To this I would reply bluntly that the question of female altar service is not a minor issue. The Eucharistic liturgy is at the very center of the Church's life, and the altar is located at the very center of the Eucharistic liturgy. It is the Holy of Holies under the New Covenant of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This means that any radical and unprecedented innovation regarding what happens at the altar is bound to bring about important changes - whether short-term or long-term, or both - in the hearts and minds of the faithful at worship. Share
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
More on "Altar Girls"
To this I would reply bluntly that the question of female altar service is not a minor issue. The Eucharistic liturgy is at the very center of the Church's life, and the altar is located at the very center of the Eucharistic liturgy. It is the Holy of Holies under the New Covenant of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This means that any radical and unprecedented innovation regarding what happens at the altar is bound to bring about important changes - whether short-term or long-term, or both - in the hearts and minds of the faithful at worship. Share
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7 comments:
Very good. His last line won't win him any friends, but it's an important distinction to make overall. Altar boys are a mini-symbol of the priesthood, and to tell you the truth, I'd never once thought of altar boys' opinion of girls serving - that their serving has now been emasculated and that this, too, contributes toward a lack of fire toward priestly vocations.
I think most of us would be quietly happy with a Tridentine Mass option, and let AmChurch go peacefully on its merry, Protestant way. (And I've just poured vinegar on unity, I suppose, but it's how I really feel.)
You are not alone in your feelings.....
my 14yo son LOVES to serve. he takes this job very seriously. he is very careful in his dress and demeanor... he is very disheartened when girls come to serve with hair flowing, high heels, and ill-fitting vestments (they don't listen to him when he tells them they're wearing the wrong size)they don't pay attention during mass-they're busy looking around at the congregation. are they there because it's "the thing to do"? cordelia.
I have yet to figure out why they are there, Cordelia. It doesn't make any sense. At all.
Cordelia - That is so true - at my Church, the altar girls constantly have to be directed by the priest as to what to do next, and they are forever looking out into the congregation, sometimes giving a little wave when they make eye contact with family or friends.
I've noticed that most altar girls don't seem to enjoy serving. I think the poor kids are pushed into by their mothers.
+JMJ+
Just to be fair, I did know of one female altar server who was very reverent and who took her duties very seriously. In fact, she seemed to be the leader of the mixed group and they all took their cues from her.
So now I don't know which is more depressing: girl servers who are obviously the wrong choice for the job or girl servers who are so responsible that they seem to be discerning a vocation to "priestesshood." :S
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