Spiritual Thoughts for the week

January 22nd

Disciples at Worship

As disciples of Jesus, all of us, and especially the children and youth, are in the most challenging "apprenticeship" program there is-that of being members of the Body of Christ and training in holiness. This happens in a number of ways: the example and mentorship of older and wiser Christians, prayer, religious education, social justice service, learning to trust in God during life's hard knocks, and especially worship. It is when we come together for Mass that Christ is present to us in a most unique and intimate way-in the Eucharist. When we worship, we acknowledge God's Lordship over our lives in every detail. We hear His word from the Scriptures and then we partake of the Bread from Heaven. An important way we mentor and provide apprenticeship for younger or newer disciples is by our attitude and stance of reverence during Mass.

This being said, a number of our children's catechists have noticed and given feedback that adult parishioners at St. Michael's could provide an increased level of Christian mentorship by being mindful of several areas in our worship life:

1) Catholics are to observe a one hour fast before receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, in preparation for the Holy Guest we are about to receive. Water and medicine are not included. The fast does include breakfast, snacks in religious ed. classes, dinner, snacks in the car, etc. Kids notice when you sneak a donut on your way into Mass, or when they are allowed to eat or chew gum in the car on the way to church.

2) Although we do not have kneelers and stand during the Consecration, it is Catholic tradition to genuflect (from the Latin for "bend the knee") when entering or leaving your pew or walking by the Tabernacle, where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. Although the children are taught to genuflect in First Communion instruction, they often do not see this at St. Michael's, which does not help reinforce what they are learning. This is true also for the liturgical guideline that we make a bow to the Eucharist in the hand of the priest or Eucharistic Minister before receiving Communion.

3) Emergency trips to the bathroom during Mass sometimes are necessary. Making a habit of it is not. And excusing children during the Consecration sends an unfortunate and inaccurate message to the young about the sacredness of that moment, namely it encourages them to not recognize how sacred it is. It is also extremely distracting for others in the congregation.

LET US WORK TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY TO RAISE DISCIPLES WHO UNDERSTAND, BELIEVE AND LIVE THE MYSTERY OF FAITH!