Parish Evaluation Project - Warning
  • Jeffrey TuckerJeffrey Tucker
    Posts: 3,624
    This certainly looks like a reactionary organization intent on driving out any hints of sacred liturgy from the parish. Does anyone know anything about this group? Experiences? Maybe we need a Parish Evaluation Project evaluation project.
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,606
    Active Participation: Where people sang the best

    If you can get beyond the idea of a welcoming video, they offer this:

    "The music is another way to invite active participation. In parishes we have visited, the ones where people sang the best were where the song leaders reached out and touched “the singer” within each worshipper. The songs were enjoyable, creative and challenging, as well as prayerful. In one place, without intimidation, the leader stopped the entrance song and said, “Whoa, we can do better than that. Let’s try it again, only three times as loud.” And indeed they did."

    It's not about Him, it's about Us. And reaching out and touching...when Mass itself is not enough?
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,606
    In early times, the Pope gestured to the choir director to begin the Kyrie, which was repeated until the Pope gestured that it stop. Why do I doubt that the Pope ever said, "Whoa, we can do better than that. Let’s try it again, only three times as loud.”
  • mjballoumjballou
    Posts: 993
    This is so 80s. After a lengthy introduction, they probably have the parish staff go "trust walking." Remember that?
  • Chrism
    Posts: 869
    I highly recommend listening to Holst's Mars while reading that web site.
  • Jeffrey TuckerJeffrey Tucker
    Posts: 3,624
    Please tell me about "trust walking"

    MJ, you seem to know all things!
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,606
    Can walking across hot coals be far behind? Of course, you could spread quality incense before the mad dash....
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,182
    Jeffrey, it is a so-called "team-building activity" (translation: emotionally manipulative exercise) : http://www.icebreakers.ws/team-building/trust-walk-teambuilding-activity.html
  • Jeffrey TuckerJeffrey Tucker
    Posts: 3,624
    Blech! seems like we need some ice builders in parish subjected to this stuff.
  • Jeffrey TuckerJeffrey Tucker
    Posts: 3,624
    I'm reminded of a prayer session I was forced to attend that began with physical relaxation exercises. The more the facilitator demanded that we stretch and elongate limbs and etc., imagine that our toes were linguini or whatever, the more tense I became. she really began to speak roughly to me so when I was sure that everyone was properly zoned out into some far-flung spiritual land, I quietly sneaked away. whew!
  • CharlesT
    Posts: 2
    I am in a parish church where this so called "Parish Evaluation and Renewal" has taken place. Fr. Sweetser, who runs the thing, immediately was planting seeds for "contemporary liturgies" and other unorthodox activies. They sent out surveys to the parishioners asking what they liked and disliked. Fr Sweetser set up a music committe to now instruct me (the music director) how to run the music program. I am trying to educate this committe, but they do not like everything that the church has to say about sacred music.

    The liturgy is a main subject on the evaluation. While a better majority approved of the music program which I have been running, Fr. Sweetser manipulated and orchestrated the results in a compilation of comments to sway the people. I read the complete book of comments, which they did not send to the parishioners. There were far more favorable comments about the music program and litugies, yet the commentary suggested many changes--especially more variety--needed to take place. He celebrated Masses with many questionable activities (like inviting children up to act out the gospel, while he paraphrased scripture). He sends out questioneers with loaded questions like "what do you think about homilies given by qualified lay people?" In essence, after reading his book, I would guess that it is discreetly pushing for a "lay run church." It does not take much reading to realize his agenda. Funny enough, there is no prayer or spiritual dimension to any of this "Project." And, well intentioned parishioners are easily manipulated and lead astray. Finally, I believe my job may be in jeopardy. It is very sad, and has caused me almost unbearable anxiety, and many sleepless nights.
  • G
    Posts: 1,397
    CharlesT, thank you so much for commenting here.
    It's so helpful to have first hand information.

    I had never heard of the program -- I shall certainly be on the lookout for it.
    I suspect its acronym is telling -- the project would no doubt be embraced by the person at my parish who clamored for, "a nice, peppy Kyrie!"

    (Save the Liturgy, Save the World)
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    CharlesT, I'll be saying some prayers for you. I've been there. It is a confusing kind of betrayal when parish staff and/or priests oppose a musician's charitable efforts of working toward fulfilling the Church's stated desires for sacred music.

