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My brothers and sisters,
Last week we announced the revised schedule for weekday Mass. The new schedule—beginning Ash Wednesday (February 14th) - is Monday through Friday, 5:30 pm, Friday 6:45 am, and Saturday 8 am.
This week, Fr. Valan and I are introducing two Faith Formation opportunities for adults. Bible study and a deeper understanding of the Mass and Eucharist are the things we consistently hear from people as areas of interest.
I will, therefore, be teaching The Catholic Mass during Lent on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm at St. Mary’s (Gathering Room/Mary Chapel) and on Thursday mornings after the 9 am Mass at St. Eulalia’s. Fr. Valan will be opening up the Bible with Old Testament stories on Saturdays at 8:30 am at St. Mary’s (Gathering Room/Mary Chapel) and on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at St. Eulalia’s during Lent.
Fr. Valan will offer a description in this space next week. Here, I can tell you that the course I will introduce on the Mass will involve a step-by-step breakdown of the structures and prayers and traditions of the Mass as the Church now offers it to us. Since this is rooted in various traditions extending back to the time of Christ (in a few instances way before Him), we’ll also look at the historical developments that have brought us to today. The focus will be on a very practical understanding of how to participate in the Mass in such a way that the power of the Eucharist is unlocked for today’s believer. Slated for “adults”, anyone over the age of 12 and under the age of 100 who has an interest in the Mass and who has ever said: a) I wonder why they do that …, or b) I wish I could get more out of going to Mass … will benefit greatly from this experience.
It is the sort of thing that you can drop into at any time. You need not attend every session. If your work or other concerns mean that 6:30 is “too early” and you can only come at 6:50 after work, or 7 … come! While there will of course be a progression through the Mass over the six weeks, missing one or two will not disrupt the whole process, so come! Whether you are a stalwart daily or weekly attendee or the most occasional seeker and are unsure about the Mass or other parts of your faith … come! Your Lent and your life will be energized for sure.
In His service and yours,
Fr. Paul Clifford