Dear Michael,

It is sad in a way how many problems so many people have with the mass. Sort of defeats the whole purpose. These are just my personal thoughts, which really have no bearing on anyone else. What works to support my prayer life in liturgy may be totally wrong for someone else.

I think that the prayer life of each person, including the community prayer life of the mass, is partly a reflection of personality. Some grow spiritually with physical, vocal, emotive prayer, such as the charismatic forms of prayer or Gospel choir masses, (”Make a joyful noise unto the Lord”), others, like me, prefer silent meditation, or centering prayer (”Be still, and know that I am God”). I don’t think there is a “right” or “wrong” to prayer, but we all do need to pray.

I go to mass primarily for the Eucharist and actually could happily skip the rest. I don’t find the lectors or choir distracting. I really don’t even notice when the lectors come or go. I guess I just get lost in my own thoughts a lot and pretty much tune out everything around me - even in a 700 person congregation at the 10:30 Sunday mass.

However, I do like “simple” liturgies, and so prefer to go to mass on weekdays instead of Sundays when I can. If I weren’t so lazy, I would go to the earliest mass on Sundays too, because it is a small group, and it is quiet, and simple. I think my preferences go along with the fact that I am an introvert. I prefer a quiet, meditative environment, generally prefer also to be without music. I also prefer “simple” chapels and churches as well, with a minimum of accessories. I do not yearn for the the churches or the liturgies of the past, with all the dark stained glass windows, gilded statues, elaborate vestments and altar cloths, etc, and I don’t miss either incense or Latin! My favorite chapel in the whole world is very small, totally simple, and has wonderful east-west windows that bathe the room in the most beautiful light, whether at an early morning mass or an early evening mass - it is still light for half the year anyway (And God said, “Let there be light”. Light is very important to me). This chapel is the essence of serenity. It is a Jesuit parish, and the homilies are usually “just right” - about 5 minutes (this on the weekdays), intelligent, and to the point. They always give me something to think about and the point doesn’t get lost in too much verbiage. I don’t go to the “big” church on Sundays though - too crowded. I go to a different parish on Sundays.

My way is definitely not the “best” way. It is just one way. Others prefer a richly traditional environment, with all the extras such as stained glass, statuary, organ music, elaborate altar cloths etc, as well as the traditional rituals that might include incense etc. That environment helps their prayer. (Actually, the Episcopalians do traditional liturgies really beautifully! And, for some reason, their choirs are better and the whole congregation sings. Maybe the musicians reading these posts have some insight on why this might be.) Once again, I don’t think there is a right or a wrong. It’s all prayer. But, some might be less frustrated if they could undertake to “know thyself” and try to discern which parish, or which mass in their parish, best supports their individual prayer life. And if it’s impossible to find the “perfect” situation, then just let it go, and keep praying!

I think that preferences for listening or reading are also individual. All of the parishes I am familiar with have missaletes. I am a “visual learner” and much prefer to be able to read the texts myself - I usually fade out fairly quickly if I just am listening. But, two of my three children are “auditory” learners, and do well with listening.

Christopher asked if we had ever heard the Word proclaimed well. Unfortunately, I really hadn’t (by priest, deacon, or lector) until this Easter season. I went to the Easter vigil liturgy at a close friend’s Episcopal church. The priest - a woman - was absolutely the most effective proclaimer of the gospel I have ever heard in my entire life. Even I did not miss reading the Gospel. I definitely heard it! She had a very rich speaking voice and understood perfectly what to emphasize, where to pause, etc., and I am wondering if she was perhaps an actress or perhaps a singer in a previous incarnation - truly, truly wonderful. And truly, truly rare, at least in my experience. It at least opened my eyes to the possibilities.

Peace to all - the important thing is to pray. The where and how and the environment are not nearly as important as the prayer.

Ami