Bryan Kinas Church Visit #2

 Church name: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Church address: 36 North Ellsworth. Naperville, Illinois

Date attended: December 14th 

Church category: Tridentine Mass

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

The worship experience was different in many ways from my home church experience. First the church was massive, with huge pews, and beautiful architecture and stained glass windows, which since it was a night service, did not shine so brilliantly. But there were only about 30 people there, when the church could comfortably fit about 400 or 500, which made the service seem very barren. I felt pretty out of place, given that most people there knew what to say and do and when to say and do it, while I lagged a couple seconds behind the entire mass. The sermon or homily was brief and lasted only 5 or so minutes, and it was clear that the center of the entire service was the Eucharist. 

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity?

While the numbers in the service I attended were low, diversity was not lacking. It made me reflect on how Catholicism in Hispanic countries is quite prevalent, and why this may be. It also brought a greater understanding to how most of the world views Christianity, and how power, status, and wealth could be associated with church, for simply the building and property must be worth a couple million dollars. However, in the same strain I realized that for centuries this is how all Christian churches were and how the services operated, and how the liturgy was received. The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, and the transfer of the Bible into vernacular would be a big big shift in the practical routines of the church.

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?

It has always been a good experience for me to go to services of various denominations and experience Church a different way, and this experience was no different, for I am again reminded that Christian is a much much bigger term, with a wider history and a more robust theology than I know. I love to see how others experience God, and to try and see the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, and understanding the different theologies that underlie these practices. If I were not hoping of going into cross cultural mission work then it would be easy to ignore these questions and remain in my own conceptions of church and community, but since I am, I must continue wrestling how to think theologically, act lovingly, and cooperate and work together as the body of Christ, even when these different parts may be in tension.

Church Name: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Church address: 136 N. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540 

Date attended: November 1, 2015

Church category: Tridentine Mass

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

The church service I attended was similar to my own in a few ways. We sat in pews, were greeted at the door, prayed and sang. It was clear that most in the service were deeply meditating on God's message and presence to them in that time. It was different in a number of ways than the context I am used to. Something I noticed that I really appreciated was that there were so many whole families in mass together. Small children sat or knelt right beside their parents. While making young children attend such a solemn service may have the potential to put a bad taste in their mouths about Christianity, I think there is something sacred and special about children watching their parents worship and being a part of it for as long as they can remember. I also realized in the book I was reading along to guide me through the service how much symbolism is part of the Tridentine mass. I think it made me realize how intentional liturgy is and made me curious as to what symbolism I was missing in the traditions of my own church. I also noticed that I couldn't see where the music was coming from. It was as if it was from heaven. I liked this aspect of it because my attention wasn't drawn to who was singing but rather who they were singing about.  

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity? 

I sympathized with Martin Luther and John Calvin after sitting (and kneeling.. wow that got painful fast!) through Tridentine mass. It really did feel as if I were in another time, and that I enjoyed. I imagined the mass not in the 21st century but the 15th century and enjoyed picturing myself in that time. I could see how the tradition and regularity of the liturgy provided a space for the individual to contemplate and meditate, but I was so frustrated by not being able to understand the language! What good is it hear the good news if you can't understand it? The beauty of the inside and the music cultivated an atmosphere in which I could experience the presence of God, but not hearing God's word in my own language was a challenge to say the least. It made me wish for more reverence and liturgy in more protestant denominations, but grateful at the same time for Luther and Calvin's reforms, particularly in seeing the necessity of the Word of God in one's own language, and the non-necessity of ceremonies only. 

 

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?

Although I mentioned that the kneeling was painful, it really illuminated for me my need for a penitent attitude. I realized how reluctant I was to remain on my knees for ten minutes while my Lord was mocked, stripped, beaten, and crucified for me. I should be flat on my face rather than merely on my knees. So, one lesson I learned was one of true humility and repentance, not only in my soul, but in my physical body as well. It also made me appreciate the Word of God and be thankful that I have access to it on a daily basis. I was inspired and grateful to be able to read it whenever I wanted in my own language. Reflecting on the figures of the past who made this possible for me made me grateful for God's providence in providing leaders such as Luther and Calvin who recognized the needs of the church in their day. As a result, I am inspired by the reformers to never stop reforming my own church, my own generation, my own personal life as follower of Christ.

