Guardian Angel Cathedral — Attraction in Paradise

Our family recently attended a late afternoon vigil Mass here and were appalled.

It appears that lighting is designed to illuminate the altar, the mural, and the distracting suspended crucifix which is a copy of the crucifix in Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. There were no lights to illuminate the nave. We couldn't read thd worship aids to participste fully; we can't imagine what it's like in darker winter months.

We could not hear the priest, reader, or cantor clearly...maybe one word in ten. There are no "song boards" indicating the hymns, either; the cantor's announcement of the hymns was unintelligible. Showrooms--and even bingo parlors--throughout Las Vegas have mastered the art and science of lighting and acoustics. Why, in the thirty-year history of this diocese, has the Cathedral failed to do so?

The assembly was rather sparse. While Communion under the form of bread alone may be theologically justifiable, it surely falls short of the fullness if the sign of "Take, eat; take drink." Communion under both kinds could be easily administered here--eg, by intinction, or with the invited assistance of communion ministers from parishes of the diocese.

Liturgical instructions since Vatican II have indicated that the Cathedral liturgies should be a model for the diocese. The unique nature of Las Vegas as an international destination city suggests that its influence could be even greater.

Sadly, the liturgy in many of the parishes of this diocese are far more faithful to the Council, and shame the Cathedral--and the bishop(s) in this diocese's history, whose seat is...

Did you ever wonder how People are looking for God. Always wanting to find answers from God. People always chanting in the name of Jesus. God bless this, God bless that, God's love is great. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for reduancy in the name of a good story. People say we get to see God everyday. People say talks to them all the time. But I believe when when god asks a question, we get one chance. Because it's always the same question. If God's love is so great. Then describe it. I did. The catholic church once said you can't receive communion without confession. Whenever I went to mass, Here in Vegas. I didn't wait in the communion line. A fine lady asked me. Do you not take communion because you didn't confess. I said, no ma'am I've been confession my whole life. God gave me a whole box of bread. Tell our story in memory of us. The lady smiled and said that must have been a wonderful gift for such a hard job. I said, the story was easy, my gift to God. But he did give a very strong body and blood to help out. Plus, he gave me a new...

Never in the 42 years of my life would I have believed I would attend church in Las Vegas. The service was beautiful from a non religious perspective. My attention span only lasted 40 mins. Service was an hour.

I was confused by the songs and verses. Sat in the back, I can blame myself. Even following from the book, I got lost and just tried to focus on the speakers. In nursing school, the professor uses PowerPoint slides. Technically, if I wanted to be a better student, I would study the material before the service or lecture. Things are learned over persistence, time, work, and consistency

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