If the response of the spectators to Phil Mickelson's likely victory while in the fairway of the 18th hole of the P.G.A Championship is any indication (jubilant and unrestrained), it would seem that coming out of the coronvirus pandemic (at least we pray we are) and its restrictions is leading people who have been restrained to express themselves in some new or renewed ways in many venues including in worship in church.
I am seeing that before me at the weekend Masses at Sacred Heart Church as more and more are coming back to church after many months away from us. The participation of our parishioners and visitors seems to reflect, to me anyway, the power of the Holy Spirit, as the volume of voice coming from the congregation has gone up at the Masses, especially at last Saturday's 5:00 p.m., Pentecost Mass. There is no substitute for the physical presence of people at Mass and for some the interactions that take place before and after Mass (and at the Sign of Peace) which strengthen bonds with those we know and who believe as we do. I applaud those who have come to Mass during the pandemic and through the restrictions and protocols that were required to keep us safe. I'm sure I wasn't the only one missig the "normal" amount of music and singing during Mass (which is a powerful way to pray and join the choirs of angels and saints in heaven). I hopefully don't need to say much if at all about the GREAT blessing of receiving Jesus in Holy Communion at Mass. Those who had chosen to receive Communion on the tongue, (for some since the reception of their First Holy Communion) can now go back to doing so during the Mass. It's hard to say if or when we will offer the Precious Blood of Christ at Mass again. That's the call of the bishop. I do want to thank God for our bishop and for his care of Catholics in Arkansas, but also for our physical well being during this hopefully once in a lifetime pandemic!
Finally, I give thanks to God and acknowledge in appreciation all those who helped out in all aspects of the "parking lot Mass" from set up and take down, to handing out bulletins, to parking attendants, and sound people during the many months of the pandemic. You know who you are, and those who faithfully attended the "parking lot Mass," know who you are as well. Blessings upon all of them for going "above and beyond" for such a long time.
I pray that the enthusiasm I have seen in the last few weeks (after restrictions have been lifted) will continue in the future, and will make us even stronger Catholics in Mass and in our daily lives as well. "Come Holy Spirit on us shine!"
I am seeing that before me at the weekend Masses at Sacred Heart Church as more and more are coming back to church after many months away from us. The participation of our parishioners and visitors seems to reflect, to me anyway, the power of the Holy Spirit, as the volume of voice coming from the congregation has gone up at the Masses, especially at last Saturday's 5:00 p.m., Pentecost Mass. There is no substitute for the physical presence of people at Mass and for some the interactions that take place before and after Mass (and at the Sign of Peace) which strengthen bonds with those we know and who believe as we do. I applaud those who have come to Mass during the pandemic and through the restrictions and protocols that were required to keep us safe. I'm sure I wasn't the only one missig the "normal" amount of music and singing during Mass (which is a powerful way to pray and join the choirs of angels and saints in heaven). I hopefully don't need to say much if at all about the GREAT blessing of receiving Jesus in Holy Communion at Mass. Those who had chosen to receive Communion on the tongue, (for some since the reception of their First Holy Communion) can now go back to doing so during the Mass. It's hard to say if or when we will offer the Precious Blood of Christ at Mass again. That's the call of the bishop. I do want to thank God for our bishop and for his care of Catholics in Arkansas, but also for our physical well being during this hopefully once in a lifetime pandemic!
Finally, I give thanks to God and acknowledge in appreciation all those who helped out in all aspects of the "parking lot Mass" from set up and take down, to handing out bulletins, to parking attendants, and sound people during the many months of the pandemic. You know who you are, and those who faithfully attended the "parking lot Mass," know who you are as well. Blessings upon all of them for going "above and beyond" for such a long time.
I pray that the enthusiasm I have seen in the last few weeks (after restrictions have been lifted) will continue in the future, and will make us even stronger Catholics in Mass and in our daily lives as well. "Come Holy Spirit on us shine!"