OK Y’all, there’s been some heavy weather here on the blog of late and it’s time for a little humor. The following video is a little glimpse into the humorous culture of Catholicism.
I want to say that I sometimes feel like the Deacon salesman in this video as I try to get people back to sacraments and regular Church attendance! I also remember that, some years ago, in the Catholic Standard, our Archdiocesan Newspaper, a certain Deacon who was also a car dealer used to advertise each week. He loved to point out that he was a permanent Deacon at such-and-so a parish. There was more than a hint in his add that he had a special deal for practicing Catholics: An outrageously low price for a new or used car! Just bring a Church Bulletin and get the discount! Hey, why not. I think if I’d been in the market for a car I might of just paid him a visit!
Anyway, enjoy this rather humorous and well done video.
Im sorry. I know the attempt at humor was well meant and may appeal to some. But I found it in bad taste and almost offensive. It was the use of sacred words and realities in such a flippant manner that I could not appreciate.
Your story of the deacon reminds me of something a friend of mine once told me. He called his bulletin a “receipt” because in high school, he used to show it to his parents as ‘proof’ that he made it to church.
I thought this was a brilliant way to connect with just the people deacons are called to reach, those priests will never meet.
Sometimes we get just too uptight and try to keep our religion in a pretty box.
Well done brother, I hope to see more.
no humor (sic)
I agree with Fr. Tomasek. Not funny and what is being promoted? Open on Sundays? What about keeping the Sabbath Day holy?
Sorry you all don’t like it. Humor is often a risky thing. I certainly respect Fr Tomasek’s point of view and the others as well. On the otherhand, I think it’s OK to be lighthearted and to enjoy a good spoof. It’s really more about car dealers and the lengths they will go to to sell cars. To the extent that Catholic and sacred things are used I don’t think any of it was ugly or meant to ridicule, no doctrines were attacked. As for the open on Sundays I missed that but it’s all light-hearted and is not meant as an attack on Sabbath rest. My favorite line is: “We’re on South Water Street, just before it turns into Wine” That’s funny and clever! Anyway, we won’t agree. Ulimately it’s a judgment call, I see it as lighthearted humor and some of you clearly do not.
I believe that Msgr. Pope was right when he stated (wrote[typed]) that humour is often a risky thing. Like my Canadian spelling of humour which is different than his spelling of the word. Kinda sort same only different.
So, inspired by the courage he’s shown I’ll have a little try. There was a very large church and; since not all priests have a grand theatrical voice; a decision was made to install a public address system complete with microphone, amplifier and speaker for the speaker. First speaker mentioned being an electronic device – second speaker mentioned being a biological device. On Sunday morning the priest thought that he was all ready to go but, had negected to turn on the switch on the microphone. He started to talk in normal volume but, nothing came out of the speaker (electronic.) Fiddling nervously with the microphone he didn’t notice that he bumped the switch to the “on” position just before muttering, “somethings wrong with this thing,” which was carried to the congregation through the now functioning system.
The congregation then, out of habit, responded, “and also with you.”
If anyone feels moved to criticize go ahead – I’ve been a construction labourer a large part of my life and my shoulders can bear a bit of weight. Might even be good for my humility.
Also, I am working toward self publishing a book of poetry; including a little gospel stuff I’ve done and, for those who like to do their own greeting cards I feel moved to donate my 2010 Easter card poem for those who may find it useful;
When the sun arose
To the sky on Easter Morning
The empty tomb gave notice
Of a new day aborning
That was proclaimed across the land
Spreading from nation to nation
Letting us know the good news
Of God’s love and salvation.
Most of the other stuff I will keep under copyright but, I feel that my greeting cards are a special gift which I’ve received and I am happy to share.