On Tuesday nights at 7 pm, we continue the retreat on Living the Eucharist: Circle of Life. Last week, we went through the importance of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist; not only in the consecrated bread and wine, but also in the Word proclaimed, the people gathered, and in the priest. This presence is not symbolic, but real. Our modern society tends to play down the power of sacrament as if it is a “mere” symbol. This is not just a modern society challenge, but it has been true of every generation of believers since Jesus came and is found in the Gospel of John in a major way in Chapter 6. Nonetheless, we continue to affirm the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and now we need to live that reality.
Last Tuesday’s session focused on the first of the four movements, the Gathering movement. We walked through the critical elements of this movement from the simple beginning of the sign of the cross to the immediate acknowledging of our weaknesses, our wounds, and our sinfulness; then to the opening prayer. In the penitential rite, we embrace God’s mercy by humbly recalling our shortcomings and pleading for God’s mercy. This short movement prepares our hearts for the upcoming sacrament and truly readies us for the Eucharist itself. Sadly, we often do not prepare ourselves well for the celebration of the Mass and thus we cannot reach the depths of its grace and respond to the opportunity for transformation of our daily lives.
One of the important aspects of the opening rite is that we gather in song. I emphasized that music is a constitutive element of the whole liturgy and not just an optional addition. While we have four processional songs (gathering, preparation, communion, and recessional) music is critical throughout the whole of the liturgy to help lift our hearts and spirits to God in worship and praise. Music has the unique ability to pull at our heart strings in ways that words alone cannot do. When the music touches us, we can feel the Holy Spirit draw us deeper in the heart of God. This is why returning to quality music at every weekend Mass is critical for me. We must provide an opportunity for every parishioner to hear music that speaks to their heart and that they can join in singing.
To that end, I am delighted to announce that we will host nationally renowned Catholic composer and musician, John Angotti, on November 13-14 for a weekend of beautiful music to inspire us. John will host all liturgical ministers for a morning retreat on Saturday, November 13 (10am-12pm). We invite all musicians, cantors and choir members to join him for a rehearsal session on Saturday afternoon (1-3pm). Then John will play at all Masses with all the musicians, choirs and cantors. The highlight of the weekend will be an Angotti Concert in the Courtyard on Sunday afternoon (2-4pm). We will model this social event after the Fall BBQ and invite everyone to come and bring the whole family. Everyone can bring their own food and wine. John is particularly gifted with working with children and will engage the children in familiar songs and teach them some new ones. It will be a great afternoon and we encourage you to join us for the major community building event. We need another excuse to get together and celebrate who we are!
Finally, I encourage you to join me for next week’s retreat session as I break open the movement of the Liturgy of the Word and look at ways to engage more meaningfully in this critical component of the Eucharist.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan