Youth Day Liturgy 2012 in Los Angeles

[YoungCatholicLA]

I think it’s a wonderful thing when liturgy becomes exciting for young people. I don’t know where you live but I’m not seeing many young adults on Sunday. This RE congress happens once a year and these practices are the exception,not the norm. A normal parish couldn’t do this every week,nor should they. So why get so upset and critical? These young people are worshipping in a way that might not be pleasing to you but why shouldn’t it be pleasing to God? And by the way…some of it is a cultural thing. The liturgical documents allow for inculturation at times. Have you ever watched papal masses when he travels?

I agree with you.

What is up with all this dislike and distaste for such an awesome event which we have to know as Youth Day?

I loved Youth Day, but thats just my opinion.

Maybe I feel this way because I am really not a fan of uptight, judgemental Catholics who are completely against the idea of Mass being fun. To me, these feelings stir up much more of an irreverence and distraction for our Church than a day where 14,000 come to experience Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, in a more intimate way, some for the first time (Oops, does that phrasing of Jesus sound too Evangelical or Protestant?).

Uptight Catholic response: "But it IS irreverant, its NOT Liturgy, can’t you see that the youth should blahh blahh…and that they should be more blah blah…this is Liberal Protestantism…This is exactly why they…This is not a Mass, this not the way…blah blah…

My response: I urge you to listen to the words of a young person, I, we, actually really enjoy Youth Day. I am a youth, a proud Catholic-Christian who lives in Los Angeles in the year of our Lord 2012, and I’ve got some news for you folks, youth day enriches our faith and brings us closer to God. You see, we love the rallies that pump us up in preparation for some Catechesis. We enjoy the transition after them and before Mass via videos, music, in preparation for the Sacred Liturgy, we appreciate adults who meet us where we are, and we love to worship a God who we know is simply glad that we are rejoicing in His name, with or without drums. We love the fact that we can celebrate Mass anywhere, in our parish churches, the Cathedral and yes, a sports arena.

I pray for my fellow Catholics who worry so much about irreverence, that their eyes be open to seeing that one day they will grow old and alone into a church with no new generation filling the pews if we do not learn to love what is going on with our youth. We appreciate these type of catechetical events. We are not trying to change anything about our beautiful tradition, we are simply trying to make it our own faith. I thank God there are Catholic adults who work at the diocesan level who understand this and work hard to put such an experience on for us year after year, they work with us not against us. And I thank all the priests, and our new conservative Archbishop for partaking in this celebration.

Youth Day provides a renewal for me and my peers and inspires me to share the love of Christ with all, and it does provide an intimate (yes, even among 10,000 people) experience which every person both young and old can benefit from being a part of.

Next year, I invite all critics of Youth Day to actually attend and see firsthand what really goes on because watching a youtube video and commenting on how irreverent it is sounds a bit like taking something out of context and using it against a group, isnt that what fake Christian groups do when they misquote the Bible or take it out of context?

This post was not meant to offend anyone. It was solely meant to share the experience of one of the 14,000 people who went to Youth Day. I really do pray my fellow Catholics, those who make up the present and future of our Church, and peace to ALL of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Peace be with you.

 

[Rainaldo]

What is up with all this dislike and distaste for such an awesome event which we have to know as Youth Day?

Speaking for myself, I dislike it, and it is not to my taste, because I have a different idea of “fun” and its place in life.

I wonder how Youth Day participants would react to a full-blown Extraordinary-Form High Mass with all the accoutrements. I’m willing to bet many of them would fall in love with it at first sight, not realizing what they had been missing.

By the way, do you think court should be fun? How about Marine boot camp graduation ceremonies? Opening session of Congress? I mean, is there ever a time for slow, deliberate, meditative behavior free from multimedia stimulation? (Have you partied with Marines?)

Maybe I feel this way because I am really not a fan of uptight, judgemental Catholics who are completely against the idea of Mass being fun.

Wow, you really give yourself away with that attitude. People with mature preferences developed over a lifetime are uptight and judgmental. Do you have any idea how parochial you sound?

…14,000 come to experience Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, in a more intimate way, some for the first time…

Ah, there it is. It’s all about the experience. What will happen to your faith when the honeymoon is over?

Uptight Catholic response: "But it IS irreverant, its NOT Liturgy, can’t you see that the youth should blahh blahh…and that they should be more blah blah…this is Liberal Protestantism…This is exactly why they…This is not a Mass, this not the way…blah blah…

“Blah blah blah” means “I will not trouble myself to understand your point of view”.

…youth day enriches our faith and brings us closer to God.

Prove it! Make lots and lots of Catholic babies! Stuff the seminaries! Overrun the convents! Convert North Korea! Convert Holland! Unplug the jumbotron and get an STL! I want to see at least one of you 14,000 from Youth Day canonized by the end of the millennium.

…we appreciate adults who meet us where we are…

Interesting point. Where “are” you, anyway? How would you characterize the needs of your generation and age group? And, apart from the fact you find these half-time-show liturgies entertaining, how would you assess their effectiveness in meeting your spiritual needs? Or how would you know if they are nothing more than just parties that give you a good feeling for now, but bring about no lasting effect?

 

[Jegudiel]

I hope we could all agree that what was happening in this liturgy was irreverent: the rapping as an entrance hymn, the dancers, the clapping during hymns, etc. And this is just what I’ve seen from the first 15 minutes.

youtube.com/watch?v=Vpt9XXYHd18&feature=BFa&list=PLEB39E335EB89D545&lf=plcp&index=3

My question is, what could people do about something like this. It’s not really a parish where we could raise our concerns to a priest about what is going on, but the Mass is irreverent and we should demand better. The only problem is, how do we do it, and to whom?

Are you from Los Angeles County? If not, are you able to visit? Rather than worrying about the YDL, I sincerely suggest you attend a Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Angels celebrated by Archbishop Gomez.

In a very quiet way he and his MC Fr. Brian Casteneda have brought great beauty and reverence to the Masses celebrated at the cathedral. Really gorgeous.

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

Interesting point. Where “are” you, anyway? How would you characterize the needs of your generation and age group? And, apart from the fact you find these half-time-show liturgies entertaining, how would you assess their effectiveness in meeting your spiritual needs? Or how would you know if they are nothing more than just parties that give you a good feeling for now, but bring about no lasting effect?

I think you hit it. You feel great when you’re hitting the booze, but then the hangover comes.

 

[CatholicGuy22]

Traditionalists need take a chill pill. This type of celebration is not a common thing but only for special occasions. Blessed John Paul II celebrated masses like these before. Archbishop Gomez is doing a fine job in LA.

 

[YoungCatholicLA]

Speaking for myself, I dislike it, and it is not to my taste, because I have a different idea of “fun” and its place in life.

That’s fine. May I assume that you were not there? Because I could only assume that when 14,000 believers (both youths and adults were there) are gathered as Catholics to worship with the aid of different musicians, engaged by dynamic nationally recognized speakers and an Archbishop recently elected by the Holy Father presiding at the Mass, there is bound to be at least one moment where any person might “like” it, whatever “taste” that person refers.

I wonder how Youth Day participants would react to a full-blown Extraordinary-Form High Mass with all the accoutrements. I’m willing to bet many of them would fall in love with it at first sight, not realizing what they had been missing.

By the way, do you think court should be fun? How about Marine boot camp graduation ceremonies? Opening session of Congress? I mean, is there ever a time for slow, deliberate, meditative behavior free from multimedia stimulation? (Have you partied with Marines?)

I think you were trying to make an analogy somewhere here. Have you ever been to traffic court? So to answer your question, yes, most of the time judges at that court are trying to make the most of the situation and liven it up a little. But you are right, it depends on the situation, criminal courts should not be “fun”. Catholics are asked to attend Mass every Sunday, not asked to go to court. Regarding the marine questions, I suppose I could ask my brother in law who is a Marine, I guess I could also ask him why he, who was baptized a Catholic, left the church and now worships at a non-denominational church.

Wow, you really give yourself away with that attitude. People with mature preferences developed over a lifetime are uptight and judgmental. Do you have any idea how parochial you sound?

You are right, how dare I call people that simply dislike “Youth Day” and condemn for it being irreverent uptight and judgmental. Ah, you got me there.

Ah, there it is. It’s all about the experience. What will happen to your faith when the honeymoon is over?

Faith an experience? Ah, you got me again. When you are truly in love, the honeymoon doesn’t have to end, and if you are referring to the honeymoon as in marriage, then I think we as Catholics are in that one for the long run, its also a Sacrament, yeah? So when the “honeymoon” is over, I think we are called to work at “it”, through prayer, counseling and reflection, or maybe we can try that full-blown Extraordinary-Form High Mass that people are talking about.

“Blah blah blah” means “I will not trouble myself to understand your point of view”.

Prove it! Make lots and lots of Catholic babies! Stuff the seminaries! Overrun the convents! Convert North Korea! Convert Holland! Unplug the jumbotron and get an STL! I want to see at least one of you 14,000 from Youth Day canonized by the end of the millennium.

Huh? In regards to the hopeful canonization of all the young people, the theme was “Called Out” and we were told by Archbishop in his final blessing, that we are called to be saints, so yah that would be pretty neat.

Interesting point. Where “are” you, anyway? How would you characterize the needs of your generation and age group? And, apart from the fact you find these half-time-show liturgies entertaining, how would you assess their effectiveness in meeting your spiritual needs? Or how would you know if they are nothing more than just parties that give you a good feeling for now, but bring about no lasting effect?

Where am I at? I am currently at a point where I am simply trying to strengthen my relationship with God through prayer, Mass, and experiences such as these, I live my life to the best of my ability as a follower, trying to share the good news, using words if necessary (St. Francis). I would recommend, when you have time and are willing of course, Sons and Daughters of the Light. It “characterizes” the needs of young people pretty well, it was published by the USCCB (those are Catholic Bishops) and when I finish the semester, I want to try and read In “You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church…and Rethinking Faith” by David Kinnaman…maybe then I can a better response for you.

 

[YoungCatholicLA]

Speaking for myself, I dislike it, and it is not to my taste, because I have a different idea of “fun” and its place in life.

*That’s fine. May I assume that you were not there? Because I could only assume that when 14,000 believers (both youths and adults were there) are gathered as Catholics to worship with the aid of different musicians, engaged by dynamic nationally recognized speakers and an Archbishop recently elected by the Holy Father presiding at the Mass, there is bound to be at least one moment where any person might “like” it, whatever “taste” that person refers. *

I wonder how Youth Day participants would react to a full-blown Extraordinary-Form High Mass with all the accoutrements. I’m willing to bet many of them would fall in love with it at first sight, not realizing what they had been missing.

By the way, do you think court should be fun? How about Marine boot camp graduation ceremonies? Opening session of Congress? I mean, is there ever a time for slow, deliberate, meditative behavior free from multimedia stimulation? (Have you partied with Marines?)

Wow, you really give yourself away with that attitude. People with mature preferences developed over a lifetime are uptight and judgmental. Do you have any idea how parochial you sound?

*I think you were trying to make an analogy somewhere here. Have you ever been to traffic court? So to answer your question, yes, most of the time judges at that court are trying to make the most of the situation and liven it up a little. But you are right, it depends on the situation, criminal courts should not be “fun”. Catholics are asked to attend Mass every Sunday, not asked to go to court. Regarding the marine questions, I suppose I could ask my brother in law who is a Marine, I guess I could also ask him why he, who was baptized a Catholic, left the church and now worships at a non-denominational church. *

Ah, there it is. It’s all about the experience. What will happen to your faith when the honeymoon is over?

*Faith an experience? Ah, you got me again. When you are truly in love, the honeymoon doesn’t have to end, and if you are referring to the honeymoon as in marriage, then I think we as Catholics are in that one for the long run, its also a Sacrament, yeah? So when the “honeymoon” is over, I think we are called to work at “it”, through prayer, counseling and reflection, or maybe we can try that full-blown Extraordinary-Form High Mass that people are talking about.
*

“Blah blah blah” means “I will not trouble myself to understand your point of view”.