    What a wordy sentence, sorry. But the prayers stand. :)
  • don roy
    Posts: 306
    jeffry
    congrats! youve uncovered a previously unknown breed of that extreamly dangerious species known as the liturgical parasite (ocp gia and the reverend vosko are of course the more well known breeds). those annoying creatures feed on healthy parishes with promises of renewal or trendy innovation to "propell the reforms of vatican 2 forward" (towards what end is never entirely clear). there ultimate goal is to provoke liturgical mayhem and bleed scarce parish funds.
    They drip honey but theres poisen in the smile and a 2 dementional agenda in the handshake. they infest otherwise healthy parishes and attack staff (particularly music staff) until the damage is done then they move on.
    the good news is that they seem to be on the decline as their increasing irrelivence becomes ever more clear. still they pose a threat and should be treated as the eager and well meaning but misguided and close minded money grabbing entrepeneaurs that they are.
  • IanWIanW
    Posts: 757
    The cheesy smiles are a dead give-away.
  • Charles in CenCA
    Posts: 2,416
    CharlesT, I echo G's appreciation for your first-hand account and evaluation. As portrayed, in this era, it seems incredible-
    *a presumably "for-profit" group (they have to charge fees, yes?) of self-appointed experts who can, presumably, take a snapshot of any parish that invites their presence (I shudder as I ponder what sort of parish would seriously accept the purpose and premise of this bunch) and apply novelty bandages and sweet snake oil tonics as solutions to their malaise.
    *evidence, in this the year of the priest, here and elsewhere that bishops and their priests willingly abrogate their covenantal duties to lead and direct their flocks to, at the least, one elegantly simple goal: the worship of almighty God through the shepherd and sheepgate that is our Savior Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. How hard is that for PASTORS to GET? Such ordained have subscribed to the wrong "Peter Principle."
  • RagueneauRagueneau
    Posts: 2,592
    This would be a wonderful post for NLM, if at all possible.
  • Michael O'Connor
    Posts: 1,637
    "a 2 dementional agenda"

    What a powerful statement misspelling can offer sometimes! ;-)
  • CharlesT
    Posts: 2
    Perhaps somebody could contact the organization and inquire about subscribing to their service--any takers?
  • ossian1898ossian1898
    Posts: 142
    Jeffrey:

    Trust walking is something college fraternities do, and it is considered hazing. What happens is that the pledge is blindfolded and then "elephant walks" (hand on shoulder of the person in front of him) or is called to by another member to take steps.

    Sometimes it happens over bodies of water, with the pledge taking the word of the member in front, tell him where to step on the rocks and make it across safely. This "tradition" is slowing being phased out of most fraternities, since it is illegal in most states.
  • Jeffrey TuckerJeffrey Tucker
    Posts: 3,624
    I posted on this on NLM. The editor took down my post. I've resigned from NLM.
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    Whoa, really Jeffrey? You contribute so many interesting things to NLM.
    I love your posts there, and I pray something can be worked out. Very sad news.
  • Charles in CenCA
    Posts: 2,416
    Jeffrey, you're not serious!

    Lord, you were....your photograph's gone from the homepage. Mercy me, wha' happened?
  • RagueneauRagueneau
    Posts: 2,592
    I do not believe Satan likes division. I am sorry to see Jeff leave NLM.

    However, perhaps other opportunities may present themselves.

    Aristotle A. Esguerra has a blog that is, pardon my saying so, more PROFESSIONAL than the NLM blog.

    Perhaps this is an opportunity.
  • Jeffrey TuckerJeffrey Tucker
    Posts: 3,624
    Sometimes things like this open up other opportunities. All will be well. I'm sure that NLM will continue to thrive.
  • Aristotle EsguerraAristotle Esguerra
    Posts: 1,185
    I would love Jeff T. on my blog (and Jeff O., for that matter, and a whole host of other people), but my own activity on it has been greatly attenuated by present circumstances. Plus I feel like I've boxed myself into a corner in many ways…
  • JeanL
    Posts: 21
    Here are some intereting links in regard to PEP and PAR:

