Youth Mass idea: Lifehouse Skit DURING Mass?

[bobolink]

I’ve been asked to play the Lord during a little play thing, (of which a link to a version of it follows this post), but I have reservations as it would be during Mass, after the Gospel or testimonies or something. I don’t think that Mass is the place to have this, and also the loud applause and such which would follow, is, to me, inapporopriate for Mass. Better to have it in another venue, perhaps after Mass, though this may not be possible.

The thing is, I think this is a powerful evangelisation tool for youth, yet it bothers me a lot, the idea of doing it during Mass. Kindof goes against my view and belief on the Mass and what should and should not be done. Yet if it were an opportunity, should it be taken or not?

Help! Advice please.

View the play here: uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

 

[Dicerning]

I’ve been asked to play the Lord during a little play thing, (of which a link to a version of it follows this post), but I have reservations as it would be during Mass, after the Gospel or testimonies or something. I don’t think that Mass is the place to have this, and also the loud applause and such which would follow, is, to me, inapporopriate for Mass. Better to have it in another venue, perhaps after Mass, though this may not be possible.

The thing is, I think this is a powerful evangelisation tool for youth, yet it bothers me a lot, the idea of doing it during Mass. Kindof goes against my view and belief on the Mass and what should and should not be done. Yet if it were an opportunity, should it be taken or not?

Help! Advice please.

View the play here: uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

As a youth you can be a powerful witness to share your feelings about doing this during Mass. I suggest you voice your concerns regarding doing such a thing during the representation of Calvary in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Go with your gut…decline to do this. Make sure people know why you decline.

 

[puppypatrol]

I’ve been asked to play the Lord during a little play thing, (of which a link to a version of it follows this post), but I have reservations as it would be during Mass, after the Gospel or testimonies or something. I don’t think that Mass is the place to have this, and also the loud applause and such which would follow, is, to me, inapporopriate for Mass. Better to have it in another venue, perhaps after Mass, though this may not be possible.

The thing is, I think this is a powerful evangelisation tool for youth, yet it bothers me a lot, the idea of doing it during Mass. Kindof goes against my view and belief on the Mass and what should and should not be done. Yet if it were an opportunity, should it be taken or not?

Help! Advice please.

View the play here: uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

If it is being presented in place of the homily and the presider has no problem with it, it is totally appropriate and could be the key to getting the youth fired up. That is part of the purpose of a homily, getting people to think.

Nothing personal but I would have preferred to see the pastor play the part of the Lord, thought.

 

[japhy]

I have reservations as it would be during Mass, after the Gospel or testimonies or something. I don’t think that Mass is the place to have this, and also the loud applause and such which would follow, is, to me, inapporopriate for Mass.

Mass is not the place for entertainment. Skits should take place before or after Mass. Preferably not in the sanctuary, since the sanctuary is meant to be reserved for the liturgical acts of the Church’s worship; if it can take place in the parish hall, that would be best.

The thing is, I think this is a powerful evangelisation tool for youth, yet it bothers me a lot, the idea of doing it during Mass.

The Mass is a powerful evangelization tool as well… or at least, if it is celebrated properly, it would be. There needn’t be flashing lights, loud sounds, dancing, artificial “participation”, etc. If the Mass is celebrated properly, and if the priest makes the effort (primarily in his homily) to teach the youths about the sacred mysteries being celebrated, then they would understand and comprehend the Mass as more than a weekly obligation.

A problem with age-oriented Masses is that there is the danger than the person will grow accustomed to the “special” Mass they’ve been attending and will not enjoy attending “normal” Masses.

 

[japhy]

If it is being presented in place of the homily and the presider has no problem with it, it is totally appropriate and could be the key to getting the youth fired up.

Well, no. The homily is reserved to a bishop, priest, or deacon. No substitutions permitted.

That is part of the purpose of a homily, getting people to think.

• The homily teaches and illustrates the truths and mysteries of the faith as well as the norms for Christian living, touching upon the whole of Christian teaching. (Cf. CIC, can. 386 §1, 528 §1, can. 767 §1; CCEO, can. 614 §1)
• The homily provides liturgical catechesis. (Cf. GIRM, n. 13)
• The homily explains the texts heard in the liturgy. (Cf. GIRM, nn. 29, 55, 65)
• The homily is based on Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium. (Cf. Divino Afflante Spiritu, n. 50; GIRM, n. 65; Redemptionis Sacramentum, n. 67)
• The homily should be relevant to the liturgical celebration of the day or season. (Cf. GIRM, n. 65)
• The quality of homilies must improve: they must not be generic or abstract, they must not dwell solely on the profane and political, and they must not use pseudo-religious material as sources. (Cf. Redemptionis Sacramentum, n. 67; Sacramentum Caritatis, n. 46)
  (Source)

 

[Iowa_Mike]

I’ve been asked to play the Lord during a little play thing, (of which a link to a version of it follows this post), but I have reservations as it would be during Mass, after the Gospel or testimonies or something. I don’t think that Mass is the place to have this, and also the loud applause and such which would follow, is, to me, inapporopriate for Mass. Better to have it in another venue, perhaps after Mass, though this may not be possible.

