“I grew up in an Irish Catholic family, and I think they force you to watch every James Cagney movie.”
That was Jimmy Fallon’s first mention of his Catholicism on his recent NPR Fresh Air interview. (He was explaining his first impersonation / impression: James Cagney as a two-year-old.) Later in the interview (listen here), he spoke with host Terri Gross about his Catholic upbringing…
GROSS: So you went to Catholic school when you were young.
Mr. FALLON: Oh yeah.
GROSS: Did you have…
Mr. FALLON: I wanted to be a priest.
GROSS: Did you really?
Mr. FALLON: Yeah. I loved it.
GROSS: Why?
Mr. FALLON: I just, I loved the church. I loved the idea of it. I loved the smell of the incense. I loved the feeling you get when you left church. I loved like how this priest can make people feel this good. I just thought it was – I loved the whole idea of it. My grandfather was very religious, so I used to go to Mass with him at like 6:45 in the morning, serve Mass. And then you made money, too, if you did weddings and funerals. You’d get like five bucks. And so I go ‘Okay, I can make money too.’ I go, ‘This could be a good deal for me.’ I thought I had the calling.
GROSS: Do you think part of that calling was really show business? ‘Cause – like the priest is the performer at church.
Mr. FALLON: Yeah. You know what – I, really Terry, I’m, I recently thought about this. [...] It’s my first experience on stage is as an altar boy. You’re on stage next to the priest, I’m a co-star.
(Laughter)
GROSS: ‘Also starring, Jimmy Fallon.’
(Laughter)
Mr. FALLON: Yeah, I have no lines but I ring bells. I ring bells and I swing the incense around. And you know, you are performing. You enter through a curtain, you exit through the, I mean you’re backstage. I mean, have you ever seen backstage behind an altar? It’s kind of fascinating.
GROSS: Right.
Mr. FALLON: So I think it was my first taste of show business – or acting or something.
GROSS: And there are comparisons, I think, between a theater and a church. They are just, kind of, places that are separated from outside reality.
Mr. FALLON: Yeah. And I remember I had a hard time keeping a straight face at church as well.
GROSS: Did you?
Mr. FALLON: Which – yeah…
GROSS: Did you do imitations of the priest?
(Laughter)
Mr. FALLON: Oh, of course. Yeah. I used to do Father McFadden all the time. He’s the fastest talking priest ever. He’s be like…
(Mumbling)
(Laughter)
Mr. FALLON: And then you leave and you go, ‘What was that?’
(Laughter)
Mr. FALLON: That guy’s the best. I mean, that was church? Sign me up! I’ll do church. I’ll do it 10 times a day if that’s church! He was great.
GROSS: Do you still go to church?
Mr. FALLON: I don’t go to – I tried to go back. When I was out in L.A. and I was kind of struggling for a bit. I went to church for a while, but it’s kind of, it’s gotten gigantic now for me. It’s like too… There’s a band. There’s a band there now, and you got to, you have to hold hands with people through the whole Mass now, and I don’t like doing that. You know, I mean, it used to be the shaking hands piece was the only time you touched each other.
GROSS: Mm-hmm.
Mr. FALLON: Now, I’m holding hand – now I’m lifting people. Like Simba.
(Laughter)
Mr. FALLON: I’m holding them (Singing) ha nah hey nah ho.
(Speaking) I’m doing too much. I don’t want – there’s Frisbees being thrown, there’s beach balls going around, people waving lighters, and I go, ‘This is too much for me.’ I want the old way. I want to hang out with the, you know, with the nuns, you know, that was my favorite type of Mass, and the grotto, and just like straight up, just Mass Mass.
Transcript adapted from NPR.org
I’ve heard similar stories: fallen-away Catholics who’ve tried to return recently, but cannot find some of the beauty and sense of the sacred they remember. What do you think?
61 comments
Ricky Jones says:
Dec 5, 2011
I agree in a way. For me daily Mass is more of the intimate encounter with Christ in Word and Sacrament, since there are less people, it’s quieter, and more reverent. On Sunday Mass I’m a lector and Eucharistic Minister so I’m busy running around and it’s more difficult for me to be in the right frame of mind. I’ve recently had the desire to find a latin Mass since I’ve never been, I do think that would be amazing.
