ROAMIN'
CATHOLIC

ROAMIN' CATHOLIC
October 2004

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NEWMAN HALL, HOLY SPIRIT CHAPEL, BERKELEY

Inclusive and Neutered

On August 22, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, I attended Mass at the Newman Hall Holy Spirit chapel at the University of California, Berkeley. Staffed by the Paulists, the mostly grey (except for some plants) sanctuary seemed like it could have been designed by druids. The ambo, the presider's chair, the tabernacle (off to the side), and the altar all looked like natural rock formations adapted to liturgical purposes. When looking at the altar, I couldn't help thinking how much it resembles a face, perhaps a Lone Ranger mask -- its two gaping holes in the front, perhaps 16 inches in diameter, were reminiscent of eyes. The altar's rock topography slighty juts out where one might expect the nose. At the far end of the church, I noticed an intention book resting on what looked like a tree-stump doubling as a podium.

The small choir was accompanied by piano and flute. To compensate for a lack of missalettes and hymnals (and perhaps to encourage inclusive language), the lyrics were projected onto the back wall. The titles were not given, but judging by the repetition of words, I surmised the first song was called, "All Are Welcome in this Place."

A woman holding the lectionary above her head led the entrance procession, followed by an albed and green-stoled Father Richard Sparks, the pastor, who was followed by the celebrant, Father Peter Abdello.

Father Abdello greeted us, and we responded liturgically, "Good morning, Father." After the opening prayer, Abdello took some time to welcome the newcomers, asking them where each of them came from (Irvine, Long Beach, San Diego, Iowa, Salinas...) Father seemed amused when more than one person called the same city, (jokingly) suggesting each time that they should get to know each other. Father explained that the church was rather full that Sunday because the university freshmen were just starting to arrive at their dorms.

We recited a troped Kyrie and then sang a Flamenco-sounding Gloria. Father Sparks read the Gospel passage (Luke 13:24) where the Apostles ask Jesus if many are saved, and Our Lord responds, "strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."

Father Sparks began his sermon with a joke: St. Peter was giving some Protestants who had just arrived in heaven a tour. St. Peter pointed out the chapels where the Lutherans, the Baptists, and the Unitarians worship. Then as the group spied a huge stone cathedral, St. Peter cautioned the Protestants, "sshhh. That's where the Catholics pray. They think they're the only ones up here."

Father explained that he's heard that same joke with just about every denomination -- all of them thinking they had the "corner on the market." Father explained that it is questionable whether or not our church officially stated that all Protestants go to hell, but Father admitted that when he was growing up, Catholics were very suspicious of the salvation of all those who died outside the Faith. Fundamentalist Protestants, Father explained, believe that explicit faith in Jesus Christ is necessary to be saved. But Christians are not the only "exclusivists." Orthodox Jews as well as Muslims of the 9-11 variety believe all others besides themselves are infidels. "Unfortunately, today's Gospel talks about the Kingdom's narrow door and the many who will be left out -- wailing and grinding their teeth," Sparks said. This passage, he explained, has been used by the orthodox over the centuries to promote exclusivity and self-righteousness.

Father Sparks pointed out that, along with this more "exclusivist" passage, Jesus also spoke about a more inclusive type of Kingdom, such as in the parable of the master who sent out servants to invite all people to the wedding feast as well as the parable of the prodigal son who was welcomed home. Sparks didn't think those passages portrayed the kind of God who is stingy with grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

So Sparks suggested we look at the audience whom Jesus threatens in the day' s Gospel reading. Father claimed they are not the normal sinners of the day, who try to live and cope with life as it comes. Rather, when Jesus keeps a "strict justice" of people getting what they deserve, in a negative sense, it always seems to be the people who are themselves narrow-minded, self-righteous, and judge others. Father said when he comes in contact with exclusive people, especially when they're talking "God talk," his response is, "who died and made you God?"

The Gospel message, Sparks asserted, is to invite everyone to accept God's invitation. God's justice is only strictly applied to people who think they're better than everyone else. "It is my core belief that Jesus calls us to be inclusive," said Sparks, "big-hearted, fostering a big Church, a big God, and a heaven that knows no restrictions."

The lectoress then announced that the week's "community gift" was five percent of the collection, which will go to the hurricane victims in Florida. She then led us in an interactive prayer of the faithful: "for the healing of the sick, please call out the names." "For the joyful homecoming of the dying and the dead, please call out the names." "Please add your own prayers."

We then somberly sang the offertory song, "Come My Way," while the gift-bearers entered the sanctuary to the altar itself. I recognized the "Holy, Holy" as one of Marty Haugen's, though our lyrics were gender-neutered -- "blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." The doxology at the end of the Eucharistic prayer (for which we stood) was similarly altered --"through Christ, in Christ and with Christ, through the unity..."

We held hands and chanted the Our Father. Father then called forward Eucharistic ministers to help with the distribution of communion. Our communion song was, "You alone are my Lord." After communion, the pianist played a soft, meditative instrumental.

We ended with a lively, foot-stomping song, "And the River Will Rise." I saw one woman line-dance to the song as she exited the nave.

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