One of the liturgical trends that I have noticed in my years of priesthood is the scheduling of Christmas Masses on Christmas Eve (before midnight) and less Masses on Christmas Day.  Regrettably I did this in  one of my parishes where, at one time, the only Christmas Eve Mass we offered was overflowing with people.  I said "regrettably" because I have come to see this trend as practically taking Christ out of Christmas (Day) at our churches and in some people's lives.  Most churches have at least one Mass on Christmas Day (which in some places I have served is poorly attended) which means some are celebrating the "religious" aspect of Christmas on Christmas Eve and spending Christmas Day focused exclusively on presents, meals, and family.  While I now choose to promote putting Christ first on Christmas Day by encouraging you to Mass on Christmas Day, I hope and pray that those of you who choose to participate in Mass on Christmas Eve will consciously make some time on Christmas Day to celebrate Christ's birth in some tangible and meaningful way.

This past weekend, as we began using the Revised Roman Missal, and as to be expected, all of us fell into prayers and responses that we have been saying for over 40 years.  So, for awhile, we will need continued patience and attentiveness throughout Mass to respond in the new way in our liturgical celebration.  I want to apologize for for pointing out during last weekend's Masses when we said, "And also with you" instead of  "And with Your Spirit" at a number of times during Mass.

Please keep the cards in the pew or the missalettes in your hands throughout the Mass to help keep up with the new responses during Mass.  I would also like to encourage us to make a greater attempt, (especially during the Advent Season) to participate in daily Mass when we can, so we can more quickly and easily adjust to the new responses at Mass.  My compliments to those who participated in the sessions we offered to prepare for the revised missal.

I believe our revised missal will help enhance our worship of The Lord at the celebration of The Eucharist.

My pilgrimage to the Holy Land has ended, but the memorable sites and experiences will hopefully have a positive impact on me and the others who went, for the rest of our lives.  I was struck, among other things, by the religious devotion of some pilgrims, especially at the holy places like the site of Jesus' tomb.  While some seemed more like tourists, there were others who seemed to appreciate the acts of God that happened at these sites, especially the places of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection.  I can't wait for the celebrations of Christmas and the Easter Triduum this year.