Why are Mormon adults bringing youth groups to Mass?

[_madeleine]

How 'bout just asking them? Next time you see this group of curious youngsters brought in, approach with something like, "Wow, I've haven't seen such an interest by a Mormon youth group before. So what brings y'all here today? What are you hoping to learn from your experience here? Are there any questions that I, as a devout Catholic member myself, can answer for you?"

You can even ask them if they feel the spirit of God that you are feeling today as you worship. If they say yes, then you can say, "well, knowing a bit about Mormonism, and how the spirit confirms truth, would you like to find out more about our church, and how you might be baptized?"

*Mormon-thinking cap on* My suspicion is, other than some sort of scouting-similar badge requirement for exploring religions, they may in fact be there for "image" purposes, similar to the Mormon ad campaign. To make the appearance to outsiders that they are open-minded to other religions. Also, getting the Catholic members attention, hoping that these Catholic members notice a special spirit that these youngsters possess, and hope to leave the Catholic members wanting to know more about this spirit they felt around these youngsters that they've never felt themselves. *Mormon-thinking cap off*

Never hurts to ask though.

Funny, if you hang around our church anytime where people think it is "off hours" (which, by the way, there is no such thing in a Catholic church), people try to make you their guide. One of our deacons teased me once, after one of these times, where I was nabbed for an impromptu Q&A on a weeknight. He asked me if I had been to Temple Square for training.

lol.

Mainly, we just let people do their wanderings, and don't bother them. This particular evening, the wanderings got caught up in a special Mass.
I had this thought at the time, that God must have led them there. At the same time, I know what Mormons teach about Catholics. So there it is, very confusing for me.

[_just me]

I am sure they sat there because they literally had NO idea what to do. They probably felt it best to observe and Mormon's really aren't used to any more participation than an "amen" after prayers.

I hope that it was an overall good experience for the youth.

[_Redefined]

My grandma is Catholic. When we would visit her, she sometimes took us to her church. As a BIC Mormon child, the routines were strange to us. Like standing to sing, kneeling to pray, and going up front to take sacrament. It just wasn't anything we were used to.

ETA: Strange, unusual experiences with my grandma weren't limited to her church. The folk-dancing class she enjoyed going to was probably the most strange!

[_Daniel Peterson]

I am sure they sat there because they literally had NO idea what to do.

And their adult leaders couldn't help them much, because they almost certainly didn't know any more than the kids did.

Which would be true, as well, of the overwhelming majority of Catholics coming to a Mormon service.

A wonderful book to help with such situations is How to Be a Perfect Stranger, which explains the background of all sorts of religious groups and how to behave when at their services (e.g., a Catholic wedding, a Muslim funeral, a bar mitzvah, a Mormon baby blessing, and the like).

[_madeleine]

My grandma is Catholic. When we would visit her, she sometimes took us to her church. As a BIC Mormon child, the routines were strange to us. Like standing to sing, kneeling to pray, and going up front to take sacrament. It just wasn't anything we were used to.

Yes, the first time I went to Mass I didn't know what in the world was going on.

Catholics stand to pray at Mass, so anytime you're standing it is either because the Priest/Bishop is entering/exiting, or, we're praying. Hymns are prayers.

Kneeling is during the consecration of the Eucharist, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Some Orthodox have this simplified, there are no pews in which to sit so everyone stands the whole time.

ETA: Strange, unusual experiences with my grandma weren't limited to her church. The folk-dancing class she enjoyed going to was probably the most strange!

The most unusual experience for me is a Mormon funeral. :)

[_Fence Sitter]

The most unusual experience for me is a Mormon funeral. :)

Funny you should say that. Some years back I attended the Catholic funeral (or was it the mass for her?) of my grandmother and I thought it was an interesting experience. It was my first non LDS funeral.

[_just me]

I am sure they sat there because they literally had NO idea what to do.

And their adult leaders couldn't help them much, because they almost certainly didn't know any more than the kids did.

Which would be true, as well, of the overwhelming majority of Catholics coming to a Mormon service.

A wonderful book to help with such situations is How to Be a Perfect Stranger, which explains the background of all sorts of religious groups and how to behave when at their services (e.g., a Catholic wedding, a Muslim funeral, a bar mitzvah, a Mormon baby blessing, and the like).

Thanks for the book rec!

[_moksha]

Here in Salt Lake City, there seems to be a trend where Mormons are bringing their youth groups to Catholic Mass.

What is the purpose of this?

Testing the theory that with enough Mormons, one can attain critical mass.

Catholic Mass can be a beautiful ritualized ceremony that contrasts well will the rather unscripted LDS Sacrament Meetings that feature speakers usually found in the audience, so as such it can be a learning experience for LDS youth. At Salt Lake City's Cathedral of the Madeleine, just hearing the ethereal voices of the youth choir is well worth the price of admission. When when you learn about others you can appreciate them more.