Return to Catholicism
I went to a Catholic Mass today for the first time in years to see my uncle celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination. Fifty years. I am so proud.
While we were at Mass, I was reminded that there are aspects of it that I truly miss. Now before I get started, let me say that yes, there is a lot about Catholicism that I don’t miss or don’t agree with. That’s why I left the Catholic church over 15 years ago, so you can save the negative comments. But I think that Protestants tend to give the Catholic church a bad shake, so I thought I’d share three things about it that I miss:
Worshiping with my family.
My entire family was at Mass today. Brothers, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins. It was like that when I was a kid, and it brought back lots of good memories. Sometimes my parents (who are both Catholic and believers) come to church with us. I love when that happens. It’s like receiving a gift. I think I need to start going to Mass once and a while with them. I can give them that gift too.
Communion.
We don’t take communion enough. I thought that when I started attending Baptist church and it was taken once per month. The church I’m at now does it once per quarter. I miss taking it each week and appreciate the importance and priority that is placed on it.
Reverence.
This is the most important thing that I miss about going to Mass. There is a reverence that people observe when attending. There is no doubt that people are entering the sanctuary with honor and respect. I LOVE THAT. I often think that we approach Sunday service a bit more casually than I’d prefer. (Example: I would NEVER, ever walk into Mass carrying my Starbucks). While the fog machines, flashing lights, and rock band worship service is appealing to many, I have a hard time saying that it’s better or worse than a responsorial Psalm (except that Chris Tomlin may have written one and King David wrote the other… and some prefer Chris Tomlin).
All I know is that there are some Sunday mornings when I miss singing the Psalms, on my knees, in the quiet solititude of a sancturary that smells like candles and incense. And on those Sundays, the worship concert and programmed service seem like too much.
Tho not Catholic, I do attend where the service is 'similiar'. And yes, I also like to have a contemporary service now & again… (apologize ahead of time, sorry) I laughed when I read “Starbucks Coffee” during service. I've never seen that before… don't think I'd be too comfy doing that either. We have communion every other wk. it seems OK w/me.
Have you attended a presbyterian Sunday service maybe?
Cheers,
a. (I'm an ex-Catholic)
As a current and born-and-bred Catholic, with quite a Protestant streak in him, I find value in both types of services.
I, too, think that the reverence and family attendance are strong and admirable in the Catholic church. Because Catholicism has been the “default” practice for so many, it may seem that full family attendance is higher in Catholic churches, but that may be more my perception than anything.
I have only been to a few non-Catholic services over the years, and have found a few that resonated with me. It is certainly a different experience, and yes, the coffee in the gathering space was kind of bizarre to me, but the intention of the church was right on, even if it seems the members make it more about being comfortable and taking care of their own needs.
I have been thinking a lot about this lately. At Mass yesterday, I was kind of sad that the music and environment felt so somber, after having been to a VERY contemporary service last week (w/ @loswhit). The more I process this, the more I think it's good to balance our approach to God, and worship of Him. While we do need to revere Him, we also need to celebrate what He has done for us. In some Catholic churches, every Mass feels like a funeral, because of how low-key everything is. On the other hand, the flashing lights and fog machines of some of the Protestant churches may be more about being entertained than worshipping.
I guess I will continue to struggle with the best approach, for me anyway, and will just try to make sure that my heart is right, wherever I go, whether the service feels right or not.
I agree 100%…My church that I am a worship leader at http://www.lifepathchurchri.com is the best of both worlds. It is ancient modern. We have communion every week, incense, liturgy, Modern worship with band, full use of visuals/arts/projection/Liturgical elements
I love it because we have the reverence and mystery and we also have the relevance. Liturgy and order are the fireplace to the flame of the charismatic and keeps the house from burning down.
Well, I'm a current Catholic who just can't get out to go to Mass anymore. I think it shocks a lot of people that I would still go to my church after all I've been exposed to online… But I think the reason I found that I love having TRF online as my new home is because there is a reverence that is a part of their worship. To me, they don't have a distracting entertainment factor in their worship.
I am in no way saying that the “showier” worships aren't great… They just aren't great for me. It's probably because I grew up in a quieter worship space that I need that to be focused solely on Him. There are many things about the Catholic church that infuriate me. Judgement and hypocrisy abounds… As it does in many churches. But there are tenants in my faith that I believe in, cherish, and helped form me. But more important than any of that is the relationship I have with Jesus. It's that relationship that keeps me centered in Him when my church, or any church, speaks or acts in a way that I don't agree.
I'm rambling now, but I guess what I'm saying is this: I appreciate all my Catholic faith has done to shape me. And I am grateful to have found places online that have continued to help me on my journey. I am embracing the good it has provided and leaving the things that I don't agree with in His capable hands. I have been saddened on more than one occasion about how people I've met online dismiss my Catholic faith as being less Christian than theirs, because I am more than comfortable with the faith in Jesus it instilled in me.
1) Nope. I do too.