Joreen says:
Dec 5, 2011
As someone who’s been going to the Latin Mass for a little over 3 years now, I can tell you it’s one of the most amazing things I’ve done in my life. It will not always be easy, but the seeming paradox of intimacy and majesty is not only wonderful but far more sublime than the Novus Ordo. God be praised!
Rob says:
Dec 5, 2011
Ricky, if you’re in the San Antonio area, there are Latin Masses at St. Pius X Church on Harry Wurzbach every Sunday at 12:10 PM. In fact, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, there will be a Latin Mass at 7 PM with Gregorian chant.
trad_cat says:
Dec 6, 2011
If you want a more intimate encounter stop being a lector and EM. There are very few emergency circumstances where EM’s are allowed and it is a practice that has been abused by our dear shepherds here in the US (along with the priest facing the wrong direction, altar girls, etc). Participate in the Mass by praying it, and be an example to your priest by not being the center of attention: make Christ the center of attention.
Nathan Allen says:
May 8, 2012
Mr. Jones,
The Traditional Latin Mass is offered every Sunday in San Antonio.
Nancy says:
Dec 5, 2011
It’s true. In trying to participate in the liturgy, people sometimes forget that what we do doesnt matter in the sense that it’s not about us. We just kind of tap into the heavenly banquet of the Love between the Father and Son. Hand holding/ raising and loud bands don’t make that happen and may even distract us from it. Jimmy fallon come home!
Dan H says:
Dec 5, 2011
Mr Fallon,
I do not know if you have heard of it but there are many TLM parishes and Masses in LA and NYC, where the layman never shakes, holds hands or embraces for the Kiss of Peace or at any other part of the Mass or are there bands that play crap and irreverent “music that is not permitted by the Church.
That having been said you are obliged to obey the First Precept of the Church and go to Mass every holyday of the year where it is obliged and that is non-negotiable for the salvation of your soul, unless you physically cannot make it to Mass.
The single main end of Mass [why we are there] is to adore Almighty God.
He demands it in justice.
Everything else is way down the line.
God bless you.
Dan H says:
Dec 5, 2011
Mr Fallon,
Here are some Catholic Mass’s in the Diocese of Los Angeles that do not have hand holding or bands:
California
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
91801 – ALHAMBRA – St Therese Parish 510 N. El Molino St
Sun 1 pm
Pho (626) 282-2744
http:/www.sts-alh.org/sttheresechurch
Diocese (Fr Jan Lund)
91007 – ARCADIA – Our Lady of the Angels Church 1100 W. Duarte Rd.
Mon – Sat 8:00 am
Sun 7:30 & 10:00 am
Fr. Charles Ward, (626) 447-1752, fax 447-0083
SSPX
93434 – GUADALUPE – Our Lady of Guadalupe 1165 Obispo Street
Last Sun 8 am
Tue & Thu 8 am, 1st Fri 9 am
Pho (805) 343-2181
Diocese
90220 – RANCHO DOMINGUES – Dominguez Seminara 18127 S Allamena Street
1st Sun 10 am
Pho (310) 631-5981
Diocese
91335 – RESEDA – St Catherine of Siena Church 18115 Sherman Way
2nd Sun 7 pm
Pho (818) 343-2110
Diocese
93001 – SAN BUENAVENTURA – San Buenavista Mission 211 East Main St
Sun 1:30 pm
Pho (805) 643-4318
http://www.sanbuenaventuramission.org
Diocese (Msgr. Silvester O’Byrne)
90731 – SAN PEDRO – Maria Stella Maris Mission Angels Gate Park, 3600 Gaffey St.
Sun 8:00 am (new time)
Fr. Brian Hawker, (310) 548-4706
SSPX
93060 – SANTA PAULA – Thomas Aquinas College 10000 N. Ojai Rd
Sun 7:30 am
Mon-Fri 7 am, Sat 7:30 am
Pho (805) 525-4417
http://www.thomasaquinas.edu
Diocese (Fr Richard Perozich)
90744 – WILMINGTON – Sts Peter and Paul 706 Bay View Ave.
