"What do I have to do?" This is a common question in church life. "That feast isn't a Holy Day of Obligation this year? So I don't have to go?" There was a time when people didn’t need so many rules because they were a community that followed Apostolic tradition for spiritual benefit. “What did … [Read more...] about Tradition and Preparation
Mount Calvary Midweek Message
Eyes wide open in church
When you enter the church, you have entered heaven on earth. The structure has been built solely to house a liturgy that brings you to a heavenly reality. In turn, the liturgy transforms our present world, and this is reflected in church architecture. But not even the Hagia Sophia nor Notre Dame … [Read more...] about Eyes wide open in church
Sacramental travel
Dear Parishioners and Friends, If we prepare for Mass the night before and continue with ardent prayers that morning, then our journey to Mass is also like no other. Schmemann tells us that the entire Eucharist is best understood as a journey—a journey of the Church into … [Read more...] about Sacramental travel
At home, before Mass
Dear Parishioners and Friends, Both St. John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary are invoked quietly by the priest at the end of the Offertory, just before the Eucharistic Prayer begins. They're both given pride of place at this point because they were sanctified before the … [Read more...] about At home, before Mass
The night before Mass
Dear Parishioners and Friends, How do you get your game face on for an important event? Last week I wrote about my coach who had to shout over the commotion in the team bus in order to get us to focus. But I certainly hope you won't have to resort to shouting on the way to Mass. If my … [Read more...] about The night before Mass
Get your game face on
Dear Parishioners and Friends, While riding on the team bus to a lacrosse game, Coach Brameier stood up to get our attention over our laughing and banter. "Get your game faces on!" he shouted. He said, "Think about where you're going. Now is the time to get focused." When you're heading … [Read more...] about Get your game face on