Congratulations on returning to the Church. I, too, am a "revert". It sounds like we have followed some similar paths. When I first returned, I really "enjoyed" the "youth Mass" with its contemporary music and energetic homilies.
As I dug deeper into the Scriptures and Tradition, I began to realize that Mass is not entertainment. The highlight of the Mass is not the Homily, it is the liturgy of the Eucharist.
I realized that the Mass I attended had its priorities and emphases very confused, and it resulted in a community of very confused believers. The Pastor and the Music Director became minor celebrities and the Holy Eucharist became marginalized.
My family and I left that parish for one that might not be as entertaining, but is very solid liturgically.
I'll bet you a dollar that five years from now you'll love a more traditional Mass and cringe whenever you hear drums during Mass.
P.S. Look around. Despite the crowded church I'll bet that your Life Teen parish has not yielded many vocations. I was very surprised to learn how many more vocations come from the more traditional parishes.
Possibly. It has been less than a year since I started going regularly again.
I will grant you that, but this can go both ways. Getting back to my earlier point - are people there for Christ or are they there for the ritual (those on both sides of the debate)? I will readily admit that I go to the Mass I go to specifically because it's that Mass, specifically because I am not in an emotional state to go to the solemn Mass (maybe someday when the loss of my parents isn't such an open wound). So guilty as charged. How about those on the other side who were so quick to judge me?
I will say, though, that I can't stand the hippie-dippie folk Mass. Acoustic guitars and autoharps in Church do make me cringe. Always have.
And yeah, I know the point/climax of the Mass is the Eucharist, but it's nice to hear a truly uplifting and inspiring Homily before it as well. I can't say how many times I've nearly fallen asleep during the Homily, to actually want to pay attention is a nice change.
I also just want to point out how nice it is having the discussion this way (both you and bornacatholic), as opposed to my comments getting immediately blasted. I will probably not be participating in this thread any longer, I said what I wanted to say, so if you want to respond, send it privately.