Austin Stapella Church Visit 2

Church Name: Holy Angels Church

Church address: 180 S Russell Ave Aurora, Illinois 60506

Date attended: November 1, 2015

Church category: Tridentine Mass

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

The service was quite different from my worship experiences in the past. I have attended Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, Universalist, Eastern Orthodox, and English Catholic services. I've been to a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple, Synagogue, spent most of my life at a Non-Denominational Mega-Church and currently attend an Anglican Church. This service was truly unique among all of them. The building was very large, the stained glass windows had beautiful imagery of scenes from the bible. Artistic depictions of the stages of the cross hung below them. At the front was a large crucifix hanging over an altar where the Priest stood. The Priest stood facing away from the congregation, reciting Latin very quickly. Besides the language barrier, perhaps the most noticeably different aspect of the service was the movement. As an attendee of an Anglican Church I am used to moving during service however the rotation between standing, sitting, and genuflecting was very frequent. There were times when I felt as though I was two steps behind the rest of the congregants. The homily was less than five minutes and rather than a sermon, it was more a description of the concept of Sainthood.

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity? 

I very much appreciated having the opportunity to experience a glimpse of what Mass was to most of Christendom throughout history. The service allowed me a deeper insight into the sharp contrast between clergy and laity that forms when the language bars the peoples understanding. Though I appreciate the reverence and respect for God that this service brings, I understand the frustrations of the reformers. The congregation cannot connect with God in the same way that the Priest is able to. It certainly makes me able to see how this practice of the Priest speaking to God, in a language that is not your own, can result in a laity that is uninformed, and disconnected from the word of God. All the emphasis is on the Priest, and although I love the communal nature of the service and the idea of a holy intercessor, it is clear how this kind of service can lead to a mindset that focuses on the priest "being religious for you," instead of actively leading the holy life.

 

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?

After attending a Non-Denominational Mega Church for most of my life, something that stood out to me about this service is the emphasis on the reverence we should have for God. The majesty and holiness of God is something that was sadly not emphasized in the church body I grew up in and this service, as well as the Eastern Orthodox Church, gave me a desire to treat God with more awe and wonder than I have in the past. The idea of a Priest interceding for me is appealing. I have felt discontent with the complete lack of church authority and the hyper-individualism displayed in many Protestant circles. When the priest speaks to God on behalf of his congregation, there is security in that, I can feel as though I am being led by a figure that I can trust and I feel the stronger emphasis of belonging to a corporate body. However, has not the veil been torn? Though I think Protestantism can learn something about Christs relationship to the corporate elect, rather than the sole focus being on the individual relationship, I think it is worth mentioning that since Christ's sacrifice, the presence of God has found its way into each member of the church, not just the clergy. We are a royal-priesthood and all of us are called to holiness and communion with Christ. I hope to strike the right balance between these two extremes in my own life and in the church body I call home.

Emily Felty
Church Visit #2
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540
November 1, 2015 at 5:30
Catholic Tridentine Service

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

Firstly, the worship service was in Latin, which I am not accustomed to. There was a translation in the program I picked up from the table; however, I could barely find what point the service was at because I could barely hear, let alone understand. The entire service was scripted (the church I go to only has a brief outline of the service) and we were constantly moving—one minute we were sitting, then we standing up, then kneeling. Secondly, the building we were in was ornate and beautiful, with images of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The church I regularly attend has no images whatsoever and does not look so traditionally like a cathedral. Lastly, there seemed to be no sermon, except for a brief summary of “Saints Day.” Overall, it was the most bizarre experience, completely different from the church tradition I am grew up in.

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity?

The thought that most frequently crossed my mind during the service was that this service has been the same for hundreds of years throughout the world. I noticed my skepticism of the traditions that were foreign to me. Whether this is because of my Protestantism or the fact that I live in an age of skepticism (or both!) I am not sure, but it made me ponder the importance of tradition and trust in the Catholic Church and how that contrasts with Protestantism. It really seemed to me that Catholicism and Protestantism were as different as night and day as far as methodology and priorities go, but there were profound theological similarities in many of the prayers scripted in the program (Nicene Creed, Scripture). I really the unity regarding the way that this  mass is pretty much the same universally, anytime, anywhere.

