The bulletin for this Third Sunday of Lent at Christ Our Hope includes a column from Fr. Paul of Archbishop Brunett's visit and on receiving God's mercy and going to confession (plus their schedule for the remainder of Lent).
Jesus tells a Samaritan woman that all who worship God must worship Him “in Spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) My hope is that, through my personal reflections and experiences on the public work or service of the people, many may not only worship, but also come to know Him in Spirit and Truth.
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent. Show all posts
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Anointing of the Sick
As promised in my last post, here is one of the published pictures, courtesy of Patti Fersch, of Archbishop Emeritus Alex J. Brunett's visit to Christ Our Hope last Sunday for the Anointing of the Sick. Please continue to hold him in prayer!
The bulletin for this Third Sunday of Lent at Christ Our Hope includes a column from Fr. Paul of Archbishop Brunett's visit and on receiving God's mercy and going to confession (plus their schedule for the remainder of Lent).
The bulletin for this Third Sunday of Lent at Christ Our Hope includes a column from Fr. Paul of Archbishop Brunett's visit and on receiving God's mercy and going to confession (plus their schedule for the remainder of Lent).
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Joyful service
In the words from Luke 12:42, today's Entrance Antiphon, "Behold, a faithful and prudent steward, whom the Lord set over his household."
These past few months have kept me in a daily routine of going into the office, a visit to grandma's house before a Zumba home workout and crashing on the couch at home eating my dinner by myself, since mom and Val work fairly late into the evening. Andrew describes these past few months in the office in his recent blog post. However, with all the happenings in the office, a couple of personal experiences helped remind me that it is in serving others that we will find deep joy.
Last Saturday was the last Rite of Election that I was scheduled to go to, which was at St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma. As I was packing the worship aids into the van, I noticed a man sleeping outside the Chancery offices underneath two blankets, and next to him was a baby stroller of items. I remembered the scarf, hat and gloves I wore when I went to the Seahawks Super Bowl victory parade about a month ago which was still in a cabinet in my desk that I had tucked away. Taking just a few extra minutes, I went back to my desk to grab the scarf, hat and gloves and, not wanting to wake him up (mostly from fear), I set them on the cement ledge next to his stroller. Nothing could stop that joy I felt as I began the drive to Tacoma.
Just a day earlier, Fr. Paul had asked me to come to Christ our Hope to assist in their liturgy the following Sunday, as Archbishop Brunett was invited to come to their 9:30am Mass with Anointing of the Sick and Fr. Paul was hoping I could assist him as needed. Both Fr. Paul and I greeted him at the entrance, and he looked at me and kept saying my name. It was a joy to be of service to him as I helped put on his stole, held his hymnal as he followed along to everyone singing, and was present to him as needed during the Mass. It was a moving experience to stay with him and remain with him. I was almost in tears as he was being anointed by Fr. Paul. (Patti took some pictures, which I'll post once they are published online in Northwest Catholic along with an article on the Sacrament of the Anointing.)
After Mass, once Archbishop Brunett was in the cabulance and off to his new residence on Madison St & 22nd, a man selling Real Change came up to me and we engaged in a conversation about faith. Michael is his name. One thing I'll remember that summarizes my 15 minute conversation with Michael, is a question he asked me. "When you put Jesus first before others and then yourself last, what does that spell?" After a second thought, I told him it spells joy. We both continued to fill the narthex of the Josephinum with laughter and story-telling. After reflecting on this experience, I came to the realization that Michael's joy-filled laughter and personality reminds me a lot of my late father.
As we celebrate the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we continue to look to the intercession of St. Joseph to be faithful and prudent stewards, whom the Lord has set over his household to serve others with loving care.
These past few months have kept me in a daily routine of going into the office, a visit to grandma's house before a Zumba home workout and crashing on the couch at home eating my dinner by myself, since mom and Val work fairly late into the evening. Andrew describes these past few months in the office in his recent blog post. However, with all the happenings in the office, a couple of personal experiences helped remind me that it is in serving others that we will find deep joy.
