Monday, July 31, 2006

Seattle Priest (and liturgy consultant) Criticizes EWTN Masses

** Corrected **

Liturgy Reflections:
Mysterious liturgy

by Father Jan Larson

I was recently watching a part of the daily televised liturgy on EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network). The liturgy there is an odd mix of English and Latin, while following the texts of the current Roman Missal. The priest and ministers of the liturgy look way too somber and serious. The ritual is performed with all the exaggerated exactness of the pre-Vatican II Latin liturgy. The Mass is overly formal and mechanical. Needless to say, there are no women allowed in the sanctuary area, there is no procession with the gifts, no Sign of Peace, and, of course, no Communion from the cup for the lay people who are present. The liturgy, in effect, is unlike anything that Catholics experience in the vast majority of Catholic parish churches.
. . .
“As for the growing similarity among the Eucharistic celebrations of Catholics and Protestants, we should rejoice that Catholics now feel at home at Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopalian worship, and that our Protestant neighbors have gained much through our process of renewal and reform."
Eucharistic celebrations? In Protestant services? And this man is a priest? And, of course, there is no liturgical dance in EWTN Masses...

Was this man's article in the Inland Register & diocesan web page approved by the Spokane bishop, the current USCCB President, William Skylstad?

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