"Times of Refreshing"

by Rev. Richard Barker

My dear parishioners, grace and peace in the Lord’s name! Our liturgical ministries were greatly reduced when we had Mass off-campus after Imelda and during last year's virus quarantine. We don't know what 2021 will bring. Nevertheless, we must rekindle our lay adult liturgy teams which support the Mass. We have three teams: 1) lay readers 2) extraordinary ministers of the eucharist, and 3) sacristans. These three teams assist the pastor and are needed at each Mass.
From the LECTIONARY, adult and teen lay readers (lectors) proclaim the Sunday Mass readings from the ambo (Lat. pulpit) in the sanctuary of our worship area. Lectors also read the prepared intercessory prayers after we recite the Nicene Creed.
Extraordinary ministers of the eucharist offer Holy Communion to the people. We offer the consecrated hosts only at Mass. For the foreseeable future, offering the Precious Blood to the people is suppressed per our archbishop's health protocol.
Sacristans assist in the setup and takedown of each Mass. The sacristy is God's
"kitchen”, but as the name "sacristy” suggests, it too is a sacred space. The Mass books, vessels, candles and other items needed for Mass are prepared in the sacristy and taken to the sanctuary. There, they are used by the presiding priest, acolytes and servers, lay readers and eucharistic ministers. After each Mass, a sacristan returns the liturgical items to the sacristy, refreshing and storing them for use in the next Mass.
To serve our parish families, we need 2 lay readers, 2 eucharistic ministers and 1 sacristan for each weekend Mass (4 pm Saturday, 8:30 and 11 am Sunday).
We have been blessed over the years with beautiful liturgies which reveal the depth of our love for the eucharist and our lay ministers’ personal reverence and devotion. This is not an accident. The full participation of lay members in celebrations of Mass is the fruit of a tree carefully planted and nurtured over the years by prayer, commitment and steady work in the Lord's vineyard.
The need for change is upon us. It has developed over time. We cannot wish it away, nor can we wait, hoping for a flawless moment to do what needs to be done. 2020 was a messy year for all of us; it's quite possible that this new year will be marred by stress and conflict as well.
I am calling Saint Philip parish to refresh its most vital activity, the celebration of Holy Eucharist. Open your eyes to see the eucharistic celebration in a new way. Open your eyes to what God wants you to say and do to help. Examine your hearts and discern how our Saint Philip faith community needs your humble and devoted "hands on" participation.
Tropical Imelda and the quarantine inflicted much harm. But blessings may be found by those who look for them. The storm and pandemic created new “spaces” for family togetherness, and new spaces to pray, discern and make beneficial changes. What is God’s will for you? How does God want you to respond?
A Christian’s devotion to the Mass is the defining measure of life in Christ. Whatever happens in the near future, whatever challenges we must face, God will lavish on our parish community “times of refreshing”. [Acts 3:19] But we must ask! And ask again! And act with audacious confidence. Therefore, let us be alive in Christ and breathe his Spirit. Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker.
+++