November 11, 2018
 
Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Preparing for Advent and Turning Eastward
Last week I wrote of how we plan to celebrate the Masses of Advent ad orientem, meaning “toward the East .”  A couple years ago, the Prefect for the Congregation of the Discipline of the Sacraments, Cardinal Sarah, stated that this liturgical posture is very much a part of our current Tradition and recommended that priests and parishes incorporate this liturgical option in some way.  While this was not a mandate, only a suggestion, I believe it has merit.  The different symbols (among them include colors, vessels, processions, vestments, words, chant, and posture) of the Mass help us enter more deeply into its celebration, thus offering us the opportunity to encounter the living Christ.  This legitimate current liturgical option is sometimes associated with the past, and some people mistakenly think it is old or bad or wrong.  Yes it is true this liturgical gesture is quite ancient just like praying the Psalms, using holy water, or singing the Holy, Holy.  We do not look at those things as odd or bad because they are old so I find it hard to understand why ad orientem is seen differently.  Using this option of turning toward God together (priest and people facing the same way) is not going backward but truly moving forward as one people focused on the Lord, awaiting His coming. 
For those perhaps uncomfortable with this gesture, I invite you to be open and give it a try.  We will only be incorporating it for the four weeks of Advent.  As always I am open to your thoughts and questions.  Feel free to contact me.
 
Liturgy Days
Speaking of growing in appreciation on of the Liturgy, everyone is welcome to some continuing formation on the Liturgy, which is the source and summit of our lives.  I am offering three different times to accommodate people’s schedules.  Mon. Nov. 12 at 3pm, Tuesday Nov. 13 at 6pm, and Sat. Nov. 17 at 9:30am.  While attending one of these meetings is required for those participating in a liturgical ministry, these sessions are geared toward everyone.  I hope to see many people come as we learn how to encounter the Lord and how to put His graces into action.
 
Month of November - Praying for the Faithful Departed
This month is one dedicated in a particular way to praying for the faithful departed.  At St. Paul’s one of the ways we do this is by having a book of the names of the dead.  In front of the Sacred Heart statue (north end of church) is the book where people are encouraged to write in the names of those for whom they want to pray.  They will be remembered at all the Masses through the month.  How wonderful God is that for His faithful ones, life is changed not ended! We have the opportunity to help them with our prayers. Let’s take advantage of these graces.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr