I agree with the need and the reasons, and I for one am not going to my geographical parish because the pastor allows liturgical dance. But this article almost made me think of something.
The author felt uninvolved and disliked what she was experiencing.
If you are not feeling part of the parish, one way to be a part of it is to get involved. And don’t wait for them to ask you to, or acknowledge you. Get to know the church secretary. Invite the priest over for dinner. Meet the CCE director. Add your imput and most of all pray.
I will be one of the first to admit I have gone to confession because I harbored angry and uncharitable thoughts about the music service and music director. But I’m also guilty of not going and saying, “Wow, I really like that piece of music and how you did it” when he actually did do something better.
WE need to contribute as well as take. Part of why it all happened is that the people who wanted it to be the bad mediocre way it is today pushed for it. We need to push back, encourage the good, and praise God and be thankful when we find it.
I love the old music. I belong to a group who has a small choir that is allowed to perform at Advent and on Palm Sunday Vigil. Only. But each time they perform, they plant little seeds of what sacred music and and ought to sound like. I went out of my way to tell the people who allow them their devotion how wonderful it was. Every bit helps. We plant the seeds, and let God bring the increase.
But especially, we need to pray hard for our priests and bishops. And not only pounce on them when they do wrong but show our gratitude when they do right.
And bring on the old, beautiful stuff to lift our souls to heaven. And Lord, forgive us for our glorification of the mediocre thinking that it would somehow be pleasing to you.
I’m wondering what is the tactful way of saying something about the awful contemporary music at our church. I’m not sure who is responsibile - the music director, or the pastor who seems to like that music - and he is an excellent pastor.
The recessional hymn for every single Sunday Mass this Lent has been “Jesus Remember Me.” I kept trying to escape but my family wouldn’tlet me out of the pew. :)
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted Lent to be over so bad.
Mrs VS
Every parish has a group of diehard complainers. Find the positive and get involved. The best way to effect change is to become active. Your idea may be one that had never been considered before. Best of all, you become part of the community, sharing your God given abilities with others who can benefit.
Kudos on an excellent post!
Our two new priests are very good. Not as good as the orthodox one 3 priests ago, but good.
Tonight a put a suggestion in the suggestion box about people should not be applauding at/after Mass. We’re there to worship the Lord not for a concert.