I was a Charismatic before I was a Catholic. No one told me there was any problem with it. There was a Charismatic Bible Study and Prayer group at two Catholic Churches that I have attended. One was very low key and met to hear speakers on various subjects (Catechism of the Catholic Church and Biblical references abounded) and then had prayer. We would lay hands on specific people who asked for prayer and we often had group prayer for certain prayer requests. The Speaking in Tongues Prayers were quiet and very dignified and no one did any “pew jumping.” At the close, we recited the Lords Prayer, Hail Mary’s for the Pope, and the Doxology. The other Catholic Church had a very structured Charismatic Group who had a speaker tell of his/her experiences as a Catholic Charismatic and then group prayer for any requests. And it lasted ONE hour and not a minute longer. Needless to say, I was unimpressed, especially when I heard the co-leader state that “we’ll see about that” after the new Priest (at the time) didn’t end a Mass in 60 minutes.
I come from a Pro-test-ant background, Lutheran and Assembly of God. I’ve jumped a pew (astounding myself, actually) “rested in the Lord” (we called it “slain in the Spirit”) many times when prayed for. I’ve been to 2 and 3 hour Sunday Worship Services as an Assembly of God and 6 hour Sunday Worship when attending House of Refuge (all black church). And on a couple of occasions attended “all night” prayer services. Yes, start around 7 or 8 in the evening and end at 6 or 7 in the morning.
I have dreamed of a Catholic church offering an all night prayer service, starting it with Mass, having adoration, then maybe the Rosary and the Stations in between times of prayer, with soft organ music and some hymns or Gregorian chant in between those and then ending with Mass in the morning. To my mind, that would be an utmost spiritual occasion on the order of Seven Storey Mountain or Interior Castles. (Each book was a highlight of my journey into Catholicism.) But unfortunately, I’ve yet to have any Priest get permission from the Bishop for an all nighter. And most cradle-Catholics think I’m nutz when I try to get support for such an “outlandish” (that’s not Catholic) idea.
My journey into Catholicism isn’t complete. I have lots to learn . . . but I wonder how it was on that First Pentecost Day when tongues of fire came down . . . didn’t that occur after an ‘all night prayer meeting in the upper room?’
Welcome home.
Interesting suggestion for an all night “Catholic fest”. You may find the Vigil Masses for both Christmas and Easter come close to your dream scenario there. They aren’t all night, but do go for a good 3-4 hours.
The Charismatic movement within the Catholic church is why I remain a Catholic today. And no - I don’t believe they are a bunch of “nuts”.
As far as an all nighter. The Catholic Charismatic church in Houston has a First Friday all night service - with praise and worship - albeit a loud music filled one. Rosary, Stations of the Cross services are interposed within it.
As far as a more subtle service with the Adoration, Rosary, Gregorian chants, etc, I’ve seen those types of services within religious communities. I think it’s a wonderful idea - but as you’ve learned, not an easy one to put forth, plan, implement and ensure participation. Have you tried Caritas in Birmingham? That might be an option where the community would be open to implementing that - especially with their TV audience (ala EWTN).
One last thing, to some of the individuals who’ve posted replys on religious topics, I get really saddened when I read such snickering comments. If this is truly a Christian forum - then please write in kind.
Thanks.
A 40 hour devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, has been held in the Albany diocese for many years. It includes processions, novenas, stations of the cross, confession, etc. and culminates with Mass at 3am. 4 years ago, they contacted my pastor and asked if he would make the sacrifice. He agreed. And a sacrifice it was. He never told them that his mother and brother were arriving from Lebanon. On that Friday, he drove 3 1/2 hrs to NYC, waited for their delayed flight, drove another 3 1/2 hours back to the residence. Once he had his family settled, he fought off sleep in order to say the 3am Mass. It was absolutely beautiful!