Yesterday's Mass was refreshing, because I was unable to attend my normal parish the last two times due to my schedule. Instead, I had to go to my pre-COVID Novus Ordo parish, where I was treated with:

* distracting piano recital before Mass started

* girl altar boys

* women flooding the sanctuary

* plain, minimalist sanctuary

* Tabernacle out of sight and ignored

* parishioners seated in front of, at sides of, and behind table-altar (the behind folks seated IN the sanctuary)

* hand holding

* hippie peace signs waved at everyone, even from the young priest

* no babies

* boomer men in t-shirts, shorts, and sandals

* boomer women with lesbian haircuts

* nonstop music from musicians up front

* homily composed of humorous anecdotes

* before Communion, music team belting out song "Sacred Silence" (of which I desired)

* applause at the end of Mass

* plenty of post-Mass chatter

Mass doesn't have to be cringe. Find a good parish to nourish your heart and soul. To me it's worth the hour drive.