EPISTLES

In his book Deadly Indifference, Eric Sammons examines one of the greatest spiritual dangers facing modern Catholics: religious indifference. The book argues that many Catholics no longer see the Faith as something absolute, life-defining, and necessary for salvation. Instead, religion is often treated as one option among many, reduced to personal preference or cultural identity rather than divine truth.

The book’s foreword was written by Bishop Athanasius Schneider, who has long warned about the weakening of Catholic identity and reverence in worship. Throughout the book, Sammons proposes practical ways to restore seriousness, reverence, and conviction within parish life.

One of his most striking recommendations appears in the section on Renewing the Parish: priests should begin celebrating Mass ad orientem. Sammons explains that priests should “consider celebrating the Mass ad orientem. This means ‘facing the East,’ and it signifies that the priest faces the altar during most of the Mass.”

He immediately addresses the common criticism that Ad Orientem has been “maligned since the 1960s, with critics saying the priest is ‘turning his back to the people.’ But ad orientem powerfully shows that the priest is leading his people in worship and that they all face God together.”

This is the heart of Sammons’ argument. The priest is not performing for an audience. The Mass is not centered on personality, visibility, or entertainment. Priest and faithful are united in one direction: toward God.

According to Sammons, ad orientem combats religious indifference in two major ways.

Ad Orientem Distinguishes Catholic Worship from Protestant Services

Sammons writes: “The first is that it helps distinguish Catholic worship from Protestant services.” He explains that many Protestant services naturally focus on the relationship between pastor and congregation. The pastor speaks directly to the people, often making the gathering feel centered on dialogue, instruction, or community interaction.

By contrast, the Catholic Mass is fundamentally directed toward God. Sammons continues: “However, the Catholic Mass is primarily the worship of God, and so the ‘action’ of the Mass is directed toward God — priest and people together.”

This distinction matters immensely. In many parishes today, Catholics experience liturgy that can appear almost identical in atmosphere and posture to Protestant worship. The sanctuary becomes a stage, the priest becomes the focal point, and the sense of sacred mystery weakens.

But when the priest faces the altar together with the faithful, the symbolism becomes unmistakable. Everyone is united in sacrifice and prayer. The priest is not “performing” for the congregation; he is leading souls toward God.

“When the priest faces the altar it helps impress this reality on every person. This also reveals that the Catholic Mass is a fundamentally different form of worship than a Protestant service.” Sammons explains.

This is not about hostility toward Protestants. Rather, it is about preserving the unique theological identity of the Catholic Mass as a sacrificial act offered to God. External gestures shape belief. The way worship is conducted teaches people what the Mass truly is. And in an age of confusion and indifference, clarity matters.

Ad Orientem Engenders Seriousness in Worship

Sammons’ second argument may be even more important. He writes: “Another advantage of ad orientem is that it engenders seriousness in the worship.”

Modern culture constantly pressures religion to become casual, entertaining, and emotionally comfortable. But authentic worship should confront us with the reality of God’s majesty.

Sammons explains: “When a priest faces in the same direction as the people, it is easier to recognize that this is not just a meeting led by a presider. It is the worship of the Almighty God of the Universe.”

That seriousness combats indifference because it forces Catholics to ask essential questions: Do I truly believe? Is God really the center of my life? Is the Mass the highest act on earth?

“There is no greater enemy of religious indifference than religious seriousness, for it forces people into a choice: Do you think the practice of religion is the most important thing in your life, or is it just an activity you do from time to time?” Sammons explains.

This is a penetrating observation. Casual worship easily produces casual belief. But reverent worship reminds people that eternal realities are at stake.

His conclusion: “Seriousness elevates the practice of religion and distinguishes it from other activities in life.”

That seriousness does not drive sincere Catholics away. On the contrary, it strengthens faith, deepens reverence, and reminds souls that the Mass is sacred.

Conclusion

Eric Sammons offers two compelling reasons why priests should begin celebrating Mass ad orientem as soon as possible: it clearly distinguishes Catholic worship from Protestant services, and it restores seriousness and reverence to the liturgy.

His arguments are both theological and pastoral. In an age marked by confusion, weak belief, and widespread religious indifference, Catholics need worship that visibly directs hearts and minds toward God.

In my opinion, unless a bishop has explicitly prohibited ad orientem within a diocese, there is no valid reason for a priest to avoid it if he truly cares about the salvation of souls and the propagation of the Faith. The practice is fully Catholic, historically rooted, spiritually rich, and entirely legitimate within the Church’s liturgical tradition.

If priests genuinely desire to strengthen belief in the Real Presence, deepen reverence at Mass, and combat indifference among the faithful, then Sammons’ recommendation deserves serious attention.