I’m not a religious person. I’m not a Catholic nor any other variety of Christian. So perhaps I shouldn’t comment here. But that isn’t stopping me, I suppose.
Once in a blue moon, I’ll go to a Catholic mass, just because I enjoy the solemnity of it. I don’t have to explain to anybody who’s been to a Catholic mass the feeling one gets.
So to me, this kind of thing would cheapen the mass and bring it dangerously close to the kind of things I’ve seen at Protestant churches, where I’ve seen (really, really terrible) rock bands playing “modern Christian” music and the congregants making (IMO) fools of themselves. It’s completely stripped of the kind of dignity I see in Catholic Mass. I really hope this doesn’t happen.
Since you are in MD, may I suggest attending Mass at one of the Catholic Churches that celebrate the Latin Mass.
(There are Latin/English missals available at those churches that celebrate the Latin Mass)
Here is a link to locations in your state.
http://web2.airmail.net/carlsch/MaterDei/churches.htm#maryland
If you enjoy the solemnit of the Latin (i.e. Novus Ordo) Mass, you would be moved to tears at some of the Eastern Catholic liturgies.
So to me, this kind of thing would cheapen the mass and bring it dangerously close to the kind of things Ive seen at Protestant churches ...
Which is precisely why the bishops issued that directive back in 1975. That hasn't stopped some parishes from implementing liturgical dance. Fortunately, it has not caught on and is rapidly fading. I'm glad to learn that you have been spared this liturgical novelty.
Thanks for appreciating the beauty and religious experience of our Mass. I've never really been to a Sunday service other than Mass so I don't know how it compares.
By all means, avoid Life Teen Masses. Even Catholics are not immune. A well done Novus Ordo, OTOH, can be unbelievably solemn and uplifting. You're welcome anytime.
It struck me as funny when I was a pepsicolian and strikes me as pathetic now that I’m Catholic that people think this amazing miracle somehow needs tarting up.