When I read through the list, I wondered if there are any parishes where at least one of those abuses isn’t happening, either by ignorance or design. Even at my parish, which is great in nine out of the ten, every Mass has “eucharistic ministers” (we have six priests if you count three “in residence”). When the previous pastor was around, there were always two priests at every Mass for the Eucharist. Even at the 7:30 a.m. Mass I usually attend on Sundays. Since he retired in June 2006, his replacement has whittled things down. We have one priest for the 7:30 a.m Sunday Mass, the rest are “eucharistic ministers”. At least the priest still distributes the Eucharist at my parish; when I was out of town in May 2006, I saw a priest sit down after the consecration while a female E.M. opened the Tabernacle, took everything out, and then the rest of the E.M.s (all women) walked over to the various places to distribute the wafers. Needless to say, I chose not to participate in that particular “eucharist” and let everyone else on my row. They looked so “surprised” that I didn’t walk my rusty dusty down the aisle with them!
I attended a Mass in Canton this weekend.
I was trying to get my niece back to attending so we did a LifeTeen. This was my first.
The church itself looked like the Mothership. The tabernacle was hidden back in an alcove behind everyone. My hubby said, the candle wasn’t lit, but it was. Two women in jeans opened it and closed it after communion. *sigh*
Even my niece said, that was way too much.
And BTW, why is everyone so spooked about the Latin Mass. At this LifeTeen, we responded maybe three times. The rest was “performed” by the Lounge act in the back. So what is the big deal about no laity participation? We didn’t either!
First of all, please tell the people who schedule this that the only Eucharistiic Minister at a Mass is the priest.
These are EMHC — translation,
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
I think it will slowly disappear as we get more priests and parishes flourish (It will happen!), but for now, just getting in the line for the priest is good enough for me.
NONE of this occurs in a Byzantine Rite Divine Liturgy. No "Eucharistic Ministers." No "Orans." No handholding. The entire Liturgy is conducted in chant; a dialogue between the people (including the priest) and God. No dances. What we DO HAVE is two (count 'em) processions, complete with "smells" in every Liturgy. We have smells AND bells at the Consecration. We have everybody singing all the time (including the tin-ears).