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.

Historical Church visit 2

Church Name: Holy Angels Church
Church Address: 180 S Russel Ave Aurora, IL 60506
Date Attended: Nov. 1
Church Category: Tridentine Mass

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

The service I attended was dramatically different from my regular context in a variety of different ways. First, there was no worship through song. This was very surprising to me as it was the first service I had ever attended without singing. I felt as though this deflated much of the joy I experience when I come together with the rest of the body of Christ. Secondly, this service was mostly all in Latin. I had never heard Latin spoken before which brought me outside of my comfort zone tremendously. This service was also different because of its heavy dependance upon liturgy and its very minimal focus on teaching. My normal church context's service includes a 30-45 minute sermon, this service had a sermon that was less than 5 minutes long; consisting mainly of an all saints day description. There also was little to no sense of a community bond. Everyone was spaced out in the sanctuary and no individual or family attendees talked to one another before, after, or during the service.

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

This experience reminded me how important it is to many people/ denominations to maintain tradition in the church. It was incredibly strange to me that a service was conducted in Latin while very few members of the church understood it. I would have to have an incredibly high appreciation for the founding fathers of the faith and their original writings to regularly attend a service like that. Along this same train of thought, it revealed to me how little opportunity the Holy Spirit has to direct the service in many denominations of the church. The service that was put on left no room for changes that the Holy Spirit could have willed to be made. In the past I have attended many Catholic services, this experience revealed to me how much variation exists even within that category of Christianity.

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

I could tell by looking around that the congregation was dead. There was no excitement shown and no words were written down. People were falling asleep and teenagers were desiring to leave as soon as possible. Much of the life existing in the words spoken was diffused by the language barrier that existed. I wanted to stand up and yell out how much of the beauty from the gospel was missing from the service. It was illuminated to me how blessed I was to be raised in a denomination that focuses heavily on a person relationship with the Lord, the joy that comes from knowing Him, and the Holy Spirit's work in the heart of a believer. It also showed me how different the connotations that come along with the word Christianity can be to someone depending on the denomination he or she was raised in. My appreciation for not only being raised in a Christian home, but also into a denomination with emphasis in the aforementioned aspects has grown drastically.

Melodie Yu - Church Visit #2

Church name: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Church address: 36 N Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540
Date attended: 25 October 2015
Church category: Latin Mass

Describe the worship service you attended. How as it similar to or different from your regular context?
Because I have been to a Tridentine Mass before, it was not that uncomfortable. There was also a booklet that had both the Latin and English words, along with when to cross yourself and when to kneel. The church itself was relatively large and incredibly beautiful. There were multiple images of Christ being crucified, sculptures of saints, etc. It was pretty different from my context. Although there was a small sermon, there was also incense, preparation of the Eucharist, lots of kneeling, and crossing.  In my regular context, there is no incense and preparation for taking communion is usually a simple prayer and some singing. As I looked out to the congregation, there was a wide mix of people. Some were dressed up, some were not, some wore head coverings some did not, and some seemed to know when to kneel and cross while others were like me and just followed.

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity?
The Latin mass forced me to think a bit more of the church's history between the east and the west. Reciting the Nicene Creed in Latin, compared to when we recited it in the Orthodox church, was interesting in thinking about the filioque clause and was clash it caused between the east and west. It led me into thinking how the church's split from the past still affects the Eastern and Western churches today. It shows how we let the past define us and it makes me wonder how global Christianity can be more unified today. My big question that I came out with was, "Can problems and difficulties from the past be settled today?"

How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?
The worship service mainly made me think of how much reverence there is by simply crossing yourself. For my personal identity as a Christian, it made me think of how little reverence we show to God by using our bodies (i.e. kneeling or crossing). It showed me that even though I may not understand much of what is being said, there is power in the words being spoken. The words itself may not move me emotionally but with the help of the images, the beauty of the dome, and precision with the procession, there is a strong feeling and thought towards God's greatness. It also made me think of how the words spoken have been spoken for years and how that unites the body of Christ even those from the past.

Elijah Hernandez - Church Visit #2

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context. 
When the service commenced we began with standing, and then the service transitioned back and fourth to kneeling, sitting, and standing. This was different from standing and then sitting once the sermon starts at my church, and also was different from the Eastern Orthodox service where I stood the whole time. The Catholic mass that I attended this past Sunday was not too different from the Eastern Orthodox service in that they both consisted of reciting Holy Liturgy, the Priest 'preaching' for a very short time, and then closing with the eucharist. Although the two were not too different, they both are so different from the church I am used to attending and the church's I have attended my whole life.

How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global christianity. 
I think that something that always strikes me is the beautiful designs of the church and all the amazing art that is displayed. With this being said, as we recited the Holy Liturgy, I was reminded, once again, of the division between the east and west, the Filioque clause was apart of the Nicene Creed that we recited. I am not sure why I always look for the creed, but every time I am reminded that we need to strive, as members of the church, to bring back the unity of the body. Other than this dynamic, it is refreshing to be apart of a worship service that appreciates the history and tradition of the church and does not cast it out as a hinderance but sees it as being faithful to God.

