Parenting: nintendo during Mass, Communion

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Some food for thought for parents and for priests alike.

I remember once how I caught hell from a weak-kneed pastor because I wouldn’t give Communion to a girl quite obviously chewing gum.

Nintendo DS on the Communion Line
BY MATTHEW ARCHBOLD

I traveled yesterday with my five children to attend my niece’s confirmation. It was a beautiful event that was so well attended my kids and I had to park in a nearby neighborhood.

But there’s a reason I’m telling you the story. Look, I know it can be difficult to have kids in church. Believe me I know. I’ve had kids knocking their chins into the pews and crying, I’ve had kids vomiting and then crying that they vomited, I’ve had kids accidentally tearing the missal and crying because they thought they’d be in trouble. But I couldn’t believe what I saw yesterday at the confirmation Mass. [Remember… above, he was calling it a “beautiful event”.]

Mind you, the church was packed so my children and I were standing and couldn’t see a whole lot but in my limited field of vision I saw at least five kids either texting or playing their Nintendo DS in their pew. And I’m talking 9,10,11 year old kids on their DS while sitting right next to their parents.

But the worst part happened later. I saw one 11-ish year old girl walking up to the altar to receive Communion while playing her hand held video game. I guess we all should’ve just been thankful that she had it on mute. The usher who looked like Bowzer from Sha-na-na stood there not knowing what to do. I could see he wanted to say something but he simply looked perplexed. He implored with his eyes Nintendo girl’s parents and an older woman I suspect was her grandmother as they walked past him. But he was ignored. As Nintendo girl walked up the aisle her face reflecting digitized glory I could see Bowser looking around at a nearby usher who also mysteriously looked like Bowzer for an answer on what to do. Bowzer 2 simply shrugged his shoulders as in “Hey watcha gonna do?”  [Indeed.]

The Church seemed intent on playing “Speed Jesus” because there were probably a dozen Eucharistic ministers. The line moved double time and Nintendo girl got to within about twelve steps of the altar rail before closing the DS, shoving it in her pocket, putting on her solemn face, and receiving the Eucharist. [Beautiful.]

And while you can blame the kid, to me the real fault lies with the parents [D’ya think?  And there is the priest.  What has his liturgical style tacitly condonned?  By his preaching and his ars celebrandi has he communicated that what happens in church is important?  Maybe he does… and those who go to church would hear it.  But I suspect that lots of those confirmands don’t go too often.] for not conveying to their children the importance of the holy sacrifice. And clearly, this child’s parents didn’t feel she was doing anything wrong. Or they knew it was wrong but they just didn’t care.

And let me tell you, before Communion the church was standing room only but right after there were plenty of seats available.  [Beautiful.] So my kids and I sat down in an empty pew like those people at ballgames who move into box seats in the seventh inning after all the people who were just there for business left.

My eight year old daughter looked shocked when she saw a young boy playing a video game and the boy’s sister crowded up next to him watching the screen and whispering instructions. As I looked at that my two year old fell over the kneeler and bent her fingers back and she cried. Loudly. And then – get this – Bowzer 2 looked at me like I was a terrible parent.

I guess he thought that if she had a Nintendo she would’ve at least sat still.

Let’s save time.  Just station some unnecessary ministers of Communion outside before Mass so people don’t even have to be bothered to come in and wear out their batteries.

This raises some questions about Catholic identity.

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged ,
49 Comments

QUAERITUR: survey at sermon time

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

Today at Mass, instead of a homily the priest invited a member of the
Parish Council to the podium to inform us that it would be helpful to
them if we’d fill out a survey regarding the parish finances.

Then the ushers proceeded to distribute the survey throughout the
church, fully expecting folks to fill it out right then and there. The
priest sat patiently while people filled out the surveys.

I was astonished and felt almost violated. This is a time of worship
and we’re going to stop to fill out a survey?

Was this really as great an afront as I take it to be or am I
overreacting here? I wanted to walk out of the church then and there
but my dear wife counseled more patience.

I think that sermon time should be for the sermon.

Yet, there are announcements during Mass also.  There are times when news must be given, simple or important.  Collections are taken up at Mass, sometimes more than once.

The sermon time should be for the sermon.  But there are rare, hopefully, rare occasions when other business must be conducted.  Parish finances are important, … at least if you want to continue to have a parish where you can worship.

