[Guest columnist Mary Lou Schwaner]
Monsignor David has asked me to write the column this weekend while he is away, serving the Sisters of Charity in Haiti. With any luck, he'll be back by the time this edition "hits the stands."
As the Coordinator of Liturgy for the parish, I'd like to express my gratitude to the people of this parish for the awe that I feel when I enter this sacred space. How can one not breathe deeply of the glory of God in this space? It is truly breath-taking... and will be a constant reminder of the creative genius of God for years to come! With His grace, we did this!!!
That being said, the Liturgy Planning Committee is aware of the concerns of those who must learn to serve in a new space... with a slightly different protocol. Change is necessary, though sometimes a bit scary and confusing. We hope to make the transition with you, and as smoothly as possible. Thank you to all who attended the Day of Ministry Re-Training in June. It got our transition off to a great start! We will continue to offer re-training until all the Ministries that serve the Mass feel comfortable with the new routines. As we live with the space for awhile, we will have a better idea of what might need to still be adapted... "Blessed are the flexible!"
Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have, perhaps, the most to re-learn in our new church. Of all the new steps involved, the most important is: ALWAYS checking the sign-in book before you are seated. This is so important, because it shows your ownership in this ministry. We need you to "take charge" of the work to be done, as an assisting minister of Holy Communion. Each ministry involved in the Mass is busy preparing for their work in the Mass. If the "EM's" could remember to sign-in... "first come-first to serve"... there would not need to be a scramble before each Mass in this regard. And that would be so appreciated!
Our Lectors are learning that to "Proclaim the Word" in this new space requires slowing down a bit! Given the new acoustics, the Word is lost when it is rushed... an interesting play on words, because the meaning is most assuredly "lost", as well as the diction, when hurried speech happens. Those who have tried proclaiming from the Ambo, have learned this lesson. Slowing down will allow all to absorb the Word of God. Those with hearing impairments will appreciate this, as well.
The Ushers have added a few new layers to their responsibilities. What wonderful giving worker-bees they are! One of the growing responsibilities for them is "shepherding" the movement of the Communion lines, which is still adapting and revising. We can see our Ushers as "shepherds" trying to guide the flock of SJN to create the smoothest and most uncomplicated movement, both at Communion and at the Proclamation of the Word. Thank you for following their loving direction!
The Altar Servers have done a terrific job of changing their movements. Although there have been a few "add-ons" to their movements, these responsible young ministers have adapted nicely! And the Music, of course, is growing and changing in its dimensions. With the generous donation of a few individuals, we are in the process of purchasing all new microphones, chords, monitors, stands, and the rest! We hope to eventually raise the money for the projectors and video equipment, to assist at Life Teen, Spanish Masses, weddings and more. We are very blessed to have such an appreciative community that assists us in every way!
I would like to remind all Ministers of the Mass to please use good judgment when dressing for "service". It's amazing to realize the distraction that we can cause by the clomping of flip-flops, the "lack of fabric" in some outfits, etc. We have worked so hard to make our Liturgies seamless in our reverent movements. Let's dress with consideration for all, erring on the side of modesty and conservativeness, so that we are not the focus or the distraction of others.
The minor details to be learned will take care of themselves eventually. So, in every ways, let our service in the Mass be "all for the greater glory of God" (AMDG).
Mary Lou Schwaner
Liturgy Coordinator and
Media & Communications Coordinator
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