Just a day earlier, Fr. Paul had asked me to come to Christ our Hope to assist in their liturgy the following Sunday, as Archbishop Brunett was invited to come to their 9:30am Mass with Anointing of the Sick and Fr. Paul was hoping I could assist him as needed. Both Fr. Paul and I greeted him at the entrance, and he looked at me and kept saying my name. It was a joy to be of service to him as I helped put on his stole, held his hymnal as he followed along to everyone singing, and was present to him as needed during the Mass. It was a moving experience to stay with him and remain with him. I was almost in tears as he was being anointed by Fr. Paul. (Patti took some pictures, which I'll post once they are published online in Northwest Catholic along with an article on the Sacrament of the Anointing.)
After Mass, once Archbishop Brunett was in the cabulance and off to his new residence on Madison St & 22nd, a man selling Real Change came up to me and we engaged in a conversation about faith. Michael is his name. One thing I'll remember that summarizes my 15 minute conversation with Michael, is a question he asked me. "When you put Jesus first before others and then yourself last, what does that spell?" After a second thought, I told him it spells joy. We both continued to fill the narthex of the Josephinum with laughter and story-telling. After reflecting on this experience, I came to the realization that Michael's joy-filled laughter and personality reminds me a lot of my late father.
As we celebrate the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we continue to look to the intercession of St. Joseph to be faithful and prudent stewards, whom the Lord has set over his household to serve others with loving care.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Abortion Mandate: Religious Liberty at Risk!
Please join in the fight to protect the conscience rights of our citizens by opposing the HHS Mandate: EHB 1044, which is due for a hearing in the Washington State Senate Health Care Committee on Monday, April 1st at 10:00am. Archbishop Sartain will testify against this bill. Click on the action alert from the Washington State Catholic Conference to read more about the issue and follow the link on the bottom of the page to "Take Action!"
As I mentioned in my post regarding today's gospel reading about Judas who betrays Jesus and Simon Peter who denies Jesus, we can not simply stand still or flee the foot of the cross. We can not deny or betray Jesus...not on an issue that presents a clear challenge to the conscience rights of those who do not wish to participate in health plans which support abortion!
On a little bit of a lighter note, the Archdiocese of Saint Louis put together a simple 16-second video outlining what the HHS Mandate is about and why we need to stand up for and fight for the protection of religious liberty.
May our celebrations of the Lord's Supper, Passion, Death and Resurrection renew in us our dedication to protect and defend the most vulnerable of God's children, the Unborn.
As I mentioned in my post regarding today's gospel reading about Judas who betrays Jesus and Simon Peter who denies Jesus, we can not simply stand still or flee the foot of the cross. We can not deny or betray Jesus...not on an issue that presents a clear challenge to the conscience rights of those who do not wish to participate in health plans which support abortion!
On a little bit of a lighter note, the Archdiocese of Saint Louis put together a simple 16-second video outlining what the HHS Mandate is about and why we need to stand up for and fight for the protection of religious liberty.
May our celebrations of the Lord's Supper, Passion, Death and Resurrection renew in us our dedication to protect and defend the most vulnerable of God's children, the Unborn.
Full of Grace
For the second year in a row, my sister and I will join young adults throughout the Archdiocese in a 5-6 mile pilgrimage immediately after the Mass of the Lord's Supper at St. James Cathedral.
In the second annual Holy Thursday pilgrimage, this large group, which last year included a few of my classmates from Holy Names Academy, will visit five Churches in the Seattle area, and at each Church, we will pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament, sing hymns, listen to scripture readings, and Archbishop Sartain will offer a reflection.
Last year, Immaculate Conception Church was not finished with their Mass of the Lord's Supper when the group arrived, so we improvised. Archbishop Sartain gave a great reflection about the importance of a Church and how many make the sign of the cross when walking past a Church because it is a holy place. Therefore, since the Blessed Sacrament was inside this holy place (Immaculate Conception Church) we all were invited to take a moment of silent reflection to pray outside the Church.
Also last year, as we concluded the pilgrimage where it began, on the steps of St. James Cathedral, a discussion came up on where to eat since it was minutes away from the beginning of Good Friday, a day of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church. Dicks on Broadway was the place that many were heading to.
