IN response to Michael Byrne (CL 22/7/01), and in light of the article ‘Mass a Sharing Experience’, I would like to set the record straight.
Unfortunately the article mentioned was not an accurate description of the Redlands Rock Mass as reported. I am saddened that an article about something so positive has caused such negative press.
The interview for the article (CL 15/7/01) had taken place after the initial conversation, and planning as such had not taken shape. As in any planning with youth, it is always an educative process without denying their enthusiasm and good will.
I don’t know a priest, and I know quite a few, who would allow a Mass to have no Liturgy of the Word. In fact the conversation at one of our initial meetings was around that exact topic – what do we need for a celebration to be a Mass and what is the difference between a youth sacred celebration and a youth Mass. To their credit the youth in the planning group opted for Eucharist.
This article has not shown our priests or our youth in a good light. Let me put the record straight. Planning for the Redlands Rock Mass did include the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The theme “Arms Wide Open” was based on Matthew’s Gospel, the story of Peter denying Jesus three times. The message to the youth was: “No matter how often you have denied Jesus, he is always there with arms wide open (as on the cross) waiting for you to return’.
The storytelling referred to by Kirk in the original article was the witness talk given by one of the youth at Thanksgiving time. This was a sacred moment and very fitting given the theme of the evening.
Let me assure Michael Byrne and your readers, firstly, that at no time was the sacredness and structure of the liturgy of the Mass compromised and secondly, the environment in which Eucharist takes place is important and if rearranging the chairs in the round, with the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist as focal points, and having some people sitting on the floor is conducive to a prayerful atmosphere then let it be.
We have a responsibility to both nurture the spirituality of our youth and teach them how to celebrate that which is central to our faith – the Eucharist. We are trying to do both. If in doubt, come and see. You will be surprised to see the crowds of young people involved in every aspect of the Mass in a prayerful, respectful yet fun-filled way.
TRISH STAPLETON Redlands Pastoral Assembly Redlands, Qld
Editor’s note: In compiling the story in question, The Catholic Leader phoned the person who was listed in the parish newsletter as involved in organising the youth Mass. This person was happy to speak to our reporter and to assist with information about the Mass. The Leader had no reason to doubt the veracity of that information and passed on the details in the subsequent story which was published in good faith.
