A Franciscan Friar of the Renewal offers reconciliation at a Youth 2000 retreat. Photo: CNS /Gregory A. Shemitz. The question I proposed as the title for this article was framed when I was at a vigil Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the city centre recently, and it was a question that was running around as I saw more people come into the chapel for confessions and to attend Mass. However, are we on a revival of people coming back in full force? Yes, but very slowly.
I have gone to four different churches over the past month, my main parish, which is the Rathmines Parish, second being Whitefriar Street Church, third is the North Wall Parish and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. What I saw every week was an increase of people from all walks of life kneeling and praying for personal intentions was a sight that made me realise that maybe we are coming back to a Church revival.
I can already see people stating that the stats might say something else. Well, these are my observations – from people I have spoken to who have come back to the Church after many years seeking for help and guidance that many are seeking. Two months ago, I saw a woman crying her heart out when the choir started singing a hymn, and there wasn’t a more powerful sight. So, what could be the other reasons why people might be coming back slowly.
Community
One of the biggest aspects I can think of would be the sense of community. People don’t have time to meet and greet anymore, busy with work life, being tired of sitting in front of the computer or even just not having the best day mentally. These instances have made it tough for many to find groups that align with them, but now as more youth are coming back to faith, many parishes are considering and encouraging the young parishioners to start more groups, be it for activities or just a prayer night. These small get-togethers have shown to bring light to people’s lives.
Tea and coffee after Mass is something that the Rathmines Parish does after every Mass every Sunday, and it has been a proven formula to get more people to come back every week”
I can see it in priests faces when they see more people coming in for Mass, not only does it make them delighted, but also gives them a euphoric energy to serve with enthusiasm knowing that many are there seeking to participate in the Mass. I have spoken to priests, and they have all mentioned a steady rise in people coming into Mass every Sunday.
Tea and coffee after Mass is something that the Rathmines Parish does after every Mass every Sunday, and it has been a proven formula to get more people to come back every week and meet people, and it also makes the elderly happy to speak with the youth. I would encourage other parishes to try implementing some sort of meet and greet after Sunday Mass, it is going to build that sense of community that many are lacking these days.
Fruitful
North Wall Parish has confessions and adoration after Mass, and this is a parish that I have seen an increase of people coming in for confessions and it also allows a fruitful experience for parishioners to experience confession and adoration at the same time; a powerful one I must say.
However, a sight that I am yet to witness is the youth taking more youth ministries in the Church. I see more of the elderly doing reading, collections, singing and even distributing the Eucharist. Services which should be passed on to the younger generation and promoted more. There are plenty of opportunities for a more active parish, and the youth are the backbone of any place including the Church. My hope is to see more people volunteering and being proactive on certain ideas that could be brought to each parish to make it livelier and attract more people.
What I find fascinating going to youth groups and other such events such as the Youth2000, is the sheer passion one has when it comes to bringing people closer to God. I would encourage more inter parish activities, collaborations with different parishes, and allowing more faith related events and talks all around the country will help boost the idea of the Church being a place not only for worship, but also a place of friendship, unity and community, a happy place where all stress from our modern world gets thrown away. God bless!
I see more of the elderly doing reading, collections, singing and even distributing the Eucharist. Services which should be passed on to the younger generation and promoted more. There are plenty of opportunities for a more active parish, and the youth are the backbone of any place including the Church”