Queen of the Universe

I attended Mass here on New Year’s Eve, and though this was a feast day, most were dressed like they were attending a ball game rather than the wedding feast of the Lamb. Close to 90% of attendees of the modern Mass do not believe in Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, and the parishioners here dressed like it. That lack-of-belief number is much lower in parishes able to attract a younger, more serious crowd.

There was abundant pew chit chat after Mass, so anyone trying to finish with some prayer was at a loss. This is something these modern parishes with lots of aging baby boomers should work on, as young people reject the idea of chatting in the presence of Christ in the Tabernacle. Young devout Catholics attend Mass to escape the world, not to indulge in it. If the sanctuary light is on your mouth should be shut.

The most annoying element was the Cantor, who distractingly and ceremoniously thrust her arm up, as though after 60 years of this interactive performance, or so-called participation, we are all too foolish to know when to respond.

It was not just the Psalm though; far more egregious, were her thrusting theatrics throughout Mass, even immediately after the consecration, with Jesus, on the altar, when no eyes should be focused on her—not that they ever should be. It was impossible to avoid this ridiculous arm thrust for the Profession of Faith, Alleluia, Amen, Lamb of God, etc. Why would anyone think we should be looking at a Cantor during these serious prayers rather than the crucifix or the tabernacle?

Near the end but before the conclusion, so technically during Mass, we endured the typical, modern round of applause, as though Mass was a performance, rather than a memorial of Christ’s crucifixion. She smiled, and practically bowed accordingly. The credits started rolling as the show ended.

She should not even be visible. Mass music is a background detail to help lift us to prayer. For this Cantor, it was showtime. I wish she put as much thought into what she was wearing in the sanctuary as she did on her rehearsed arm thrust. The way you vest yourself is a reflection of the dignity you feel towards those whose presence you are in, and we were in the presence of the King of the universe. She had an absolutely stunning voice, which would’ve been so helpful if she stood humbly out-of- view, in the back near the organist and did her job.

I applaud the organist who followed Vatican II, using the organ for every piece. Because it was still Christmas we were spared the typical aging baby boomer, really bad Mass music that dominates these elderly populated parishes whose choir directors fail to grasp that young people hate this music. Glancing around indicated the average age here was 60+.

I give the organist one demerit for concluding with “Let there be peace on Earth.” This song praises us rather than God, or at least Mary on this feast day, so it is inappropriate for the holy sacrifice of the Mass, according to Vatican rules; this jingle is more appropriate for a 70’s Coca-Cola commercial. Maybe he doesn’t have a say; maybe after all of this really good music he was appealing to the 70’s nostalgia the elderly crowd seems to enjoy—or at least have been trained to associate with Mass. I applaud him also for avoiding the piano which is prone to wreck beautiful Catholic music, since again, it was Christmas and we were treated to some excellent, singable Catholic pieces.

In conclusion, it is clear that within the next 12 years, this parish will have to dig up the entire side & front area to install dozens of handicap parking spots in order to maintain the demographics they cater to, because nothing is being done here to attract a younger crowd.

Queen is a beautiful and welcoming Church. Queen is not my regular Parish but I find myself there often since my first visit...Fathers Weber and Manny are wonderful 👍

Beautiful church and nice grounds, but not the greatest experience in my lifetime. This church has been around since I was a child, and the services are a little mundane. I'm glad that others enjoy the services and congregation. It just isnt for me.

Queen of the Universe Church is a beautiful place to worship God!
Reverend John Wackerman and Reverend Daniel Arechabala have a wonderful way of enlightening the spirit within us when doing Mass. And what my husband & I like at the end of the Mass. They both ask everyone to say the The Saint Michael the Archangel prayer and the Hail Mary. You Get a Great feeling of being closer to God when leaving church. ❤