A look at the postures of prayer

In preparation for the implementation of the revised Roman Missal in just a few weeks' time, the homilies over the past couple of weeks have focused on the spoken words which we use for the celebration of the Eucharist.  This week, we turn our attention to some of the postures we use in our prayer.

Whether we stand, sit or kneel at various points during the celebration of the Eucharist, all that we do is meant to demonstrate unity.  One of the great strengths of the Catholic Church is that we recognize the both the unity we share and the variations in the lived experiences we each bring to the community, and when we stand together around the Table of the Lord, we also bring the variety of our gifts.

The communion we receive in the celebration of the Eucharist also reminds us of

• the communion of the Trinity, which is made manifest in the Eucharistic banquet;
• our participation in Jesus' act of self giving;
• the relationship between sacramental communion and the various gatherings of God's people (ecclesiae); and
• the relationship between sacramental communion and communion with all creation.

These aspects are more eloquently explained in the Holy Father's Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritas (February 22, 2007).  My words are perhaps less eloquent, but hopefully they help in some way.  As always, homilies are availiable in podcast format or in text (see below):

Toward conscious, active and full participation

Back in 1967, when all of us here present were much younger, and some of us were still in diapers, the priests and lay people who were gathered for the Second Vatican Council published the first of a number of documents which were meant to provide guidance for some changes that were then to take place in the liturgy that would henceforth be celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church.  More than four decades have passed since that time when the collective wisdom of the Council Fathers spoke of this liturgy that we now know as the Mass, as the high point both of the action by which God sanctifies the world in Christ and the worship that the human race offers to the Father.  In order that praise be given in a fitting manner, the Council considered it a matter of greatest importance that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper be so ordered that all people taking part in it should be able to derive from it the graces which Christ has always desired to share with us.

One of the primary intentions of the Council Fathers was that all those present for the celebration of the Eucharist should be able to consciously, actively and fully participate in all aspects of this universal prayer.  The richness of the liturgy which gathers us together is observed all the more when we join our voices together to sing, or to respond to the prayers that are spoken aloud.  Cardinal Roger Mahoney, former Archbishop of Los Angeles, California explained it this way:  We are one. Our Catholic faith will not allow the distinction “us” versus “them.” On Sunday we gather in one Lord, one faith, one Baptism. Yet, we are many. When we gather, it is also to witness to the universality of our faith, evident in the many parts that make up the one Body. We celebrate the diverse experiences, cultures, and charisms that assemble around the one table.

Over the past number of weeks, I have attempted to provide some explanations about the revisions to the prayers and responses that are being altered so that our voices, as different and unique as each of them is, may be united in a common prayer of praise.  Now that we have become a bit more familiar with the responses, I need to explain a few of the changes in posture which are also being implemented.  To do otherwise would be for me to run the risk of turning aside from the way or of causing many to stumble and I certainly wouldn’t want to do that.  Jesus’ words in today’s gospel are rather severe, and directed toward the leaders of his day.  These leaders had a reputation for being more concerned about their own well-being than about the needs of the people they were called to serve.  Instead, Jesus calls you and me to understand that we are all brothers and sisters and therefore we should aim always to receive his word which is also at work in all believers.

No matter which Catholic community we may find ourselves in for the celebration of the Eucharist, we should all feel at home.  We should all know what to expect, what words to speak, and whether to stand, sit or kneel at various times during the Mass, even without having to ask.  One of the things that helps us to be united in prayer is the observance of silence at certain points during the Mass.  Silence allows our hearts and spirits to hear and to reflect on the voice of God which speaks through the scriptures, the homily, and the prayers that are recited. 