Prove it! Make lots and lots of Catholic babies! Stuff the seminaries! Overrun the convents! Convert North Korea! Convert Holland! Unplug the jumbotron and get an STL! I want to see at least one of you 14,000 from Youth Day canonized by the end of the millennium.

*Huh? In regards to the hopeful canonization of all the young people, the theme was “Called Out” and we were told by Archbishop in his final blessing, that we are called to be saints, so yah that would be pretty neat. *

Interesting point. Where “are” you, anyway? How would you characterize the needs of your generation and age group? And, apart from the fact you find these half-time-show liturgies entertaining, how would you assess their effectiveness in meeting your spiritual needs? Or how would you know if they are nothing more than just parties that give you a good feeling for now, but bring about no lasting effect?

Where am I at? Let me share with you, I am currently at a point in my faith journey where I am trying to strengthen my relationship with God through prayer, Mass, and experiences such as these, I try my living my life putting God first, others second and myself last, I try to preach and live the Gospel, only using words when necessary (St. Francis). I would recommend, when you have time and are willing of course, Sons and Daughters of the Light. It “characterizes” the needs of young people pretty well, it was published by the USCCB (those are Catholic Bishops) and when I finish the semester, I want to try and read In “You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church…and Rethinking Faith” by David Kinnaman…maybe then I can a better response for you.

 

[TevereNauta]

I thought the Mass was beautiful and totally orthodox. It was especially fantastic to see so many young people absolutely pumped to be celebrating the Holy Mass. They were thrilled, devout, and ecstatic to be there, and to be actively participating. Moreover, I am not usually a fan of liturgical dance whatsoever, usually because it has tinges of irreverance and is generally rather–how shall I say–egotistical and presumptive. HOWEVER, this Mass changed my mind a bit, because the dancers kept there distance, were the eiptome of modesty, and they fairly shone with devotion and joy. God bless Archbishop Gomez, and all of the People of God here in the Southern California area.

YoungCatholicLA, take what the critics say with a grain of salt. They are, I’m sure, devout Catholics themselves, but are often misinformed as to the particulars of an area, of an attititude of reverence that does not conform with their own, that does not include EF Latin, scholae and mantillas. Praise God that the youth here in LA are going to Mass IN SPITE of the pressure put on them by a radically secular society. Their positive memories of this beautiful event will, no doubt, help carry them on to active Catholicism as adults. Praise God!

Sure we have abuses California re Church activities, look at that fiasco they had over at USD this weekend. However, there is no reason whatsoever to have brought up a thread to bash Youth Day in Los Angeles. On the bright side, it brought just how vibrant the Church here is Southern California!

 

[Jegudiel]

…I wonder how Youth Day participants would react to a full-blown Extraordinary-Form High Mass with all the accoutrements. I’m willing to bet many of them would fall in love with it at first sight, not realizing what they had been missing.

You’re simply projecting your own desire and hope. In any event what accouterments are you talking about? Celebrating in a dead language that people need to translate on the fly with the use of a little manual? Grim/severe facial expressions? The celebrant with his back to as many people as possible? Silent/mumbled prayers? Holy Communion under one species except for the celebrant? What exactly?

I think ABp. Gomez is very gifted at celebrating the Mass. During Easter at the Cathedral, the Masses were very much on the traditional end of the spectrum although they were not overloaded with “accouterments.”

 

[PA650]

Traditionalists need take a chill pill. This type of celebration is not a common thing but only for special occasions. Blessed John Paul II celebrated masses like these before. Archbishop Gomez is doing a fine job in LA.

Since the true Church emerged in 1965. Why do I waste my time on this stuff? Do modern day theatrics erase everything the Church cherished and nurtured in its liturgy since the first Mass?

 

[Jegudiel]

Since the true Church emerged in 1965. Why do I waste my time on this stuff? Do modern day theatrics erase everything the Church cherished and nurtured in its liturgy since the first Mass?

The sacred liturgy in the Catholic Church has changed greatly since the Last Supper!

