Replies

I'll say this about the Catholic Charismatic Movement: Most modern movements start out faithful, rich in knowledge and love for the Church, and end up "slouching towards Gemorrah." The CCM started out ignorant, arrogant and radical, and now seeks guidance, obedience, and understanding, even though the USCCB is a counsel of wolves.

At least in the Washington area, it is precisely the graduates of Franciscan University (better known as "Steubenville," so the cheerleaders don't get in trouble) who are standing up to the hippy-era priests and demanding authentic worship.

There are two major spiritual movements which seem to be the ones generating all the fervently religious devotions among 20-somethings: Adoration and Charismaticism. My young adult group's worship activities are focused on Eucharistic Adoration, but led and infused with vitality from very charismatic, if not Charismatic, young people. The offspring of Eucharistic Adoration and Charismatic prayer meetings is quite a thing to behold: Young people singing loudly songs of worship TO God (instead of about God, like OPM), then dropping to their knees, and then spending quite a while in dead silence, interrupted by the ritual Latin songs (Tantum Ergo, O Salutaris Hostia), a gospel reading, and the Divine Praises.

I also go to the neighboring parish, where the 9-hour-long all-night adoration has been rejuvenated by a healthy influx of charismatics. (Well, the Caucasian crowd; the Philippine crowd wasn't in so desperate need of rejuvenation.)

One thing, though: It can be kinda tough to get priests for such things. Organizers want someone who will give confession, but Charismatics and Adorers take a long, long time in confession!