To further strengthen our unity in in the celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop Plouffe has asked that in this diocese, the congregation stands when the priest has completed the washing of hands, that we should kneel only during the recitation of the words of consecration, and that we remain standing if possible at all other times up to and including the distribution of communion.  The Bishop’s instructions say that during the distribution of communion, the assembly should remain standing (if possible) until all have received the Blessed Sacrament.  After Communion has been distributed to all the assembly, ‘as circumstances allow’ the members of the assembly may sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence is observed.  When approaching a priest or a Eucharistic Minister during the communion procession, everyone is asked to stop and make a simple bow of the head before receiving Holy Communion, and to consume it immediately.  Communion is to be received standing, preferably in the hand for reasons of hygiene, although reception of the Eucharist on the tongue is also permitted.

Some of these changes have already been implemented in this parish community.  Others will take some time.  The key is that we all be patient with one another, remembering Paul’s words of wisdom that we should be gentle with one another, and always seek to tenderly care for one another, especially as we live these changes.  Let’s also keep in mind that all of this is meant to unify the act of worshipping and giving thanks to God so that we might more consciously, more actively and more fully participate in the Eucharist, by which we give praise to God.

A different kind of presentation

Last night, at the party for Tommy, there was an unexpected surprise.  About 30 of the children from the nearby Ukrainian parish paraded into the hall dressed in traditional clothing, and proceeded to offer their gift to the honored guest (and to the rest of the gathered assembly).  A mixture of music and various dances from children as young as 4 years and as old as 16 was a welcome treat.  When the performances were complete, one of the children even walked over to Tommy and led him by the hand to another room where he was invited to take pictures with the troupe in all their finery.  They could never have offered a more suitable gift than to allow him to see children enjoying the privilege of being children!

Tonight, in a very different place, I was privileged to be present for a very different musical treat.  As it happens, the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra was playing its most recent concert tonight, accompanied by the well known fiddler Pierre Schryer and his band.  Last night's music was Ukrainian in flavor but tonight's offering was definitely Celtic.  What a different mixture of music though for the Symphony members to play.  Cudos to them for this major leap away from the familiar and for the courage to enter a genre of music seldom seen on a classical stage.

Here's a sample of the music of Pierre Schryer.  A native of Sault Ste. Marie who is now living in Thunder Bay, he is widely travelled and has multiple recordings.  The picture isn't as important in this case as the lively music.

A party for Tommy

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the celebration of Tommy's 100th birthday.  Since that time, there have been at least two other gatherings to celebrate this important milestone.  It's a rare event indeed that we even hear about a centinarian's birthday, much less have the opportunity to be present and to celebrate the big event.

Last night, perhaps the largest of the birthday parties took place at the club.  In attendance were at least 300 of Tommy's fellow Knights of Columbus and their wives.  Tommy's family were all here too, except for one of his daughters who lives farther away and just couldn't make it for the party.

In a fitting manner, this young man, who has lived a life dedicated to serving others was honored at a banquet which was also a fundraising event for the Inner City Home, a local shelter that tends to the needs of the most fragile of our society.

In his own words, Tommy claims to have done a few things in his life, especially for the promotion of Catholic education in the Sudbury 'suburb' of Walden where he lived for many years.  Last night, after having received acolades from friends old and new, he regaled us with stories of the years when he was so instrumental in opening the doors of a local elementary school in Walden, of his many years of service to the parish of St. Pius X in Lively, and of the enduring love he continues to cherish for his now-departed wife, and his children.

Funds raised from the sale of tickets for this gathering, and from a series of draws which were conducted there will soon find their way to the Inner City Home.  Tommy was happy to hear that one of the local Colleges has also set up a bursary in his name which will assist one of the students for years to come.

Da nuovo, nostro amico, buon compeano!
Ad moltos annos!

A day for Liam

At the invitation of the school chaplain, I arrived at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School this morning, to celebrate Mass with the students.  Since September of this year, St. Benedict's has increased its student count, with the addition of Grade 7 and 8 students (in addition to Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 students who have called this place home for the past number of years).

