Seriously? Is this what we have come to?
The idea, from Religion Unplugged:
Is 15 minutes enough for a church service?
It’s the question arousing interest within the U.K.’s Protestant community following the decision by a Welsh minister to offer 15-minute services on Monday evenings.
The Rev. John Gillibrand, vicar of St. David’s Church in Swansea, has launched the initiative as a way of helping busy people fit prayer into their daily lives. By offering this type of micro-service, he believes that it helps the community since individuals and families are increasingly pressed for time.
Having the opportunity to experience just a few minutes time for peace, quiet, reflection and prayer on the way home, they will be better placed to deal with whatever challenges they face in their daily lives, Gillibrand said.
“We’re trying to offer something new, something different for people,” he said. “I believe in theological reflection, and in the period after COVID and what happened then, I’ve been thinking about the potential problems people face. This is an area that has a lot of commuters and is an old industrial community. People are under pressure, and one-hour services can be a long time to take out of their lives. We have been looking at timing, and the additional problem people face going home and then having to come out again. We’re trying to make it easier for them.”
Monday was chosen, he said, simply because the diocese tries to have something happening every day of the week and that was his allotted day.
“I come from a liberal Catholic tradition,” he said. “Prayer and reflection are central to my spirituality. The service is simple: a Bible reading, reflection on the reading and then prayer. Roughly five minutes each.”
It aims to put spiritual Christianity first and central to people’s lives. There is no talking about church community affairs or needing to follow a liturgy. As Gillibrand added, “It is just an approach to spirituality, a time to reflect. It is open to everyone — anyone is welcome.”
Now, it should be noted, this is not a Mass, and seems to be relatively informal. But how short is too short?
Years ago, when would find myself in Los Angeles for CBS, I’d stop by St. Victor’s, off Sunset Boulevard, for daily Mass. You could set your watch to it. The priest began at 8 am sharp, and was always done by 8:20 (complete with a 60 second homily). I was able to make it to Television City by 8:30, if not sooner. (Mass times, I see, have changed, and they now have the daily liturgy at 8:30. I have no idea if it’s still that quick.)
For a daily service, on the way to work, it was great. But for once-a-week Mass goers, I’m not sure it makes for a satisfying experience.
You really do need more.
