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The Ritual of the Mass

   Recently, news has gotten out that Rome has approved the changes for a new Roman Missal (Sacramentary).  This means that the Missal used in Rome will now be used as the model for all the dioceses of the world as they modify theirs.  In the U.S. our Catholic Bishops will submit their changes based on the Roman Missal.  If those changes and adaptations are approved, then the new Sacramentary will be approved for use in the United States.  Given the time that it took for the changes in the Lectionary, I would suspect that the changes, if any, wouldn’t be noticed for 2-5 years.
   I would like to highlight what the current Sacramentary or Roman Missal does say about Eucharist in the worship and life of Catholics.  Paragraph 1 says, “The celebration of Mass, the action of Christ and the people of God arrayed hierarchically, is for the universal and the local Church as well as for each person the center of the whole Christian life.”  In other words, no devotion, no prayer group, nothing takes precedence over the celebration of the Mass.  In paragraph 3 it states, “…the celebration is planned in such a way that it brings about in the faithful a participation in body and spirit that is conscious, active, full, and motivated by faith, hope, and charity.”  In other words there can never be spectators at Mass.  It’s not an option!
   Paragraphs 21 and 22 speak about the proper gestures and posture at Mass.  I have stressed this recently in that our bodies help our minds and spirits to be focused.  When we sit, we do so with attentiveness.  When we stand we do so at attention and with reverence.  When we bow, it is to give respect to things and people that are holy.  The Missal says that, “The uniformity in standing, kneeling, or sitting to be observed by all taking part is a sign of the community and the unity of the assembly; it both expresses and fosters the spiritual attitude of those taking part.” Likewise, in Par. 62 it states again the desire for unity in gesture and posture among the People of God.  I haven’t enforced this completely.  To truly be one, it would not be appropriate
for some to kneel during the Eucharistic prayer when the assembly is standing.
   What about standing?  Listen to paragraph 35.  “The liturgy itself inculcates the great reverence to be shown toward the reading of the gospel, setting it off from the other readings by special marks of honor.  The people, who by their acclamations acknowledge and confess Christ present and speaking to them, stand as they listen to it.”  If we show the Gospel special reverence by standing, doesn’t it follow that standing is a very reverent posture?
   Purification of the vessels can take place after communion or, “after Mass, if possible at a side table.” (Par. 238)  Some wonder if it is appropriate to wait to cleanse the vessels. The nature of ritual is that it should not be unduly held up by a particular action.  Due to the number of vessels in most Catholic Churches, to cleanse the vessels during Mass would be a distraction and unduly extend that period of the Mass.
  Where should the tabernacle be?  Paragraph 276 states, “Every encouragement should be given to the practice of Eucharistic reservation in a chapel suited to the faithful’s private adoration and prayer.  If this is impossible (emphasis in text) because of the structure of the church, the sacrament should be reserved at an altar or elsewhere in part of the church that is worthy and properly adorned.”
   Although I have shared this before, Paragraph 282 and 283 clearly state that the Eucharistic bread is to be made of wheat, made recently, unleavened and resemble food.  St. Clare’s practice seems to adhere to the principles more closely than other Catholic Churches that use only wafers.
  The vessels for Mass are to be durable and noble (cf. pars. 289-295). “For the consecration of hosts one rather large paten may properly be used; on it is placed the bread for the priest as well as for the ministers and the faithful.”  It is not appropriate for the priest to use a separate paten for his host from those consecrated for the congregation.
   These are just a few of the statements in the Missal that relate to the practice and life in our parish.  It has always been my practice, and that of Fr. Tim, to reverently celebrate the Sacraments at St. Clare.  Our parish places prayer and worship at the center of what we do.  Everything else flows from that.  My prayer is that you grow in love and appreciation for the Sacraments, and most especially the Celebration of the Mass.
      Peace,
      Fr. Chris

CHRISTIAN HELPLINE

Do you have a problem and need to talk?  Would you like someone to pray with you?  Call the Central Florida Helpline at 407-740-7477 or 407-740-TALK.  Central Florida Helpline is a free, confidential Christian ministry available seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

POLISH FEST

The Polish National Alliance Lodge 3216 of Orlando will sponsor its 5th Polish Fest on October 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.  at the Marks Street Recreation Complex in downtown Orlando. This event will feature nationally-known bandleader Rick Piotrowski and his Polkamagic Band; Joe Oberaitis, accordionist; Darek Grabowski, pianist; the Ray Vargas Polish dancers from Cleveland, Ohio; and Bloomers & Blueberry the Clowns.  This festival will commemorate October as Polish Heritage Month in North America.  In addition to the main attraction of Polish and American music and dancing, the event will have Polish and American food.  The admission and parking is free, rain or shine, with indoor and outdoor activities.  For further information, please contact William J. Odahowski at 407-365-2586; fax - 407-359-4063; email - ; web site - http://www.ourfrontporch.com/osi/PNA ; mailing address – 1155 Kerwood Circle, Oviedo, FL  32765-6194.

CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC CONFERENCE

Come and celebrate the Great Jubilee at the Catholic Charismatic Conference to be held at the Orlando North Hilton beginning October 6 at 7:30 p.m. and ending October 8 at 12 noon.

- Speakers – Bishop Norbert Dorsey, Babsie Bleasdell, Fr. Bill Halbing, Fr. John Gordon
- Special music and witness – Jean Robert Themistocle
- Praise and worship – Alleluia Community Music Ministry
- MC – Deacon Henry Libersat

    Early bird registration is $20 per person until July 31.  Checks can be made payable to CCRC and mailed to CCRC, PO Box 1769, Orlando, FL  32802.
    Hotel room rates are $71 per room per night plus tax for up to four persons per room.  For hotel reservations, call the Hilton at 407-830-1985 or 1-800-445-8667.  You must mention the Catholic Charismatic Conference to receive this special rate.
    For further information, call 407-875-2619; fax 407-660-2977

OLDER ADULT JUBILEE

The Vatican has designated Sunday, Sept 17 as a celebration for the giftedness and contributions of older Catholics. Bishop Norbert Dorsey and Bishop Grady are commemorating this day with a Eucharistic celebration at Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine at 3:00 p.m.  Buses are available at central locations around the diocese.   Please join us for this very special day.  For more information, call the Respect Life Office at 407-277-7266.

DEAF CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WEEKEND

The weekend of October 6-8 will see the annual gathering of Catholic families from around the state at Camp Endeavor in Dundee, FL.  This is a weekend of fun and spirituality for families who have members who are deaf.  Cost: $60 for those 12 and older, $20 for children 3-12.  Scholarships are available.  Call the Respect Life Office at 407-277-7266 for reservations.

PRO-LIFE SEMINAR

The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a pro-life seminar Saturday, September 9, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church. Guest  speakers include Rev. Richard M. Hogan from Priests for Life; Loretta Fleming, assistant director of field coordination for the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment; Deborah Shearer, director of the Respect Life office for the Orlando diocese.  The church is located at 5135 Sand Lake Rd (Route 482).  Registration fee is $5.00 per person; lunch is $5.00 per person.  Call 407-656-8617

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS

The web site of the Florida Catholic newspaper now offers free classified ads.  With more than 100,000 hits per month, this major Catholic web site’s free classifieds are a bargain for all. They are available to all  Catholic individuals and businesses and are posted weekly.  To read or submit ads, go to their web site at:  and click on the bulletin board button.

CALL TO HOLINESS CONFERENCE

Sponsored by Heritage of the Apostles - simultaneous and youth conferences will be held at the Tupperware Convention Center in Kissimmee on September 9 and 10.  Speakers are Bishop James S. Sullivan, Father Andrew Apostoli, Father Philip Scott, Father Anthony Mary, Karl Keating, Rosalind Moss, RADIX, Jesse Romero, Mary Ellen Bork, and Bob and Penny Lord.  Saturday Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Norbert Dorsey, C.P.  Excerpt from the Bishop’s endorsement: “This ‘Call to Holiness’ conference is one of the special Jubilee events to unite and inspire us on our pilgrimage of life.”   For more information, call 407-281-1883 or visit the web site .

POLKA FEST/2000

Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 5135 Sand Lake Road (SR-482) will hold its annual Polka Fest on Sunday, September 24, from noon to 5:00 p.m.  The fest will feature traditional Slavic foods, a bake sale, ethnic display, a sale of religious articles, and a raffle.  The Joe Oberaitis Band will play for dancing and listening enjoyment.  Donations are $5.00 per person; children under 12 are free. For more information, call 407-892-5881, fax 407-892-9782, or email .

KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER LADIES AUXILIARY

"Fall into Fashion” will be presented on Sunday, September 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Gossip’s, 536 West Church Street, Orlando.  Enjoy fine fashions, a silent auction, free makeovers, food and more.
· Used eyeglasses are collected for  “Project: Right to Sight,” and used clothing is collected to support the Osceola County Children’s Home.  For more about these projects or membership, contact PO Box 1249, Orlando, FL  32802-1249, or call 407-658-1818, ext. 243.

