Between the Sundays…
Among
pastors there is a famous axiom: “90% of 90%.”
That is, “90% of Catholics receive 90% of their information and
inspiration from Sunday Mass.” Think
about it: for most people, their only experience of the Church is Sunday
Mass. About 40% of Catholics nationally
attend Sunday Mass regularly (and that’s the high end estimate). Realistically, about 20% of the average
parish participates in activities, services and events outside of Sunday
Mass. Think about your own
experience. How many people from our
parishes do your know who you see at events other than Sunday Mass?
Sunday Mass is, of course, the focal point of parish
life. The Eucharist is the source and
summit of the life of the Church (see Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium). But
what about all the other things we do?
Holy Day Mass remains a serious obligation for Catholics. We offer fun social events, inspiring
ecumenical services and educational opportunities. None of us should miss out on an opportunity
to be informed and inspired as we grow in faith. Please keep close watch on the bulletin,
calendar and website for all our upcoming events. During this Year of Faith, resolve to
participate more in the life of your parish.
You will surely be blessed!
In particular, I want to focus your attention on weekday
Mass. Between the Sundays, the
liturgical calendar is filled with feasts honoring the saints, Mary and events
in Church history. The Eucharist is
celebrated daily for the intentions of our parish and the faithful
departed. We reflect on Sacred Scripture
and the lives of the saints – the great heroes of our faith. Daily Mass is the ongoing nourishment of our
parish, not just on Sunday but all through the week. To receive the Eucharist daily means having
Jesus living within you all the time!
On
Thursdays at Our Lady of Victory, we honor Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with
a Holy Hour of Adoration after Mass, sitting at the feet of Jesus and resting
in His presence with prayer and thanksgiving.
On
Saturdays at Saint Patrick, we have a Holy Hour as well. Both days include the Rosary but Saturday is
a special day of the week dedicated to honoring Mary. We are blessed to have this special Saturday
celebration – Mass, Holy Hour, confessions, Rosary and Benediction.
Tuesday
Mass is at 7:00 pm at Saint Patrick, allowing for working folks to attend if
they wish.
Please
think about coming to daily Mass as your schedule allows. Make weekday Mass part of your spiritual
routine in this Year of Faith and beyond.
A
lot of good goes on between the Sundays in our parishes. Come and share in the blessings!
Blessed
Advent to all! --Fr. Matthew
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