But I agree… a survey would be a bit of a mood killer.

It would be a different matter if people would remain in large numbers after Mass for some of this stuff… but they don’t.

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 |
46 Comments

QUAERITUR: Mozart’s Requiem too distracting from prayer?

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

Just an interesting link that highlights a requiem mass presided by
three FSSP priests set to Mozart’s Requiem…if I only could be so
lucky to have it like this for my funeral!! Even though I must
ask…is this performance of the piece too distracting during Mass?

No.

Well… decidedly yes, if it’s poorly performed.

Some people will prefer Gregorian chant or unaccompanied polyphony.  Some prefer the orchestral Mass.  Some like silence.  It’s all one.

You cannot be distracted from prayer by prayer.

[Note that I do not include above any mention of the usual music people hear in parishes.]

Music for Mass must be sacred in its texts and its idiom and it must be art, in its composition and its performance.   An idiom can shift over generations, but generally people who know music recognize when something is suited for divine worship or not.  When people who do not know what the terms “sacred”, and “art” imply, then they should not be making choices about the use of music in churches.

Alas, the barbarians took over.

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged
50 Comments

Tuesday: Going to London

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

For you Londoners or others who are around town today… finally it isn’t raining.

I will meet a friend for lunch.  Then probably wend my way across town to the British Library for the exhibit on the English language.

TwitterI have reason to believe I’ll be at Corpus Christi in Maiden Lane this evening.

You can text me 07501852559.  I am using my wonderful old Motorola Razr for the UK vodafone chip.  It isn’t very smart, so you have to say who you are. Don’t send mms, however.  Texts only, please.

Posted in On the road, SESSIUNCULA |
3 Comments

The Pope of Christian Unity changed an Anglican bishop’s mind

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From CNA:

Converting Anglican bishop says papal action changed the landscape

Richborough, England, Nov 14, 2010 / 06:45 pm (CNA).- The Anglican Bishop of Richborough told his flock that he plans to become Catholic because Pope Benedict XVI’s  apostolic constitution “completely changed the landscape” for Anglo-Catholics and he now believes that he must lead the way to union with the Universal Church. [Benedict XVI is the Pope of Christian Unity.]

Bishop Keith Newton of Richborough, England said in a pastoral letter to priests and people in the Richborough area that he will resign as bishop as of Dec. 31. He will not conduct any public episcopal services. This “difficult” decision followed much thought and prayer, he remarked.

“I will, in due course, be received into full communion with the Catholic Church and join the Ordinariate when one is erected in England, which I hope will happen early next year.”

Pope Benedict established the proposed Anglican Ordinariate, a special jurisdiction within the Catholic Church, in his apostolic constitution “Anglicanorum Coetibus.”

Bishop Newton explained that although the issue of the ordination of women as Anglican bishops has been an important factor in his decision, it is [NB] “not the most significant.”

Noting the “surprise” of the Pope’s action on Anglican-Catholic relations, he said that most Anglicans have prayed for union with the Catholic Church. However, this union has seemed less likely because of “the new difficulties concerning the ordination of women and other doctrinal and moral issues affecting the Anglican Communion.”

“Although we must still pray for sacramental and ecclesial unity between our Churches that now seems a much more distant hope,” Bishop Newton said. The ordinariates provide an opportunity for “visible unity” and Anglicans are able to retain “what is best in our own tradition which will enrich the Universal Church.”

“I hope you will understand that I am not taking this step in faith for negative reasons about problems in the Church of England but for positive reasons in response to our Lord’s prayer the night before he died the ‘they may all be one’,” the bishop continued.

While expressing sympathy with the position that Anglicans with traditional views need leadership at a “vital” time, he rejected the example of a leader who should “stay to the bitter end like the captain of a sinking ship.” Rather, he noted the scriptural image of the shepherd, who must lead his flock from the front rather than follow it from behind. [Do I hear an “Amen!”?]

“This is what I hope I am doing. I am leading the way and I hope and pray that many of you will follow me in the months and the years ahead,” he explained.

Bishop Newton acknowledged those who want to remain in the Church of England, but he said he could not continue to be their bishop “with any integrity” and cannot provide the episcopal leadership they deserve.

