Reinventing worship for the 21st century
A contemporary ritual of wonder, belonging, and community
For more than thirty years, the Cosmic Mass has invited people of every background into a direct experience of what many traditions call the Sacred, the Divine, the Great Mystery, God, or the living cosmos—through music, dance, art, grief, creativity, and shared celebration.
We are living through a paradox: never more connected technologically, yet loneliness, anxiety, polarization, ecological grief, and spiritual disorientation continue to rise. Ritual has always been one of humanity’s most powerful answers.
“There is no community without ritual.” — Malidoma Somé, African ritual elder
The Cosmic Mass reimagines liturgy with an emphasis on the sacredness of matter and the body. It draws on the ancient wisdom of Western ritual while incorporating contemporary art forms—music, dance-prayer, visual arts, DJ and VJ culture, contemplative practice, grief work, ecological awareness, and the world’s wisdom traditions—into a transformative communal experience.
Rooted in Christian mysticism and Creation Spirituality, the Cosmic Mass is interspiritual and ecumenical. It honors the mystical heart of many paths while remaining accessible to people of every background, belief system, and level of spiritual experience—including those with no religious affiliation.
A container where people move beyond ideological identities and remember themselves as participants in an evolving universe.
A structured, integrative pathway into profound connection and meaning—without requiring adherence to a particular doctrine.
Bridging science, spirituality, art, and community into a felt experience of our shared cosmic identity.
Each Cosmic Mass moves through the Four Paths of Creation Spirituality—a ritual arc of joy, grief, creativity, and compassionate service that enables deep, nonverbal communal connection.
Celebration, beauty, and wonder—remembering life as gift and feast.
Honest lament for personal, communal, and ecological loss—held together.
Art, dance, music, and emergence—making room for spirit and surprise.
Compassion, justice, and renewed capacity to make a difference in the world.
Momentum is building for another Cosmic Mass in the Asheville area—tentatively envisioned for the feast day of Saint Thecla, in celebration of the Divine Feminine.
This is not simply about hosting events. It is about restoring one of humanity’s oldest capacities: gathering in ritual to remember our connection to one another, to Earth, and to the unfolding journey of the cosmos.
In-person and online programs that equip facilitators, artists, musicians, and community leaders to bring the Cosmic Mass to new communities.
Replicable models, mentorship pathways, and regional networks so Cosmic Masses can thrive in cities across North America and beyond—including international interest such as Verona, Italy.
Stronger infrastructure, expanded artistic collaboration, documentation, and support for the people whose gifts make these experiences possible.
Rights to the Cosmic Mass are held by the Matthew Fox Legacy Project (MFLP), a 501(c)(3) that has supported this work since its inception (formerly Friends of Creation Spirituality).
Participants across ages, traditions, and walks of life have described the Cosmic Mass as among the most powerful spiritual experiences of their lives—including at gatherings such as the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto.
“When I dance, I dance hard, and when I pray, I pray hard, but no one had invited me before to dance and pray hard at the same time. It was dynamite.”
“This morning I went to church… this much of my soul was affected. But tonight, tonight all of me was affected!”
“I have never been to a church in my life or to a rave. But ever since the mass three days ago, something has been vibrating in my mind. I have never felt like this before.”
“This is without doubt the most powerful religious experience of my life.”
Theologian and teacher in the Creation Spirituality lineage. For more than thirty years he has developed and facilitated Cosmic Mass gatherings with artists, musicians, activists, spiritual leaders, and community builders—keeping the name “Mass” as a living Western word for liturgy and ritual open to all.
Director (and producer) of The Cosmic Mass, guiding gatherings, training, and the next chapter of this living tradition. Also Founder of Wild Awakenings and Co-founder of the Order of the Sacred Earth.
Help strengthen and expand a living tradition that has already transformed thousands of lives—and holds tremendous promise for our future.
Watch for the Asheville Cosmic Mass and other gatherings. RSVP when public: [RSVP link]
Invest in training, productions, and community infrastructure. Donate: [donation link]
Artists, facilitators, and organizers welcome. Contact: [contact email]
This page is a local draft built from Cosmic Mass email content for Skylar’s review. Nothing here has been published. Replace dashed placeholders before going live.