2) Nope- but I'm not sure it's related.
I've experienced “non- sunday morning stage show church” outside the context of Catholicism…I miss it.
Also: tradition.
I like both… I think. I think that churches that have the stage show need to make sure that the substance of their message is equally evident. In other words, it's about more than the show.
TRF does a really, really, really good job with balancing that. Brent and Tammy are amazing and their heart shows through in their worship. I love them.
Great point! Glad to have a worship leader in the conversation.
Your heart is in the right place. God will lead to you a place where you need to be.
No, I've never been to a presbyterian service. What is it like?
I've seen the Sbux (or similar) more times than I can count.
Boring, lol.
I work at a PC USA church. (Don't be hatin')
It's lightly liturgical. A few call-and-answers, a few prayers said together and by the pastor, and a sermon. And some hymns. Not very Catholic.
If you'd like a Catholic service with the Catholicism, try an Episcopalian or Anglican church. “All of the pageantry, none of the guilt.”
AUTHOR POST NOTE:
Given the “tone” of some tweets and DMs I've gotten let me repeat… I'm no longer catholic for a reason. I get it. That said, there are still things about a mass that I miss… and that's okay.
Also, I currently attend a church with a very hip worship band. I love it and I love my church. My only point is that sometimes I miss the reverence of a mass… that's okay too.
Finally, (also in reference to tweets and DMs) I think that a lot of folk are going to be really shocked when they see how many Catholics are in heaven. Just sayin…
haha! I actually like out church a lot, including the rockin worship. Sometimes I miss the quietness of the mass… sometimes. Actually, I much prefer the songs to hymns. It's the fog machine and light show I can do without. That includes the “atmosphere” that goes along with them.
Thank you so much for the kind words regarding TRF Gitz and Nicole.
I love this post, because I think you are hitting something that many people are thinking or feeling. Most the world cruises through church on auto pilot. We get comfortable with our surroundings and routines and we dont think much about whether or not there is more.
When we are placed into a situation that either reminds us of more, or lets us experience more, our eyes are opened to new opportunity. I see liturgy falling into this. Most evangelicals in America have had zero experience with liturgical practices. Many even believe them to be wrong or theologically incorrect. That's just fear speaking. Everyone should experience a liturgical service at least once.
Now, with that said, I believe we put too much emphasis on Sunday AM. Its as if there is some rule that between 9-11am every Sunday morning, we become church. This just isnt Biblical in any way. So, because we put so much emphasis on these times, we determine what we are to be in worship style and practice. Then we go on to emphasize those things. So, you get very modern rock style churches. you get very solemn liturgical churches. You get old style preaching churches. You get 1hr services. You get 1ll day picnics. The llist could go on. An area, I think we as the local church fail at, is broadening our experience. Allowing for more styles and practices. Allowing for rock music and classical music. Allowing for evangelical practices and liturgical practices. Its not an either or. Its an “all”.
Maybe Sunday AM at a church is all about the 20 minutes music and 40 minutes teaching. Rock your socks off. Encourage you and release you to the world. Or maybe Sunday morning is about taking time. Slowing down. More reverence or solitude. In either case, they are both valuable and wonderful. But, if we do one of those on Sunday. then on Monday, take time to practice other things. Rock out on Sunday and then meet for communion and prayer on Monday. And then pizza party it up on Tuesday. And then just sit in silence on Wednesday.
So, my point is this. I love both and there is room for all styles. But, I think we should encourage more. I think we should discourage such a heavy focus on Sunday's, that either limits us or categorizes us. I dont think there is a right or wrong…Until, we decide that I shouldnt experience more.
That was like a thousand times smarter than my post. I couldn't agree more!
I don't know what your dms have said, but i can gather from your tone. This is why I focused my comment on my Catholic beliefs and the good that's come from my upbringing, because I have been put down OFTEN because of it. And it's discouraging to me that people have told me I got “lucky” that I'm a good Christian despite being Catholic. Jesus loves me the same as anyone else.
mother theresa was catholic. 'nuff said. His Body needs to be able to love each other instead of bickering and thinking one “denomination” is better than the other.
By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. – john 13:35
Absolutely, there is room for all styles. What's that verse about judging others???!!! Really!
I do sometimes miss the “doxology”. The good ole Methodist readings. The choir vs praise & worship teams. The organist vs the Rock band.
That 2 hour block on Sunday is a refueling for me. Even though I don't attend church in the flesh. Finding one, even within an hour of me, is proving difficult. I listen to a friends podcast. I tune in, when I can, to TRF. Tam & Kass' voices draw me in! And the message always seems to fly by! Just when it seems like Tom started, he's done and I am surprised at the time! He weaves an awesome message. A great storyteller. Like I said, I am refueled, reminded I am not alone in my journey. Just as Monday's refuel me when the blog posts are firing up for the week! People sharing life. And how to get the best out of each moment.