I'm looking forward to seeing what this year's Holy Thursday pilgrimage and Paschal Triduum celebrations will bring. Not like these experiences I mention above (although these experiences do add to the joy of the Triduum celebrations) but more over the grace that God brings during this holy time of prayer. These moments are the experiences that cannot be put into words. These moments are the experiences that deeply touch the heart.
My prayer during this week is that in the midst of the pilgrimage (and preparations and celebrations of the rest of the Triduum at St. Paul's) I may remember to keep my focus on what's most important...not on where to eat after the pilgrimage, but on the reason why this is Holy Week: the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Today's gospel reading touches on Judas who betrays Jesus and Simon Peter who denies Jesus...may I not betray or deny the Lord but rather, be open to the graces of these liturgical celebrations.
In the second annual Holy Thursday pilgrimage, this large group, which last year included a few of my classmates from Holy Names Academy, will visit five Churches in the Seattle area, and at each Church, we will pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament, sing hymns, listen to scripture readings, and Archbishop Sartain will offer a reflection.
Last year, Immaculate Conception Church was not finished with their Mass of the Lord's Supper when the group arrived, so we improvised. Archbishop Sartain gave a great reflection about the importance of a Church and how many make the sign of the cross when walking past a Church because it is a holy place. Therefore, since the Blessed Sacrament was inside this holy place (Immaculate Conception Church) we all were invited to take a moment of silent reflection to pray outside the Church.
Also last year, as we concluded the pilgrimage where it began, on the steps of St. James Cathedral, a discussion came up on where to eat since it was minutes away from the beginning of Good Friday, a day of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church. Dicks on Broadway was the place that many were heading to.
I'm looking forward to seeing what this year's Holy Thursday pilgrimage and Paschal Triduum celebrations will bring. Not like these experiences I mention above (although these experiences do add to the joy of the Triduum celebrations) but more over the grace that God brings during this holy time of prayer. These moments are the experiences that cannot be put into words. These moments are the experiences that deeply touch the heart.
My prayer during this week is that in the midst of the pilgrimage (and preparations and celebrations of the rest of the Triduum at St. Paul's) I may remember to keep my focus on what's most important...not on where to eat after the pilgrimage, but on the reason why this is Holy Week: the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Today's gospel reading touches on Judas who betrays Jesus and Simon Peter who denies Jesus...may I not betray or deny the Lord but rather, be open to the graces of these liturgical celebrations.
Where ever, how ever you are celebrating Holy Week, may your celebrations be a grace-filled one!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Merry Chrism Mass!
It was a very merry Chrism Mass yesterday evening!
- beautiful music (it helps if you're sitting next to Bill McNamara, campus minister for music at Seattle University)
- awesome liturgical ministers (including a nervous recently ordained deacon and oil bearer or two)
- reverent procession and presentation of oils and essence
- saw a recent picture of Tony V. which was so great to see, thanks to one of the coordinators of the Dismissal of the Elect who saw him at the Mid-Atlantic Congress a few weeks ago (last time I talked to him, Tony said their Chrism Mass is Monday of Holy Week)
- priests renewing their vow of obedience to the local bishop and their commitment to serve the people of God
- Archbishop Sartain blest a monstrance to be used for Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life for the Archdiocese
- one of the deans shouted in a soft voice "Jen-Jen" (my nickname from Seattle University, since I also go by "Jen") during the recessional as I walked in front of him during the procession
- seeing and talking to the 8 or 9 year old niece (her name is pronounced "Saba" but not sure how it's spelled) of Father Wagner. This was the third time I saw her since her uncle's ordination to the diaconate a few years ago
- as all of the priests went back to the Pastoral Outreach Center, two by two in a straight line, Father Maurer strayed just to come and say hi to me...that was nice and very grace-filled
- saw a pastoral musician committee member of NPM Seattle Chapter who told me about the death of Father Ed White's mother in Maine. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for Father Ed and his family, during this difficult time. He flew back to Seattle from Maine just hours before concelebrating at the Chrism Mass
- a homeless man coming to the reception to get almost all of the cookies left, using a box to carry them out, even with the line of people waiting to get food
A Merry Chrism Mass to all...and to all a good holy week!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Monday musings
A sneak peak at the worship aid, or shall I say "libretto" for Pope Francis' installation mass, in case you wish to stream live in the early hours of tomorrow morning and follow along. Or in case you can't stream live in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
A sneak peak at another worship aid...this one for Thursday's Chrism Mass for the Archdiocese of Seattle, where the oils are blessed by Archbishop Sartain and the Church celebrates priestly unity. At this Mass, the 100+ priests will make a Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service. Also, after the Prayer after Communion, a monstrance will be blest by Archbishop Sartain, which will be used throughout the Archdiocese for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. This Mass is one of the highlights of the liturgical year for me (in addition to Priest Ordinations) and all are welcome. Parking will be free and available to all wanting to attend, at the Cabrini Parking Garage off of Marion Street (but fair warning, the lot fills up pretty quickly.)