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?

The most noticeable component of my Christian identity that I noticed was my strong protestant tendency. I felt uncomfortable with pretty much everything—the incense/smoke and holy water, the robes, the Latin prayers that I couldn’t hear, communion, and the lack of a sermon. One of the main reasons I go to church is to hear the teaching and to invest in relationships with the fellow members of the church body; the Tridentate mass did not seem to focus on either of these aspects, but rather emphasized the importance of corporate reverence through prayer and worship through prayer and readings. I valued attending the service and it really illuminated my identity as a Christian because I was able to differentiate my beliefs and opinions about what a service is from this experience.

Traver Carlson - Church Visit #2

Church Name: Holy Angels Church

Church address: 180 S Russell Ave Aurora, Illinois 60506

Date attended: November 1, 2015

Church category: Tridentine Mass

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

Most noticeably different, aside from the language, was the movement of the Tridentine Mass. Throughout the whole Mass, each part was accompanied by a certain position: standing, sitting, or genuflecting. Sometimes the motion would be brief; usually genuflection was the only brief category. The motion of the entire mass was centered around the preparation of the blessing of the elements for transubstantiation. Hearing the Mass in Latin was an interesting experience as a student of Latin (I will speak of my experience as a Christian in the third section). Since I had the missal I was able to follow along, yet if I did not have the missal I would have been lost due to the pace at which the priest spoke—he even stumbled over the pronunciation of many words as he went along. The homily was also much shorter than it was at the Greek Orthodox church I attended, than the traditional Anglican services, and than the Orthodox Presbyterian services in which have participated. 

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity? 

Hearing the Mass in Latin, following along as it went, made me feel connected to those throughout space and time—with Pope Gregory I in the 7th century, King Alfred of Wessex in the 9th, Dante and Aquinas in the 13th, Chaucer in the 14th, and Luther and Calvin in the 16th—with those who would have heard many of the same words composed and pronounced in the same way. Though, I also felt the distance: none of the above besides Pope Gregory I would have spoken Latin and, even though it may be understood and be cloaked in reverence, it was not the native language of the people after the disuse of Vulgar Latin. The Cathedral is a place to go to reflect upon God’s providence with the Saints and the work of Christ, the Mass a series of movements to reflect upon the approaching of God in the Eucharist—arguably, Dante illustrates this in his Divina Comedia—but preaching salvation and managing the structure of the Church in a language separated from and inaccessible to those without access to education understandably creates at least to some degree a difference between the clergy and the laity. 

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?

I mentioned in the two sections above that I was not able to follow along without the text in the missal and that I felt that it bestowed upon the Mass a certain reverence. Something I have come to appreciate more is the majesty and awe of God as I read more about the Christians in Anglo-Saxon England (~600-1200 C.E.). Part of majesty, I believe, is recognizing the status of God as King above ourselves—another helpful Germanic concept called “comitatus”—which the motion of the Mass and conducting it in Latin aid. Yet, there are drawbacks. The Christianity expressed in the early Middle Ages is one centered on the relationship of God to the corporate body of Christ as opposed to focusing on the individual. From the vantage point of a hyper-individualism which began with the Enlightenment and Reformation, we may offer some critique concerning the degree to which there was separation of the laity from the Church and God by extension. Participating in this Mass in Latin with the brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers of the faith was a wonderful experience and a good catalyst for reflecting upon the majesty of God, the role of the clergy in the body of Christ, and the laity’s unity and relation to the clergy and to God. 

Justin Smith––Church Visit #2

Blog Title: Justin Smith – Church Visit #2

Church name: Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church

Church address: 36 N Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540

Date attended: 11.01.2015

Church category: Tridentine Mass

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

            The worship service at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church seemed to be the median between my regular church context and the Greek Orthodox Church that I visited a month ago. For starters, the people looked more like the church crowd I am accustomed to––more of a mixed bag (as far as predominantly Caucasian churches go…) in terms of ethnicity. There was not one singular group, e.g. Greek people, which dominated the pews. The Church was beautiful and well ornamented, but not quite as artsy as the Orthodox Church––and much less iconcentric.

