Christ in the City
I went last night to St Patrick's Church in downtown Washington for the monthly "Christ in the City" Holy Hour for young adults. I was very much impressed by the way it was organized, the beauty of the church, the lovely music that was a mix of contemporary Christian favorites and chant, by the generous silence, and by the preaching, which invited us to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ and called those who do not know Christ to "open the doors of their hearts" to him. The church was darkened and I sat in the back, but it appeared that there were at least 125 folks there who looked mainly to be young professionals or students. After the homily the lines were quite long for all three priests who were hearing confessions. More information on this monthly event is here.
While it was all very beautiful and the folks there seemed to be deeply devoted to our Lord, I was struck by the ways in which this gesture is perfect for those who are not intentional disciples, who may be curious, open, or seeking and may benefit from a rather unstructured, no frills, no obligation encounter with the Eucharistic-Emmanuel. The setting was typical of what postmoderns say they like in church (an experience of the transcendent, otherwordly, etc) and which the emergent church movement has capitalized on. I am sure this can be fruitfully replicated in other cities with high concentrations of young adults as a tool for evangelization, as well as an occasion for committed young adults to deepen their relationship with the Lord.
Labels: evangelization, young adults
posted by Joe Waters @ 10:17 AM
4 Comments
4 Comments:
thanks so much, Joe, for sharing this.
It set me dreaming. I envisioned intercessors scattered about the Church before and during, praying steadily for healing and illumination and the removal of spiritual barriers in those who come. I saw young adults with the charism of encouragement present, aware of and available to someone who seemed burdened or tearful and might need to talk. One or two with the gift of healing present to pray personally with those in need of healing. A whole team with gifts of hospitality welcoming people to a cozy welcoming place afterwards where more substantial conversations could be had.
All of them trained in the thresholds.
Young adults experiencing Christ himself in the midst of his Body, giving them a taste of real Christian community, the grace of the charisms, and a Reality that transcends whatever ideas or defenses they may have.
It would take commitment and work but it could be done quite readily - and could have an enormous impact.
Not to forget that the music should be made by those with the charism and the ambiance created by those with a gift of craftsmanship!
And that there should always be a priest present and visible for those who wish to speak to him or struggling or lapsed Catholics who wish to confess.
Of course, Benediction presumes the presence of a priest or deacon.
Imagine a 40 Hours Devotion (which was emerged out of the post Reformation Catholic revival) designed not primarily for the already devout but for the searching . . .
Joe, that was great to hear.
Sherry, about this:
"Young adults experiencing Christ himself in the midst of his Body, giving them a taste of real Christian community, the grace of the charisms, and a Reality that transcends whatever ideas or defenses they may have...It would take commitment and work but it could be done quite readily..."
Do you know where can I find someone who's good at taking ideas/this idea and making it concrete? I can see some of the work it would take to create the communio you described, but would appreciate another brain seeing what I'm not.
Ideas?
~MargoB
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