This morning I picked up the flowers for the Chrism Mass at Northwest Wholesale Florists on behalf of our interim director, and earlier this afternoon he complimented and thanked me for picking out a great selection of flowers. "Great job picking out the flowers for Chrism Mass" were his almost exact words. Although he was the one to pre-order what kind of flowers our office would purchase and the quantity, if you know Fr. Steve Sallis, this is a pretty big deal that he thinks highly of my selection of the flowers. I'm putting that compliment into my jar of blessings, that's for sure!
For the second year in a row, the newly named Office of Youth and Young Adult Evangelization (formerly known as the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry) will hold the young adult pilgrimage on Holy Thursday. My sister and I participated last year, and it was a great witness to the faith as people would ask questions of the group and when hundreds would sing together and pray together during the holiest times of the liturgical year.
An exciting reflection/announcement regarding the feast of Corpus Christi at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary parish in Tacoma by their pastor, Father Jacob Maurer.
Lastly, I just finished putting mailing address labels on invitations for the NPM Seattle Chapter's pastor and pastoral musicians dinner (save the date: Friday May 3 in Seattle.) They will be in tomorrow's mail. Here's a picture of the cover of the invite and I'm hoping that many of our pastors and pastoral musicians will be able to attend.
A sneak peak at another worship aid...this one for Thursday's Chrism Mass for the Archdiocese of Seattle, where the oils are blessed by Archbishop Sartain and the Church celebrates priestly unity. At this Mass, the 100+ priests will make a Renewal of Commitment to Priestly Service. Also, after the Prayer after Communion, a monstrance will be blest by Archbishop Sartain, which will be used throughout the Archdiocese for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. This Mass is one of the highlights of the liturgical year for me (in addition to Priest Ordinations) and all are welcome. Parking will be free and available to all wanting to attend, at the Cabrini Parking Garage off of Marion Street (but fair warning, the lot fills up pretty quickly.)
This morning I picked up the flowers for the Chrism Mass at Northwest Wholesale Florists on behalf of our interim director, and earlier this afternoon he complimented and thanked me for picking out a great selection of flowers. "Great job picking out the flowers for Chrism Mass" were his almost exact words. Although he was the one to pre-order what kind of flowers our office would purchase and the quantity, if you know Fr. Steve Sallis, this is a pretty big deal that he thinks highly of my selection of the flowers. I'm putting that compliment into my jar of blessings, that's for sure!
For the second year in a row, the newly named Office of Youth and Young Adult Evangelization (formerly known as the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry) will hold the young adult pilgrimage on Holy Thursday. My sister and I participated last year, and it was a great witness to the faith as people would ask questions of the group and when hundreds would sing together and pray together during the holiest times of the liturgical year.
An exciting reflection/announcement regarding the feast of Corpus Christi at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary parish in Tacoma by their pastor, Father Jacob Maurer.
Lastly, I just finished putting mailing address labels on invitations for the NPM Seattle Chapter's pastor and pastoral musicians dinner (save the date: Friday May 3 in Seattle.) They will be in tomorrow's mail. Here's a picture of the cover of the invite and I'm hoping that many of our pastors and pastoral musicians will be able to attend.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
A Great Joy
This morning, as I poured essence and olive oil into the vessels to be used at next week's Chrism Mass, we heard the announcement of great joy: we have a new Pope. Habemus papam!