There was some schmaltz I didn’t care for as I watched this video but I also realize the audience this Mass is intended for. I also don’t allow myself to get twisted into a control-freak pretzel because my interpretation of Church documents does not (for example) allow the Mass in this instance to begin with a stripped altar or to use lined baskets to hold hosts (even though in the EF, hosts were often placed directly onto corporals, the same material lining those baskets.)

One of the real problems I see with Masses like this are how easy them make difficult maneuvers look. Local parishes try to pull off similar Masses without the expertise, talent or commitment to practice and the crash and burn and make things miserable for all. An example would be the singers and the musicians. There is clearly some talent being offered but in my parish it would be painful to endure if they tried to replicate this Mass.

 

[Rainaldo]

You’re simply projecting your own desire and hope.

Am I projecting … or are you in denial?

 

[Jegudiel]

Am I projecting … or are you in denial?

You’re projecting. To suggest an EF Mass would automatically be embraced by this group is ludicrous. It could certainly be offered as an alternate liturgy (as the Eastern Divine Liturgy has been at this conference) but to use it as you suggest would be foisting the desires of a tiny number onto everyone and that would be wrong.

 

[Rainaldo]

…foisting the desires of a tiny number onto everyone and that would be wrong.

Oh the irony.

 

[Jegudiel]

Oh the irony.

“Irony?” You honestly think it’s a good idea for the desires of a teeny-tiny minority (those who prefer EF Mass) to be foisted upon a large group like this?

 

[smndtupidisaftr]

“Irony?” You honestly think it’s a good idea for the desires of a teeny-tiny minority (those who prefer EF Mass) to be foisted upon a large group like this?

Do you think it’s a good idea to have a Mass that is this large and that arguably is what identifies the Masses of the Los Angeles Archdiocese to the public at large be so contrary to the rubrics and wishes of the Church? Any Gregorian Chant? Nope. Any Latin? Unh-unh. Instead, wine was consecrated when it was still in flagons instead of being in chalices. Liturgical dance was present when the Vatican has told us many times that there is to be absolutely no dance in the liturgy.

The problem isn’t with the OF, the problem is with irreverence, and a good place to start in being reverent is following the rubrics!

 

[smndtupidisaftr]

Are you from Los Angeles County? If not, are you able to visit? Rather than worrying about the YDL, I sincerely suggest you attend a Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Angels celebrated by Archbishop Gomez.

First off, rather than? You’re telling me I’m just supposed to ignore what happens at Youth Day Liturgy despite all of the liturgical abuses? Not happening.

That said, I have not attended a Mass at the Cathedral since the days of Cardinal Mahony, and that Mass had liturgical dance (enough said). Hopefully it’s changed since then with Archbishop Gomez.

In a very quiet way he and his MC Fr. Brian Casteneda have brought great beauty and reverence to the Masses celebrated at the cathedral. Really gorgeous.

I hope to experience it, then, one day. Until then, I’ll keep trying to make the EF Masses in Alhambra.

 

[Anna_Claire]

Do you think it’s a good idea to have a Mass that is this large and that arguably is what identifies the Masses of the Los Angeles Archdiocese to the public at large be so contrary to the rubrics and wishes of the Church? Any Gregorian Chant? Nope. Any Latin? Unh-unh. Instead, wine was consecrated when it was still in flagons instead of being in chalices. Liturgical dance was present when the Vatican has told us many times that there is to be absolutely no dance in the liturgy.

The problem isn’t with the OF, the problem is with irreverence, and a good place to start in being reverent is following the rubrics!

We hear so many whiny complaints from traditional Catholics…what about respect and reverence for members of the Body of Christ who may think or believe differently? I fail to see how occasional liturgies at which the goal of praise and prayer is being achieved…even if rubrics are not followed exactly… are irreverent. How do you feel about huge papal masses? Most often these liturgies are not strictly by the books.

 

[CatholicGuy22]

All Hail Traditional Catholics!!! :bowdown: We are unworthy to be in the presence of your holiness. Please pray for us pagans who dont have latin in any of our masses!!

 

[TrueLight]

All Hail Traditional Catholics!!! :bowdown: We are unworthy to be in the presence of your holiness. Please pray for us pagans who dont have latin in any of our masses!!

Is it really possible to not have one word of Latin at a mass?