning or ad libs and puns during the most sacred portions. Let us pray for this priest, that God will cure his allergy.

Amen!

 

[JM3]

Again, I don’t appreciate the tone here.

and maybe some thoughts about how to overcome these issues I have with this parish.

Instead…something else entirely has happened with the first two responses.

God bless.

-Paul

There was no tone. Instead of focusing on yourself, you should be praying for your parish. Our Lord told St Faustina that “No soul that has approached Me has ever gone away unconsoled. All misery gets buried in the depths of My mercy, and every saving and sactifying grace flows from this fountain…”

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Do you think that maybe the tone was set by you, PJD1987?

Let’s start with the title of the thread-
“Worst Mass Ever”, now isn’t that just a bit dramatic?
You yourself admit you were unsure of the rubrics. Before complaining, don’t you think you should have checked those first? Here is the link to the USCCB. You can find a wealth of information on the rubrics for the United States here.

You do seem to have some very legitimate complaints regarding the Eucharistic Prayer & Lamb of God. Direction has been sent, NO CHANGES! PERIOD! ROMA LOCUTA!

However, in the case of the EP, as far as I know, priests may still use the EP’s that were written for reconciliation and for children, mostly at his own discretion. So I would check into that. I used to have a link to all the alternative EP’s but I lost it.

We need to be very careful when we chose our words. We need to remember to give the benefit of the doubt. And if/when we find out that the action we dislike is a violation of the rubrics, we need to chariatably approach the priest in question.
And we need to stay away from drama and histrionics.

 

[PJD1987]

There was no tone. Instead of focusing on yourself, you should be praying for your parish. Our Lord told St Faustina that “No soul that has approached Me has ever gone away unconsoled. All misery gets buried in the depths of My mercy, and every saving and sactifying grace flows from this fountain…”

Forgive me if I sensed one in your reply.

Thank you for the beautiful quote.

God bless.

-Paul

 

[PJD1987]

Do you think that maybe the tone was set by you, PDJ1987?

Let’s start with the title of the tread-
“Worst Mass Ever”, now isn’t that just a bit dramatic?
You yourself admit you were unsure of the rubrics. Before complaining, don’t you think you should have checked those first? Here is the link to the USCCB. You can find a wealth of information on the rubrics for the United States here.

You do seem to have some very legitimate complaints regarding the Eucharistic Prayer & Lamb of God. Direction has been sent, NO CHANGES! PERIOD! ROMA LOCUTA!

However, in the case of the EP, as far as I know, priests may still use the EP’s that were written for reconciliation and for children, mostly at his own discretion. So I would check into that. I used to have a link to all the alternative EP’s but I lost it.

We need to be very careful when we chose our words. We need to remember to give the benefit of the doubt. And if/when we find out that the action we dislike is a violation of the rubrics, we need to chariatably approach the priest in question.
And we need to stay away from drama and histrionics.

Your point about the title of the thread is well taken. I probably should have calmed down a bit rather than write this as soon as I got home.

However, the first responses I got were making it seem that I was complaining without cause and that I was just looking to judge and attack my parish and this priest, when in fact my original post is filled with and makes very clear the fact that I was not sure and needed clarification. I did not appreciate being accused of that and defined as a malcontent.

As far as drama and histrionics, I simply stated what occured at the Mass and asked a few questions.

In any case, I thank you for your response.

God bless.

-Paul

 

[twopekinguys]

And if there aren’t any elect?

Then the regular scheduled readings would be used. In this case, Cycle C readings.

The Missalette should contain both. (ours do)

 

[smndtupidisaftr]

Then the regular scheduled readings would be used. In this case, Cycle C readings.

The Missalette should contain both. (ours do)

So then the Mass I went to chose the Year A readings because someone felt like it? There were no elect and no scrutinies at the Mass I went to.

 

[CB_Catholic]

Again, I don’t appreciate the tone here. I am not judging anyone, I am simply stating facts that are ongoing in this parish. Not being obedient to the Church and what it has proclaimed and said is disrespectful.

Your point about leaving Mass is well taken, however, and I agree with you and don’t feel very good about it, which is why I added it in there. It’s not something that I did and/or do lightly. This is the first time I’ve left Mass early since after I’ve begun practicing my faith.