When the Cathedral's bells began to ring sometime after 11am, I knew right away that white smoke had come out of the Sistine Chapel. I literally dropped what I was doing, (by calmly putting down the gallon container of Magnano family Napoleon Olive Oil on the table) grabbed my office keys and walked a block to the Cathedral to take a poor quality cell phone video (no, I do not have a smart phone), to snap better quality pictures, and more importantly, to experience this great joy.
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| Gold and white banners hang from St. James Cathedral |
Standing outside the Cathedral as the bells rang and as John, one of the sacristans at the Cathedral, put some finishing touches to the hung yellow and white banners, was an experience I can't put into words. It seemed like time had come to a complete stop!
Not really in the mood to finish pouring olive oil into glass vessels, I decided to join a few of the Chancery employees outside the Chancery chapel to have a live streaming party, which was yet another moment of great joy, simply gathering with colleagues to watch CNN live, as if we too were at the Vatican. All of us waiting in anticipation for the official announcement, appearance, and blessing of our newly elected Holy Father. Then around 12:30pm, Father Tony Bawyn celebrated Mass for the Election of Pope Francis.
And a Jesuit! As Archbishop Sartain mentioned in his statement regarding Pope Francis, "...his election holds particular excitement for the many Jesuits who serve in the Archdiocese of Seattle..." The news also holds particular excitement for this alum of Seattle University --- a Jesuit-Catholic institution and a friend and colleague to many Jesuits.
And just for fun...the Holy See-gull who may have been a symbol for the answer to one of the first questions asked of the newly elected Holy Father: "By which name do you wish to be called?" Francis (of Assisi) who is almost always portrayed in icons with a white bird.
On that note, in the first words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis:
"Let us always pray for one another.
Let us pray for the world so that this might be a great brotherhood."
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Chrism Mass countdown
In two weeks, at the annual Chrism Mass, the oils to be used in sacramental celebrations at Easter and throughout the coming year will be blessed by Archbishop Sartain. This is also a special celebration because it is at this Mass where Archbishop Sartain consecrates the Sacred Chrism, where he not only prays the words of blessing, but breathes over the oil, an ancient gesture that recalls God’s spirit breathed into creation.
All are welcome to attend this Mass on Thursday, March 21st at 7:00pm at St. James Cathedral.
In the meantime enjoy the behind the scenes look at the oil preparations. Maybe next year I'll take pictures at Calvary Cemetery where we pour all of the old holy oils into a plot near the deceased priests' section.
[Thanks to a few good deacons (Roy Harrington, Sam Basta, Dennis Kelley, and Craig Lundberg) taking time yesterday to set-up tables, clean the glass vessels, unpack boxes, and discover a secret to drying out these vessels overnight, we are almost ready for the Chrism Mass.]
[Thanks to a few good deacons (Roy Harrington, Sam Basta, Dennis Kelley, and Craig Lundberg) taking time yesterday to set-up tables, clean the glass vessels, unpack boxes, and discover a secret to drying out these vessels overnight, we are almost ready for the Chrism Mass.]
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Congress experience
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| Me and my uncle at the Claretian Missionaries vocation booth |
My friend John Michael coordinated the Hawaiian Mass in the Arena, so he invited me to serve as an extraordinary minister for Holy Communion held in the largest space in the Anaheim Convention Center. This provided me an opportunity to see the behind the scenes of how a Mass in the Arena was coordinated. I got some fresh new ideas about how to prepare for Masses in a gym or hotel ballroom!
At first, the 200+ exhibits and booths were a bit intimidating, but once I walked around a bit, I was able to take it all in, and even considered purchasing a resource with weekday responsorial psalms.
