Many life-long practicing Catholics lack an understanding of the nature, purpose, and essentials elements of the Mass and therefore are not praying the Mass as well as they could. As a result, they are not receiving the full measure of grace that is on offer for them.

To remedy this situation, we will have a teaching series about the Mass on three consecutive Tuesdays (1/28, 2/4 & 2/11), from 5:45-6:45pm, in the parish hall. In Session One, I will give an overview of the Mass and our Director of Music, Scott Camden will address singing. In Session Two, I will go over each part of the Liturgy of the Word. In Session Three, Deacon Frank Reilly will go over each part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Praying the Mass well includes knowing when and how to offer to God your prayers, works, joys, and sufferings. At Masses on February 8/9, every attendee will be given a sheet of paper to reflect on these and will be asked to return them on February 15/16. At Masses on February 15/16, a commentator will give explanations and encouragement for certain parts of the Mass.

I am hopeful that this will help our parish experience the Mass as what it is, the source and summit of the Christian life.

A brief note about upcoming liturgies. On January 25 at 9am, we will celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. This Mass will incorporate traditional elements such as chant and ad orientum posture. Experts in the liturgy, such as Pope Benedict XVI, have explained that these perennial elements should be preserved in the Church.

On February 2, we will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord at all weekend Masses. This commemorates the visit of the Holy Family to the Jerusalem temple 40 days after the birth of Jesus. By tradition, candles are blessed at this Mass. I encourage you to bring candles before Mass and place them on the table near the baptismal font for them to be blessed.