    http://www.stmark9905.org/par/menu_par.asp
    http://www.parishandfamily.ie/Parish/Parish_Renewal_Newsletter
    http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=10095
    http://www.archdiocese-chgo.org/thearchdiocese/bishop_francis_kane.shtm
    http://www.st-raphael.com/site/ParishInfo/HistoryofStRaphael/tabid/109/Default.aspx
    http://www.holyspiritcatholicchurch.net/newsletter/February_2008.pdf
    http://www.stdominics.org/resources/attachments/1204/PAR_Newsletter.pdf
    http://people.uncw.edu/wilkesp/churchstudy/highlights/content/excpar.html
    http://dsjliturgy.blogspot.com/2007/11/characteristics-of-engaged-parish.html
    http://www.villanova.edu/business/excellence/churchmgmt/programs/research/conference.htm
    http://www.parishandfamily.ie/Parish/Parish_Renewal_Newsletter/61-anengagedparish
    http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1252/is_n20_v124/ai_20520558/
    http://nfpc.org/THIS_WEEK/week_270/
    http://www.coopdsj.org/events/sweetser.htm
    http://www.stcatherinelaguna.com/templates/page2.asp?docid=1520
    More to come!
  • JeanL
    Posts: 21
    A few more:
    http://www.ourladylakes.org/
    http://dsjliturgy.blogspot.com/2006/05/parish-evaluation-project-workshop.html
    http://www.icmonrovia.org/parprocess.htm
    http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/making-parishes-engaging-and-vibrant
    http://www.saintbartholomew.org/site/default.asp?sec_id=140001936
    http://www.stathanasius-evanston.org/chimes/Chimes%20-%20October%209,%202005.pdf
    http://www.archdiocese-phl.org/pastplan/newstuff/InFormation/information7-1.pdf
    http://www.mhr.org/history.html
  • DougS
    Posts: 793
    Jeff T., would you mind re-posting your blog entry here? I would love to read it.
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    I second the idea of reposting it here.
    Also, mehinks CMAA might serve the Church well by starting a sacred liturgy blog...
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    And thanks. Jeffrey, for all the great insight you've given these past few years on NLM. May God reward you, my friend.
  • JeanL
    Posts: 21
    Tom Sweetser S.J. was quoted in numerous articles in the 1980's promoting women and married priests. He has stated that the shortage of priests will cause the church, either through the local ordinaries or the vatican, will force the church to accept and embrace these changes. The PAR process superficially helps parish organization, however it's real purpose is the promote the unorthodox agenda which Sweetser over the years has commented on. He wishes to encourage many ideas which are in conflict with church teaching. Of course, an easy way to start is by destroying the liturgy and sacred music.
    Very dangerous!!!
  • Jeffrey TuckerJeffrey Tucker
    Posts: 3,624
    Yes, things will emerge after the colloquium at some point. Always progress.

    BTW, I don't really have the post and I no longer have access. It was about what one might expect, just a sober heads up about this group.
  • JeanL
    Posts: 21
    They are global:
    http://www.nenaghguardian.ie/news-detail.php?article=VCA01J
  • IanWIanW
    Posts: 757
    I'm very sorry to see this, Jeffrey. Thank you for your many posts on NLM, which have always been interesting and frequently thought-provoking. NLM will be the poorer without them. I'm sure you'll find another online outlet for such work, and when you do you'll be guaranteed an audience.

    This must have been a difficult decision for you to make, so thank you for your integrity.
  • David AndrewDavid Andrew
    Posts: 1,204
    [deleted]
  • David AndrewDavid Andrew
    Posts: 1,204
    Oh, and if you like Jeffrey Tucker's contributions to NLM, why not just get yourself a subscription to The Wanderer? Many of the columns he's written that appear at NLM end up in that wonderful newspaper anyway!

    (How's THAT for a shameless plug for a colleague?!?!)

    PLUS, you get columns by Fr. Z and other great columnists and reporters, all with a clear commitment to the Teachings of Holy Mother Church! Who could ask for more?!?!
  • don roy
    Posts: 306
    jeffry
    let me join with otherws in expressing my sadness at your leaving nlm. your posts there were among the best and thought provoking.
    a sad day for nlm
  • Arthur Connick
    Posts: 495
    Jeffrey, it's sad to hear your sojourn with NLM is ending. Thank you for your contributions there.
  • Charles in CenCA
    Posts: 2,416
    For the umpteenth time, not disagreeing with an iota of the critical content of David's post, can people refrain from using the stereotype "aging hippies" when decrying cliques of opposition to orthodoxy/praxis? Age or bygone lifestyles are not really universal factors. As someone else mentioned, advancing one's POV via divisive cliches is a pretty negative approach to making friends and influencing people.
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,606
    Many of them welcome the stereotyped term because they are aging hippies and proud of it. Which explains their counter-culture approach to many things. Facial hair, among the men, is common. Was in a German restaurant outside of Cleveland, Ohio and I was the only person without a beard...

