[kevinm13]

DallasDeb, I worship and glorify God in my own way. I participate in the Mass by being a Eucharistic Minister and currently I am Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. I read the Bible and pray daily and when I can get to Mass during the week. Long Masses are not helpful to the majority of Catholics, because it drives many people away. Our parish has had the fastest growth of new members in NJ, yet is in a town that celebrated its 100th anniversary several years ago, the parish is over 40 years old and there is little new housing growth in the area, yet the short thoughtful Masses work. We also have Masses with choirs, including a bell choir and a Youth choir that play guitars, violins and other instruments for the people that want that. I prefer short and sweet and singing only for holidays, especially Christmas.

Spending more time in Mass and singing does not make for a more worshipful experience. We had a priest several years ago that was known for his “quick” Masses and even quicker sermons. He would have sermons that were less than 5 minutes (I remember one particularly hot summer day that he said “It is very hot and the place that the Devil is is even hotter. Don’t go there”). His sermons were always very thoughtful, related to the Gospel and memorable, which I couldn’t say for other priests who seem to like to hear their own voices.

We are truly blessed as we get to choose the way we want to worship and I truly enjoy the early short Mass at 7:30.

[trisham]

Spending more time in Mass and singing does not make for a more worshipful experience.

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I do agree.

[Patriotic1]

Our 10:30 mass is heavy on the singing. I’m an EMHC and it’s my favorite mass. It might run a little longer than the other. I feel cheated if each song isn’t sung through to the last verse.

But there are some days when direct and to the point is what I’m in the mood for... so YES - I agree with you - it’s a blessing to have that choice.

[Romulus]

You’re not a Eucharistic minister unless you’re a priest.

[rbmillerjr]

It is my understanding that that lay persons may be deputed to be extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Am I wrong about that?

[Barnacle]

Long Masses are not helpful to the majority of Catholics, because it drives many people away. Our parish has had the fastest growth of new members in NJ, yet is in a town that celebrated its 100th anniversary several years ago, the parish is over 40 years old and there is little new housing growth in the area, yet the short thoughtful Masses work.

Absolutely. Our parish has grown in leaps and bounds since we've gone to web-cam masses with communion by mail.