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| Me with Fr. Jim Martin, SJ |
At each Mass, during the Preparation of the Altar and Presentation of the Gifts, the ministers took time to really prepare the Altar for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It was at this time that the linens were put on the altar, people processed with the altar candles then set them into the candle stands. It really helped put more focus on the altar, to prepare for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Overall, Congress renewed my spirit as a lay minister and provided me a tangible sign of the New Evangelization. Congress brought me to a deeper faith and belief in the Gospel and reminded me of the urgency to not only keep this joy to myself, but to proclaim it and spread the Good News to others.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Mass of Thanksgiving
Archbishop J. Peter Sartain invites you to an Archdiocesan Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Benedict XVI this Thursday, Feb. 28, the final day of Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate, at 12:10pm at St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave, Seattle.
Please let other lay, religious, and clergy of our local Church know of this Mass, honoring Pope Benedict and his leadership of our Church!
Please let other lay, religious, and clergy of our local Church know of this Mass, honoring Pope Benedict and his leadership of our Church!
"Enter the Mystery"
Apologies for the lack of posts these past few days, but the morning after the Rite of Election in Chehalis last Thursday, I flew to Anaheim for the Religious Education Congress. Haven't touched a computer since...until tonight, just as a side after checking-in for my flight back to Seattle in the morning.
The theme for Congress this year was "Enter the Mystery" which I definitely did all weekend long. Since it was my first Congress experience, I simply opened myself up to the Holy Spirit in all that I did, not expecting or planning too much, other than the workshops which everyone had to preregister for in advance and the masses which I was going to attend. It was such a blessed weekend with informative workshops and uplifting liturgies...all of which allowed me to enter into the mystery...Jesus' paschal mystery!
More posts to come about Congress in the future, once I have time to reflect on the grace-filled experiences of this weekend, which will not happen in this hotel room I'm sitting in (or at least it will, but not in a form ready to post.)
But until then, here's a part of the refrain from the Congress theme song, which you can also listen to, published by Curtis Stephan and Spirit & Song, that sums up the weekend well:
The theme for Congress this year was "Enter the Mystery" which I definitely did all weekend long. Since it was my first Congress experience, I simply opened myself up to the Holy Spirit in all that I did, not expecting or planning too much, other than the workshops which everyone had to preregister for in advance and the masses which I was going to attend. It was such a blessed weekend with informative workshops and uplifting liturgies...all of which allowed me to enter into the mystery...Jesus' paschal mystery!
More posts to come about Congress in the future, once I have time to reflect on the grace-filled experiences of this weekend, which will not happen in this hotel room I'm sitting in (or at least it will, but not in a form ready to post.)
But until then, here's a part of the refrain from the Congress theme song, which you can also listen to, published by Curtis Stephan and Spirit & Song, that sums up the weekend well:
"Enter the mystery
see with the eyes of faith
the world transfigured around us."
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Dancing Books at the Rite of Election
Now, before I go any further, more than likely there will be no dancing Books of the Elect at the Rite of Election celebrations throughout the Archdiocese of Seattle...at least, not anything planned...but we'll see where the Holy Spirit takes us.
Anyway, many Dioceses throughout the U.S. celebrate their Rite of Election tomorrow, customarily held on (or in our case for the Archdiocese of Seattle, near) the First Sunday of Lent. The Diocese of San Jose in California posted a great video four years ago of their Dancing Books of the Elect at their Rite of Election...just scroll down a bit on the site to view it! The article is well informative as well.
And in other related news, this Friday early morning I will be flying out to Anaheim for the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. Well, just got it all confirmed that next Sunday, the last day of L.A. Congress, I'll be having breakfast with Diana Macalintal and a mutual friend of ours. Diana is the Director of Worship for the Diocese of San Jose (yes, the same San Jose where these dancing Books of Elect emerged!) Thanks to JM for making this dream become a reality!
Anyway, many Dioceses throughout the U.S. celebrate their Rite of Election tomorrow, customarily held on (or in our case for the Archdiocese of Seattle, near) the First Sunday of Lent. The Diocese of San Jose in California posted a great video four years ago of their Dancing Books of the Elect at their Rite of Election...just scroll down a bit on the site to view it! The article is well informative as well.
