Dear Friends:
In my comments this weekend, I have several topics to cover, namely, the Ministry and Organizational Fair, some matters dealing with participation at Mass, and the use of All Souls’ envelopes:
MINISTRY & ORGANIZATIONAL FAIR
The fair was held at St. Mary’s this past weekend, and this weekend, the same fair will be offered at St. Agnes’. I was gratified at the interest shown at St. Mary’s. We have a large and diverse parish with many ministries and organizations. Yet, relatively few participate in most of them. To those who indicated interest in participating thus far, I thank you for that. The organizations will reach out to you. Those who expressed an interest in serving as readers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, and greeters will be contacted. Training will be provided for those involved in liturgical ministries. It is my hope that more than a few will signal interest at St. Agnes’ this weekend.
PARTICIPATION AT MASS
I have noticed, particularly at weekday Masses, but also at weekend Masses, that there are a number of people who arrive late for Mass. While this can not always be helped, I would encourage everyone to try to be on time and in your seats when Mass begins. Masses always begin on time. I’ve noticed some people arriving after the Gospel is read or after the homily, or even later. In such cases, the obligation to attend Mass is not fulfilled and one should not receive Communion. It is essential, at least minimally, to be present for the readings and the homily as well as for the Eucharistic part of the Mass. Those who are habitually and terribly late are asked to examine themselves accordingly.
Another matter is worthy of discussion, the reception of Holy Communion on the tongue. This is permitted by the Church and it is certainly a worthy way of receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord. The same holds true for reception of Holy Communion in the hand, which is even allowed at papal Masses in the Vatican. Those who choose to receive Communion on the tongue are asked, kindly, to open their mouths and extend their tongue. This avoids the unpleasant and unsanitary possibility of the minister’s having to put his/her fingers in or too close to the mouth of the communicant. It is also expected that everyone, however they receive Communion, respond, audibly so that the minister can hear it, “Amen.” Doing so is an act of faith in the Eucharist.
ALL SOULS’ ENVELOPES
As we are now into the month of October, with November approaching, you will find in your envelope packets an envelope for All Souls’ Day. During the entire month of November, the Church traditionally devotes prayer in a special way for all the Faithful Departed. A good way for all of us to participate more concretely in that is to list on the envelope for All Souls’ the names of loved ones you would like to remember. Enclose an offering, according to your means, and drop the envelope into any collection basket, or drop it into the mail or off at the rectory. These envelopes will be collected and placed on the altars in both churches for the entire month of November. The names of those listed will be remembered by the priests at every Mass during the month.
Have a good week.