    Ok, how about facial-haired counter-culture types. Is that more PC?

    You can tell them...by their beards and mustaches. Well, mostly the men.
  • IanWIanW
    Posts: 757
    Actually, Noel, I have quite a bit of facial hair and I'm no longer in the first flush of youth. I don't think it says anything about my world or liturgical views, but there you go!
  • Michael O'Connor
    Posts: 1,637
    Jeffrey, I'm sorry to hear of your departure from NLM. I suspect that the editor is very sensitive about posts that seem to be attacking something or someone. This has been the m.o. of that blog since its inception and one of the reasons I like it. I do get on Fr Z's blog for a good 'ol "let's get em" session every now and then, though. I hope that you will find a good outlet for your important mission and that any hard feelings will pass in time. All of you do very important work. The last thing we need is division within our small enough community.
  • Michael O'Connor
    Posts: 1,637
    BTW there is an email address at the PEP website. I sent a short but snarky note asking them to cease and desist. ;-)
  • David AndrewDavid Andrew
    Posts: 1,204
    [deleted]
  • JDE
    Posts: 588
    David Andrew: It is also a favorite tactic of the left to try to argue ad hominem when the facts are against them. You won't get any converts (at least not the kind you want) by name-calling. Charity, and the real, authentic reform of the sacred liturgy, should be our goal.

    Charles in CenCA: I couldn't agree more. One should not judge a book by its cover.

    Finally, and to everyone, even if the epithet is somewhat accurate, that doesn't give us free rein to bandy it about as if it were harmless. I mean, it's good to tell the truth, but it's not always good to go around tellin' the truth.
  • chonakchonak
    Posts: 9,182
    Although hippies can be faulted for various things, let me defend them by pointing out that they did not invent theological Modernism. So I wouldn't describe the old guard of religious liberalism as "aging hippies", except perhaps in jest.

    These days, many of the old counter-culture folks themselves have gravitated to the Church, having seen the sterility and inhumanness of the secular philosophies peddled to them in their youth. And of course they're welcome: these days believing Catholics are the new counter-culture!

    I think a lot of the old bias against long hair or a beard is not Catholic in origin, but American. Or maybe English -- from the Puritan Roundheads? I mean, the images of most Catholic Reformation saints don't look like a Gillette ad.
  • Charles in CenCA
    Posts: 2,416
    David, carry on if you must. I was most certainly not trying to derail your argument, and out of the gate stated my agreement with the main content of your post. So, I'm not sure why you felt it necessary to lecture me on rhetoric and reaction. And I most sincerely hope you were NOT associating me with any stereotypical group in that lecture. I cannot, still, see any merit by uttering callous characterizations of anyone in a Christian context to illuminate one's point. Unless the majority of CMAA members endorse the smaller, purer church ethos...yeesh.
  • JamJam
    Posts: 636
    Noel, harping on the facial hair is more insulting to the East and certain monastics (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, for example) than to the unorthodox liturgical movement, it seems.
  • PaixGioiaAmorPaixGioiaAmor
    Posts: 1,473
    I applaud David Andrew.

    And I call on the rest of you to stop thinking in terms of "charity" and start FIGHTING. Let me tell you something: the other side has no concept of charity. They fight, and they fight dirty and mean to get their way.

    Let me illustrate my point. An older, never married, mean looking woman (how's that for a stereotype???) wrote a letter to my pastor and myself. She called on him to fire me. Never mind that I have a wife and a new 4 month old son. Never mind that in her own letter, she prattled on about "community" and "social justice" and the ideals of Vatican II. She couldn't care less about my wife or baby. She wants to hear more piano music, by God. My baby and wife can starve, BUT I HAVE TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!! How's that for social justice?

    The point is, these people are mean. They will do what it takes to get their way. And of course, our side is nice. We talk about charity. We defer to authority. We don't play mean, we play Christian-like. And for that reason, we will lose. This is a war for the soul of the Church. Don't believe me? Let them win. You will.

    I do NOT advocate treating every contemporary music lover this way. I'm talking about a small subset, i.e. "When Sheep Attack". Be aware of them - and be aware of what's at stake and what it takes to win.
  • JDE
    Posts: 588
    So we are now advocating doing evil so that good may result?

    Sorry. I have tried the in-your-face method. It annoyed and embittered a lot of people who didn't previously have strong opinions against me. I am now trying the charitable route.

    And, from the mafia don's managerial handbook: "Never make an enemy you don't have to make."
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