A new priest turned up to say mass this morning. “Good morning,” he boomed cheerfully into the microphone, “I am Fr. Pat from America.” We all sat up and had a good look at Fr. Pat. He’s the new head of All Hallows and he was reaching out to us. I think it’s fair to say that we were all a bit tense about the reaching out. The majority of the congregation is well over 60 and the remainder of us are timid, nervous creatures (apparently only 14% of Dubliners are weekly mass goers so my whipping out the children on a Sunday morning must add significantly to the total).
During the sermon he made us all repeat several times “dignity, passion, believe”. We didn’t evince enough enthusiasm for him and I was irresistibly reminded of the pantomime which we graced with our presence last weekend as he tried to whip up his lacklustre congregation.
In his sermon, he talked about how he had been at a conference and the organisers had asked how would they introduce him. “Now,” he said, “I have lots of formal official titles, but that was a moment for me, I said, ‘Just introduce me as child of God.'” I know he meant to be humble and I shouldn’t mock but I found myself thinking, “Wasn’t that really just being a bit awkward for everyone concerned?” I mean, we’re all children of God and it would be handy to know what particular attributes this child of God might have before he addressed the audience.
We had to do the “passion, dignity believe” thing again at the end of mass and we were urged to communicate these words to those around us during the week. I’m not getting any pictures here.
The older I get, the more conservative I get; doubtless I’ll be looking for the Latin mass back soon. As for Fr. Pat, I’d say he has his work cut out for him. I represent the liberal face of the Church in Ireland.
That sounds like a cultural clash rather than a religious one … did you all sit there with your arms folded, shifting nervously? And surely it should be dignity, passion belief, no?
Yes, we did all sit there with our arms folded. Other than those of us leaning on our walkers. Yes, if he were going for nouns only but I suppose he was making it exciting for us. Perhaps something of a cultural clash..
I find I am quite annoyed at the changes to the Mass wording. What on earth is the point of making people say “consubstantial” instead of “of one being with”? Fine for those of us who like long words but complete gibberish to much of the population.
It will cast a small shadow over my enjoyment of Midnight
Mass (which will be at actual midnight, with a decent choir and a professor emeritus of homiletics saying it and treating us to one of his memorable sermons for the 62nd year in a row).
Eimear, have to say, not too pushed about the wording – this could be the reactionary in me or it could be that I am not listening closely enough. Midnight mass sounds lovely. I will be gracing the children’s mass. Bring your guitars…
Well, once one is past the stage where EVERY night is partying, Christmas absolutely requires some children to be worthwhile. I don’t have any but my brother and his wife are always happy to have me share their Christmas, so I can enjoy the company of my lovable nieces. (6 & 3/4, 5 & 3/4, and 11 months.) Have done the mass with guitars etc too. This year they’re coming to my mother’s so the boot will be on the other foot.
That’s lots of lovely nieces…have a great time.
Americani!
Che posso dire? Fanno paura!