“You need a new Bishop of Richborough who has the same vision as you have and one for whom a solution in the Church of England is a priority. My priority is union with the Universal Church,” he added.

He said he has enjoyed being Bishop of Richborough for more than eight years and is grateful for the support he has received from so many Anglican priests and laity. The bishop asked forgiveness from those he has disappointed and sought continued prayers for himself and his wife.

Bishop Newton is one of three active Anglican bishops who are joining the Catholic Church. These so-called “flying bishops” [lappets flapping…] have been serving Anglicans in different areas who do not accept the ordination of women to the priesthood and other changes in the Anglican Church.

Two retired Anglican bishops are also entering full communion with Rome.

Posted in Pope of Christian Unity | Tagged
9 Comments

QUAERITUR: Our “presider” for this “liturgy” … as “we” pray the Eucharistic Prayer…

Posted on 14 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

Today at Mass, the lector introduced Father as the “presider.” Is it
more proper to call the priest a presider or a celebrant?

And
Father said, “As we pray TOGETHER the Second Eucharistic Prayer….”

Do the people actually pray the Eucharistic Prayer WITH the priest?

No kneelers either… But I consider us lucky to have a priest at
all… After all, Mass is not offered every day at this Church…

First, most “lectors” in parishes don’t know their Ashur from their Eldad.   They read what is on the paper.  I suspect that this is not the “lector’s” fault.

Also, I seriously doubt that the person who read it was actually an instituted lector.  I will bet all the money in my pocket right now that the person was a reader substituting for a lector.

While priests do “preside” at the church’s “liturgies”, they are better called “priest” or “celebrant”, both more priestly words. Anyone can be a “presider”, but only a priest can be a priest.  Also, I think we should call what goes on “Mass” rather than just “liturgy”.

A “presider” at “liturgy” strips the action of its sacrificial character.  Mass is a Sacrifice.  For there to be a Sacrifice there must be a priest, not a presider.  Not all liturgies are Masses.  There is a circumstance in which a bishop or pope, for example, can “preside” at Mass celebrated by a priest or a bishop.  But that is not the usual state of affairs in a parish.

We should correct our sloppy, protestantizing language (vague “presiders” and “ministers” of this and that) with clearer more Catholic language which more accurately reflects what we believe as Catholics.

Today this “presider” language is very pervasive.  It is so commonplace now that many priests who are quite sound in their theology and ability to express themselves use this language unconsciously.

What the sloppy language does is erode the distinction between the priesthood of all the baptized and the priesthood of the ordained, which are qualitatively different.  In fact, the language erodes the idea of priesthood in itself.

That leads to the next part of the question.  Usually one question is enough, but these are related.

The congregation can and should unite their intentions with those of the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer.  But I am not sure about this “praying along” with the priest.  I am sure they mustn’t, whatever they do, pray aloud with the priest.  That would be quite wrong indeed.  However, do they pray the prayer, silently, along with the priest?  I don’t know.

First, it is a priestly prayer.  Yes, the baptized have a priesthood of their own, by which they are about to offer spiritual sacrifices.  No, the baptized are not priests as the priest is a priest.  Second, while sections of the Eucharistic Prayer are prayers as such, the institution narrative is something rather different.  It isn’t so much prayer as a priestly, sacramental relating of what occurred which has the effect Holy Church says it has according to Christ’s own command, etc.   I am not sure the priest himself “prays” that part in his role as priest.  You can tell by the different tone of that section and how the tone changes immediately after the consecration.   I digress.

I am not sure about this “praying” the Eucharistic Prayer with the priest.  I think people should at least pay attention, consider the meaning of the many petitions, consider their own petitions and strive to join them to offerings on the altar, etc.

It might be that this talk of “pray the Eucharistic Prayer with the priest” comes from a kind of sentimentality, a romanticism, or perhaps that oh-so-prevalent notion of “active participation” whereby everyone at all times has to be singing or saying every word like coordinated automatons.  There is also an odd, and I think deadly sort of clericalism at work in some cases, whereby lay people are driven to do what priests properly do, otherwise they aren’t “active” enough.  This is insulting, of course.  Lay people should not be made to do what priests properly do in order have a sense of their dignity or participation.

Anyway, those are a few thoughts.

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged
35 Comments

A forgotten award

Posted on 14 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

His Hermeneuticalness reminded me of a great award for certain bishops.

