Sharings

Gen X generated thoughts

I’ve just finished lunch and picked up my recently received copy of ML magazine before going back to a sticky code problem in my latest programming project, and I happened upon the reprint of your article “Worship with Gen X” (ML 28:2). I am astounded at the accuracy with which you depict the Gen X hunger for authentic worship and sacramentality. If I had been at home with my wife, I would have had to shout out, “Dude, you have to read this!” I couldn’t wait to get home to send you this response.

I am a software developer in (or at least close to) the Silicon Valley of California, a large community of Gen Xers. I’m also a 33-year-old diaconate candidate in the Catholic Church. As a Gen Xer myself, I share the desire that you express for authenticity and want to bring that desire to life in my ministry. I work to communicate my own authenticity as  well as our common desire for authentic, sacramental, worship in my reflections, teaching and all that I do. I also do my best to provide that authentic worship wherever and whenever I can. Please, keep up your work and continue the conversation.

James Pearce
San Ramon, Calif.
 
 

I am writing to you to thank you for the article “Worship with Gen X” (ML 28:2). It was very interesting for me to read this as an Episcopal musician (organist). I feel you could take each of your three questions and add the word “music” to them. I have been posing similar questions to myself and to others about our great musical heritage and its relevance to the Gen Xers. Your article offers great food for thought and reaches beyond just our liturgy and worship experience.

Michael Hohn
Portland, Ore.
 
 

I came across your article, “Worship with Gen X” (ML 28:2). As the parent of a 12-year-old, I found it to contain some valuable insights. I am realizing that sometimes in our efforts to impart our values to our children, we may be too quick to dismiss some of their interests that do not coincide with what we prefer. But obviously my son’s continual questions, “Do you like this song Mom?” or “Guess what I can do on skateboard, now?” show a need for support of what he does. Also, I have found that if I’m open to his interests, they have more to offer him — and sometimes to me — than I would have thought.

Patty Zimmerman
Milwaukee, Wis.
 
 

I just read your article, “Worship with Gen X” (ML 28:2). I enjoyed it very much. As a Gen Xer who does ministry for Gen Xers, I thought you had some important insights on making liturgy relevant for the Gen X crowd.

I have an observation about the Catholic Church and I’m wondering if you have faced a similar issue in the Episcopal Church. Some Gen Xers are very passionate about pre-Vatican II rubrics and rituals such as benediction, Rosary and the Stations of the Cross. I believe that they view these as conducive to worship and an expression of the beauty of traditional Catholicism. I also see them butting up the older generation, who views these devotions with skepticism, since they are reminiscent of a more strict, elitist church of the past. I believe that Gen Xers may be able to teach the Christian churches healthy ways to pursue traditional devotions without being labeled “conservative” or “closed-minded.” God bless you and your ministry, and thank you for sharing.

ML

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—ML