What are they thinking? (The Easter and Christmas only Church-goers, that is!)

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | April 0, 2012 | Susan Timoney

[Salvation]

What are they thinking?

By: Susan Timoney

On Easter Sunday I had the privilege of serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at the 9:00 am Mass.  By the time Mass began it was standing room only in the church. This was not a surprise. I bet it was the same at your parish. When it came time to distribute Communion, another person and I were asked to go to a station at the rear of the church. A line formed among those standing. At a certain point, I wondered why the line did not seem to get shorter and I realized that people were coming through the doors of the church and getting in line for Communion. After Mass, I learned that indeed people were standing three deep on the sidewalk during Mass. Because it was such a beautiful day, the doors were wide open and the music could surely be heard, but how much of the readings and homily and Eucharistic prayer did people hear?

I’ve been wondering what made them stay and what makes our brother and sister Catholics who don’t come to Mass often and maybe only at Christmas and Easter come on these feasts. On the one hand, if recent studies are correct and a majority of Catholics consider themselves as “active” if they go to Mass once a month on average, then making sure you plan to go on Christmas and Easter is a no-brainer. But for those who come infrequently, why stand on the sidewalk? Reverend Andrew Greeley, SJ, a sociologist talks about the “sacramental imagination” that is nurtured in the Catholic mind and that like Baptism seems to leave and indelible mark and so even for the Catholic who is not practicing the faith, his world view is a Catholic worldview.  Another priest pondered that maybe if a person calls themselves Christian, then at the very least they see a need to come to church on Easter to “represent” so to speak!

Always welcomed

Don’t get me wrong, I love that the congregation overflowed onto the sidewalk on Capitol Hill. What a witness to the truth that the Easter story has real meaning and continues to capture people’s imagination. When I ask “what are they thinking,” I really want to know, because if we who are serious about the New Evangelization can better understand what the pull is to come to church once or twice a year than we can use that as a starting point for helping them look more deeply at their own experience. We can better able in our preaching and teaching and conversation make a more convincing argument for how active participation in life of the church will make a real difference in every part of one’s life. Fr. Bill Byrne, the pastor, in his homily said that the story of the Resurrection does not just have meaning for a moment but rather calls for a commitment. If you believe the story, you need to make a commitment—to discipleship, to Mass, to service. How did people hear that? Are they still thinking about it today?

He knows as all of us know that it won’t be standing room only next week. When we better understand the impulse to come to church once, twice, a few times a year, we can better help our brother and sisters move from impulse to commitment. Any insights you can share with me?

[metmom]

I read it probably 30+ years ago and just picked it up again and reread it last week.

What a difference in understanding several years of walking with Christ made in my understanding of the book.

If it’s been long since you read it, it is definitely worth rereading it again. I always find it amazing how much I forget about a book that’s been sitting on the shelf for years.

[moehoward]

....LOL!!!

[johngrace]

Yes! If I remember He lived for a while wrote his books was a great witness. I read I think 3 or 4 of his books. He was martyred by Mao if I remember right. Praise Jesus for his witness!

I have many books in storage in NY. I need to bring down.

[johngrace]

I am having the worst allergy winter and spring in a long while. I am on low carb diet. This has helped. No gluten mostly. Georgia weather.

[Iscool]

"Every Catholic knows that if you get to Mass late all of the good seats in the back will already be taken. ;o)

Now that's funny, I don't care who ya are...

[Iscool]

I am not talking catholic. I already comment on another thread with you. So Do you confess to Christ for individual sins. Yes or no.

Isn't that clear in my post you referenced???

[johngrace]

All due respect. No. You are obtuse.

[metmom]

I understand the SE is the worst place in the country for allergy sufferers to live. At any time. Seasonal allergies are typically the worst there.

[johngrace]

Now you tell me!! LOL! My body is learning though as the doctor put it. It’s not as bad as the beginning of this condition. Much better than the beginning. Just a crazy season.

[cuban leaf]

We are to be part of the church, or congregation, or assembly, or whatever you may want to term it. That includes being subject, to some degree, to spiritual authorities. The way the authorities get their authority is lined out in Scripture, and their authority is not absolute. Nevertheless it exists.

Jesus set up His church for our blessing, not our curse. Church is not always easy, and God says there are false leaders and so on. But He did set it up and we are to be part of it.

---

I completely agree with that.

[cuban leaf]

—Can you be more specific? —

Not really. It’s just a spirit that manifests itself differently every week. Comments are made about the importance of regular attendance, people are engaged in the sunday school and, to a much lesser degree, the sermon. The pastor is big on reminding everyone of the strength of the body and the importance of us being a unit, helping each other in the Lord.

‘Course, our average attendance is only about 90. And I much prefer the small church to the mega’s (I’ve been to willow Creek and attended a church with 2,500 attendees every sunday. Too big. Even with small groups.

[metmom]

You didn’t ask.

Anyway, try some local honey. The best is to get it from somewhere of the west of you, as unprocessed as possible.

[murron]

Catholics have a chance of redemption. They can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, what was once called Penance, whereby they go to a priest and confess their sins.