Sun 6:30 am except 3rd Sun 9:30 am
Pho (310) 834-5215
http://www.sppc.us
Diocese
90301 – INGLEWOOD – St. John Chrysostom Parish 546 East Florence Ave
Sat 1st 9:15 am
Pho. (310) 677-2736
(310) 677-0584
http://stjohnchrysostomparish.org/
Diocese
Jaime says:
Dec 7, 2011
And perhaps, now that Mahoney is safely in retirement, more LA parishes will embrace something more reverential and orthodox in the celebration of the Mass. When all of the silliness started in the ’70s, my mother in law would say that they would never chase her out of the Church. But she had a stout heart and a deep faith. Few today receive adequate (or any) catechesis to understand the great mystery involved in the Mass.
Dan H says:
Dec 5, 2011
ps, They are all Traditional Latin Masses.
Quiet, beautiful and reverent.
Dan H says:
Dec 5, 2011
…and here are several Latin Mass’s in Manhattan NY:
10011 – NEW YORK CITY – Guardian Angel Parish 193 10th Ave.
1st Fri 6:30 pm
Pho (212) 929-5966
Diocesan
10016 – NEW YORK CITY – Church of Our Saviour 59 Park Ave, Manhattan
Sun 9 am
Pho (212) 679-8166
http://www.oursaviournyc.org/
Diocese
10016 – NEW YORK – St. Christopher Mission Chapel Soldiers’ Club, 283 Lexington Ave
Sun 1:30 pm
Pho (212) 420-7269
SSPX (Fr Zendejas)
10017 – NEW YORK CITY – St Agnes Church 143 East 43rd Street
Sun 11 am
Pho (212) 682-5722
http://www.stagneschurchnyc.org
Diocese (Fr McBride?)
10018 – NEW YORK CITY – Holy Innocents Church 128 West 37th Street
Sun 10 am
Mon-Fri 6 pm, Sat 1 pm
Pho (212) 279-5861
http://www.innocents.com/schedule.asp
Diocese
Thomas Crabtree says:
Dec 5, 2011
It’s a shame he doesn’t still go. We need more people in the limelight that can bring their faith to the public.
mike c. says:
Dec 6, 2011
for every jimmy fallon,there’s a martin sheen…
Cheryl Park says:
Dec 6, 2011
I used to go to the Latin Mass at Doonside, St John Vienney’s but unfortuneatly the priest Fr Hogan was kicked out for saying the Latin Mass by Fr Kevin who used to say the Latin Mass but says the Novus Ordo. I also used to go to Lewisham the little Chapel there, it was wonderful. As well as St
Pius Xth in Rockdale all in Australia. I miss it so much I will have to go at least midnight Mass for this year I will.
Cheryl Park says:
Dec 6, 2011
I also love listening to you Jimmy Fallon, as you give wonderful impersonations of Neil Young and Bruce Bringstene. I laughed a lot and think you are just so very talented and your thankyou notes are just so funny. Keep up the good work everyone will love you and get a laugh. God Bless you and your family,Our Blessed Mother and your Guardian Angel.
Rob says:
Dec 5, 2011
Good article, Angela. On the topic of finding that sense of beauty and the sacred, my wife struggled with this when she returned to the Church. She spent a lot of time going to different churches in the city, and it wasn’t until she started attending Latin Masses (either ordinary form or extraordinary form) did she find what she was looking for. She felt that if she wanted the praise bands and holding hands, she wouldn’t have left her evangelical church for the Catholic Church.
Ella says:
Dec 5, 2011
I think for the benefit of his immortal soul he needs to go but I completely understand him not wanting any part of the happy-clappy, Jesus-is-my-boyfriend, kumbaya, 70′s redux uber-silliness that passes for worship in some places. I’ve visited churches like that and they make me want to heave. The worst part is their smug self-righteousness about their irreverant worship- they seem to look upon the Lord God of creation as some sort of giant, squishy hug.