BLACK COMMUNITY MINISTRY

· Volunteers are needed to help organize the Third Diocesan Assembly of Black Catholics and other projects. Walkers are also needed for this year’s BCM NCCJ Walk As One team. Call 407-658-1818, ext. 243.

· November is National Black Catholic History Month!  Anyone seeking information or speakers to honor this month can call the Black Community Ministry at 407-658-1818, ext. 243.

HospiceCare of Memorial Hospitals
Volunteers for the HospiceCare of Memorial Hospitals program are needed throughout all of Flagler and Volusia counties to help patients and their families with errands, transportation, meals, respite, spiritual or companionship visitations, and bedside vigils.  Volunteers are asked to visit patients 1-2 times per week.  All training and materials are provided at no charge.  If interested, please attend an information meeting which will be followed up by 20 hours of training.  Reservations for all meetings are required to ensure adequate materials.  Call Barbara Cady, coordinator of Volunteer Services at 1-800-404-1133.

The fall training schedule is:

WEST VOLUSIA – Memorial Hospital-West Volusia – 701 W. Plymouth Ave, Deland
· Information meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 10:00 – noon, classroom A.
· Training Part 1 – Tuesday, September 26, 8:30 – 4:00.
· Training Part 2 – Thursday, September 28, 8:30 - 4:00.
· Training Part 3 – Tuesday, October 3, 9:00 – 2:00.

EAST VOLUSIA – Memorial Hospital – 875 W. Sterthaus Ave, Ormond Beach
· Information meeting on Thursday, September 7, 9:30 – 11:30, classroom A.
· Training Part 1 – Tuesday, September 12, 8:30 – 4:00.
· Training Part 2 – Thursday, September 14, 8:30 - 4:00.
· Training Part 3 – Tuesday, September 26, 9:00 - 2:00.

FLAGLER COUNTY – Memorial Hospital - Flagler – Moody Blvd. St. Rt. 100, Bunnell
· Information meeting on Monday, October 16th, 10:00 – noon.
· Training Part 1 – Thursday, October 26, 8:30 – 4:00.
· Training Part 2 – Tuesday, October 30, 8:30 - 4:00.
· Training Part 3 – Thursday, November 2, 9:00-2:00.

MUSIC MINISTRY WORKSHOP

All choir members are invited to enjoy the fun of community and learning vocal skills at St. Clare Catholic Community on October 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Fee is $6.00.  Register by phone at 904-789-9990.

ON DYING…

· We can make the process of dying easier by expertly controlling an individual’s pain and other physical symptoms, while fostering open and honest communication with them and their families.  This can transform what may have been a frightening and miserable existence into a time of continuing personal growth and of completion.

– Dr. Michael Kearney, Mortally Wounded “· Dying,” Morrie suddenly said, “is only one thing to be sad over, Mitch.  Living  unhappily is something else. So many of the people who come to visit me are unhappy… they’re more unhappy than me – even in my current condition.  I may be dying, but I am surrounded by loving, caring souls.  How many people can say that?”  - Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

· The deepest ethical principle restraining the physician’s power is not the autonomy or freedom of the patient; neither is it his own compassion or good intention. Rather, it is the dignity and mysterious power of human life itself.

 – Dr. Leon Kass, “Neither for love nor money; why doctors must not kill,” in The Public Interest

PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTOR      by Dr. Ron Bair

Brothers…”What is a Patriot?”  As many of you know, I chair a program in south Florida called “I Am an American Day,” and it is a legal holiday in the State of Florida!  A big part of the program is an essay contest held in elementary, middle, and high schools, with new topics assigned each year for each level noted.  A year ago, for high schoolers, I asked for an essay titled: “What is a Patriot?”

Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary describes “patriot” as “one who loves his country and is loyal to it.”  That seems simple enough, right?  Perhaps too simple, because here is what the winning essay said (in part):

“A Patriot is one who loves his country and its flag, and is willing to be not ashamed or not embarrassed about letting others know it.  He respects the land that defines his country, and will, in some way, be protective of the environment that surrounds us.  He does not misuse our natural resources, knowing that they belong to all.  He respects the laws of our country, and does not look for ‘loopholes’ that will serve his selfish needs, but rather protects and upholds them. Equal rights and equal justice are the keystones that bind us together as one, and a Patriot knows this, and as other Patriots before him have done, he will give his life to defend those laws.  A Patriot will destroy no public or private property, or deface it in any manner. So those who place graffiti or deface the property of others can never truly be Patriots.  A Patriot helps where help is needed.  In times of crises, natural disasters or a neighbor’s distress, he will help…if only by writing a check to share his better fortune.  A Patriot looks to the past in order to direct properly the future.  He honors those who have gone before him.

