Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Prepare--Engage--Reflect

4/6/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Taking time to reflect on the events of the past week has stirred a mixture of emotions with me.  Some are related to the practical aspects of what took place in these days.  I want to know what flowed smoothly in our liturgical services and what needs work for next year?  Other ponderings prompt me to reflect upon the life of the Church as whole.  In particular, what is the role I play in assisting the future growth and development of this Institution and the people within it?

The practical components seem to stick in my mind as I constantly evaluate the effectiveness of ministry.  As leaders, are we creating an atmosphere of worship in which the hearts and minds of the congregation are truly lifted up to Almighty God?  Obviously, God’s grace is needed for a profound encounter with our Lord, Jesus Christ.  However, I believe we have a responsibility to do our best to prepare fertile soil for this encounter to happen.  Good liturgy is one way of making this happen.

I ask these questions because I often wonder where the people are on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.  I realize that these aren’t “Holy Days of Obligation,” but it seems to me that people would WANT to be present for these services during the Paschal Triduum.  If it takes six Masses on a regular weekend to accommodate all of the parishioners, why can one service on Holy Thursday accommodate everyone without even having people standing?  What part of catechesis and formation has been missed through the years?  More importantly, how can we better teach and inform in the future so that another generation of people don’t miss the vital message contained in these holy days?

The somber nature of Good Friday seems to be more adequately understood than what takes place on Holy Thursday.  We had an afternoon service as well as an evening service on Good Friday to accommodate the parishioners desiring to participate in the Passion of the Lord, the veneration of the cross, and the distribution of Holy Communion.  The afternoon service even had people standing in the back.  It was nice to see such a large turnout of people.  Apparently, the death of Jesus on the cross has had a lasting impact on parishioners.  Now, it is my hope that we will enrich the understanding of Eucharist through a greater understanding of the sacrifice on Calvary made present to us. The two are inextricably intertwined.

The Easter Vigil is a LONG service, but beautiful.  The lighting of the new fire and Easter Candle, singing the Easter Proclamation, hearing the story of Salvation History with the many Old Testament Scripture readings, the blessing of the water, baptisms, confirmations, reception of first communion, and so much more is all contained in one splendid celebration.  It is a lot of work and preparation to get ready for this celebration, but it is worth every minute.  If you have chosen not to attend the Easter Vigil because it is too long, I invite you to reconsider next year.  You will not be disappointed.

Finally, we pray for all of those who entered into the Church.  Statistical evidence seems to indicate that a good portion of those who go through the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) process leave the Church within a couple of years.  What can we do to better welcome these individuals and get them fully involved in the life of the local parish community?  What is the role that each of us plays in building up the Kingdom of God by nurturing our own faith as well as the faith of others?  Are we truly a community of believers?

Please remember, we celebrate Easter for 50 days leading us all the way to the great Feast of Pentecost.  


                     Celebrate Wonderfully!

Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.