Mary says:
Dec 6, 2011
That’s how the parishes down here are in Florida. We’re not evangelicals, we’re Catholic! You’re right about the self-righteousness of the people in the parishes. I’m sick of it. It’s not that way back in New England. Just another reason for me to leave Florida.
dboncan says:
Dec 5, 2011
I think he has reasons and he has excuses. His reason that he basically does not see the sense of the sacred or that it has become too touchy-feely appears to be valid but not going because of the generalization that all parishes celebrate the eucharist that way is just an excuse.
Ceile De says:
Dec 5, 2011
Go to the Latin Mass, Jimmy. Once you say the black, you never go back. I fled the preists desparate to be relevant, and the enforced “active participation”. No, thanks!! At least the new English translation may help to remind people this is not a humanist love in but the worship of almighty God.
Chardin says:
Dec 5, 2011
There is something there in that man. It’s not hip to say what he said. He knows that and he has AFFECTION in his voice. Christ is doing something in that man.
Rory says:
Dec 5, 2011
i’m pretty sure it IS possible to enjoy a “classic” and “reverant” mass without it having to be in latin. my home parish offers all of the classics- the incense, the pew, the songs and organ, without being stuck in a pre-vatican II setting. You can be a “new” and still reverant catholic; where two are three are gathered in his name, he is there, and while enjoying and celebrating mass in the same traditional way we have been for centuries, we can enjoy the benefits of a ever-evolving church. I do not like rock bands and power point slides, but I also believe that there is a happy balance between being so traditional that you haven’t adopted the new settings sent down by the pope, and being so modern, people who were once church members don’t even recognize their happy memories. There is a mass/church setting for every catholic it seems now, and should Mr. Fallon choose to try again, I’m sure a different service and/or church would help him find what he was missing.
Maegarett RBC Zavodny says:
Dec 9, 2011
Yes–my feelings exactly! The Ordinary Form in our parish is celebrated with great reverence. We are not doing anything forbidden by the GIRM or the Magisterium. We are trying to move toward including more chant in the Liturgies and being more mindful of the hymns we do choose. That being said, it will take time, as we do not have a professional choir or musicians other than our choir director.
Steve says:
Dec 5, 2011
His reaction is not an excuse, but it is entirely understandable.
The self distraction within the Church has been unfathomable.
I attend the traditional Latin mass (Extraordinary Form) whenever possible.
Sean says:
Dec 5, 2011
Fallon’s remarks pretty clearly illustrate the fallacy of saying the new rite is just another manifestation of the old. It’s not; it’s an entirely new thing. Give me the old way too.
Kevin says:
Dec 5, 2011
Jimmy Fallon,
Here’s a group of Priests who don’t do hand holding, or any of that throwing frisbees and beechballs.
http://www.institute-christ-king.org
fxkelli says:
Dec 5, 2011
This is just silly. Using someones extemporaneous comic musings as evidence of the shortcomings (in some folks eyes) of the current mass. As long as we’re taking his comments seriously, how about his love for the 30 second, mumbled mass.
Surely there must a real scientific poll somewhere that provides real evidence pro or con. Or, maybe, just maybe, there can be different styles of mass for different people and we could (perish the thought) respect that.
Dan H says:
Dec 5, 2011
Its not silly it is sadly true.
The goofiness at Mass has literaly driven away hundreds of thousands of Catholics.
There is poll after poll that Mass attendance dropped from 75% in 1964 to 15% in 2011.
This says something.
Steve C says:
Dec 5, 2011
B/c the novus ordo has become so abused its gotten in some cases to be protestant version of the Holy Sacrifice. The Traditional Mass is making a come back & I pray it comes to all churches to bring back the reverance of the Holy Sacrifice that people were in awe over. Enough with the Eucharistic Ministers (Thomas Aquinas said only consecrated hands should touch the host), enough with the bands (bring back high sung mass & gregorian chants), enough with the circus some churches have & restore the sacred!
fxkelli says:
Dec 5, 2011
“There is poll after poll that Mass attendance dropped from 75% in 1964 to 15% in 2011.
