Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Ad Orientem for Feast of Christ the King through Advent
The past couple of years we have highlighted a particular liturgical gesture at Mass during the Advent season.  You may remember that “ad orientem” means “toward the East.”  It refers to the orientation of our worship of God at Mass.  One of the dimensions of the celebration is of course how Christ is present in the midst of the community that He has assembled.  Another dimension of our worship is not just the present moment but the coming of Christ at the final judgement, the end of time, when He will make a new heaven and a new earth.  Looking east is an ancient liturgical way of looking toward the Son of God who will come again like the sun rising in the east.  This means for certain parts of the Mass the priest is facing in the same direction as the people, so all are looking toward God together.

I grant that this liturgical option is not used as much in our current context, and I am aware of some folks who find this change difficult. Yet there are many who find it helpful in their worship, thus we celebrate this option on certain occasions or seasons.  Having listened to pastoral council on this option, this year we will implement it for five weeks starting on Christ the King.  There is a beautiful overlapping between Christ the King, marking the end of the liturgical year, and moving into Advent, which is the beginning, yet its focus is on the end times.  This overlap helps us transition then from the end times to preparing for celebrating the beginning again at Christmas - for Christ is the beginning and the end. At Christmas we will return to our customary setup. 

My hope is that this practice helps us appreciate the full tradition of our catholic worship.  The more we grow in it, the more we can appreciate it and grow in holiness. As always feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions.

“Rorate Caeli” Mass
We will have a “Rorate Caeli” Mass on Saturday morning December 11. This is the traditional Mass in honor of our Lady, lit by candlelight in the early morning.  We have celebrated this the past couple of years, and it is quite beautiful.  The symbolism echoes what was said above regarding “Ad orientem” with this Mass starting before the sun rises with only candles lighting the sanctuary.  By the time Mass is finishing the sun has begun to enlighten the church space showing forth how our Lady brings the Son, Christ into the world.  The time is to be announced (it depends on when the sun rises), but Mass will probably start around 6:30 or 7am.

Thank you Stewards of the Land and Volunteers
We had the “Fall cleanup” of the campus last weekend, and I want to thank all those who participated.  The Stewards of the Land Ministry organized it and put out a call for helpers.  There was a great response including a number of young families who are involved in the Chesterton Academy and the two homeschool co-ops that we host here at the parish.  Lots of hands made it quick work on a brisk but beautiful day. 


Candles for the Faithful Departed
Like we did last year candles are for sale to show our prayers for the faithful departed.  The cost is $8.  The candle will have the name(s) of the person (people) one is remembering.  The candles will be on display at the Sacred Heart Shrine on Nov. 20 after the 4:30 Mass when we will bless the candles and light them.  They will remain lit throughout the following week, and then on Friday Nov. 26, the 8:30 Mass will be offered specifically for those remembered by the candles. To purchase a candle, fill out the form printed in the bulletin and either drop it off at the rectory or place it in the collection basket in an envelope marked “Memorial Candle.”

Requiescant in Pace
In this month of November, as the liturgical year draws to a close, we remember and pray for the faithful departed.  In addition to purchasing remembrance candles I invite all of us to pray at home with our families for those who have died.  Teaching our children to stay connected with the past is part of handing on our Catholic Tradition.  Encouraging the real connection we still have with our elder brothers and sisters in the faith is very important.  Making a special trip to the cemetery or including special prayers after meals for those who have died are good practices for this month. 

You will notice that after all the Masses for this month we will pray for the holy souls in Purgatory.  Feel free to take home the prayer cards for personal use. 

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Pfr