Patriots have put down the threat from those who have tried to tear down what has made our country worth loving.  His Pledge of Allegiance to his country, and his love and respect for the one flag, the Stars and Stripes, which symbolize our glorious past, our sometimes rocky present and our enduring hope for the future, binds all Patriots together into one group who call themselves Americans.”

So under Webster’s definition, it was rather easy to call ourselves Patriots.  Perhaps too easy.   We have sat on our hands on the sidelines and let a small handful try to revive a tone of divisiveness where we should have stood as one; disorder where there should be order and most of us said we were “Patriots.”  Isn’t it time the Patriots hold their hands high above them so they could be counted?  How do YOU measure up?

ONE PERSON’S MEMORIES      by Bob Sayre

Neighborliness was just that when I was growing up.  Everyone in our neighborhood knew and talked to each other. Trust was so strong that the front doors of most homes were left unlocked, with little fear of a stranger entering to do harm or thievery.

In fact, it was not unknown for a housewife needing a missing ingredient while cooking, to enter a neighbor’s home while the neighbor was away, help herself to the missing ingredient, and then leave a note explaining what had happened and promising to replace the borrowed item.

I was born in the spring of 1923.  Survivors of that era are apt to recall wistfully that the general habitat seemed so safe when they were young that front doors were rarely locked.  (I don’t even remember ever seeing a front-door key!)

After dark, back doors were always bolted. It’s as if my parents and their near-by peers believed that no self-respecting burglar would dream of plying his trade through a front door.  Salesmen and strangers seeking direction could come to the front entrance, but some would-be felon would only go to a rear entry (and then, only after dark!).

All homes and business places when I was a lad (up north, at least) abutted alleys.  My dictionary describes the kind of alley I’m referring to as “a thoroughfare through the middle of a block, giving access to the rear of lots and buildings.” The social and recreational aspects of such alleys are ignored by that definition!

Alleys of my youth were where residents put their garbage cans, where any garage they might have would face, where fathers and sons played catch with baseballs or footballs, and where the neighbors were most apt to meet and to stop to exchange gossip.  They were also where people had brick or wire incinerators for burning trash. They were also handy shortcuts to get to a grocery or drug store.

Most of my childhood alleys were paved with brick or concrete.  Some, though, were not surfaced over, providing their abutters with one advantage: the unpaved lanes were ideal places on which to deposit ashes and slag from the coal-fired furnaces that most buildings then used.

Of course, in those days, garbage cans were not toted to the front curb on collection days.  The trash collectors used the alleys, keeping noise, unsightly refuse, and possible spills away from the front of homes and offices.

>From my birth until 1933, when my parents finally could afford an electric refrigerator, ice deliveries two or three times each week were made from the alley.  A brawny iceman would stop his truck in back of our home, cut a block of 50 or 75 pounds of ice from his stock, and then carry it into our home and our icebox. While his truck was stopped for the delivery, I’d hop onto a step at its rear and search for ice chips.  Those that I found were quickly eaten, before they melted any further.

The alleys had one more dividend: they formed a buffer zone between backyards that would otherwise abut, affording privacy and peace that may be missing today, when most backyards directly border each other.
 