This says something.”
What is it saying? That’s correlation not causal. They’re not the same thing. Put up the poll that shows that this is the reason people left the church.
It’s an easy topic to Google. i.e.
http://www.praytellblog.com/index.php/2011/04/13/why-do-catholics-go-elsewhere/
aahill says:
Dec 5, 2011
There is an interesting assumption in this thread. Fallon talks about not liking the current local Masses (with hand holding and praise bands) and longing for the old one, and reminisces about his altar serving childhood with incense and bells, it must be the traditional Latin Mass he’s missing. But he never says that. In fact, Jimmy Fallon was born in 1974, his earliest memories of Mass are almost certainly Pope Paul VI Mass, not the traditional Latin. My parish celebrates very reverent O.F. Masses – we don’t hold hands (a rare few do in families), we ring the bells at consecration, we use incense on high Holy Days, we sing the Propers, use the organ, etc. Mass, straight up, just as he says. Stop assuming that O.F. Masses in English are, by default, irreverent and not really Catholic.
Jim says:
Dec 5, 2011
Something very revealing is a poll taken by a few thousand Catholics on the very subject of hand-holding. It seems that only about 1% of the poll takers like it.
http://wdtprs.com/blog/2011/12/wdtprs-poll-holding-hands-during-the-our-father-your-preference/
Doctor Haan says:
Dec 6, 2011
This shows how problematic the Charismatic movement is, it is not Catholic and everyone knows it. It alienates traditional Catholic sensibilities and often ignores important aspects of the Catholic teaching. I call on Ralph Martin, Fr. Mike Scanlan, Stuebenville University, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and all other pro-Charismatic groups, religious orders and movements to turn from this foreign importation from protestant revivalism, and return to authentic devout, reverent, and holy traditional Catholic worship.
Dennis Dreyer says:
Dec 6, 2011
The Mass is our Church’s oldest prayer. It was given to us by Jesus. There have been many variations over the past 2,000 years, but, the fundamental concept of adoring God and asking for his forgiveness and love have never changed.
Keep your eyes on the Father, Son and Spirit, they will lead us through the details.
Logan says:
Dec 6, 2011
How did this thread get to be about the Latin mass?? Jimmy Fallon was born in ’74… he was raised with the English mass.
Dan H says:
Dec 6, 2011
I know of dozens of people [Catholics and non] who were born in the mid ’70′s but who have been brought back or to the Church through the beauty and divine awe of the Traditional Latin Mass even though they never experienced it in their youth.
I was born in 1966 and never experienced the Latin Mass until much later.
Dolorosa says:
Dec 6, 2011
Jimmy, come visit us at the Latin Tridentine Mass: Mass locations are available at: http://www.sspx.org
FSSP community member says:
Dec 7, 2011
Better yet, Jimmy, come visit the Latin Mass which is NOT in schism with the Holy See! Find the Latin Mass communities and mass locations of the priestly fraternity of St. Peter by going to: http://www.fssp.org
there you will find the beauty and holy mystery of the Latin Mass and still be in union with the pope.
Julia says:
Dec 6, 2011
Jimmy,
Please come back! Keep praying and trying! You speak so wonderfully about your memories and the joy you had – it is still there – waiting for you!
Blessings-
charleswoodbury says:
Dec 6, 2011
What is still there,despite gross liturgical desecrations done since then, is Jesus’ presence in the tabernacle.
Find a TLM, as has been mentioned, or put blinders and earmuffs, go to a NO mass, and speak to Jesus, and listen.
fxkelli says:
Dec 6, 2011
“Something very revealing is a poll taken by a few thousand Catholics on the very subject of hand-holding. It seems that only about 1% of the poll takers like it.
http://wdtprs.com/blog/2011/12/wdtprs-poll-holding-hands-during-the-our-father-your-preference/”
Just for the record, this is not a scientific poll, i.e. it doesn’t represent Catholics at large, only those Catholics who read Fr.Z’s (very tradition oriented, strongly opinionated) blog and chose to respond. Not useful to make any generalizations about Catholic attitudes.