Reverence is still a part of my routine. I like structure. It keeps me out of trouble! And if I practice being reverent, I will learn discipline & respect. And compassion & empathy. Being a friend & a listener. Letting my life shine because of what God has given me. I respect what He has given me. Gifts beyond anything earthly.
Ahhh,,,, Mother Theresa. Excellent point!!!
Agreed. And I'd add humility to your list too. Very important.
You are so right. (You just convicted me about walking into a sanctuary with a cup of coffee!) lol.
I grew up Catholic, went to Catholic school K-12, went to fundie Baptist churches (and a college) for a few years, and am now in a reformed Presbyterian church. (whew!) Fundie Baptist churches gave me a real distaste for Catholicism (remember, it's the great whore!) but now that I'm in a Presbyterian church that has a liturgical service, I kinda do miss the reverence that you speak of.
By the way, John Piper recommended Holy Ground by Chris Castaldo to read late last year and it was totally worth it. Castaldo is a former Catholic and writes about how to approach Catholic family members and friends without offending them. Perhaps you might like it? http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Ground-Walking-Forme...
Thanks for the book recommendation!
I miss parts of it. I used to be a holiday catholic. Meaning Easter and Christmas, we went. I think we could start a denomination called Catholevantism. Mixing catholic and relevant. Meaning, during 'hymns' we could throw are arms up in the air without getting weird looks. There could be a starbucks that serves Holy Coffee…. blessed by a priest, and anytime you want to take a sip you had to do that thing with you're hand, where you touch your head, and then cross your heart, and then wiggle your ears or whatever… kinda like you're telling someone to steal first base. We could even get the priest to wear those really hip glasses and grow a goatee. I could do the 'announcements', which would toss in the tattood guy who 'has a past but was saved by Jesus' element that relevant churches do.
We'd have some tough decisions, like.. do we hide the crucifix like relevant churches do. (Some) or do we sport it loud and proud? Stained glass.. we can keep, that's beautiful. I think we could just do a quick sit,stand,sit,stand, kneel, stand, sit, wait just kidding neal and the stand, at the very beginning to get it out of the way and get people pumped for worship. I think we could have an 'incense room' for people who don't mind it, but we'd still be friendly to the people who don't like smoke….
And communion, I think we'd definitely should have a class to teach people the importance of communion, but not so strict like the catholics.. maybe like.. a crash coarse. And… the prayers to mary… meh. I think maybe just kinda give her props, but not like.. the full prayer? I dunno, we'd really have to think this through.
You down?
Plant that church, Andy. I'm down.
My husband was raised Catholic and I had to “become” Catholic before we could get married. This never really sat well with me. We soon moved on to being Baptist. We've since moved on to the Charismatic world and are about to be church planters ourselves. I think I can relate however to the “reverence” that you miss. The big thing for church planters today is supposed to be, “attractional.” For reasons I haven't really understood until recently, this word (attractional) makes me uncomfortable. We have to have special methods to attract our congregation. But here's the thing. This idea really speaks volumes about our faith in Jesus Christ. I mean, really, how more attractional do you need to be. He says, “Come as you are. I will set you free. I will heal you. I will prosper you. I will set you free.” I wonder why we can be so afraid of offending people with Jesus. Or maybe it's just that we're worried we'll be viewed as “radical.” But the truth is, He is our answer. He is our all and all. He is THE attraction. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy the lights and fog and Starbucks, but when I go to church, how I'm greeted at the door isn't nearly as important to me as a powerful message about my Savior and all that His sacrifice accomplished on the Cross for me and all of us who believe. Reverence is a good thing. He is worthy. :-)
whats TRF? (Im non-usa :-)) I could do with more reverence in almost any denomination… I think reformed services have more reverence than evangelical….
Hallo Knut,genau das haben wir uns dabei auch gcdaeht. “Wissensvernichtung” ist natürlich das letzte, was Stud.IP bezwecken möchte…Deshalb gehen die Daten des alten Systems nicht verloren, sondern bleiben selbstverständlich weiterhin verfügbar.Da in den letzten Tagen gerade in dem Punkt bei einigen noch Verwirrung herrschte, haben wir in den News und im neuesten Blog-Eintrag noch einmal für Aufklärung gesorgt.Das alte System findest du hier: Viele Grüßedas Stud.IP-Team
I found you through Elizabeth Esther, and really enjoy this post. I'm a convert to Catholicism, and I think that you hit a great point when you speak of Communion. It stems from our understanding of Jesus real presence in the Eucharist. We believe that he is really there (from John chapter 6 and the gospels & corinthians) and that amazing, earth-shattering fact is the source & summit of our Christian walk. If he is truly there, we would never celebrate (Mass) without the Eucharist, and if he's truly there we wouldn't want to drink a coffee right before we receive him into our own body, and if he's truly there we want to get down on our knees and thank him for this amazing gift. I guess you know this, coming from a Catholic background, but since it's pretty new to me, it makes me want to shout it from the mountain tops. Thanks for the opportunity to share!