Ok, the one and only negative first, so you're left with a good impression of a great service. This is a Roman Catholic mass, and unless you're Roman Catholic you'll be lost, there is no attempt to help you as a first-timer navigate the service. That is the only negative, in an otherwise great service.
We were made to feel welcome as soon as we walked in. The building has amazing ambience. We were asked to take the elements up at the presentation of the gifts time, which was a nice touch. Where else would you be able to do that on your first and only week!
The homily was succinct and on the epistle, and made some good points. It had a social justice and current point to it. The priest was engaging.
There are a few reverberation issues and the sound system needs tuning, the singer sounded amazing, but the priest was difficult to hear at the altar and the pulpit mic needs to be staged so there is no echo like the singer.
The band was a simple trio, of drums, piano and bass. They were superb. If it was my congregation, I'd gently mic the bass and piano, for a little more ambience. The singer and his singing held everything together. The songs we could actually sing, they had meaningful words and a great tune. I loved it and it connected me with God. There was a real sense of connection with the Holy Spirit. Now this style isn't everyone's, but I would/could enjoy this every week if we had it in Aotearoa/New Zealand where I come from.
The collection was not pushy.
They took a second collection for their food project, which is fantastic and shows a great practical social conscience.
I came away thinking wow! Wish I could come back, but we're heading home. Thanks for including us. read more