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
How little I know
I came to Cyprus to learn about art, but sitting in my hotel room the night of August 26, twelve weeks into my Dean Rusk trip, I wasn’t thinking about art. I was thinking one thing: I never want to travel again. I was exhausted and lonely. The whole day I had been navigating crowded bus stations … [Read more...] about How little I know
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
Gift upon Gift
O God, I thank you for your consolation and your joy you give in addition to your path to follow. It is a gift upon gift. Forgive, my lack of patience in trials. Help me to rise up with courage to take my cross again. I know, Lord Jesus, when I worship in the Eucharist, that you are the … [Read more...] about Gift upon Gift