The World of Grandpa Don

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Attendance, or ... Participation?

On 8/8/01 I went to Moraine Valley College to watch "Gems of Broadway", 45 minutes of skits performed by the school's Musical Theater Workshop. It was a four week class for children between 8 and about 16. Our granddaughter Caitlin was in the group. I was impressed by the fact that in this fast moving production, I detected only two instances of forgotten lines. I was also impressed by their universal pride of accomplishment and camaraderie after the performance, Asking for a group photo, exchanging email addresses and wanting to go as a group to the Plush Horse for ice cream.

There kids did not just attend a workshop, they participated in the work shop. It showed in the results. No, it was not GREAT theater, but it was enthusiastic theater done with pride of accomplishment. 

Why am I so impressed? Because I see so many instances when people are urged, and even forced to attend school, a job, and yes, a church! And I see the results of this attendance, or rather, the lack of results. I will skip over attending school and jobs because the implications are quite obvious. I really want to talk about church.

I am guilty! For many years, I attended church. I joined with all the others who were bored and uninterested, easily distracted and complaining that we got nothing out of it. There was no sense of belonging, no sense of family, and no desire to see my fellow attendees between now and next week unless I knew them from outside church. But then, my attitude and my life changed. That story is elsewhere on this web site.

I no longer attend church! I participate in the liturgy along with many in communion with each other. I no longer go there with the sole purpose of doing my duty, fulfilling an obligation, or looking for a benefit. Oh, the benefit is there, but the prime reason for going is to participate. And, that participation doesn't end when the Priest walks out. I want to know the people, without whom there would not have been this liturgy. We have all contributed to the benefit of each other. (Just like the kids who participated in the workshop.) I am left wanting more!

Thank you Caitlin for an impressive message.

Don Plefka
 8/10/01

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