Chapter 3: The Penitential Act

How often have we thrown the phrase "Catholic guilt" around in mocking tones? I know I do so with some regularity, but what is the real truth behind that? Prayer is about our relationship with God and all relationships are difficult. Relationships become more difficult anytime one party has done something to strain that relationship.

I think that is what is truly at the heart of "Catholic guilt". We hate being reminded that we have damaged our relationship with Christ through sin. There are plenty of feel-good churches where we can jump around and proclaim our love for God. That's all fine and good, but what's wonderful about the Penitential Act, Reconciliation, and prayers like the Act of Contrition is that afterwards we are (hopefully) feeling restored. Christ is always there, waiting to receive our forgiveness. Usually, it's our own stubbornness that's the barrier to getting back on track.

We are a sinful people. God gave us the loving gift of free will and we regularly screw it up by using it to sin against others, ourselves, and the very God who gave us this gift. For most, this would be enough to make us want to crawl into a cave and never come out. But we are also blessed with the gift of a loving, merciful, forgiving God who wants nothing more than to be in good relationship with us.

At our baptisms, we were set free from the bonds of original sin and given a chance to start anew. Unfortunately, from the time we were old enough to start learning right from wrong, we started choosing wrong on some occasions. Each week, we humble ourselves before this merciful God during the Penitential Act. We seek God's forgiveness, reminding ourselves and our loved ones that  we have not  been perfect this week. We may not seem worthy to be in God's presence, but God makes us worthy.

From the moment we bless ourselves with the waters of baptism when we enter the church, to praying the Penitential Act, to saying "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you..." we make ourselves more holy and more worthy.

This is also a great time to remind everyone about the Advent Reconciliation Service. Monday, Dec. 16th at 7 pm in the church. Haven't been in awhile? Having anxiety about going? My pastor at my home parish in Fort Wayne gave a great homily about Reconciliation last weekend. Give it a listen- maybe it will inspire you as it did me.

Unrelated note: I LOVE the idea of having audio recordings of the homilies online. The last parish where I worked did it as well. It helps me to listen to different "takes" on the same readings and, in this case, feel connected to my friends and family when I don't go to Mass with them. Maybe someone will feel called to push for doing this at Ascension. Hmmm....

Chapter two: The Introductory Rites

"The Mass is a remedy for the narcissism that pervades our society." p. 15

     I love how we begin Masses at Ascension. Before we even start the opening hymn, let alone the Introductory Rites, we reach outside ourselves and welcome those around us. It always gives me a sense of belonging, especially since I am usually sitting by myself.

     This statement the authors make is a powerful one. Who are you thinking of at Mass? Do any of these statements sound familiar:

• I don't have a good voice so I'm not going to sing.
• It doesn't matter if I say the prayers out loud since God knows what's in my heart.
• That guy in the parking lot was a real jerk. I wish he wasn't sitting behind me. I'll probably have to give him the Sign of Peace (ok, maybe that one is just me!)

     Mass is not about us. It's not about our personal feelings. It's about showing God the immense gratitude God deserves. God gave us our voices. He wants to hear us sing. God wants us to pray aloud so we can have the joy of knowing we are united with others in Christ.

          So often we think of the priest as leading the Mass. The author truly puts the focus on the people. Prior to Vatican II, Mass was a very passive activity. People sat in the pew with their rosaries and prayer books until it was time for communion. Liturgy is translated the "work of the people". Liturgy is not the work of the priest, choir, and a handful of other ministers. It is all our duties, through baptism, to be priest, prophet, and king. We become priests at Mass by uniting in prayer and song.

What can you do individually, and as a family, to be more a part of the community during Mass?

Who You Are

I recently came upon these videos and shared them with some of our catechists. It is my desire that each and every one of your daughters and sons feel this way about themselves.  I hope and pray that, together with Fr. Larry and yourselves we can instill this type of attitude in each and every one of them.

Beginning WIth the End in Mind- Chapter One

     At our parent meeting, I asked you to think about what you were doing for your child's faith life. I did that with the "end in mind". Is it your goal to have your child's life changed? Do you want him/her to grow closer to Christ, deepen their appreciation for the Catholic faith you've gifted him/her with, and desire to receive the Eucharist and Reconciliation with regularity for the rest of his/her life? That is my goal for all of your children. I hope and pray that Eucharist and Reconciliation introduce your child to these beautiful sacraments and Confirmation strengthens a desire to make them a part of who they are as they enter young adulthood.

     This whole concept of "go now in peace" is especially relevant to the many of you attending Mass with young children. Mass might feel anything but peaceful, especially if little ones are climbing all over you stating, "I need a drink" or asking, "Can we go yet?" Getting children, young or old, to Mass is often far from a peaceful process. You've endured whining, crying, fighting, and more just to get your children out the door and into a pew by the first reading. For many parents, Mass feels like a battle and, at that, one not worth fighting most of the time.

     We so desperately want and need peace in our lives. If we can take some time, beginning at a young age, to teach our children what Mass is for and about, they may begin to enjoy Mass and get something from it. That isn't to say it's easy. Far from it. My niece tends to enjoy Mass more when she has "jobs". When she was younger this might have been putting the kneeler up and down for everyone, passing out hymnals to the family, or making sure we grabbed a bulletin. Now, she fills out her tithing envelope before Mass and puts it in the basket, checks to see if we can take up the gifts at Mass, finds the songs or readings for the grown ups as well as herself, and more. We've always let her pick the pew, which means were usually in the first or second row. As she's gotten older, she takes the initiative before Mass to ask around for a job to do around the house so she can earn some money to out in her envelope. She takes her Mass duties very seriously.

     These might seem silly or trivial, but if Mass is us offering up our gifts and talents to God, she is doing just that. Naturally, since she is in second grade and can read the prayers, readings, and hymns it's easier for her to participate. That isn't to say she doesn't get cranky or whiny towards the end. We remind her she needs to pay attention so she'll be ready to make First Communion in the spring. She knows if she is good we will take her to light a candle in the back of church before leaving. You'd be surprised how much some coaching can go to getting little ones to cooperate throughout most of Mass.

      Look over the reflection questions. Discuss them with your spouse or a friend. Consider commenting on them below so we can begin discussion. 

Reflection Questions:

• What strategies work for getting your kids to sit still and give you a peaceful environment during Mass? 
• Does Mass provide you with a feeling of peace after you go?
• If not, what might you do to change that?
• How can praying at Mass encourage us to bring peace to all we encounter that week?
• What is one thing your family can do this week to live out the call to "glorify God with our lives"?

WELCOME

My dear parents,

     I am beyond excited to work with you, your children, and the teachers & catechists during these important years in your child's faith journey. This blog will be a chance for us, not only, to discuss the book "Living the Mass" but also to dialogue about what you can do at home to assist your child during the sacramental formation process.

Just a few basics for our discussion here:

• Keep it civil. It can still be lively and spark debate, but use respectful language and such, especially when we discuss "hot button" issues.
• I have the authority to delete posts and will do so only if it is necessary due to language, insensitivity, etc. 
• I won't make this a "locked" blog that you have to join to post. This will give you the freedom to post anonymously, if you choose.
• Even if posting anonymously, it would be great to know your point of view. Consider ending your post with "Dad to 4th & 7th graders" or "Mom of 2nd grader"

    If you've never participated in a blog, all you have to do is go to the comment section and post whatever you wish to contribute to the topic(s) at hand. Make sure you use the drop down menu to select "Anonymous" or a log in using your gmail account. If you do not select anything, your post will vanish into cyber space. I really hope you will participate and consider skimming "Living the Mass" even if you don't read it in its entirety.

Pax,
Kathleen