I'm sure we all know the familiar hymn, "All Are Welcome" which speaks of a hospitable demeanor that we are called to have individually and as a church community to all who would seek to enter this place. Recently a discussion took place at one of our parish commissions about the "big event" coming up on April 8. Many visitors are expected to come to the Village to view the total solar eclipse. Our church parking lot, as well as many other places might be filled with parishioners, other Villagers and visitors who want an unobstructed view of this rare occurrence. The discussion at the meeting involved whether or not we should lock the doors of our parish building out of safety concerns for our facility. This would obviously prevent people from using our bathroom facilities while they are parked in our parking lot. In the end I decided, for various reasons, to allow our people to be welcomed into our facility on the upper level to use our restrooms. We may or may not lock some of our interior doors and have volunteers inside in the narthex to welcome people and keep an eye on things as Eucharistic Adorers come and go for their hour and are allowed to park under the portico in front of our church during their hour. I believe that it is important to be transparent about the things that happen on our parish grounds outside of our liturgical gatherings where all are welcome to join us in giving praise and worship to God.
Recently, I was approached by a group of people who are in real need of a place for their Thursday/Sunday evening Alcoholics Anonymous meeting due to an ongoing flooding issue in another Village church where they have been meeting. Knowing that other churches have opened their doors to those in this program that helps those suffering from alcoholism to work the 12 step program to help them stay sober, I was inclined to say yes to this request. After consulting a number of people, the decision was made to welcome them to use one of our classrooms in the administration wing of our facility. The leaders as well as the participants will park in our small parking lot off Ponderosa Street and come in the side door by our church office. The doors leading from our administration hallway into the narthex of our church will be locked, so access to that area leading to our chapel will be restricted to parishioners who come in at night through the coded keypad. I truly believe (and hope you do as well) that we are doing a Christ-like thing to welcome those who are trying (with help) to stay sober and be productive for their own sake and for others as well. Please pray for all those who are suffering from addictions that they will seek the help they need and in so doing, find doors of buildings and hearts open to them.
Recently, I was approached by a group of people who are in real need of a place for their Thursday/Sunday evening Alcoholics Anonymous meeting due to an ongoing flooding issue in another Village church where they have been meeting. Knowing that other churches have opened their doors to those in this program that helps those suffering from alcoholism to work the 12 step program to help them stay sober, I was inclined to say yes to this request. After consulting a number of people, the decision was made to welcome them to use one of our classrooms in the administration wing of our facility. The leaders as well as the participants will park in our small parking lot off Ponderosa Street and come in the side door by our church office. The doors leading from our administration hallway into the narthex of our church will be locked, so access to that area leading to our chapel will be restricted to parishioners who come in at night through the coded keypad. I truly believe (and hope you do as well) that we are doing a Christ-like thing to welcome those who are trying (with help) to stay sober and be productive for their own sake and for others as well. Please pray for all those who are suffering from addictions that they will seek the help they need and in so doing, find doors of buildings and hearts open to them.
The birth of a new child is something celebrated and beforehand anticipated by the family with thoughts and prayers for a healthy child and a safe and successful pregnancy for the mom. I just found out that my nephew, Andrew and his wife Becca are expecting their first child in August. We are blessed as brothers and sisters in Christ when we are expecting a new birth in our church family through the sacraments of initiation. We are called to support the candidate (or if it's a child, his or her parents) in the time leading up to their new life through water and the Holy Spirit, and rejoice with them on the day it finally happens.
During the season of Lent, the Church offers various "Rites" and "Presentations" for those who are preparing for the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil that happen during our Masses. I spoke at the Sunday Masses last weekend about the three "scrutinies" and "exorcism prayer" that is offered for these people on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent after the homily. We will, on those week-ends (March 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17), be using the readings from Cycle "A" that includes the stories of the woman at the well (John 4: 4-42), The curing of the man born blind, (John 9: 1-12) and the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). During the scrutinies the congregation at Mass is invited to first pray in silence asking that the Elect will be given a spirit of repentance, a sense of sin, and the true freedom of the children of God (Rite #162). What follows are intercessions for the Elect and then the prayer of exorcism. Our Elect, Kyle Carter and Barbara Meyer then return to the pew and the Mass continues with the collection and bringing forth of the gifts for preparation for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Right now the plan is that each of our three weekend Masses will have one of the scrutinies, so that our whole community can pray as described above for our Elect, at these special liturgies and throughout the Lenten Season. During the week after the first scrutiny and then after the third scrutiny the Elect will be presented at a weekday Mass (before some of our community) the Creed and then the Lord's Prayer (respectively) and be charged to start preparing to recite them (by memory and heart) at the Easter Vigil. I pray that many of you will appreciate that we all have a responsibility before, during, and after for these future faith family members and if possible be there to celebrate with them their new life in the Lord and in His Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a blessing to each one of us in our life in the Lord to do sol! Please note: We will have the first scrutiny next Sunday at the 10:00 Mass!
