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1. Today's report from the National Survey into Church and Life seems to strike a chord with the sadness expressed by readers last week about our feelings when our children and grandchildren walk away from the Church, saying it is too boring.
   We are dealing with a generation who are 'whole body' involved in life, education and learning, and it is not reasonable to expect them to sit for an hour and just sing and listen. This is an area where the Church has to change. Surely we can do better than at present. No one expects us to dance or such, but more movement, such as a procession to the altar instead of collections being taken up is one small start. I experienced this in the Philippines and it was joyfilled and meaningful.

   Posted By: JAH Walloon

2. The fact that the majority of our Catholic educated children do not attend Mass on Sundays and do not after they leave school, proves the point! How to convince the Bishops for innovative changes to proclaim the gospel effectively and improve ways to celebrate the Eucharist is the issue.

   Posted By: Peter M Budgewoi NSW

3. And when something which touches people deeply is done....they respond.
   The Catholic and Anglican archbishops of Brisbane signed a charter that they would work together as much as possible.
   So every year our parish and the local Anglican parish hold a joint service to remind ourselves of this 'walking alongside'.
   This year it was in the Anglican church was held on a bitterly cold weekday night. But the people poured into the church, with the overflow standing at the back. It was a respectful, joyful, and hopeful service.
   Our common Christian goals got pride of place. Even though we can't share the Eucharist, we can share so much else and live out our lives according to the Gospel.
   Well done, Archbishops Battersby and Aspinall, of Brisbane, and our parish priests (the Anglican one, is a woman!)and the congregations who respond so well.

   Posted By: Marie H, Brisbane Q'ld

4. I am concerned that that the NCLS surveys are not being completed by a representative group of parishioners. Certainly there has been no mention of it in the two parishes I have been part of in the last seven years. It is imperative that we seek greater relevance for all age groups in our liturgy by fuller participation, especially in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
   Like Marie H I treasured a liturgical experience away from my own parish that would be a great stimulus to reluctant Mass-goers if such were provided more widely.
   Specifically, I attended a Family Mass in a Jesuit Church on a visit interstate in which the offertory procession involved about fifty children who casually but respectfully converged on the sacred space, most carrying an item needed for the Offertory and Eucharistic celebration. It was moving and meaningful.
   The powerpoint screens portrayed a classic painting of the Last Supper lest anyone miss the point. The priest blessed scores of children during Communion, and the songs and homily sealed the entire sacred and Christ-like Mass forever in my heart.

   Posted By: Marjorie, Brisbane

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