What a concept - actually enjoying the mass - making it lively and full of the Holy Spirit instead of just an obligation. There are few Catholic church's in the US that do this... I'm grateful that I was able to experience it for a few months at St Mary's in College Station.

One of the things I love about the Catholic mass is that it can be changed some to reflect local customs. Why we dont put some of our own here I dont know.

I pray the concept of a more Spirit filled mass sweep the country - I believe its absolutely necessary for the health of the church and its people. Thanks for the article Julie.
Tammy | 05.23.05 - 9:44 am | #

HIP-HIP HOORAY! Finally someone has got it right. For 50 years I dragged myself off to Mass, but now, we have a real "sparkplug" at our parish. A young vibrant priest who is full of life, love, and the Holy Spirt. Our Pastor refers to our church as "the Catholic family community of...." And he's right. We have become family. Come to share the Lord, exchange ideas, raise up children, donate time/money for community projects, bake WHAT A JOY! He often brings in African or Asian priests who make all the differnce.
OhioWoodsman | 05.23.05 - 9:56 pm | #

Julie,
The church (I am being generic here) is alive in many places compared to the relatively dead churches in the west. Consider the explosive growth in China. But, generally speaking the item that makes that church come to life is persecution and then a move of the Holy Spirit.

Are we courageous enough in the west to pray for persecution?

Wayne M
Wayne M | Homepage | 05.25.05 - 6:32 am | #

Wayne, I've seen Peter Kreeft mention that in his books too ... that severe pruning is sometimes needed before the plant can flower. Honestly, I think that we are seeing the beginning of that attitude here in the West. I don't think I am strong enough to ASK for persecution but I am trusting enough to ask Our Lord to do for His church what must be done to make it flower. How it comes is up to Hm.
Julie D. | Homepage | 05.25.05 - 7:28 am | #