The Paschal Mystery Machine is owned by the Diocese of Green Bay Wisconsin. Seminarian, Quinn Mann often showcases this vehicle on camping expeditions with a group called Catholic Youth Expeditions. He and his group use this unique vehicle to help promote the Gospel as well as evangelize the Catholic faith. Quinn is a third year Theologian studying for the Priesthood for the diocese of Green Bay Wisconsin.
Notice the “Jesus Fish” on the grill and the “Monstrance” hood ornament as well as a Holy Water font inside.
I honestly don’t know if it frightens me more than makes me laugh. And I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t send my kids anywhere in it. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great that it’s out there but I’m glad it’s many many states away. For some reason it just freaks me out and if confronted with it I’d be saying, “Like Zoinks, let’s get out of here.” And then I’d run in place for a few seconds before taking off like a shot out of a cannon (while hearing lovely British invasion music in the background).
Just one more thought. Imagine how different the papal visit would’ve been if Pope Benedict would’ve cruised the eastern seaboard in this bad boy. I’m thinking not as positive but a hit with the 18-34 crowd.
H/T McGivney’s Hands
April 23, 2008 at 3:47 am
My son is 22, and a self-professed aficionado of popular culture, including hip-hop as an art form. (Humor me for a bit.) Sometimes, just for kicks, I show him a video clip of “Christian rap music” just to get a rise out of him. His reaction is one of complete disdain. Now, he was raised Byzantine Rite, and while he hasn’t practiced in a few years, he still possesses a Catholic sensibility about things (whether he admits it or not). Knowing him, I suspect his intelligence is insulted by people, who assume his world is so narrowly defined, that they must play up to him like this in order to reach him. I wonder if any of this really has any lasting effect on young people, beyond the initial curiosity.
In recent years, when I am forced to attend a “youth Mass” or “folk Mass,” I quickly discover that the main participants are not the young themselves, but their elders who never got it out of their systems.
I’ve played guitar for over forty years. I’ve been pretty good at it at any one time. I’d never be caught dead at one of these “happening” things.
April 23, 2008 at 4:05 am
That just means you’re not cool enough, I guess.
April 23, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I actually know this guy; or rather, I knew him somewhat when I lived in Michigan six years ago. He graduated from Hillsdale College. But he was ordained about three years ago; how old is your article? His main reasons for becoming a priest: “The Eucharist, the Eucharist, the Eucharist.” The National Catholic Register featured him in a priest profile a couple of years ago: http://ncregister.com/site/article/396 (You have to be a subscriber to read it.)
It’s kind of out there, but he’s not doing anything heretical and I think his heart’s in the right place.
April 23, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Does this mean Scooby has to go to confession before receiving Scooby Snacks?
April 23, 2008 at 4:10 pm
No. I’m not saying heretical at all. In fact, like I said, I think it’s pretty funny. It’s just super weird. And let’s just say it takes a different approach to the faith than I take.
April 23, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Rut-roh!
April 23, 2008 at 4:28 pm
a hit with the 18-34 crowd
Make that a hit with the 58-74 crowd.
April 23, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Renee,
My kids still dig Scooby. Although they seem to like Scrappy-Doo whom I despise even more than Ewoks.
Let’s just say Scooby is for all ages.
April 23, 2008 at 6:28 pm
You are right about Scooby, of course. My reference was to the inside and outside of the car. I remember VW buses painted up like this with the shag carpeting, etc. (I’m really dating myself now) You weren’t a real hippy with out one of them….
April 23, 2008 at 8:40 pm
“And I would have gotten away with liturgical dance too, if it hadn’t been for those meddling seminarians!” 🙂
April 23, 2008 at 8:48 pm
That’s a great joke.