Young People Will Not Leave the Church

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@Lifeisbeautiful3 What is the high point, the purpose, of the huge emphasis on megamusic at the large non-denominational megachurches?

Is it the Scripture? The sermon chosen by the minister? His personality? His delivery, his way with words? Is it the music? The enthusiasm emanating from the singers? I’ve never been able to figure it out. Is the whole thing a show, just for entertainment?

As to why the Catholic Mass has no provision for megamusic, this is my perception:

The practice of Catholicism is an ongoing process that never ends, and lasts from the moment that we truly devote ourselves to becoming holy for Jesus, until the moment that we die.

Ideally, we start our mornings with, at the least, a short prayer. We pray frequently throughout the day, and we examine our consciences at night, talking to God and praying for our friends and families before falling to sleep.

Having conscientiously tried to follow the commandments and love others throughout the week, having received absolution for sins if we must, and having fasted, we look forward to Mass and the reception of Holy Communion as the highlight of our religious week, the culmination of our efforts to live for Him. We’re sinners; we must try, and try, again. Our Mass gives us sustenance for our souls and hope for our eternal life with Him in heaven.

We honor God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit when we participate at Holy Mass. We are there for Christ, for our souls, for the nurturing of our hearts and minds. At the moment the Holy Host touches our tongues, we once again become One with Christ. All our being—all our thoughts, hopes, and desires, throughout the entire Mass—focus upon that moment when we melt, with the Sacred Host, into that Oneness with Him. Any music is in the background, to augment and emphasize the sacredness of the consecration and distribution of the Holy Eucharist.

For me, walking back to my seat and struggling with songs bombarding my thoughts are a strident intrusion at that precious time when I NEED to savor Our Lord. I NEED stillness and silence then, but must contend with what is.
 
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@Minks Totally agree!! While some people want loud music and a ‘performance’ of sorts, many people are fed just as you are, with the existing mass. That’s why my suggestion was:
Lifeisbeautiful3 said:
Why can’t Catholic Mass have music and preaching that would appeal to those followers? Not as a replacement for existing Mass, but as another mass on the calendar or even a service that starts prior to mass?
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@Lifeisbeautiful3 Except for my last paragraph pertaining only to me, my previous post is true of every Mass, so a songfest on much other than the current Mass scale could not be inserted within a Mass. Some have seen a high Mass on television, but to be in attendance, in the midst of one, is entirely different, and far transcends any music recital or concert that I’ve ever witnessed.

Venue is important, too. Inside God’s House, where anything other than reverence and decorum are inappropriate, is not the place for foot tapping and hand clapping. Not counting jokes and laughter, some fairly boisterous antics have occurred on televised megamusic shows, totally inappropriate within a Catholic Church.

An afternoon singalong here and there, or even every Sunday afternoon, spurred on and heightened by a choir or musicians in order to foster the spirit of love and togetherness, perhaps followed by a pitch-in dinner, would be great, but not in a church proper. Maybe a theater or large gymnasium could be rented if a church lacks sufficient space in other buildings.
 
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Tis_Bearself said:
I have to say I get a little tired of all the “youth” emphasis too, especially since when I was young, such programs were either not available, or not presented in a way that appealed to me (too much social justice and not enough devotion). The Church has World Youth Day but no World Middle-aged Day. If I’m lucky I might have 25 or even 35 years left to serve the Church, yet I’m not considered part of its future. At times like that I must remember the Litany of Humility and also remember I am doing what I do for Jesus in private, and not to be recognized by a Church organization in public. Jesus doesn’t care about my age.
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I can sympathize with you. I’m in that place where I’m “too old” for youth activities (which is a shame because I would LOVE to experience WYD again), but too “young” for anyone in the church to take me seriously when I voice my opinion on matters (including attracting and retaining youth).
 
Although we do not share the same religion, I can identify with what you say, and you say this in a very beautiful way. There are spiritual and religious moments in life when silence is indeed golden. Certainly it is that way in the synagogue as well, and I’m sure Quakers share this view.
 
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