Monica says:
Dec 6, 2011
May God continue to lead Jimmy Fallon back to the Church. I can honestly (and admittedly, a bit proudly) say that I’ve never seen him perform or act or whatever he does. But I agree with what he says he experienced, because I’ve experienced it myself for the last 20 years that I’ve been attending the Catholic Mass. The fact is, as Mr. Fallon points out, the Mass that we are forced to endure now bares little resemblance to the Mass of All Ages, the Traditional Latin Mass.
Anna says:
Dec 9, 2011
Monica, GIven Jimmy Fallon’s age, he doubtfully ever went to a Latin Mass, however he reminisces about a time when Mass was more reverent than many are today. But I agree with you in your hope that God leads him back to the Church.
He is an enormously talented man with a sweet and good heart. He could be a real blessing for the Church.
And BTW, I think that you would enjoy his comedy!
Cheryl Park says:
Dec 6, 2011
You have no excuse now Jimmy,you have some wonderful people giving you the addresses and websites that you can get to go to the Latin Mass. So don’t procrastinate and go and you won’t be disappointed and you can take your wife and family and really enjoy what you have missed out on all of these years. Then you grandfather will be most proud of you. God Bless you and your family. Also pray the Rosary everyday and you will recieve graces for your job.
Donal Mahoney says:
Dec 6, 2011
I came back to the Church in 2008 after a 40-year hiatus. When I left, the Mass was still in Latin. When I returned, I came back to the Mass in English. If I lived closer to a Latin Mass, that is the Mass I would attend now. But I know that at the Novus Ordo Mass, as at the Latin Mass, Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. And I know that I have the Sacrament of Penance available to me even if so few Catholics now avail themselves of that Sacrament than when I left the Church and the Latin Mass. Yet everyone, it seems, goes to Holy Communion now. Yet on Saturday very few go to confession. Maybe the Catholics of today, unlike the Catholics of yesterday, commit fewer mortal sins. Balderdash. There is no going back to the Latin Mass for everyone, but someone must do something to catechize those who are in the pews every Sunday. That is just as important as the New Evangelization. Teach those we have what sin is and which sins forbid reception of the Holy Eucharist without going to confession. Do that and I can put up with the guitar playing after I receive Holy Communion.
JimZ says:
Dec 6, 2011
And if anybody ever gets to Santa Fe, there’s a Latin Mass at 2 p.m. Sundays at the San Miguel Mission, probably the oldest Catholic Church in the U.S. It’s a beautiful, rustic church and like all Tridentine Masses, the atmosphere is reverent and holy, and without a drumset, guitars and the hand-holding.
Trad Lady says:
Dec 6, 2011
Maybe we need an #Occupy Catholic Church and support the Extraordinary Form??? We do NOT need to be entertained at Mass, we need reverence for the Risen Lord!
FSSP Community member says:
Dec 7, 2011
We baptised Catholics should be “occupying” mass, regardless. Preferably the TLM if possible, but, a valid Catholic mass, one in union with the Holy See, definately.
I hope that Mr. Fallon will return to the One True Catholic Church, the Church of his baptism, stat, to receive the sacraments which are life and grace for his eternal soul. Please, God.
Thomas W. Phillips says:
Dec 6, 2011
Google the SSPX in the United States. Find a chapel nearby, and go to an SSPX Mass. Nothing has changed. The SSPX has many, many priestly vocations — so many that seminarians have to wait for places. Don’t listen to what anyone else tells you (even me). Check it for yourself.
God Bless You and Merry Christmas!
Thomas W. Phillips*
Dan Sealana says:
Dec 6, 2011
“Nothing has changed.” — Except that you’d be going to a schismatic church.
FSSP community member says:
Dec 7, 2011
that is so true, Dan. Better they go to: http://www.fssp.org
if looking for a Trad. mass, since the fssp is in union with The Holy See.
see you on twitter! (aka: dbondinkc) :-)
tina smyth says:
Dec 7, 2011
Mr. Fallon, Check out the Hollywood chapter of Legatus. Many of it’s members are in the industry and as it is a conservative organization, most of it’s members are probably attending traditional Masses, i.e. incense, bells at consecration, people kneeling for communion, traditional hymns. I know St. Michaels Abbey run by the Norbertine order in Silverado CA has traditional Masses.