The thing is, I think this is a powerful evangelisation tool for youth, yet it bothers me a lot, the idea of doing it during Mass. Kindof goes against my view and belief on the Mass and what should and should not be done. Yet if it were an opportunity, should it be taken or not?

Help! Advice please.

View the play here: uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

I don’t think you need any advice…follow your instincts because they are dead on.

The mass is no place for entertainment…don’t let other voices persuade you that this is OK…it is not. It is totally unnecessary to interrupt the celebration of the mass to put on a skit, play, etc. The total focus of the congregation moves away from the mass and Christ’s sacrifice made present to ‘the show’. People clap and laugh, take pictures of their little darlings, etc. This is totally unnecessary. If people want to entertain let them do it before or after mass…but then there wouldn’t be a captive audience would there?

If the play, skit, talk, whatever does not add to the solemnity and reverence of the mass it should be restricted to the parish hall or before or after the mass…never during it.

Guess why we have parishes that have liturgical dance, secular and religious plays, priests who dress in costume, processions with musicians, dancers, singers etc. as part of the liturgy? Where do you draw the line?

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

 

[lizaanne]

I don’t think you need any advice…follow your instincts because they are dead on.

The mass is no place for entertainment…don’t let other voices persuade you that this is OK…it is not. It is totally unnecessary to interrupt the celebration of the mass to put on a skit, play, etc. The total focus of the congregation moves away from the mass and Christ’s sacrifice made present to ‘the show’. People clap and laugh, take pictures of their little darlings, etc. This is totally unnecessary. If people want to entertain let them do it before or after mass…but then there wouldn’t be a captive audience would there?

This is dead on. A play has absolutely NO place in the Mass.

Speak to your priest, and if he continues to want this, then contact your Bishop. It is an abuse of the Mass and should not be allowed.

~Liza

 

[Dicerning]

WOw three of us from Iowa posting on this thread.

 

[benedictgal]

If it is being presented in place of the homily and the presider has no problem with it, it is totally appropriate and could be the key to getting the youth fired up. That is part of the purpose of a homily, getting people to think.

Nothing personal but I would have preferred to see the pastor play the part of the Lord, thought.

Actually, this is cmopletely wrong. A homliy must be preched. It cannot be subtituted for a play

Please see this from Redemptionis Sacrmentum:

[64.] The homily, which is given in the course of the celebration of Holy Mass and is a part of the Liturgy itself,142 “should ordinarily be given by the Priest celebrant himself. He may entrust it to a concelebrating Priest or occasionally, according to circumstances, to a Deacon, but never to a layperson.143 In particular cases and for a just cause, the homily may even be given by a Bishop or a Priest who is present at the celebration but cannot concelebrate”.144

[65.] It should be borne in mind that any previous norm that may have admitted non-ordained faithful to give the homily during the Eucharistic celebration is to be considered abrogated by the norm of canon 767 §1.145 This practice is reprobated, so that it cannot be permitted to attain the force of custom.

[66.] The prohibition of the admission of laypersons to preach within the Mass applies also to seminarians, students of theological disciplines, and those who have assumed the function of those known as “pastoral assistants”; nor is there to be any exception for any other kind of layperson, or group, or community, or association.146

[67.] Particular care is to be taken so that the homily is firmly based upon the mysteries of salvation, expounding the mysteries of the Faith and the norms of Christian life from the biblical readings and liturgical texts throughout the course of the liturgical year and providing commentary on the texts of the Ordinary or the Proper of the Mass, or of some other rite of the Church.147 It is clear that all interpretations of Sacred Scripture are to be referred back to Christ Himself as the one upon whom the entire economy of salvation hinges, though this should be done in light of the specific context of the liturgical celebration. In the homily to be given, care is to be taken so that the light of Christ may shine upon life’s events. Even so, this is to be done so as not to obscure the true and unadulterated word of God: for instance, treating only of politics or profane subjects, or drawing upon notions derived from contemporary pseudo-religious currents as a source.148

No where in the documents, even in the directory for Masses with Children, are allowances made for substituting a play for the homily.