I’m afraid this thread is being taken entirely the wrong way, I’m not sure why…

I’m not looking for a pat on the back or affirmation about my actions, I was looking for clarification about the rubrics, which I have received, and maybe some thoughts about how to overcome these issues I have with this parish.

Instead…something else entirely has happened with the first two responses.

God bless.

-Paul

Well, my take is that it is being taken the wrong way is because you yourself called it a rant, and people don’t generally like rants. So since you call it a rant, that’s how it is taken, and people aren’t too responsive to rants.

Probably a better way to get your answers would have been to simply ask if these things were legitimate and leave out the ranting.

As for your frustrations, they aren’t going to be solved by posting them on a bulletin board, you’ll just give yourself a headache, and get the reactions you did, which seems to have frustrated you even further. Take them to the Lord in prayer and let it all out to Him. You will feel much better.

 

[DexUK]

I came to this thread expecting to read about liturgical dancing girls, leavened bread being used for the consecration, ‘hymns’ that were equivalent to bad teenage poetry with music played on bongo drums and vestments of appalling design.

My preconceptions about the ‘worst mass ever’ were sadly let down.

Yes, I’m not being especially serious with my comment… mainly because I haven’t seen much evidence of anything really awful having happened. The Liturgy of the Word was correct. The Liturgy of the Eucharist was all there, albeit with a reasonably harmless addition or two. The whole Mass itself was ordered around anticipating the welcoming of new members into the Catholic flock - and that is something to be joyful about.

I believe we far too often get tied up in how we ‘expect’ things to happen and fail to understand the reasons why things don’t happen the way we expect.

OP - if you have an issue with your priest’s celebration of the Mass, I suggest asking him charitably what the reasons were for him having celebrated it in the way that he did. Do not accuse him of faults, because that would be uncharitable. Instead seek to understand by asking questions. If he can’t answer the questions, he will figure out for himself his own faults and he won’t need to be told.

 

[PJD1987]

Well, my take is that it is being taken the wrong way is because you yourself called it a rant, and people don’t generally like rants. So since you call it a rant, that’s how it is taken, and people aren’t too responsive to rants.

Probably a better way to get your answers would have been to simply ask if these things were legitimate and leave out the ranting.

As for your frustrations, they aren’t going to be solved by posting them on a bulletin board, you’ll just give yourself a headache, and get the reactions you did, which seems to have frustrated you even further. Take them to the Lord in prayer and let it all out to Him. You will feel much better.

Next time I make a post, I am choosing my wording very carefully It is amazing how powerful words can be, but that goes for those who respond to my post as well as to myself. That’s only fair enough.

In any case I was just venting because I was very upset and I don’t have anywhere else but this “bulletin board” to discuss the faith.

Thank you for your response.

God bless.

-Paul

 

[PJD1987]

I came to this thread expecting to read about liturgical dancing girls, leavened bread being used for the consecration, ‘hymns’ that were equivalent to bad teenage poetry with music played on bongo drums and vestments of appalling design.

My preconceptions about the ‘worst mass ever’ were sadly let down.

Yes, I’m not being especially serious with my comment… mainly because I haven’t seen much evidence of anything really awful having happened. The Liturgy of the Word was correct. The Liturgy of the Eucharist was all there, albeit with a reasonably harmless addition or two. The whole Mass itself was ordered around anticipating the welcoming of new members into the Catholic flock - and that is something to be joyful about.

I believe we far too often get tied up in how we ‘expect’ things to happen and fail to understand the reasons why things don’t happen the way we expect.

OP - if you have an issue with your priest’s celebration of the Mass, I suggest asking him charitably what the reasons were for him having celebrated it in the way that he did. Do not accuse him of faults, because that would be uncharitable. Instead seek to understand by asking questions. If he can’t answer the questions, he will figure out for himself his own faults and he won’t need to be told.

In this case, I am glad I was able to let you down, because imagine how much worse my thread would have been taken had I had dancing girls, waving flags, and leavened bread to “rant” about.

Your suggestions are very well taken, and I thank you for your thoughts.

God bless.

-Paul