Caroline Caciano - Church Visit #2

Blog Title: Caroline Caciano – Church visit #2

Church Name: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Church Address: 36 N. Ellsworth St. Naperville, IL 60540

Date Attended: October 25, 2015

Church Category: Catholic (Tridentine Mass)

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

            The Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church was a beautiful space. The church had incredible stained glass windows, a tall ceiling, and beautiful artwork. Fortunately, there were service bulletins that provided an English translation of the Latin liturgy, as well as helpful illustrations that explained what the priest was doing throughout the service. While the liturgy was chanted and sung in Latin, the priest delivered the sermon in English. The priest performed many actions accompanying the words of the liturgy, such as sprinkling Holy Water, utilizing incense, and consecrating the elements of Communion. There were certain liturgical responses that were repeated throughout the service, such as “The Lord be with you – And also with you”. The atmosphere was very solemn and reverent. The attendees of the service remained somewhat distant from one another and it seemed that there was a focus on personal piety before God. The mass was particularly distinct from my regular church experience. My church has a very casual atmosphere, and members focus on fellowship and community. The services at my church usually consist of contemporary worship songs, occasional hymns and teaching from my pastor.

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

            In experiencing this Tridentine mass, I noticed certain elements that have persisted throughout the continuation of the Christian tradition. The service included of the use of incense, liturgical phrases, the Nicene creed and an overwhelming sense of reverence. These facets have remained significant throughout the preservation of the Christian faith, as they have been handed down throughout generations and continue to play a significant role in Christianity today. I appreciated this sense of continuity and tradition that enlivened the service. It certainly illumined the difference of my own church context. As a Protestant, I was not able to partake in Communion. Not only did the service emit a much different atmosphere in comparison with my usual church context, it also emphasized the significance of the differences between the Catholic and Protestant churches. It was interesting to encounter this, as I often forget the manner in which differences in doctrinal beliefs have resulted in partitions within the Christian tradition.

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

            While the atmosphere of the service was significantly different from the context that I am accustomed to, I still appreciated elements of Christian tradition that played a significant role in the mass. I appreciate the way in which Christians across generations and differing denominations are connected and united through the certain aspects of faith, such as creedal confessions, reading of Scripture and common prayers. It was an encouraging experience to take part in a church context quite different from my own. Even though it was very different, I still recognized a sense of belonging, It is humbling to recognize a sense of smallness in regards to the greater body of Christ, while still maintaining a sense of importance in sharing in fellowship despite denominational or doctrinal differences. After the mass, I reflected on the manner in which I often remain comfortable within my own church community, especially as it consists of a small, familiar group of church members. Oftentimes, I forget the large extent to which the Church has expanded and grown, aside from my own home church. It was helpful to experience a service in another language and engage with the observance of Catholic traditions.