 

[bobolink]

Thanks for all your replies.

I am going to go with my gut (and my reason) and decline.

I feel like I would disappoint them, but better that than go against my conscience and offend God. But I will speak to the priest and make my position clear: I would be pleased to help but not during Mass, nor in the church for that matter.

 

[bobolink]

I have been told that the parish hall is very run down. If it was not possible to have the skit in the hall, would it be acceptable to have it in the church outside Mass? Myself, I’d say no, but interested in your comments.

 

[Iowa_Mike]

I have been told that the parish hall is very run down. If it was not possible to have the skit in the hall, would it be acceptable to have it in the church outside Mass? Myself, I’d say no, but interested in your comments.

It would be best if the church was not used as a theater. Having said that, if there is an appropriate skit or play that is done immediately before the mass or just after the dismissal, I think it would be OK…but not during the mass.

Iowa Mike

 

[puppypatrol]

I’m sorry but I think you are all missing the point.

GIRM65. The homily is part of the Liturgy and is strongly recommended,63 for it is necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life. It should be an **exposition of some aspect of the readings from Sacred Scripture **or of another text from the Ordinary or from the Proper of the Mass of the day and **should take into account **both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners.64

Have none of you ever seen a display of the Passion during Mass? What about the readings on Good Friday and Palm Sunday, these are “Plays”. Have you never laughed at a joke you pastor had in his homily? Have you never had an almost uncontrollable urge to stand up and applaud at the end of a pastor’s homily. (If not, I feel sorry for you)

While I don’t agree specifically with “Lifehouse Skit” (didn’t really care for it and looked too “Evangelical/Pentecostal Prostestant” to me) Let’s try thinking also WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? I think he would have used any means possible, within reason, to reach someone who hadn’t been reachable before.

Also these “plays” (for lack of a better word) can be done reverantly, solemnly, and with deep spiritual meaning. The fact that the Presider should deliver the homily is why I believe the Presider should be directly involved, always being Christ. These “plays” may not be the preferred method for most but they are not totally wrong either
.
I am not condoning major theatrical proformances, just the opportunity for someone who is more visual than auditory to get the most out of the Mass and can participate the same as everyone else. Isn’t that really the point? If not, then why do we have english, spanish, french Masses and Masses for the Deaf?

 

[japhy]

Have none of you ever seen a display of the Passion during Mass? What about the readings on Good Friday and Palm Sunday, these are “Plays”. Have you never laughed at a joke you pastor had in his homily? Have you never had an almost uncontrollable urge to stand up and applaud at the end of a pastor’s homily. (If not, I feel sorry for you)

The reading of the Passion of the Lord on Palm Sunday and Good Friday is not a play. It is simply the proclamation of the Scriptures as the liturgy prescribes. It’s a prescribed liturgical act, not a play.

I do not understand the relevance of laughing at a joke during the homily; how does that pertain to a skit being performed? And while I have, at times, felt an urge to applaud after a particularly poignant homily, it has never been because I was entertained, but because it was an excellent homily which glorified God and sanctified His people.

I do not understand the relevance of your reference to the GIRM, either.

Let’s try thinking also WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? I think he would have used any means possible, within reason, to reach someone who hadn’t been reachable before.

That sounds reasonable. But during Mass? I think that when we are dealing with a liturgical act of the Church, we should do what the Lord has, through his Church, prescribed for us to do. During the Mass, we follow the Missal. After Mass, outside of the liturgy, we have a far greater range of creativity!

Also these “plays” (for lack of a better word) can be done reverantly, solemnly, and with deep spiritual meaning. The fact that the Presider should deliver the homily is why I believe the Presider should be directly involved, always being Christ.

They can be performed outside the Mass.

These “plays” may not be the preferred method for most but they are not totally wrong either.

I don’t see where you have the authority to make that judgment. I don’t know of any general or specific permission for such plays during the Mass at any point, let alone in place of the homily.

They’re not “totally wrong”, you say. Are they “partially wrong”?

 

[Iowa_Mike]

I’m sorry but I think you are all missing the point.

GIRM65. The homily is part of the Liturgy and is strongly recommended,63 for it is necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life. It should be an **exposition of some aspect of the readings from Sacred Scripture **or of another text from the Ordinary or from the Proper of the Mass of the day and **should take into account **both the mystery being celebrated and the particular needs of the listeners.64

Have none of you ever seen a display of the Passion during Mass? What about the readings on Good Friday and Palm Sunday, these are “Plays”. Have you never laughed at a joke you pastor had in his homily? Have you never had an almost uncontrollable urge to stand up and applaud at the end of a pastor’s homily. (If not, I feel sorry for you)

While I don’t agree specifically with “Lifehouse Skit” (didn’t really care for it and looked too “Evangelical/Pentecostal Prostestant” to me) Let’s try thinking also WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? I think he would have used any means possible, within reason, to reach someone who hadn’t been reachable before.