Magistra Bona says:
Dec 7, 2011
I think Jimmy is expressing the very common feeling that not only cradle Catholics experience but also new comers to Catholicism when they enter a liturgically bereft Mass done by folks who won’t follow the Missal. Thanks for your honesty, Jimmy. But, the expression is still valid: “You can’t go home again”. What you had is gone. You’re a grown up now and you need a Church experience that does not merely replicate your childhood to mollify your ego, but a Church that challenges you to step up as a disciple of Christ. Obviously, liturgy that reflects that awesome and consoling reality is what we all need. When Novus parishes follow the canons and rubrics of the Church, regardless of rite (OF or EF), they will get you to where you need to be. If they don’t, vote with your feet. Go to parishes in communion with Rome where the liturgy puts Christ, not Jimmy Fallon, at the center. Welcome back…sort of.
David L Alexander says:
Dec 7, 2011
Mr Fallon, as I understand you live and work in New York City, I recommend the list of churches in Manhattan provided by “Dan H,” especially those marked “Diocese” or “Diocesan,” which means they are associated with Rome. Having said that, and in case you’ve noticed a holy war going on in the comments, those locations affiliated with the SSPX are currently not affiliated with Rome (although they’re working really hard on it). If you’re ever in the DC area, I can make a recommendation. (Look me up, I’m in the book …) I can also answer any questions you might have, with an assurance of discretion. (Have your people call my people.)
newcatholic says:
Dec 8, 2011
It is a real shame when it takes a comedian to kick us in our liturgical pants. Our “new” more “hip” Mass is not doing what we thought it would do–just the opposite. As FatherZ says, “Save the Liturgy, Save the World”. Jimmy Fallon is waiting…
mick says:
Dec 9, 2011
WOW!!For some reason I was just wondering what Jesus was thinking when He was carrying His cross?!Oh! and my churchs’ sun masses are all different in their feel with the same mystery and awe.I’m in Fla. and the early Mass tends to be Quick and pious(we are sounding like those’ people wandering around a desert and missing the guide).Peace to all and blessings to Mr. Fallon.
Jeni says:
Dec 9, 2011
I knew I loved Jimmy Fallon. What a cool guy. JIMMY GO HOME!!!!!! God’s calling you!!! What a witness to God’s love and mercy you could be! GO HOME!
Joseph says:
Dec 9, 2011
I am amazed that so many have fallen for the ramblings of a clever comedian. Thank you FXKelli. If Fallon had attended Latin Masses as a child, he would have given Them the business too–show business. I am amazed too that no one ever considers the disasters brought on by the Sixties when it comes to Catholics falling away. The earth did not open up and swallow those who practiced sexual excesses and/or took drugs. We have had since then an “anything goes” culture. Unfortunately most Catholics follow culture and do no create it. Fallon is just one more example.
Richard G Evans says:
Dec 9, 2011
Too bad, when he went back, he found a “cafeteria” Catholic Church that was probably teaching that that Novus Ordo was not modern enough…if there is ever an argument for the new translation and restoration of the traditional, here it is.
He looked for the Mass he remembered to speak to him. May he one day find it again. All the way.
Chuck says:
Dec 11, 2011
Many of the comments are fairly unfortunate, and misguided at best. There are numerous reasons why attendance at mass has fallen away, and we cannot solely point at either the liberalization of American culture (Europe’s attendance is still worse) since the 1960′s, or the conservative end of the church. Both are at fault for not adequately addressing the issues facing the church. In the past 25 years, the church has completely failed to address the needs of the youth. Unfortunately, the revised Mass is one more instance of where we are failing.
Joe says:
Jan 5, 2012
Jimmy Fallon, if you happen to be reading this, check out an Orthodox Church in your area, you should feel quite at home.