Church name: St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
Church address: 36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540
Date attended: October 30, 2016
Church category: Tridentine Mass
Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?
The church I attend is a charismatic, small and contemporary, in contrast to this Catholic church I visited. The participation on the congregation's side was very minimal and all the practices, therefore, seemed more distant to me. I noticed, that I've always been very external and outwardly in the way I worship God. In the church I usually go to, I don't feel still or peaceful, rather I experience a sort of stirring of my soul and spirit. While I enjoy that type of worship, I have always enjoyed Catholic and Orthodox services as moments of escape. I wouldn't prefer attending Catholic services weekly, but I recognize the beauty and simplistic complexity behind the rituals they offer.
How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity?
This Catholic service was very different from the masses we had in my Catholic high school. There were elements, which resulted in me realizing once again how various cultures and countries carry out their (same) beliefs very differently. Since this church visit was followed by the visit to an Orthodox church, I found myself comparing the two. Both these experiences highlighted the impact of church history and regional differences. Using Latin and Greek brings those who come to the service, closer to the Early church and therefore the tradition itself. It is sad though that in the midst of cross-cultural conflict, the church has not stayed united, but has resulted in a divided body.
How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?
As mentioned already, I recognized my own tendencies in worship and praise. It was powerful to see that I, as a Christian, am part of a movement that has crossed borders of time and space. When observing the mass, I thought about the practices I take part of as a Christian. It illuminated to me the practices that I hold sacred and the practices I should abandon since they have no profound base. Overall, this church visit, as the last one, was uplifting and encouraging as I got to engage with other parts of the Church.
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