Young want 'relevant' Mass

Young people who celebrate Mass want it to become more relevant to their lives, and not merely a "repetitive boring ritual" that they cannot connect with, according to the Diocesan Youth Commission (KDZ).

Reacting to the findings of the Church's census on Sunday Mass attendance, the commission questioned whether the results were a case of young people not understanding the significance of Mass, or vice versa or a case of both.

"We need to hear more youngsters saying they are satisfied with the celebration of Mass," the commission said in a statement.

The homily, for example, could take into consideration the ages of the people present, the experiences society was going through, the language used, and the positive way in which the message could be delivered.

The way Mass was celebrated should also be examined to arouse proper sentiments for certain occasions, especially those of joy and festivity that applied to a Sunday.

Although Mass should not be considered as a form of entertainment, the Church had to become more conscious that people, and in particular youngsters, were not settling for mediocrity - they wanted creativity and professionalism.

"A raw and half-hearted preparation of any event is an insult to the intelligence of the people," it said.

However, creativity had to be within the parameters of the proper significance of the celebration and not be an end in itself.

"If a priest has not undertaken the necessary preparation to convey the proper and true meaning of the celebration, we cannot expect the congregation to understand what is being celebrated. And if people do not understand, why should they celebrate?" the commission questioned.

It is clear that the efforts being made were not bearing the required fruit. The message of the census was clear: "The liturgy is being celebrated in a way that... is alienating them from the Church."