Today turned out to be not only a day for the celebration (a few weeks after the fact) of a Thanksgiving Mass, but also a day of action (of sorts).  One of the students named Liam has been battlinig cancer, and is currently in Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital awaiting treatment, so today the staff at SBCSS accorded a dress-down day and students agreed to pay a small fee to help Liam's family with the expenses of accommodations and travel.

Classes for the first period of the day began as normal.  Students had agreed to wear orange clothing as a sign of their support for Liam and his family.  This was also in keeping with the traditional colour associated with Thanksgiving and the Fall harvest festival that we know so well in these parts.

Preparations of the worship space having been completed, students were invited to make their way to the gymnasium around 9:30am in anticipation of the liturgy beginning around 9:45am.  It's amazing how so many students can move so relatively efficiently, but then again they are used to the protocols of student life.

Before long, the rows of chairs were all filled and students waited patiently for the opening remarks and introductions to be made.

While they waited, some instrumental music was played, providing a soothing environment.  They say that music calms the savage beast.  Perhaps there is truly wisdom in these words, or perhaps the students at St. Ben's are just well-behaved, respectful and used to the assemblies and other gatherings that take place in the course of a normal day.

Even the priest found his place and waited patiently for the introductions and instructions to be explained before the liturgy could begin.

Many students took part in various parts of the liturgy, including the proclamation of the scripture readings, and the prayers of the faithful. 

 

One of the communication classes also presented a series of gifts which were displayed in front of the altar before the bread and wine, which would be transformed and later distributed, were also brought forward in offering.

During this gathering, one of the staff members who knows Liam and his family very well came forward to speak with the students.  She thanked them for the support offered for one of their own.  She commended them for their sense of community and for the act of generosity toward his family in their time of need.

Opportunities such as these, to put our faith into action, are precious.  Thankfully, for most of us, life is filled with relatively simple choices, but when some more difficult or life-threatening realities cloud the horizon, it's always comforting to know that there are others who care, and who are willing to make a difference.

How fitting that a day set aside for this community to come to the assistance of one of its own should be combined with the celebration of the Eucharist.  Prayer for Liam was therefore combined with the concrete gesture of helping his family (in some small way) to face the challenges associated with suporting him in his time of illness. What lessons this also teaches to the students who are partaking in this gesture of solidarity.

I'm glad ... I'm honored to have been included in some small way.

Some proof of the fun

Only a few hours after my visit with the techie students in Grade 4/5 this morning, I have received some of the pictures, proof of the fun that we all had with the creative learning environment:

Within minutes of my arrival in the classroom, the students wanted to introduce me to Where's Jesus, an on-screen version of Where's Waldo, made for the iPad, and used to teach catechism to little ones.  It's lots fun, but you have to have good eyes, and fast reflexes to keep ahead of the timer.  I prefer playing this game in practice mode.

If testing my eyesight wasn't enough, the second test was a quiz made especially for Catholics.  The students and I took it in turns to challenge each other to these questions about general knowledge, and a few more challenging inquiries, just to keep us all on our toes.  We did well for the most part, but there is always room for improvement.  Maybe I'll do better the next time around.

Hallowe'en is just around the corner so of course there should be pumkins (of various sizes) involved.  I wonder what lessons could be taught using these seasonal fruit (the seeds are on the inside, right? so they are fruit, not vegetables).  Maybe next week's visit to the school will reveal yet more appropriate lessons for all of us.

Having tried to use the Smartboard to teach the children about geography (ok, in truth they were trying to teach me about Canadian geography, until the board froze and refused to thaw), the next step was to introduce the students to my blog (yes, that's the blog on the board to the right in the picture).  We even wrote a post for the blog, which was posted earlier today.

In the picture above, I'm actually using a print copy of a mercator map to show them to tell them about where I was born, and where my family came from, prior to our arrival in Canada.

This was a day for lessons to be taught and to be learned, for seeds to be planted, and for foundations to be laid.  In the coming weeks, who knows where these foundations will lead ... what other lessons will be learned, and what friendships will blossom.