During the season of Lent, the Church offers various "Rites" and "Presentations" for those who are preparing for the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil that happen during our Masses. I spoke at the Sunday Masses last weekend about the three "scrutinies" and "exorcism prayer" that is offered for these people on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent after the homily. We will, on those week-ends (March 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17), be using the readings from Cycle "A" that includes the stories of the woman at the well (John 4: 4-42), The curing of the man born blind, (John 9: 1-12) and the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). During the scrutinies the congregation at Mass is invited to first pray in silence asking that the Elect will be given a spirit of repentance, a sense of sin, and the true freedom of the children of God (Rite #162). What follows are intercessions for the Elect and then the prayer of exorcism. Our Elect, Kyle Carter and Barbara Meyer then return to the pew and the Mass continues with the collection and bringing forth of the gifts for preparation for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Right now the plan is that each of our three weekend Masses will have one of the scrutinies, so that our whole community can pray as described above for our Elect, at these special liturgies and throughout the Lenten Season. During the week after the first scrutiny and then after the third scrutiny the Elect will be presented at a weekday Mass (before some of our community) the Creed and then the Lord's Prayer (respectively) and be charged to start preparing to recite them (by memory and heart) at the Easter Vigil. I pray that many of you will appreciate that we all have a responsibility before, during, and after for these future faith family members and if possible be there to celebrate with them their new life in the Lord and in His Church at the Easter Vigil. It is a blessing to each one of us in our life in the Lord to do sol! Please note: We will have the first scrutiny next Sunday at the 10:00 Mass!
I can imagine that many of us have thought or said at times that the younger generation overall has it easier than we did when we were growing up in so many areas of life, including "Church life". Think about Lenten seasons of long ago. Catholics were called upon to be "vegans" during Lent as all forms of meat, fish and animal products were excluded for the entirety of Lent. Back then, it was considered a penitential practice, and yet some dieticians of today certainly recommend eating such a diet some or all of the time as healthiest for our body. People were allowed one meal a day AFTER 3:00 p.m., until the 1400's when it was revised to noon. Eventually a small snack was permitted to sustain energy. Over time, Fish, meat and eventually dairy products were allowed. Fasting, though, was required all 40 days. It was not unitl 1966 that fast days were lessened to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (for those 18-59 years of age). The days of abstaining from meat have lessened to only the Ash Wednesday, Fridays of Lent and Good Friday for those 14 years of age and older. These "disciplines" of Lent back then and now are, among other things, calling us to the humility of giving over our wills, in these instances, to God through the Church for our benefit. Given the age of most of you who are reading this pastor's column, it may seem that the Church expects much less from us (with regard to fasting). The reality is that there are many choices of earthly things that can and do occupy our time and attention, which could be given to God and works of the Gospel (especially compassion, charity, and service to others), I would challenge everyone (including myself) to "fast" from some aspects of this world like television, social media, and some forms of food if not strictly, at least in cutting back on some or all of these and ocnsciously replace them witth the things of God. Make the commitment to read and reflect on what is found in the "Little Books" that are being given out this weekend and spend some time (or for some, more time) in prayer and reflection on what God is telling us to be and to do.
In this time of Eucharistic revival stronly consider participating in Mass at least one time during the week and be fed by God's Word and Jesus's Body and Blood. Practice almsgiving through the use of the "Rice Bow;s" and calendars that are being given to use and consider other ways to help "God's poor".
This year, we will be preparing two people for entrance into the Church trough the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Include them by name (Kyle Carter and Barbara Meyers) in your prayers and plan to participate in the ENTIRE Easter Triduum which, your Lenten practices will ensure will be a truly BLESSED three days! On Ash Wednesday we will also hear the call for repentence which, if taken seriously, will lead to the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially toward the end of our Lenten journey. ENTER THE JOURNEY and be transformed and/or renewed in the Lord! Many people over the ages will tesify that observing 40 out of 365 total days of the year turned toward and attuned to the Lord has made a hugh difference in their life and the eternal hope we have through Jesus Christ.
In this time of Eucharistic revival stronly consider participating in Mass at least one time during the week and be fed by God's Word and Jesus's Body and Blood. Practice almsgiving through the use of the "Rice Bow;s" and calendars that are being given to use and consider other ways to help "God's poor".
This year, we will be preparing two people for entrance into the Church trough the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Include them by name (Kyle Carter and Barbara Meyers) in your prayers and plan to participate in the ENTIRE Easter Triduum which, your Lenten practices will ensure will be a truly BLESSED three days! On Ash Wednesday we will also hear the call for repentence which, if taken seriously, will lead to the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially toward the end of our Lenten journey. ENTER THE JOURNEY and be transformed and/or renewed in the Lord! Many people over the ages will tesify that observing 40 out of 365 total days of the year turned toward and attuned to the Lord has made a hugh difference in their life and the eternal hope we have through Jesus Christ.