[k omalley]

My children were appalled by the things that you mention: the irreverent handling of the Eucharist, the banal music, the sloppy or immodest dress, loud talking before Mass. At the time I defended what our particular parish presented as the N.O. because I honestly believed that it was mandated by the Vatican, even the Holy Father himself. I mean, that's what our priest told us. Now they are adults and for the most part avoid the Catholic Church. They do like the High Latin N.O. Mass at St. Matthew's in D.C. and will attend when they are there. But they complain that the whole atmosphere in most of the Catholic churches they have attended conveys an attitude of "this isn't really serious or all that important." Especially when most of the people show up in shorts or jeans.

[Aloysius]

They do like the High Latin N.O. Mass at St. Matthew's in D.C.

It's been about seven years since I have been to Matthew's in DC. It was a beautiful Cathedral - hope it still is!