One step closer

The most recent construction site visit took place just yesterday.  If all goes well, it seems as though this will be the last time that the big guns will have to conduct progress inspections of this project.  All parts of the contract are substantially complete at this point.

Removal of the remaining scaffolding began this morning.  Within the next couple of days, it will all be gone, and the work of the past couple of months will be history.  A few minor details still remain to be attended to:

• The frames around the three windows (including the rose window) in the south wall of the church are currently being scraped and re-painted.
• The frame around the rose window will need some TLC probably next year to repair some wood rot that has been discovered.   In the meanwhile, a protective skin will be installed in order to guard against further water damage until the proper fix can be effected.
• The final segments of the access ladders are on site and will be installed in the next couple of days, then the hatches atop each of the access ladders will be bolted closed, but not before each tower opening is covered with bird wire in order to keep our feathered friends from invading the open spaces.
• Details of the design and installment of the louvers for the top of the towers will be prepared so that this segment of the repair can be completed in the Spring of 2012.
• There are four concrete slabs in front of the staircases which will be replaced because they have been damaged during the construction (or damaged segments have been identified and need to be repaired in order to guard against the possibility of potential injury from the public accessing the stairs, especially in Winter months).

It is estimated that most of this will be complete by next week, and that the concrete slabs will be repaired within the next three weeks' time.

Across the hall

When my visit to the techno-savvy gang had drawn to a close, I was beckoned across the hall to another group of students who were patiently waiting their turn for an encounter with the visitng priest.  Meanwhile, they continued with the subject matter of the hour, until my arrival.

Recognizing some of the faces in this new group of students, I was happy to enter, and to meet some new friends.  To my surprise, they had taken my advice from last week very seriously.  At the Mass celebrated with the students last week, I challenged them all to consider that for which they were (or are) thankful.  This class took the time to write letters to me explaining the people, the things and the attributes for which they are grateful, and this was my opportunity to get their feedback.

I marvelled at the creativity with which they presented their treasures.  Some wrote sentences, whille others presented lists.  All of them were written like the kind of correspondence that each child might write to a close friend to explain something ordinary (or not so ordinary) that is to be treasured.  What a gift to receive this simple blessing in return.

My visit was further enhanced by a conversation that I had with this class of students.  In addition to their letters of gratitude, they had assembled a written list of questions that they were waiting so patiently to ask of me.  Together, as with one voice, they read this second correspondence to me, and then listened oh so attentively as I answered their questions one by one:

• What do I like most about being a priest?
• What do I like least about being a priest?
• What do I do in my spare time?

The conversation that resulted was a mixture of storytelling and question-and-answer ... a most enjoyable opportunity to spend some time in unstructured converstaion with these newly found friends.  Who knows where such discussions will lead.

Technology in the Classroom

Coffee mug in hand I set out today for my weekly visit with the students at St. David's School. Today on the menu for breakfast was raisin toast and huge red grapes. They were really sweet. This week I had the privilege of having breakfast with students in the Grade 4/5 class, who I was told, were all very techno-savvy.

While I was chomping on toast, some of the students were reading books while others were using iPads to play "Where's Jesus" "Catholic Quiz"and looking up passages on "The Bible App".  We had lots of fun, they found Jesus faster than I did. Father Tony even got one of the answers wrong on the quiz. Next time I'll remember the first of the Luminous Mysteries.

Today was my second experience with the Smartboard. We tried to name the provinces but technology doesn't always cooperate. Thankfully we thought quickly and started to compose today's entry. Mrs. Gran's spelling was put to the test (she played scribe while I composed verbally with help from the students), but she passed.

Today I learned a lot about technology in the classroom, and about how wonderful kids can use technology to learn and to teach...and I'm still looking for Jesus. :)

Words spoken in praise

One may have thought that we planned the homilies over the past week to coincide with major events such as the Canadian secular Thanksgiving weekend and the Church's annual observance of World Mission Sunday (which takes place this weekend), but the truth is that these things are more gifts from the living God than they are planned occurrences by those who are but servants.

