The rubrics of the Mass are the same in the Roman Rite. Someone else mentioned other rites – these follow other rubrics, but all rites/churches in the Roman Catholic Church have the same theology and are all united under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (i.e., the Pope). I’ve been to Mass all around the world, including in languages I don’t understand (e.g., Polish, Italian, Czech, etc.) but can follow the Mass in the Missal (i.e., Catholic prayer book). It didn’t bother me that I could not understand the language – we are there for the grace of the Sacrifice of the Mass – not the sermon.;^)

-James

kcillini77 – I’m sorry to report but I have tried to choke down what is called barbecue in KC and could not do it. I threw most of it away.

Parsifal – hush puppies?!? with barbecue?!?! please come to Texas so we can show the Way.

Memphis Aggie – thanks for he support. NC barbecue is gross.

Curtis – Chicken is a side to barbecue.

Brian Roden- Very good. Excellent, but only barbecue in name.

Ky boy but not now – maybe but based on BBQ in Tennessee other mid-south states I doubt it.

Patrick Lynch – the best NC BBQ you can find is not in NC. It all is bad.

No offense, but the Church of Christ where I grew up in North Alabama were an especially exclusionary bunch. One local church would take up a weekly ad in the paper criticizing the church practices of the other denominations.

Combine with that with the fact that the area has a high number of exclusionary baptist and it was quiet a mix.

My best friend was C.o.C. but a sorry one. They had a Christmas tree and his mom went with her head uncovered to church, and they used multiple cups at communion.

My brothers best friend growing up however was old school. Very old school. One cup, head covered, etc. etc.

I knew things had changed when the large “liberal” C.o.C. in town put up a new building and it had stained glass windows and a playground. The church actually split over it.

It seems us baptist do not have a monopoly over church splitting after all, even though we have perfected the game.

Be flattered. Everyone on the planet wants to appropriate the traditions of the Irish. They are a great people.

You make me laugh. It was basically a time where folks turned around and shook hands and said peace to each other. I actually saw a couple of folks give the “peace” sign across the church.

I also laugh at your response to the Celtic service. You’ve said that before. Like most folks in the South a large part of my family is Irish, County Cork early 1700’s actually, so I have to admit I was first drawn to this service by the Celtic label. I also have to admit I was so unaccustomed to episcopal worship, and still am, that I probably couldn’t tell you what is supposed to be Celtic about it other than some of the language used in the prayers seems sort of earthy if that makes sense.

If I remember right from some of your post you live in Ireland. Lucky you. I’m coming over before I die. I’m getting ready to have my friends over for our annual St. Patricks Day meal. Last year I butchered a recipe for Lamb Stew. This year I’m doing corned beef. Any tips.

I’ve heard that folks in Ireland sort of shake their heads and chuckle at our obsession with St. Patrick’s Day. Is that the case?

Regards,
Austin

Rest assured that the hand holding during “Our Father” has pretty much died out, (or I’m going to more orthodox parishes). The big thing that I’ve noticed is that the friendlier parishes tended to be less orthodox and the more orthodox not very open to new comers. My cat and I have lived in 9 different homes in 5 states in her 18 years.

I normally don’t question anyone’s tastes, but I do have a great deal of difficulty considering shredded meat in a vinegar sauce as bar-b-que. Sorry, Patrick. Hope you enjoy it though.

Thankfully, as Landan pointed out, there are large numbers of us who realize that God’s grace extends well beyond our little sect. Yes, we still have our “hard shell” types just as does the SBC, but the more progressive voice grows almost daily.

PTL!