First Saturdays and Grasping the Latin Mass
Entry 5
When God calls, listen
Good afternoon, gentlemen. I come to you a little late this Sunday and hope you are having a most holy rest. Upon arrival at St. Martin of Tours, my home parish, I was quickly greeted by my good friend, Chaz dressed in cassock and surplice. Apparently there was a “staff” shortage this morning and they were in need of a substitute altar server for the Solemn High Mass. I was hesitant, but decided it was a calling to serve Christ and took the honor and opportunity to serve at the altar for the TLM.
For those who are unfamiliar - at a Solemn High Mass, the priest is assisted at the altar by a deacon and subdeacon. The priest sings much of the Mass, but the deacon and subdeacon sing some parts, particularly the Gospel and Epistle, respectively.
The experience was a most beautiful and extremely humble one. I have been a parishioner at St. Martin’s for over 3 years now and have always been apprehensive about serving, perhaps because I was under the false and selfish illusion that others would be watching me. I quickly forgot about all of that as the priest began praying. I think a lesson learned for me was that I need to be comfortable being uncomfortable, especially in serving my Lord and my God. If you have never served before, much like myself, I urge you all to take part at least once. Do no be afraid of messing up. You will be humbled, but trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Go on, therefore, and I will be in your mouth. And I will teach you what you shall say.
Exodus 4:12
And when they will lead you to the synagogues, and to magistrates and authorities, do not choose to be worried about how or what you will answer, or about what you might say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you, in the same hour, what you must say."
Luke 12:11-12
The Consecration of Russia
This past Friday, Pope Francis consecrated Russia, Ukraine and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Solemnity of the Annunciation. The Holy Father invited all the bishops of the world to join him.