2021-10-17 19th (Laity) Sunday in Ordinary Time

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ. First and foremost, I pray that you all have a very blessed week. This will be my last “regular” column in the bulletin since beginning next weekend, the bulletin will be going back to the format prior to COVID. That means the parts of the mass and music will not be included in the bulletin and bulletins will be available after Mass and contain information related to the parish. I may at times write to you using that format but it will be occasional and not a regular weekly communication. The “Breaking Bread” hymnals will be back in the pews and should remain there. Please DO NOT take them home. They are to remain in the church. If you would like to have one of your own for home, please talk to Sue in the office and she can assist you in getting one. Also for those who attend weekday Mass, a number of the missalettes will be available in the back of the church for your use. You may pick one up there for use and please return them there after Mass. We ask that you not take them home or leave them in the pews. Understanding that change is never easy, I appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we move back to what was normal prior to COVID.

One additional change that will begin with the weekend Masses of October 23rd and 24th. Related to announcements at Mass, they will be done prior to Mass by the lector rather than at the end of Mass by me.

On another note, I can’t tell you how troubled I was at the masses this past weekend with the amount of noise/conversations that was occurring during and immediately after holy communion. My heart was very heavy and very sad to witness the irreverence that was shown to our Lord at this most solemn and holy part of the Mass. That must stop immediately and will not be tolerated. Our focus must be on the gift we about to receive and after we receive our Lord we should be in dialog with him and only him! Once you return to your seat, you should be meditating on our Lord whom you’ve just received and be giving thanks to Him for entering into us.

Socialization during Mass is not appropriate and should not be happening at any point in the Mass. From the entrance hymn to the concluding hymn our focus and devotion should be to the Lord. Actually, prior to the beginning and immediately following Mass should also be a time of quiet and reverence. Many people come to Mass early so that they can pray and likewise some people remain after Mass in prayer. Out of respect for them and the Lord I would ask that this also be a time of quiet in the church. If you want to socialize please do so outside and not inside while people are praying. Ordinarily the rosary is prayed prior to Mass so there is prayer going on. Additionally, confessions are available and believe it or not, I do hear a lot of conversations going on while I’m in the confessional. Please be respectful to those who are waiting to go to confession as well as those who are praying and preparing for Mass. Most of all show reverence and respect for our Lord who is present in the Tabernacle!

If you have any questions or thoughts you’d like to share please see me in the office. Thank you and have a very blessed week!
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Pax
Fr. Mark