However, the beauty of the church captivated me, which was good because I sure wasn’t picking up on any of the Latin. There was a chronological depiction of the crucifixion that circled around the room in a variety of paintings. Also, there was a lot of kneeling. As I thumbed through the bulletin I read some of the prayers of the Saints and could get a vibe for what direction the service was heading in. The most familiar part of the service was the sermon, which was focused on the Feast of All Saints. The pastor noted that it was the day when all the “unofficial saints” were to be recognized (whom he defined as all who have received “God’s grace departing life”).

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity?

            The fact that the Tridentine mass felt like a synergy between the Greek Orthodox Church and my Protestant Church really put substance to the history of the church at large. I also found it interesting that although many at Wheaton would affirm an egalitarian approach to ecclesiastical office, there seems to be a uniform reservation among the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. In fact, it seems as if the Catholic and Orthodox Churches are much closer to one another on a lot of issues than the Protestant Church. This, I think, should cause some pause and humility when we critique the doctrines of the holistic church.

            Just as in the Orthodox service, there was a tangible connection to the history of the church. As saints of the past were discussed, and saints of the present as well, I could not help but feel like the church had more of a self-awareness, and identity because of it, than Protestant churches. There was a true sense of a historical and global church.

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?

            In the aforementioned bulletin, a prayer from St. Ambrose read, “I ardently desire to have him as my savior, whom I am unable to withstand as my judge.” I found it to be one of the most beautiful lines of prayer I’ve ever heard. I think that, for me, has more impact on feeling identity within the contexts of different traditions, than any ecumenical argument.

            I also felt very protestant after this service. The service was structured and dry, and I caught myself wondering what it would be like if I attended a church like this every week. The people were largely disinterested, and the pews rather spacious. Also, the offering “plates” were like large spoons that the deacons appeared to use for attacking the congregational cereal––but you know what they say, different strokes for different folks.

Hayes Thielman Visit # 2

            

Church name: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Church address: 36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540

Date attended: 11/1/15

Church category: Catholic Tridentine

The service took place during a Sunday night. Interestingly people did not dress up particularly well, nor were many bright colors seen in the congregation. Most either sat in the front of the sanctuary or at the back, the middle pews were sparsely occupied. Only two songs were sung, one at the beginning and one at the end, both were old hymns, not particularly catchy and it appeared as if no one cared to sing very loudly. This service was a bit more liturgical than my typical Presbyterian Church service. The sermon was very short and a bit brush off, as the whole thing appeared to be read off instead of spoken.  The most obvious difference of this church service was that despite the sermon and two songs the whole thing was spoken in Latin.  There was also a significant of movement in the service with lots of transitions from standing to kneeling, to sitting.

            To be honest the worship service at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church demonstrated to me just how different the catholic and protestant traditions are. Where Catholicism has the advantage of very strong tradition, Protestantism has an edge in accessibility. Obviously, this made me more grateful for the reformation, and the work of the reformers. I also now realize just how crucial of a moment in history this was, truly changing the image of the church for years to come. However, one must recognize that Catholicism has Protestantism edged out in term of years of tradition, times two. The architecture of the Catholics is quite beautiful, as well the art with which they ornate their cathedrals. The cathedral resembled the middle ages far more than any protestant worship space I have ever entered. Finally, there was a solemnity to the service that I was unused to as a protestant.

            This honestly made me more secure in my denominational decision as a protestant. As believes we are called to love the Lord with all our hearts, soul, minds, and strength. In my home church I feel confident that the way we worship is pursuing this high calling. Now I am not saying that Catholics are not doing this, but I will firmly say that I would struggle at this attending a Latin mass. I also value the preaching from the Bible that is so fundamental to most protestant traditions, through the exegesis of God’s word I am convicted, assured, inspired, and blessed. Attending mass made me appreciate the exegetical preaching that is foundational to the protestant movement. I do respect, however, the catholics devotion to communion, 1) in participating in it often, and 2) taking the table seriously enough to disallows some to not partake. These brothers and sister value the Lord’s supper.