Dec. 6-7, 2014

My Dear Parishioners,

As I mentioned last week, this is always a good time to reflect on our participation in the Mass. This week you will find Communion guidelines and a letter from the USCCB as an insert for the bulletin. Please take time to review it. Also, several of you commented on my homily and in response to requests, here is a brief summary for your reflections.

• Preparing for Mass
• We should always be modest, neat and clean. We should dress appropriately, not like we are going to the ballpark or the beach or the gym.
• Torn shirts, tank tops and shorts are never appropriate for Mass.
• We should aim to arrive about 10 minutes early.
• We should greet our friends and neighbors in the narthex because the nave is for prayer. Please respect those around you by not having extended conversations in the pews.
• Never leave Mass before the priest. Wait for those few minutes and hear the closing prayer and receive the Final Blessing
• Remember Jesus words to His disciples: “Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (Mark 14:37)
• The Sign of Peace
• Remembering that this is a sign and we are symbolically showing unity and charity to all our brethren, we are to offer this sign only to those nearest to us and in a sober manner. Leaving the pew and trying to greet as many people as possible is not the intent of this part of the Mass.
• After Mass
• Finally, when Mass is complete, take a moment or two and thank God for the wonderful gift He has given us. A short prayer of thanksgiving is certainly appropriate.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, remember that we are celebrating this most Sacred Sacrament. Mass is the time that God Almighty and man is the closest in this life. We should always strive to celebrate the Mass in the way most befitting the Sacrifice Jesus made for us.

This is my prayer before every Mass and I hope that you also will pray it and keep this intention in your heart:

May we celebrate this Mass worthily and well. May we celebrate it as if it were our First Mass, Our last Mass, our only Mass. Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. John