Halloween Mass … Uh-Huh
The video below is footage of a Mass at the Corpus Christi Parish in Aliso Viejo, California, which is in The Diocese of Orange County. The event basically involves Mass participants dressed up in Halloween costumes during the service, not to mention integrating the costume theme into the mass itself. Needless to say, it is disrespectful to the sacrifice of the Mass, takes away from the sacredness of the event, is filled with liturgical abuses, and is, to put it bluntly, pretty damn hokey. I thought “Clown Masses” were bad enough, but then we have this.
I will let you watch this for yourself and form your own opinions. I really don’t have to say much. I mean, doesn’t a priest dressed as Barney processing into the parish to the Addams Family theme pretty much speak for itself? Maybe I am the weird one here, but what person in his or her right mind is going to be drawn to Catholicism or even Christianity in general based on ridiculous displays such as this? Someone searching for the sacred is going to have to look elsewhere. It is a shame, because officially we Catholics have such a sacred and powerful Mass. How about a fun Halloween costume party after the Mass at some point, rather than during a sacred Christian mystery?
Thanks for Jason for emailing this to me, and Lutherpunk for posting it as well.
David Bennett
Jennifer
asimplesinner
Fr. J.
Chad Toney
Jorge Flores
Jonathan B
carmelbennett
nicenehobbit
Jason S
jaybird68
papaz
November 9, 2006 at 12:33 am
I figured you would have beaten me to the punch on this one.
November 9, 2006 at 1:02 am
I didn’t think this sort of thing happened anymore. I hope his homily was more substantial then what the clips show. The whole thing sends a poor message, by trivializing the sacredness of the Mass.
November 9, 2006 at 8:48 pm
I became physically ill and tearful by the end of this video. All of the Catholic apologetics in the world can’t explain stuff like this as it spreads across the net.
“yeah so you guys have the REEEL Presence, and Barney Too! Makes me want to convert”.
We need to fast and pray and do penance. Lord Have Mercy on us.
November 9, 2006 at 11:30 pm
LP,
I sat on it for awhile. I was busy following the election I guess!
Tiber Jumper,
It is definitely disturbing on so many levels. You know it is awful as an extreme liturgical abuse, but it just comes across to me as so damn idiotic. I mean, if I were looking for a religion, I would steer clear of the religion represented by that Halloween Mass. It is sad that is the impression some folks get of our faith.
November 10, 2006 at 5:00 am
jennifer,
My dear, it happens so much more than you even want to know about. I know of a Catholic church in my area that for All Souls’ Day erected an “altar” in front of the permanent one where congregants, both Latino and Anglo, were encouraged to bring “offerings” to the departed that they might have liked in life. On it were to be found cans of beer, bottles of whiskey, cigarettes, magazines, comic books, candy etc. Smacked more of pagan idolatry that Christian remembrance of the FAITHFUL departed.
So, a Halloween Mass with Adam’s Family theme music? I am, sadly, not surprised at all.
November 10, 2006 at 6:36 pm
We have to pray God for our priests. May He conduct them to sanctification.
World need saint priets.
November 10, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Please also check the http://www.CRCOA.com website for more info on how to help. Also read more about this bishop on http://www.romancatholicblog.com and, if you do send a letter to the nuncio or the Sacred Congregation, please also send a cc to angela.darling@hotmail.com. This is CRCOA’s email for this particular situation and they will be compiling a parish by parish log of liturgical abuses.
Thanks for your help in saving our Universal Church!!!
Angela
November 16, 2006 at 6:35 am
Now where was this parish at when I started my journey in. They look like thew charismatic bunch I grew up with except for the devil on the piano. The devil had the podium at our church in most cases.
Thanks. I needed a great laugh!