In this case, Fr. Finigan awarded it to Bp. Robert Morlino of Madison, WI.

Good award.  Good choice.

Episcopal Backbone Award

In the meantime, also with a tip of the biretta   o{]:¬)   to His Hermeneuticalness, I found this quote on another blog:

Priestly bloggers face the additional threat of being abandoned to their fates by the very bishops who should be supporting them as a matter of principle.

Posted in Just Too Cool, The future and our choices | Tagged
11 Comments

Mary’s ultrasound

Posted on 13 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I saw this poster in a Catholic parish in London:

poster

This is going to annoy some people.

I love it.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
30 Comments

Thank you

Posted on 13 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I love this photo.

Korean War Vets.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
11 Comments

Holy Father speaks on use of the internet and then … LITURGY

Posted on 13 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The Holy Father made some comments about the use of the internet.

From AFP:

VATICAN CITY (AFP) – Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday warned that the Internet does not make people more humane but instead risks increasing a “sense of solitude and disorientation” among “numbed” young people.

“A large number of young people… establish forms of communication that to do not increase humaneness but instead risk increasing a sense of solitude and disorientation,” Benedict told a Vatican conference on culture.

He also said that young people were being “numbed” by the Internet, adding that the technology was creating an “educational emergency — a challenge that we can and must respond to with creative intelligence.”

Benedict last month said the growing use of new technologies should set off “an alarm bell” as it was blurring the boundary between truth and illusion.

Okay, I have seen young people at a table in a restaurant texting other young people at another table in the same restaurant.

There are some loners out there.  True.  But the tools of communication are changing the way people are communicating.  I have been involved in this internet thing for a long time and I have had countless emails from people who express how much it means to them to have a way to connect with other people.  People who are shut in can be connected to the world.  People who are alone don’t have to be wholly alone.  Of course, face to face contact is good.  But this sort of contact is not nothing.

CNA has it this way:

Christian tradition can purify new forms of communication, Pope explains

Vatican City, Nov 13, 2010 / 11:41 am (CNA/EWTN News).- New forms of communication must be humanizing or they will increase “confusion and solitude” among their users, Pope Benedict XVI has said. The Church is not indifferent to these innovations but seeks to purify and use them “with critical sense.”

His comments came in a Nov. 13 audience at the Vatican with participants in the Pontifical Council for Culture’s four-day conference on the topic “Culture of communications and new languages.”

This year’s discussions were unique for their venue: Capitoline Hill, Rome’s historic center of culture, government and history.

The president of the council for culture, Cardinal-designate Gianfranco Ravasi, explained at a press conference that the choice of venue aimed to bring their work out of the Vatican and into the city among the people.

Discussions ranged from the effects of the internet on modern communications and interpersonal relations to the way people communicate through food. [Sounds like my kind of conference.]

In his audience with the participants, the Pope said that “speaking of communications and language means … not only touching one of the crucial junctions of our world and its cultures, but for us believers, it means getting closer to the very mystery of God who, in his goodness and wisdom, wished to reveal himself and show his will to men.”

He spoke of the “profound cultural transformation” taking place due to the great changes in forms of communication. The Church, he said, is not “indifferent” to these changes, [something not immediately apparent] but “on the contrary, seeks to avail itself with renewed creative commitment, [!?!] but also with critical sense and attentive discernment, of new languages and ways of communication.”

The Church wishes to enter into dialogue with all people in the world, he said. But, to reach people today, especially young people, it must “tune in” to the same frequency.

“Today not few young people, stunned by the infinite possibilities offered by information networks or by other technologies, establish forms of communication that do not contribute to growth in humanity, but risk rather to increase the sense of solitude and confusion,” the pontiff warned.

He explained that education is needed to promote a “humanizing communication.” [That sounds a little vaporous.  So… HOW do we do what the Holy Father says?  I have my ideas.]

The Church can turn to the Gospel and Christian tradition to “guide, purify, clean and elevate” new forms of communications, he explained. [BUT NOW LOOK AT THIS!!] “In particular the rich and dense symbolism of the liturgy must shine in all its force as a communicative element, until it touches the human conscience, the heart and the intellect profoundly.”  [Isn’t this exactly what I have been talking about?]

Posted in New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Pope of Christian Unity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged ,
25 Comments