Cure for the ‘Boring Mass’
“I don’t go to Mass. It’s so boring!”
That’s a comment I heard from a teen last year. I’ve heard it from adults as well. And, chances are, there are plenty who have said or thought that very thing.
But, the question is, why?
One reason could very well be that these people approach Mass as though they just have to show up.
However, Mass is not a spectator sport!
There are prayers, song, responses, and postures that require personal involvement — congregational participation. It isn’t supposed to be a venue of entertainment.
If Mass is boring to you, its typically because your personal participation made it so.
[tags]catholic, mass, bored[/tags]
Matt, I don’t think it’s fair to say that people who find the Mass boring find it so because they aren’t “participating.” Frankly, I think that the real problem is that Mass has ceased to be about worshiping God… rather than being reverent and beautiful and God-centered, the avereage Roman Catholic Mass tends to be banal, beautiless hug-a-thon where we congratulate ourselves on being such wonderful people. Exceptions exist of course, and I hope your parish is among them.
I don’t think people find the Mass boring because they want to be entertained, but because they want spiritual nourishment… and they don’t feel they’re getting it.
Karen said this on September 10th, 2006 at 6:56 pm
Thanks for your thoughts, Karen.
I believe things are different at my parish … but there certainly exists what I sometimes refer to as an “inner circle”. It is a “congregation” within the parish that has and exhibits a true devotion to Christ, His Church, and the spread of His word. I see these people regularly at parish functions, outreach events, bible studies, youth ministry and adult formation groups, etc.
And, then, as I sometimes look around at Mass, I see those on the fringes; I see those who come to Mass either once in awhile, or just as though they are punching the clock … puttin’ in their required time. Certainly there are those who are just having a “bad day”, but there are also those who I see time and again who don’t pray the responses, don’t sing the songs … and are even looking at their watches when the homily goes a bit too long.
Maybe it’s different in your part of the country, than it is in my part of the country, I’m not sure. If one takes a look around here at many of the local “Evangelical” churches, one will find alot of “rock-like” music, slick displays, lighting, decorating, etc. In some cases, there is a targeting of a specific demographic (something advocated by guys like Rick Warren in the Purpose-Driven Church) of “seekers”, with “seeker sensitive service”.
At the same time, having been to these types of church services at non-Catholic churches, there is a participation that is fostered, in a way. I mean, yeah, everyone settles in waiting (sometimes hoping) for a “good sermon” … but in the singing of songs and some prayers, there is participation — albeit “individual-within-the-congregational”.
From my own experience … I was one who found the Mass “boring”. I found it boring because I never paid attention. I never brought anything to it. I said the prayers and responses, but I didn’t really put myself into them.
That’s what worship is to be. It doesn’t matter if one is simply “there”; it doesn’t matter if one is simply “saying” the prayers and responses; it doesn’t matter if one is just putting their voice to song. Worship is about honoring God with one’s whole self.
Regardless of the atmosphere and environment of the Mass, unless one directs him/herself toward God, the Mass will be the same boring stuff week after week.
Matt said this on September 11th, 2006 at 9:07 am
I know what you mean… I think it’s that way at most parishes (including my BC one). You have the people who are really PRESENT at liturgy, and participate in parish functions– and then you have the ones who leave a trail of smoke on their way out the door while the last hymn is being sung.
I’m really fortunate to have a wonderful pastor, who is always present at parish events, and has a “religious discussion” session once a month after liturgy. A lot of parishioners show up for it, which is nice. Fr. is very knowledgable and very faithful to the Church. Unfortunately, health problems might force him to retire completely.
You’re right when you say that worship requires one to direct him/herself toward God, regardless of the liturgical environment. We’re not supposed to be passive spectators… if we are, then we defintely WILL be bored.
God bless!
Karen said this on September 11th, 2006 at 6:36 pm