Ever wonder what it’s like to see a church full of Catholics, young and old, fully participating and sharing their love and passion for the faith?
Look no further than Memphis’ FIRST EVER Mass Mob.
“I got goosebumps when everyone started singing!” ~ Amanda McMahon, Mass Mob attendee.
Catholics from throughout the city of Memphis, converged on St. Mary’s in downtown Memphis to UNITE, to WORSHIP, to SUPPORT, to LEARN. Young Adults from across the city had a chance to vote for a parish. St. Mary’s won the first vote and by all accounts was a huge success.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. John Hourican, Pastor, and con-celebrated by Fr. Patrick Gallagher, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Memphis.
“We haven’t seen the Church this full since Easter,” one St. Mary’s parishioner shared after the first ever Memphis Mass Mob on Sunday, December 14. Another parishioner told Mass Mob goers after the pre-mass rosary, “It’s so nice to hear all the voices!”
Fr. Hourican was very happy with the experience. “It’s good to have the young people of our parish energized,” he said. Adding, “It energizes all of the parishioners to see the future of the church. It gives us a spark and energy to carry out the mission of the downtown churches.” According to Fr. Hourican, the attendance on Sunday was more than twice the size of the typical Sunday.
And that’s not all! Contributions to the offertory doubled as well, thanks to Mass Mob attendees.
Another great side effect of the Mass Mob was the social media attention.The Diocese of Memphis’s Facebook post about the Mass Mob reached thousands of followers, and parishioners commented on twitter as well!
The #MemphisMassMob was incredible today @StMarysMphsTN The entire church was full !! #Blessed#Catholic#Memphis@CYAMemphis
— DeWayne Rose (@ChiefRose19) December 14, 2014
Fr. Hourican also shared that Mass Mob attendees also enjoyed the experience. Many first time St. Mary’s attendees who participated in the Mass Mob were blown away by the beautiful church and by the sense of unity they felt by participating.
But here’s the thing, it’s not over now. NOW we need you’re help in making churches across the city feel that love St. Mary’s felt that Sunday morning. Challenge your young adult groups to attend mass at your own parish this month. Take your voices and your energy and share it.
Not to mention, mark you calendar for our next Mass Mob on Sunday, Feb 15. The poll will be posted on Jan. 12, 2015. Invite your friends and family. Help us make this Mass standing room only.
Pope Francis says “I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.”
Be bold. Be Joyful. And remember the impact your presence can have on your church and The Church.
ICYMI: Check out a video recap here…