  El Ritual de la Misa
            Recientemente, han salido noticias de que Roma ha aprobado cambios para un nuevo Misal Romano (Sacramentario). Esto quiere decir que el Misal usado en Roma ahora será usado como modelo para todas las diocesis del mundo cuando modifiquen los suyos. En los E.U nuestros Obispos Católicos someteran sus cambios basados en el Misal Romano. Si esos cambios y adaptaciones son aprobadas, entonces el nuevo Sacramentario será aprobado en los Estados Unidos. Dado el tiempo que se tomó para los cambios del Leccionario, me imagino que los cambios, si algunos, no se notaran por 2 o 5 años.
         Yo quisiera subrayar qué dice el Sacramentario y Misal Romano de ahora sobre la Eucaristia en la adoración y vida de Católicos. El Parrafo 1 dice, "La celebración de la Misa, la acción de Cristo y el pueblo de Dios arreglado jerarquicamente, es tanto para la Iglesia universal y local como para cada persona el centro de toda la vida Cristiana." En otras palabras, no hay devoción, grupo de oración, nada que preceda sobre la celebración de la Misa. En el Parrofo 3 declara, "…la celebración es planificada en forma tal que trae a los fieles una participación en cuerpo y espiritu que es conciente, activa, plena, y motivada por fe, esperanza, y caridad." En otras palabras nunca habra espectadores en la Misa. ¡No es una opción!
         Los Parrafos 21 y 22 hablan sobre los gestos y postura apropiados en la Misa. Yo he enfatizado esto recientemente en que nuestros cuerpos ayudan nuestras mentes y espiritus a estar enfocados. Cuando nos sentamos, lo hacemos con cortesia. Cuando nos ponemos de pié lo hacemos con atención y con reverencia. Cuando hacemos una reverencia, es para darle respeto a las cosas y personas que son sagradas. El Misal dice que, "La uniformidad al pararse, arrodillarse, o sentarse para ser observado por todos los que toman parte es una señal de la comunidad y la unidad de la asamblea; ambas expresan y fomenta la actitud espiritual de aquellos que toman parte." De la misma forma, en el Parrafo 62 repite otra vez el deseo por la
unidad en gesto y postura entre el Pueblo de Dios. Yo no he enforsado esto completamente. Para verdaderamente ser uno, no seria apropiado para algunos arrodillarse durante la oración Eucaristica cuando la asamblbea está de pié.
        ¿Y que de ponerse de pié? Escuchen el parrafo 35. "La Liturgia sola inculca la gran reverencia que se debe mostrar a la lectura del evangelio, resaltandole de las otras lecturas con una marca de honor especial. El pueblo, quienes por su aclamación reconocen y confiesan a Cristo presente y hablando a ellos, se ponen de pié mientras la escuchan." Si le damos al Evangelio una reverencia especial poniendonos de pié, ¿no es entonces que el ponerse de pié es una postura bien reverente?
         La purificación de las vasijas puede hacerse despues de la comunion o, "despues de Misa, si es posible al lado de la mesa." (Par.238) Algunos piensan si es apropiado esperar para limpiar las vasijas. Lo natural del ritual es que no se debe interrumpir por cualquier acción particular. Dado la cantidad de vasijas en muchas Iglesias Católicas, limpiar las vasijas durante la Misa seria una distracción y un periodo de tiempo extendido de la Misa.  ¿Donde debe de estar el tabernaculo? Parrafo 276 declara, "Todo estimulo debe darse a la practica de reservación Eucaristica en la capilla adecuada a la adoración y oración
privada de los fieles. Si esto es imposible (enfasis en texto) por la estructura de la iglesia, el sacramento debe ser reservado en el altar o en una parte de la iglesia que sea meritoriosa y adornada apropiadamente."
         Aunque he compartido esto antes, Parrafo 282 y 283 claramente declara que el pan Eucaristico debe ser hecho de trigo, fresco, sin levadura y parecido a comida. La practica de Santa Clara parece adherirse mas cercanamente a estas normas que otras Iglesias Católicas que solo usan las obleas.
       Las vasijas para la Misa deben ser durable y nobles (cf.pars. 289-295). "Para la  consagración de las ostias una patena grande debe ser propiamente utilizada; en ella se deposita el pan para el sacerdote como tambien para los ministros y fieles." No es apropiado que el sacerdote use una patena para su ostia fuera de la de aquella que se consagran para la congregación.
       Estos son unos cuantos de los estatutos en el Misal que se relaciona a la practica y vida de nuestra parroquia. Siempre ha sido mi practica, y la de P.Tim, de reverentemente celebrar el Sacramento en St. Clare. Nuestra parrioquia pone oración y adoración en el centro de lo que hacemos. Todo lo demas fluye de eso. Mi oración es que ustedes crescan en el amor y apreciación por los Sacramentos, y muy especialmente la Celebración de la Misa.
Paz,
P. Chris

Programación Católica para toda la familia …

Les invitamos a sintonizar el programa de televisión “El Hombre Nuevo,” un programa familiar de evangelización dirigido por el  Padre Ricardo Castellanos, sacerdote católico de la Arquidiócesis de Miami, y producido por el Ministerio Verbo y Vida.  Sintoniza Canal 41 de Telemundo todos los Domingos a las 8:30 a.m.  Recibe paz y alegría en tu corazón y en tu hogar con “El Hombre Nuevo.”