Praise and Worship at Catholic Church?

Question

I was wondering what people thought about praise and worship at Catholic Mass. Is it ok to be ecumenical during the mass? If not would there be anything wrong with having some more energetic prayer after Mass has concluded that would be optional?

Punter. You in no way answered my question. You only spammed a bunch of propaganda. Go spread your political disease somewhere else :D

Answer 1

I'm not sure what you mean by being "ecumenical." I have a friend who converted from Pentecostal to Catholic about ten years ago, and at his first Mass, he shouted a couple of "Hallelujahs" during the priest's homily. The priest, amused, said "I'm glad someone is paying attention."

Every denomination, actually every congregation, has its own 'way' of worshipping, whether it is ritualistic or spontaneous. While you may feel filled with the Spirit at some point (indeed, I hope you do!), I hope you would restrain your expression so as not to disrupt the service for others. Catholic Mass tends to be more personal, more internal, more outwardly quiet. Christians who are used to a full gospel sort of praise service might think that these quiet Catholics are distracted or even asleep - but in reality they are not able to witness the work of the Spirit raging within those of us who are deep in prayer, who are opening our hearts to Christ.

Even Scripture warns that one who wishes to utter prophecy from the Spirit should not do so at an assembly unless there is a translator present.

There is nothing wrong with having more energetic prayer at another occasion - or even during the Mass. Talk with the priest, ask about it. There are several priests in our area (St. Louis) who lead full gospel assemblies, and there are several charismatic Catholic churches where tongues are spoken, etc.

Answer 2

The Catholic Mass has rather strict rules about what happens when and what the content is. This is because we Catholics worship "in concert" you might say with every other Catholic church in the world. Same readings, some of the same prayers, all the hymns have the same themes.

Catholic Mass is already laden with praise and worship. There really is no need to add more to it. If you mean "praise and worship choruses" from the protestant tradition, there are some songs that are acceptable and already used in Catholic Mass. However -- and my husband was a protestant worship leader for many years so I am very familiar with this -- there are some songs passed off as "praise and worship" to protestants that contain neither praise to nor worship of God. Plenty of stuff that worships the self/community and some "supplications" to God, but not all of it is truly worship. Always check lyrics!

As far as being "ecumenical" during Mass, I'm not sure what you mean. Anyone is welcome to attend Mass. You're likely not going to see a Baptist preacher in the pulpit, but a Baptist preacher is more than welcome to come and engage in praise and worship and prayer and Scripture reading with us (which is what the Mass is all about).

Your question about "more energetic prayer after Mass" is a bit confusing to Catholics. Energy is not what makes prayer sincere. You might find it more palatable to be energetic in prayer, but that isn't even an issue for Catholics. It doesn't matter to us whether we enjoy it or not -- it is an offering to God and it is up to Him to determine whether or not it is pleasing to His ear. Personally, I think sincerity is the key, not energy.

Answer 3

While not wrong per se, many Catholics would feel that this would be inappropriate, as the Mass is a re-creation of the Last Supper and crucification. Hence, many don't see it as a time to sing and dance and praise, but rather a time to reflect on His sacrifice and holiness.

That said, there are Catholic churches that have more modern masses with more Protestant/Baptist-like praise/worship, and many people enjoy attending these masses, too.

Answer 4

I understand where you are coming from....but you must understand that there is nothing 'wrong' with Mass...

Standard prasie and worship music does not belong in Mass. The Mass itself IS the praise and worship!

Before Mass should be a time of solemn preparation for participation in the Eucharist...after Mass is quiet time to spend in the presence of the Lord.

Praise and worship has its place and is really awesome- I am a singer in a Catholic band- but the place is not during the Mass.

Answer 5

The Mass is the unbloody sacrifice of Calvary.

Ecumenism is not for the Mass. Ecumenism is more like what the Bahai faith believe.

If you want to 'praise and worship' in a protestant manner, I think it should stay out of the Mass. The Mass should focus on Jesus and not on 'the people'.

If you want to learn more about the Mass, this book by Tan books is great "The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass" Fr. Muller. http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Sacrifice-Mass-Michael-Muller/dp/0895554372

Also, get a bunch of people together at you church to ask for the Tridentine Latin Mass, then you will see what the Mass is really supposed to be like. Everyone faces Jesus in the tabernacle and so many other wonderful things that modernists will try to tell you aren't good, but they are truly glorifying to God in the way the 'world' does not understand.

Peace of God be with your spirit.

Answer 6

The Bible says that he inhabits our praise and worship. It does not specify a specific style. All he ask is for all of who you are and in return he will bless you by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you feel that a more energetic prayer or worship service is needed than present the idea before your church (the worst they can say is no). I appreciate the old gospel hymns but I long to worship in the more contempary style. Good luck to you and God bless!

Answer 7

There's nothing wrong with it. Our Catholic church has regular P&W sessions for our youth group and their weekly mass includes the same kind of songs. The only potential problem I would have with it is if it completely took over other activities, like community service. In a diverse program, it's fine.

Answer 8

This might not matter but it strikes me as "creepy".
I am, and have been a worship leader in the midwest for roughly 7 years and when my dad died was asked to do the music at his funeral. The priest said no way that we could not interfere with the structure of a catholic mass.

I haven't been a Roman Catholic for quite a few years so I might be a little rusty on their theology but I couldn't remember in the catechism where it said music had to be completely boring. It's obviously in there somewhere though.

Answer 9

There's nothing wrong in Praise and Worship at Catholic Mass but if anyone has any objections its merely their problem. So forget what people think and go ahead with the praise and worship. Remember one has to please God not man!!!!!

Answer 10

<> You recognize what constitutes "displaying off"! four hours in the past - four days left to reply. Report Abuse Additional Details <> You have got to depart that by myself and no longer pass judgement on. You do not know what is going on in that different individual's middle, so simply depart it by myself. They would be experiencing some thing profound, or they would be stuffed with crap. You've no method of realizing considering the fact that you cannot learn different peoples hearts.