How did the worship service illuminate for your personal identity as a Christian. 
With this particular service being in Latin, I went in with the mind set that it was going to seem much longer than it actually was, and that I was most likely not going to get much out of it. As a westerner, sometimes I am tempted to think that if a worship service is not a particular way, is God really working or is man just creating an atmosphere that tricks people into thinking that He is? Not only is this incredibly cynical but it can totally hinder the experience that you could have at ANY church service, and during this specific service I saw the Spirit at work. I saw a mother and her two sons, one on either side of her (they would not stop distracting each other) and as the service continued, I noticed how she held them, and how she adored them. She adored them so much that she got them dressed so nicely, and brought them to a mass that was spoken in Latin, believing that God was there and that the boys that she admired so much, needed this. That was beautiful to me, because she's experienced Jesus in a service like this, and this reminded me that no matter how the service is done, the Spirit will move as it pleases.

Will Reeves - Church 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

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

The building itself was striking, with a towering steeple that seemed out of place in downtown Naperville. The sanctuary boasted a massive space, an impressive dome, and the stations of the cross lining the walls leading to front of the room. The people were surprisingly informal. Many were dressed in jeans, and most didn't exhibit the lofty aura manifested by the gold, Latin, and sacred images.  Aside from the English hymns bookending the service, the entirety of the mass was in Latin. A few priests coordinated from the front, while a voice would periodically respond from behind the pews (possibly playing the role of the congregation who couldn't speak Latin?). We alternated between sitting, standing, and kneeling, and ended the time with the Eucharist. With the exception of the Latin, it didn't seem unlike an ordinary Catholic mass characterized by a high reverence and strict order.

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

Similar to the Orthodox, the Catholic Church esteems history in a way Protestants don't. They profess the creeds weekly and venerate the saints, showing an appreciation for doctrine and history that isn't characteristic of Evangelicalism. The church is built on foundational beliefs and has always been a product of certain historical circumstances, and participating in a Latin Mass serves to connect the present church with that history. A deep understanding of these factors can greatly enrich Christianity. We would argue they over-stress the tradition, and they won't argue that we ignore it. The best approach is probably somewhere in the middle, and I'm reminded of this every time I engage with the other traditions. 

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

Regardless of how 'high church' a service is, there are certain elements that remind me of how normal the people actually are. It's easy to allow the room, the incense, the dress, and the Latin to create an environment that seems far removed from everyday life, as if the mass is a perfect ritual and the people stand, sit, and kneel in an overly mechanical way. Yet in this service, the priest awkwardly stopped to address an issue with his website, nobody really seemed to know the language, and a bulletin was provided that translated the Latin and explained the liturgical process in very simple terms. If you look beneath the surface, you can find a human element. The lofty mass was performed by real individuals, and the church understood that for most, much of the service wouldn't immediately make sense. In a way, it seemed like a group people trying their best to worship in the only way they know how to. It was encouraging to see Catholic worship in this light. 

Mitchell McElroy— Church Visit #2

Mitchell McElroy – Church Visit #2

Church Name: St. John Vianney Parish     

Church Address: 46North Wolf Road Northlake, IL 60164

Date Attended: November 1, 2015

Church Category: Tridentine Mass

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

            I am not comfortable with Latin, but there was a book that translated the liturgy for me. The combination of the book and my knowledge of Spanish got me through the service well informed. The service was held in a basement chapel of a larger catholic church, however I thought it was interesting that the tridentine mass was more heavily attended than the English mass in the main sanctuary. I was raised going to a Lutheran church, so I am well accustomed to the robes, candles, acolytes, alters, and processions. In fact, the service brought back pleasant memories from my confirmation days when I was an acolyte in several church services. Apart from the kneeling and sermon about attaining indulgences for those in purgatory, I was very comfortable in the service.

          

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

            The mere fact that this service exists is a testament to the value some Christians tie to traditional services. It seems that some Christians would sacrifice their own understanding of the liturgy for the value of the traditional worship in Latin. That concept is completely foreign to me. Sometimes I complain about a church service when I don’t understand my pastor in English. Another key aspect of the service was the use of images in the church. Both the sanctuary and the chapel contained images of Christ on a cross and many images of the Stations of the Cross. I even noticed a byzantine icon of Mary on one of the walls. The use of images is consistent with my observation from the Greek Orthodox church that early Christianity tied a lot of meaning to the use of images in worship.

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

            It is very interesting to see a catholic service when your religion is defined by being in opposition to many of the teaching of the Catholic Church. In many ways I felt as if I would identify more closely with the Greek Orthodox than the Catholics. This is probably because I am conditioned to react negatively to the idea of indulgences or confessions and I have no context to critique the unique practices and beliefs of the Orthodox Church. Watching a Catholic mass does not entice me to join the Catholic Church, but I do think that there could be some things that they do that we can learn from. One example was when the priest prayed silently at the alter as part of the liturgy. I can’t imagine this ever happening in a protestant church, but if we believe in the power of prayer, why should we have any problem with a priest or pastor making and inaudible prayer on our behalf?