Russell Shaw, a columnist with the Arlington Catholic Herald, reminds us in his recent column that the Mass should never be looked upon as a source of entertainment. Those who say they don't get anything out of Mass, should look in the mirror and ask themselves how much they put in. The reason we go to Mass is to worship our Lord, primarily as a duty to Him. That does not mean we do it solely out of habit, because any devout Catholic knows that, without the Mass, we starve from the graces needed to live the life of faith. In other words, we go because we know we need to go, but most of all because we want to go.
Mr. Shaw makes another good point about falling into the trap of "emotivism", where we are tempted to let how we feel determine what we believe. Permit me to co-opt this idea, and use it to substantiate a similar point I have recently made. Regarding liturgical music, we must also be careful to avoid allowing our personal impressions to determine what we think is or is not appropriate for the Mass. Our sense of preference in music is based on a complicated web of historical experiences. So, feeling right does not make it right.
The whole concept of doing what people want to see or hear, in order to attract them to the Mass, is entirely the wrong approach. For example, how often have we heard that we ought to do such-and-such at Mass, so that more young people will want to come. Liturgical reform needs to consist in doing what is right, not necessarily what people enjoy or find entertaining. Those who love God and love the Mass will always rejoice in what is right (1 Cor 13:6).
See here for more discussion on the nature of sacred music.
Paul, have you seen much of the liturgy used for the Stuebenville Youth Conferences? It is basically the Rock and Roll Mass. I watched a video from the USCCB on it recently. While I am happy to see so many kids charging off the mass, I just can't say I approve of the mass they're charging off for. Of course, it's the same mass in an important sense. But it just seems so hip. The mass, I think, shouldn't be hip.
I agree with your assessment, Tim. Regarding conferences and prayer rallies, I'd say go for it. I'm ecstatic to see these kids come alive with love for Christ. But I don't believe FUS is doing the Church any favors by conducting Rock Masses.
If they really want to bring their work of evangelization to the next level, they need to introduce the kids to authentic Catholic worship. Maybe that's Part II of their strategy. I don't know.
By leaving the kids with the impression that this is the summit of the Catholic faith, I believe they do an unfortunate disservice. The kids end up going home thinking that injecting excitement into the Mass is what the New Evangelization is all about. Once this impression is ingrained, it's pretty hard to counter.
I see it also where I am. I even see it in some adults, who are old enough to remember the Rock and Folk Masses of the 60's and 70's. What a sad state. What impoverishment from the liturgical riches the Church has to offer.