And in other related news, this Friday early morning I will be flying out to Anaheim for the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. Well, just got it all confirmed that next Sunday, the last day of L.A. Congress, I'll be having breakfast with Diana Macalintal and a mutual friend of ours. Diana is the Director of Worship for the Diocese of San Jose (yes, the same San Jose where these dancing Books of Elect emerged!) Thanks to JM for making this dream become a reality!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Rite of Election...day 1
Tonight is the first of nine celebrations for the Rite of Election, which is a very significant and important step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. All of the Catechumens and Candidates gather together where the Church formally ratifies the Catechumens' readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates' readiness to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.
In turn the Catechumens - from now on known as the Elect - publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates' their desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church. The assembly also holds each of these Elect and Candidates in prayer as their names are read aloud in prayer.
Our office (in addition to coordinating the Rite itself) will be hosting the reception at the Cathedral Parish Hall. This morning's Costco run with my mom was quite the experience, and I am truly grateful to my mom for helping me load the car and push the carts around. This is what making sausage, I mean shopping for the reception, looks like.
In turn the Catechumens - from now on known as the Elect - publicly acknowledge their desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation, and the Candidates' their desire to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church. The assembly also holds each of these Elect and Candidates in prayer as their names are read aloud in prayer.
Our office (in addition to coordinating the Rite itself) will be hosting the reception at the Cathedral Parish Hall. This morning's Costco run with my mom was quite the experience, and I am truly grateful to my mom for helping me load the car and push the carts around. This is what making sausage, I mean shopping for the reception, looks like.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Papal resignation resources from the BCDW
As mentioned on last Monday's post, the Secretariat of Divine Worship has published a more official document titled Liturgical Notes and Resource Materials for Use Upon the Resignation of the Pope, which I hope many find helpful during this time of transition. We are grateful to Msgr. Hilgartner and the Secretariat Staff for providing these resources.
On that note, I wish you a blessed Lenten pilgrimage in these days ahead. May we all continue to follow Christ more closely and love Him more fully as he does each of us.
On that note, I wish you a blessed Lenten pilgrimage in these days ahead. May we all continue to follow Christ more closely and love Him more fully as he does each of us.
In these days of Lenten Journey
Today, as the Church celebrates the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, the USCCB posted a video with Msgr. Rick Hilgartner, executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship, who reflects on Pope Benedict's resignation and our own Lenten Journey. In these days of Lenten Journey, may we, like Pope Benedict, be open to God's grace in following Jesus' cross and resurrection.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Removing Holy Water during Lent
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| The Baptismal Font at the Chapel of St. Ignatius at Seattle University. |
The Congregation for Divine Worship (the Vatican committee that oversees all things liturgical) issued a response in 2000 to a request for clarification on this issue. In their issue, they say that removing holy water from the fonts during the season of Lent is not permitted, in particular for two reasons:
- This is an issue of custom, not law, and so the liturgical laws in place do not address this recent innovation. However, this practice "is contrary to a balanced understanding of the season of Lent, which though truly being a season of penance, is also a season rich in the symbolism of water and baptism, constantly evoked in liturgical texts."
- The fasting of Lent does not include fasting from sacramentals, such as the use of holy water.
The response continues: "The practice of the Church has been to empty the Holy Water fonts on the days of the Sacred Triduum in preparation of the blessing of the water at the Easter Vigil, and it corresponds to those days on which the Eucharist is not celebrated (i.e. Good Friday and Holy Saturday)."
It may be appropriate, as is our Church's tradition, to remove the water from the font after the Holy Thursday celebration, keep it empty during Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and fill it with new water at the Easter Vigil. One possible Lenten option is to use a smaller piece of purple fabric that does not fully cover the font but adds some color to the area. In this way, the Lenten color signifies the season while the water in the font is still accessible as a reminder of baptism for the faithful.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Almost Lent already?
All of a sudden, it's February and we're less than two weeks away from the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent! Can't believe that Ash Wednesday, the day where many receive ashes on their forehead, is just around the corner!
Just to add to the reality that Lent is approaching sooner than I thought, yesterday I received an email from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office of Divine Worship on this year's Lenten Regulations provided in three languages: English, Spanish, and Polish.
And the icing on the cake? Today someone asked me if I knew what I was "giving up" for Lent yet. Probably should start giving it some thought and prayer.
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