So I walk into church today, expecting the usual Sunday morning 9AM mass, and it's packed, full of strange decorations and the sermon is being read. Apparently this means 1) mass started at 7AM, 2) something special is going on and 3) there is some sort of conference going on.
It turns out that it's for some ecumenical conference that includes a LOT of charismatic evangelicals. Now, I love my fellow humans, but this breed is quite the handful. The mass featured lots of loud singing, yelling, dancing and a handful of bewildered - and probably a bit scared - clergy.
Now, I don't mind a lively mass, but considering it's the first weekend of Lent (i.e. fasting, pennance and a general toning-down of things), this mass didn't exactly say "humble". And judging by the repeat-business customers at the church, they weren't too pleased about this development. The guests (including a VERY charismatic band/choir) probably didn't notice and something tells me they don't have Lent written down on their calendars, since the usual decorum was disregarded. I got out after 10:45 and we had JUST received communion (but only the repeat-business customers, of course).
This seemed weird, because I always felt the Catholic Church was a sanctuary from crazyness. Apparently not anymore! Now my church has been hijacked by evangelicals! Somebody call the Vatican!
Further infuriating me was the news that Meghan has been effectively pushed out of the school choir that she joined because she's not an active churchgoer. Apparently not recalling this week's Bible readings is a grave sin and the way to deal with church truants is intimidation and expulsion. Great way to set an example of love and tolerance, eh? The leader even asked her at one point whether she was Evangelical or Pentecostal - as if they're the only two choices! We're not talking about Coke vs. Pepsi, people...
Thus, this Sunday certainly wasn't the most ideal for the obruni. First our churches get all wild and crazy and then those who don't go get ostracized. I feel not only bad for Meghan for being denied something that she loves (i.e singing) as well as a trip to Cape Coast for a competition, but also ashamed to be associated with people who can be so insensitive. Again I ask: What's so funny about peace love and understanding?
2 comments:
Geez, and I was worried when they brought a tambourine into St. Pat's! Hm. Things will most likely return to normal next week...The charismatics make the rounds everywhere, I guess. Odd time to schedule such a thing though.
-GK
PS. Happy Independence Day tomorrow, you Nkrumahite you!
Michael, Michael, Michael.... you sound like my Mom (and she is 80), she goes to church then complains about it. You made me laugh right out loud with that line about the Catholic Church being an escape from Craziness.... then you mention tolerance and understanding too.. OMGoddess! You can't have it both ways.
A. mare
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