Why are Mormon adults bringing youth groups to Mass?

[_madeleine]

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

What is the purpose of this?

This is a serious question.

Has anyone here ever taken a youth group to another church? If so, why?

[_Daniel Peterson]

I hope and assume that this represents efforts to educate our youth about other faiths.

I have never personally taken a youth group to another church. But then, I have never been in charge of a youth group.

I would happily do it. I've attended a fair number of other religious services myself, have encouraged my BYU classes to visit mosques, have written quite a bit on other faiths (not just Islam), etc.

[_Yoda]

Here in Salt Lake City, there seems to be a trend where Mormons are bringing their youth groups to Catholic Mass. Or, one evening I was at our church at there were about 30 or so Mormon teenagers wandering around inside.

What is the purpose of this?

Has anyone here ever taken a youth group to another church? If so, why?

Frankly, I think it's a great idea. I have never heard of this before, though.

We would need to hear from some Salt Lakers. ;-)

[_madeleine]

I hope and assume that this represents efforts to educate our youth about other faiths.

Why? When Mormonism clearly teaches their children things like this:

"During the Apostasy, many ordinances were altered or added without proper authority. The church allowed infant baptism and baptism by sprinkling or pouring, instead of by immersion. Pagan influences and philosophies of the time crept into the church—such as burning incense, celibacy (the clergy remaining unmarried), and the belief that the body was evil and that God did not have a body. The honoring of martyrs turned to superstition and worship.

Because of the wickedness within the church, the gifts of the Spirit ceased and people began to deny true spiritual gifts. Without revelation, church organization changed through the government of men, instead of through inspiration from God. Church offices were bought, sold, and voted on."

I have to wonder how our Mass is being used.

[_Yoda]

I hope and assume that this represents efforts to educate our youth about other faiths.

Why? When Mormonism clearly teaches their children things like this:

"During the Apostasy, many ordinances were altered or added without proper authority. The church allowed infant baptism and baptism by sprinkling or pouring, instead of by immersion. Pagan influences and philosophies of the time crept into the church—such as burning incense, celibacy (the clergy remaining unmarried), and the belief that the body was evil and that God did not have a body. The honoring of martyrs turned to superstition and worship.

Because of the wickedness within the church, the gifts of the Spirit ceased and people began to deny true spiritual gifts. Without revelation, church organization changed through the government of men, instead of through inspiration from God. Church offices were bought, sold, and voted on."

I have to wonder how our Mass is being used.

I understand your concern. I would hope that it would simply be a case of teaching youth to appreciate the good that is in other religions and various forms of worship.

I know that when I attended a Palm Sunday service, I found it to be extremely moving. As a matter of fact, I wish that the LDS Church celebrated Palm Sunday as well. It was a beautiful service. I loved the idea of everyone getting a palm tree branch to take home. And the music was exquisite.

[_Daniel Peterson]

I hope and assume that this represents efforts to educate our youth about other faiths.

Why? When Mormonism clearly teaches their children things like this:

"During the Apostasy, many ordinances were altered or added without proper authority. The church allowed infant baptism and baptism by sprinkling or pouring, instead of by immersion. Pagan influences and philosophies of the time crept into the church—such as burning incense, celibacy (the clergy remaining unmarried), and the belief that the body was evil and that God did not have a body. The honoring of martyrs turned to superstition and worship.

Because of the wickedness within the church, the gifts of the Spirit ceased and people began to deny true spiritual gifts. Without revelation, church organization changed through the government of men, instead of through inspiration from God. Church offices were bought, sold, and voted on."

I have to wonder how our Mass is being used.

I could quibble with a few things in the quoted statement above, but, on the whole, I agree. Nevertheless, I also see a very great deal of good in Catholicism (and in virtually all other faiths, to some degree or another) and feel genuine friendship and affection for them in many regards.

I have no reason to believe that anybody or anything is being "used" when young Latter-day Saints are exposed to the beliefs and practices of others. I think it an entirely good thing.

[_madeleine]

I have no reason to believe that anybody or anything is being "used" when young Latter-day Saints are exposed to the beliefs and practices of others. I think it an entirely good thing.

My concern is how the Mass is being used. Is it being critiqued against Mormon belief? Is it being used as demonstration of "apostasy"?

Particularly with the last group, I get that they are there to watch a performance. This is our most sacred rite, not a performance.

[_Joseph]

Some years back a few young peoples classes in a Stake I was in took the kids to other churches to see what they did. It was cleared by our Stake President as well as the Pastor/Priest of the churches they visited. More for information and experience than anything else, though I am sure some of the leaders of these kids were sure they would see Satan at work in the meetings.

The Catholic Mass was impressive. Yes, it was a sacred rite. At the same time it is an impressive performance, especially for those who have never seen one and in many cases have never even imagined what went on. Particularly impressive was a Catholic wedding ceremony which was so much different than LDS temple marriage ceremonies and the reception later on the basketball court.

It helped the kids to understand what reality was rather than the Satanic stuff they were being told. Shortly after this the Stake President turned down more requests to do this. He always turned down requests to take the kids to the Salvation Army mission and skid row soup kitchens. A few teachers took them anyway and it was worth it.

[_Fence Sitter]

I have no reason to believe that anybody or anything is being "used" when young Latter-day Saints are exposed to the beliefs and practices of others. I think it an entirely good thing.

My concern is how the Mass is being used. Is it being critiqued against Mormon belief? Is it being used as demonstration of "apostasy"?

Particularly with the last group, I get that they are there to watch a performance. This is our most sacred rite, not a performance.

I have never heard of this happening on a consistent basis in the church but exposure to other beliefs is almost always a good thing.

If it is a public place and if they are being respectful what is the problem? What happens after the mass is beyond your control. Certainly a group of Catholic youth would be welcome at a LDS church service even if it was known they were using it to critique the Mormon service later on.

[_madeleine]

Some years back a few young peoples classes in a Stake I was in took the kids to other churches to see what they did. It was cleared by our Stake President as well as the Pastor/Priest of the churches they visited. More for information and experience than anything else, though I am sure some of the leaders of these kids were sure they would see Satan at work in the meetings.

The Catholic Mass was impressive. Yes, it was a sacred rite. At the same time it is an impressive performance, especially for those who have never seen one and in many cases have never even imagined what went on. Particularly impressive was a Catholic wedding ceremony which was so much different than LDS temple marriage ceremonies and the reception later on the basketball court.

It helped the kids to understand what reality was rather than the Satanic stuff they were being told. Shortly after this the Stake President turned down more requests to do this. He always turned down requests to take the kids to the Salvation Army mission and skid row soup kitchens. A few teachers took them anyway and it was worth it.

Interesting. Thanks.