We are going to have bad weather again today. I’ve posted a couple of times about the winter wonderland we live in, out of the last seven days we’ve had snow or wintry mix weather for six. My four wheel drive is getting a real work out after snoozing all summer. Considering the mountainous drive to go to the TLM and the snow clouds in the sky, then factoring in that the children all have colds and my husband is not home today, I opted to go to the local church for Mass. It is good for me to do so as it reminds me of why I travel ;-).
Today, the priest was promoting the new missals he is encouraging us all to buy. Last year he ordered for anyone who wanted and paid for, the St. Joseph’s Sunday Missal for $5. This year, he suggested that everyone purchase the hard cover 3 year Missal for $20. He will place the orders for anyone who wants them, he suggested purchasing them for FHC and Confirmation gifts, etc. Then to encourage people, because $20 per Missal is a bit pricey for most families this time of year, he added, “You will only need to buy it once. It will last forever, unless you lose it or break it somehow which is unlikely because they are well made. (Pause) Or, unless the Church decides to change things again. Of course, Vatican Councils don’t happen very often, so that seems unlikely too.”
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My first thought was that he needed to get in a dig at the way the tide is changing, and perhaps because I’ve asked him to say the Latin Mass and he flat out told me he never would. Upon further reflection (I’ve been stewing on his attitude) I decided that this may be a good sign. A couple of years ago, the possibility of the Latin Mass making a comeback would never have crossed his mind. Now he’s adding little jabs in his everyday address, or in his Sunday announcements. Methinks this may be a good sign. Perhaps this priest is a little nervous about Benedict XVI. Liberal priests should be nervous. It seems Benedict is looking to return to the core teachings of Catholicism, the things that the implementation of Vatican II seemed to have dropped. Now, this is the priest who removed the tabernacle from the main church because people should not focus on the tabernacle but on the priest during Mass. The tabernacle was distracting people from what he (the priest) was doing. I guess he should be nervous. And there is yet to be a crucifix in the middle of the altar.
There is another hope, as our liberal bishop is soon to retire, perhaps over the next 3 years. Maybe, oh just maybe, we’ll get someone who is less ‘the new springtime’ and more traditional. One can always hope, and pray. In our diocese we have been asked to say at every Mass, the prayer in time of change. Of course no one says the prayer to St. Michael anymore.
PRAYER IN TIME OF CHANGE
Beloved Jesus, anoint us to do your will.
May the joy of your dwelling in us draw us closer to each other.
Expand our vision to recognize your plan;
warm our hearts by the flame of your Love;
open our lips so that we can speak your Word;
extend our arms so that we can embrace each other as your
people;
speak to us so we can discern the role you have for us, your
Body, your Church.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit, empowering us to become vital
expressions of growth in your changing Church.
Your Kingdom is now!
Help us to discover and live your will.
Amen.
Created by:
Deacon Warren A. Dorsch
Pastoral Associate Jackie Jefferson
4 comments:
I have heard that some of the younger priest are more traditional, as are some of the priest from Africa. Is that true?
The priests I have met from Africa have been. As for the younger ones in the diocese where I live, well there are so few ordinations these days that I don't really know them, and when they are ordained, I'm finding many in our diocese are older, this is a 'second career' for them.
In the traditional orders, I find the young men are very devout. And, I've noticed that the laymen, young men, are speaking out these days, and seem to be more traditional in their Catholicism. But, as far as being able to say there is a trend, or for giving statistics, I really couldn't say.
I had no idea your parish was so liberal, Lily. You must have many opportunities to "offer it up." It must be tough to teach your children respect for priests, yet also teach them the way things should be done. We're moving soon and don't know what kind of parish we'll find ourselves in . . .
Yes, Katherine, this parish gives me many chances to 'offer it up' but we do try to get over to the TLM whenever we can. It just isn't always possible to go. This is also the parish where I teach (they really need volunteers here) and that is another opportunity to offer it up. It is very frustrating to see how the children are lacking in formation. But you know, it isn't really the fault of the children so much, they are victims of circumstance when you think about it. Parents who weren't properly catechised, raising children who know even less. We need to pray harder for the Church and her leaders, we really do.
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