The bottom line: You will find a few of these extreme people, left and right, in most American dioceses. You will usually have one or two parishes that strongly support Rome and like to fly that flag high (and apply pressure for Latin rites). Then you will also have one or two edgy parishes (or “centers” or “Catholic communities”) that oppose — in ways either open or subtle — almost everything that Rome tries to do.
So where is the big story? It’s in the middle there, where the typical Catholic parish offers Masses that are plain, vanilla, often numbingly quick versions of the modernized English rite.
Meaning numbingly quick as opposed to numbingly something else?
Mr. Allen was skeptical that the permission would make much difference.
Most basically, there’s scant evidence of a huge pent-up demand for the old Mass. Since 1984, celebration of the old Mass has been permitted with a dispensation from the local bishop. Since 1984, celebration of the old Mass has been permitted with a dispensation from the local bishop. While some dioceses where it’s allowed report that the celebrations are often well attended, sometimes with a surprising number of younger Catholics, there’s been no widespread exodus from the new rite to the old.
There has been an exodus, an exodus from the new rite to staying at home or going outside the Catholic Church for services.
I think Allen's article was correct; there will be little immediate effect (certainly little to zero in Milwaukee.)
ReplyDeleteBut the Pope's playing a long-term game, working toward 'the reform of the reform.'
Participating in the Old Rite Mass will give many people a better sense of the history of the Liturgy, and will make apparent some of the shortcomings in the Pauline Rite.
Re: staying at home or going outside the Catholic Church for services...
ReplyDeletePeople want to go to a convenient "place of worship" where people are friendly and welcoming. Many people I know do not go to Mass anymore, even if they know that missing mass is a sin. They are just "too busy" or don't give any reason. They just don't care.
I have heard that the people who attend the Latin Mass in Milwaukee are not friendly or welcoming. Not to mention the location is in a neighborhood many would rather not go to. Parish life is limited because of distance and gas costs.
Not to mention people are used to the bland and boring mass offered at many parishes and know nothing better. They may not know their faith, in fact, I would bet they don't, so the blandness doesn't bother them. What they want is the candy of a vibrant parish.
At least that's what I have been told...