As far as eating meat on Fridays, at the time the rule was in place, eating meat was a sin and those who disobeyed committed the sin. It would be same as if you were a young teen and your parents told you to be home by 10 PM. You come home at 10:30 instead and you are punished. However, the following week, your parents ease the rule and say you can now stay out until 11. The fact is, this week staying out until 10:30 won’t get you into trouble, but last week it did.

At any time in your life if you are sincerely sorry for your sin(s) then you are forgiven. But one cannot commit a sin with the presupposition that it’s OK to commit the sin today because you will be forgiven tomorrow.

[murron]

I see that you are a Catholic basher. I know many Evangelicals who are quick to denounce my Church and get downright insulting about it. I love my Church and if you don’t, then you obviously don’t know enough, if anything, about it. You worship your way, and I’ll worship mine. God Bless you.

[johngrace]

I had the local honey. The best I ever tasted. I have to diet.

[Salvation]

What are they thinking? (The Easter and Christmas only Church-goers, that is!)

The Resurrection Appearances Chronologically Arranged
Are There Discrepancies in the Resurrection Accounts? If so, Can They be Resolved?
URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI - EASTER 2012
Saint Gregory the Great’s Sermon on the Mystery of the Resurrection
Pope Benedict XVI warns of moral 'darkness' as he celebrates Easter Mass
Easter Changes Everything
New Catholics a sign of Easter blessing for church (in Oregon)
On Easter Joy -- General Audience, Pope Benedict XVI
The Christ of the Folded Napkin
Reflection on Hope and New Life After the Easter Feasts (Thomas Rosica, CSB)

Easter Time [Eastertide or Easter Season]
Risen Christ opens for a us a completely new future says the Pope at Easter Mass
Man Who "Died" 5 Times Is Becoming Catholic (Thousands to Enter Church at Easter)
On the Resurrection-Pope Benedict XVI
Octave of Easter, Pope Benedict XVI
The Double Alleluia
Easter Sunday
Eastertide Overview
Our 'Great Sunday' (Season of Easter) [Editorial Column]
Happy Easter: The Tomb is Empty! The Warrior of Love has conquered!

Homily Of His Holiness Benedict XVI (Holy Saturday Easter Vigil, Saint Peter's Basilica)
Pope to Baptize Prominent Muslim
Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
The Exultet
The Dark before Dawn
Easter and the Holy Eucharist(Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil
Easter Day and Easter Season
THE EASTER LITURGY [Easter Vigil] (Anglican and Catholic Rites)

Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil
Poles visit symbolic Christ's Graves on Holy Saturday
Easter Vigil tonight
HOMILIES PREACHED BY FATHER ALTIER FOR EASTER VIGIL FROM 2002-2005
2 Paschal Candles; Lights On at Vigil And More on Washing of the Feet
RCIA and Holy Saturday
The Time Of Easter or Eastertide -- Easter Seasosn
Easter Day and Easter Season
Easter Reflections -- 50 Days of the Easter Season
The Blessed Season of Easter - Fifty Days of Reflections

[arielguard]

It’s good to see there is at least one other EO still lurking on the FR. I always take Holy Week off in order to attend all the services. On Pascha its standing room only and I (like you) struggle to not judge all these people who suddenly appear and line up for the eucharist. The challenge is good for the soul.

[metmom]

I think all you need is a teaspoon a day.

Perhaps there’s other stuff to eliminate from your diet for a while. The honey will help. I even had an allergist admit that to me. He said it’s not as good as the shots, but it does work.

It helped mr. mm. He couldn’t do the shots, too bad a local reaction, but when we started with the local honey, he improved a LOT.

[Martin Tell]

Thank you, FRiend.

Now Holy Week is really ratcheting up in intensity. Today is Great and Holy Wednesday, with Holy Unction Service tonight. I recall that lasts about three hours. Tomorrow, Great and Holy Thursday, we have the service of the Twelve Gospels - that's about four hours. May God grant us strength.

Christ is in our midst.

[NoDRodee]

I used to do that until I became a Christian.
I would only go on Easter and Christmas.

My Church only had the same people that show up every Sunday. Normal 90% of members, couple of families may be sick or Traveling.

My guess as to why?
At that time I thought I was a Christian but I wasn't. I was member of a church that allowed me to be member but never said anything or seem to care if I was there or not.
I guess you could say I thought I was a Christian because I was brought up in a Family that said they were Christians, so I assumed I was. Went to Sunday School and stuff as a kid. I would pretty much do anything I wanted and thought I was OK because I was a Christian.

I sense have learned I was wrong, To be a Christian you have to be like Christ, Let Christ rule your life, etc….

As for the Church
We don't celebrate Easter as many do once a year.
Every Sunday we remember and focus on Jesus sacrifice and resurrection when taking the Lord's Supper. As Jesus said “Do THIS in remembrance of Me” when handing out the bread and fruit of the vine.
Paul restated this to the Church in 1 Cor 11. Other passages showed they did this on the 1st day of the week.
I feel every Sunday is pretty much the same as Many celebrate Easter.
Can't find where God / Jesus / His Apostles every taught anything about celebrating Easter or like once a year so we don't do it. Not Judging others as people putting one day over another really doesn't matter unless it impacts what God does say. Example if you say we only remember Jesus death once a year and don't do it when he asked then it may become a problem. I don't think many do that, like the ones you see at Church all the time.