A few weeks ago, I heard an interesting YouTube conversation with two men and a priest. As they have several videos on the internet with Catholicism, they began their discussion with fifteen "issues" that should be changed at Catholic Masses. I agreed with them with several of them, others in which I disagreed, and some I didn't hear their conversation as my nap began!
This weekend I would like to comment on some areas that could continue to grow or learn within Mass.
One of the issues that the gentlemen spoke about something essential today: healthiness as we receive Jesus' Body and Blood. As I have talked about this at Mass, please be wise and prudent if you are sick at Mass. If you are throwing up, know that it is okay to stay home! Remember, the Sabbath is for us, not us for the Sabbath. If you are ill, but not contagious, praise God and get to Mass, but no matter what, be careful during this season of the year, not only with the Blood of Christ but also the sign of peace.
A second comment on this YouTube was, once again at our parish, that clapping should not take place in Mass, except for an ordination, wedding, or something significant in our culture. One this comment, I will again remind our parishioners that our musicians do not enjoy hearing clapping at the end of Mass. Why? They are not offering a concert, but they are offering their talents to worship God.
Another idea about clapping is something you may consider. Our lectors are dang good. They do not just walk up and read the readings, especially with large books or unique names. They practice. They read it with passion. They can proclaim the word of GOD. Outside of Mass, I think that these readers, and our School students, could be clapped like our musicians. Yet, they, too, should not be given an applause because they are helping us to worship God, not applauding to other people.
Finally, please remember to dress well, especially with typical Mass clothes or winter jackets this time of the year. You may not notice this (or you may), but sometimes we have seen scratches or scuffs on our pews. Often, they come from buttons, metal on clothes, or other clothes in which I have no clue (haha!). Let's make sure that our pews may be protected from items that we wear.
If you have any questions or other ideas that may continue to help Mass and our church and God Bless you!
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