Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The New 10:30 Mass and Mystagogy Sessions
Starting this weekend the 10:30 Mass will have what one might call “a different feel.”  Reviewing all the suggestions have led us to decide using a number of particular options.  The biggest difference for many people may be the broader use of the Latin language.  The Second Vatican Council, while calling for an appropriate use of the vernacular also maintained that Catholics should know all the parts of the Mass in Latin.  I grant that in the majority of places this mandate has not been followed, but we are going to try implementing it at the 10:30.  This means that the readings will be in English along with a few select congregational responses like the Confiteor (I confess…), the Suscipiat (May the Lord accept the sacrifice …), and the Domine non sum dignus (Lord, I am not worthy). There will be a recessional hymn in english as well.  Incense will be used at the times called for by the rubrics and the Mass parts will all be sung (like we do for all our weekend Masses).  Please note that this combination of latin and english is not set in stone.  As we move forward there are other settings we can learn musically and we can discern how best to implement them.  There will be some growing pains with this I am sure, but we will have resources available to help.

Also I will offer mystagogy sessions after the 10:30 Mass throughout the month of November (except Nov. 12 since I am out of town).

Holy Hours and Faith Formation
As we get used to this new Sunday schedule, there are some other opportunities for people to grow in our Catholic Faith.  In response to suggestions from the Listening Sessions and recent surveys, we will add a Holy Hour on the 1st Sunday of the month.  It will happen in between the two Masses from 9:15-10:15.  Then on the 3rd Sunday of the month will be a Faith Formation session in the PAC from 9:15-10:15.  This will allow people the flexibility to participate in multiple events.  Why 1st and 3rd Sundays?  Well, I will be responsible for celebrating the 1pm EF Mass at St. Mary’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays.  Honestly this helps me a bit to spread out the workload.  The holy hours and Formation sessions will start in December. 

Voting No on November Issue 1
Thankfully our Bishop and and the other bishops of Ohio have been clear with the moral imperative to vote NO on Issue 1 in November.  The proposed amendment is directly contrary to catholic social teaching on life, rights of parents, and the freedom of conscience for medical professionals. It is not possible for a Catholic in good conscience to vote yes. This is one of those few times a political measure is so clearly repugnant to the natural law. Please continue to learn about the importance of this issue and spread the word to VOTE NO on issue one. 

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr