During the Mass at 5:00pm on Sundays here in Oxford, I've been celebrating the Mass "AD DEUM" ("toward the Lord"). As I explain before each Mass that "ad Deum" is an ancient way of celebrating Mass that includes both priest and congregation TOGETHER facing one COMMON direction acknowledging that it is CHRIST that is the center of our attention.
Over the past few years, we've used the organ and piano music in a more traditional vein. However, this year, I was
beaten down emotionally asked to include more contemporary
Protestant egocentric praise music in the
5:00pm college Mass. We have done it and so far, it's not too bad.
Some people have remarked that ad Deum Mass with the JAMMIN' music isn't congruent but I see it as
two sides that won't budge coming together a good synthesis.
Today I ran across this old video and BEHOLD--- ROCKIN' ELVIS
PROTESTANT WORSHIP MUSIC and a priest celebrating AD DEUM all in one spot.
And NUNS in habits!
And Servers in cassocks!
And ELVIS!!
That's right, St. John's has THE ELVIS MASS!
Thankyewverrmuch.
