St. Francis of Assisi is the largest parish in the Green Bay Diocese and yet our young people are not filling the pews. Why is that? The younger generation (i.e., the millennials - those born in the early 80’s until the late 90’s), have found themselves disenchanted with the current affairs of the Church and the reverence shown in parishes around the world.
Young people, and many Catholics today, are interested in encountering the Divine through the Church's seldom used beautiful and traditional symbolisms. People frequently leave the Church in the pursuit of beauty, which is often misunderstood as human entertainment. It is clear that young people today crave Tradition, they crave the Sacred; they crave something that takes them outside of themselves, something that is other-worldly and transcendent. What could possible be more transcendent than the celebration of the Holy Mass? The answer, simply, is nothing.
However, when that experience is not magnified in its reverence, beauty, richness, and transcendence, the faithful are left feeling hollow, empty, and in many cases, apathetic. Having a High (solemn) Mass (i.e., a Mass with chanting, incense, bells, and additional candles) offered at this parish would not only serve the needs of these young people and families who crave tradition, truth, beauty, and goodness, but it would also serve as catalyst for deeper catechesis and conversion within the wider parish community.
If we truly believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is made present - full Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity - during the celebration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, then shouldn’t the celebration reflect that belief? We are not diminishing or shaming the way the Holy Mass is currently being celebrated, but we believe that the experience of prayer and worship can be heightened. Truly, beauty is what will renew the Church. She has always been the greatest example and benefactor of beauty. Why do we shy away from it now? It is fitting to elevate and heighten the beauty of the Mass, if only to enhance the Sacred reality of Heaven meeting earth.
People should walk into the celebration of the Source and Summit of our faith and immediately recognize that what they are experiencing is not of this world. They should be struck with awe at the beauty and magnificence of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. A solemn High Mass would accomplish this feat.
Updates
February 7, 2019
Reaching this point has been a long and draining road. Seeing this many people acknowledge the need for beauty and tradition in our parish gives me the strength to keep pushing forward despite the pushback.
19 Comments
I think having a High Mass would be a fantastic opportunity to elevate parishioners' experience of the liturgy and help to reemphasize the sacredness of the liturgy. I (and several others) love the added "smells and bells" of a High Mass.
I would appreciate this opportunity both for myself and for my children to also worship!
As a young person, our community is thirsting to revere our God in ancient ways.
What a beautiful idea and in presented so thoughtfully. Young priests like you are embracing young people’s hearts and will revive our Church! God bless every one!
The mass has felt so plain lately. We need the incense and the chant back to really feel like we are in Gods house. My kids would love it too.
I would love to see a high mass as an option here!
This would be so wonderful for the parish!
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
St. Francis of Assisi is the largest parish in the Green Bay Diocese and yet our young people are not filling the pews. Why is that? The younger generation (i.e., the millennials - those born in the early 80’s until the late 90’s), have found themselves disenchanted with the current affairs of the Church and the reverence shown in parishes around the world.
Young people, and many Catholics today, are interested in encountering the Divine through the Church's seldom used beautiful and traditional symbolisms. People frequently leave the Church in the pursuit of beauty, which is often misunderstood as human entertainment. It is clear that young people today crave Tradition, they crave the Sacred; they crave something that takes them outside of themselves, something that is other-worldly and transcendent. What could possible be more transcendent than the celebration of the Holy Mass? The answer, simply, is nothing.
However, when that experience is not magnified in its reverence, beauty, richness, and transcendence, the faithful are left feeling hollow, empty, and in many cases, apathetic. Having a High (solemn) Mass (i.e., a Mass with chanting, incense, bells, and additional candles) offered at this parish would not only serve the needs of these young people and families who crave tradition, truth, beauty, and goodness, but it would also serve as catalyst for deeper catechesis and conversion within the wider parish community.
If we truly believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is made present - full Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity - during the celebration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, then shouldn’t the celebration reflect that belief? We are not diminishing or shaming the way the Holy Mass is currently being celebrated, but we believe that the experience of prayer and worship can be heightened. Truly, beauty is what will renew the Church. She has always been the greatest example and benefactor of beauty. Why do we shy away from it now? It is fitting to elevate and heighten the beauty of the Mass, if only to enhance the Sacred reality of Heaven meeting earth.
People should walk into the celebration of the Source and Summit of our faith and immediately recognize that what they are experiencing is not of this world. They should be struck with awe at the beauty and magnificence of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. A solemn High Mass would accomplish this feat.
Updates
February 7, 2019
Reaching this point has been a long and draining road. Seeing this many people acknowledge the need for beauty and tradition in our parish gives me the strength to keep pushing forward despite the pushback.
19 Comments
I truly miss the traditional masses; Latin, High Mass, the message of the Holy Spirit. I would love to see it come back. I imagine young people have never experienced the mass I grew up with.
I think having a High Mass would be a fantastic opportunity to elevate parishioners' experience of the liturgy and help to reemphasize the sacredness of the liturgy. I (and several others) love the added "smells and bells" of a High Mass.
I would appreciate this opportunity both for myself and for my children to also worship!
As a young person, our community is thirsting to revere our God in ancient ways.
What a beautiful idea and in presented so thoughtfully. Young priests like you are embracing young people’s hearts and will revive our Church! God bless every one!
The mass has felt so plain lately. We need the incense and the chant back to really feel like we are in Gods house. My kids would love it too.
I would love to see a high mass as an option here!
This would be so wonderful for the parish!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 100 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I truly miss the traditional masses; Latin, High Mass, the message of the Holy Spirit. I would love to see it come back. I imagine young people have never experienced the mass I grew up with.