Also these “plays” (for lack of a better word) can be done reverantly, solemnly, and with deep spiritual meaning. The fact that the Presider should deliver the homily is why I believe the Presider should be directly involved, always being Christ. These “plays” may not be the preferred method for most but they are not totally wrong either
.
I am not condoning major theatrical proformances, just the opportunity for someone who is more visual than auditory to get the most out of the Mass and can participate the same as everyone else. Isn’t that really the point? If not, then why do we have english, spanish, french Masses and Masses for the Deaf?

With all respect, you ask, ‘What would Jesus do’? Check out John 2:14-17. Here Christ drove the money changers and those that sold oxen, sheep and doves from the temple using a scourge of little cords…

16 And to them that sold doves he said: Take these things hence, and make not the house of my Father a house of traffic.

Do you really think he would approve of plays and skits performed in the middle of Mass which seem to transform the church from a house of worship into a house of entertainment?

During Mass Christ makes present the paschal mystery. That is what is going on during the Mass, that is what Jesus is doing. During Mass the host, through the miracle of transubstantiation, is transformed into the body - blood - soul and divinity of Christ and given to us. Any activity that diminishes, distracts or detracts from the above should not be allowed. We are at mass to worship God not to be entertained. I suggest you worry less about what you are getting out of mass and worry more about what you are putting into mass.

Saying mass in the vernacular, reading the Passion during Easter and the readings on Palm Sunday and Good Friday are all designed to add to the reverence and solemnity of the mass. A quip from a priest is most often used as an illustrative device, not for stand-up comedy; these things are perfectly OK.

In concluding I would offer the following:

1, I would argue that any play done during the Mass…well intended or not…is totally and completely unnecessary and totally and completely wrong. There is no reason that these things can’t be done outside the Mass.

1. By presider I think you must be referring to the priest? The word presider is a secular term denoting a chairperson or someone in a position of authority in an assembly. Priest or celebrant are religious terms denoting a person who performs a religious rite such as a priest officating at Mass. So I am interested in why the term priest or celebrant is being abandoned in favor of the word presider, can you explain?

God Bless,

Iowa Mike

 

[Dicerning]

If it is being presented in place of the homily and the presider has no problem with it, it is totally appropriate and could be the key to getting the youth fired up. That is part of the purpose of a homily, getting people to think.

Nothing personal but I would have preferred to see the pastor play the part of the Lord, thought.

I suggest you read Ratzingers “spirit of the liturgy”…

You will get an idea of what Papa wants the homily to be.

 

[palmas85]

If it is being presented in place of the homily and the presider has no problem with it, it is totally appropriate and could be the key to getting the youth fired up. That is part of the purpose of a homily, getting people to think.

Nothing personal but I would have preferred to see the pastor play the part of the Lord, thought.

You are kidding right?

 

[JPUSC]

I’ve been asked to play the Lord during a little play thing, (of which a link to a version of it follows this post), but I have reservations as it would be during Mass, after the Gospel or testimonies or something. I don’t think that Mass is the place to have this, and also the loud applause and such which would follow, is, to me, inapporopriate for Mass. Better to have it in another venue, perhaps after Mass, though this may not be possible.

The thing is, I think this is a powerful evangelization tool for youth, yet it bothers me a lot, the idea of doing it during Mass. Kindof goes against my view and belief on the Mass and what should and should not be done. Yet if it were an opportunity, should it be taken or not?

Help! Advice please.

View the play here: uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

I’m sorry, but I’ve seen that skit on YouTube before and I think that it looks incredibly cheesy. I don’t think it is a great evangelization tool at all. Probably would be good for a few laughs after Mass, but that’s just my opinion.

 

[WhollyRoamin]

I think the skit sounds fine.

For coffee & doughnuts hour after Mass.

In the parish hall.

 

[ASD]

The thing is, I think this is a powerful evangelisation tool for youth, …

I’ll defer to others on question of whether it’s allowed or not. I don’t doubt that Benedictgal, japhy, et al, are correct that is completely inappropriate.

But, I still want to jump on my hobby horse for a second:

Is it a “powerful evangelisation tool for youth?”

Who says? Based on what evidence? Any facts, any numbers?

Though all kinds of nonsense like this is done in the name of parishioners, including “youth,” I think many of them are just putting up with it because they assume it’s well meant.

ASD​

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