In today's offering, the sixth in the series, I offer a meditation on the words we speak while the Eucharistic banquet is being offered, prepared and received.  These are words of faith and commitment on our part.  They are also words of praise offered to God who is ever present to us, and they are words that look forward to a time when the great peace of union with the Father will be fulfilled.

Read on or listen in.  It's up to you.

Witnesses of the Lamb

Each year, on the second last Sunday of October, the Church throughout the world pays particular attention to the work that is being done to continue the Mission entrusted to us by Jesus himself.  Because we ourselves have first been loved, we must never stop evangelizing, bearing witness by the love and care we show others, especially those who are most in need.  Believe it or not, there are still some who have not experienced the love of Christ, and there are some who struggle to live their faith in various parts of our world, but thankfully there is still hope.  Every year, new dioceses are formed in various parts of the world, new seminaries are opened to accommodate the growing number of young men who respond to God’s call to follow him as priests, areas devastated by war and natural disaster are rebuilt, and some regions long suppressed are increasingly coming to hear the message of Christ. 

The mission of the Church has not changed since the time that Jesus first boiled down the commandments to their bare essentials and explained to his disciples that the most important of all the rules was that we strive always to love the Lord … and to love your neighbour as yourself.  Love is the weapon of choice by which Christ wins the hearts of all people, one at a time.  Love is as it always has been: a radical and surprising choice for the first disciples, and for disciples of our time.  If we truly want to love our God with every part of ourselves, we must begin in prayer, but we must also be willing to go beyond the prayer of our lips, and the prayer of our hearts.  This prayer must bear fruit through the work of our hands.

Christ’s hands have tended to the needs of the oppressed in our world for centuries, thanks to the commitment and generosity of saints and sinners who have walked the roads of this earth.  Christ’s hands still respond to the same call each time we listen to a cry for help and answer with compassion and understanding.  With human hands, we continue today to bear witness to Christ’s word which is received with joy, inspired by the Holy Spirit each time we respond in faith.  This word has been spoken in our hearts since the day of our baptism.  This word continues to challenge us each day to be missionaries of healing, of forgiveness and of love in a world that too often is blind to the true power of love and deaf to the call for help so often to be found on the lips of the marginalized, the neglected and the powerless.

At the beginning of this century, His Holiness John Paul II challenged all Catholics to renew our commitment to take to all people the proclamation of the Gospel with "the same enthusiasm of the Christians of the early times" (Novo Millennio Ineunte, No. 58).  With the fervor of the apostles, we must seek to share this good news today especially with those who need to hear it, to be comforted by it, or to hope in its promise.

For many years, I for one understood the work of the Church’s mission of evangelization as particularly taking place in remote parts of our world.  Images of missionaries spreading the gospel in the Amazon rain forests, the isolated regions of Northern Canada and even the outback of Australia were part of my first understandings of the Church’s mission, but what of the streets of this city?  What about the financial districts of Bay Street in Toronto, or of lower Manhattan in New York?  Often it is most difficult to speak of love when we are surrounded by concrete jungles, where a fast-paced life leaves little or no room for the heart to listen.

When our lives too become too fast paced for us to listen, perhaps we should be all the more attentive to our duty to proclaim Christ’s death by our words and by our actions.  Through lives of loving service to our neighbours, we profess Christ’s resurrection and through our belief in the power of Christ’s love, a power which can overcome all obstacles, we affirm our hope that Christ will indeed come again at the end of time to be our judge and our saviour.

While we wait for that day, let us continue the mission Christ entrusted to us.  The Church must never be afraid to spread the good news of the gospel to all corners of the world.  Strengthened by the special food we receive at this banquet called the Eucharist, we go forth into the world as living witnesses of Christ who we proclaim to be the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the sins of the world, the one of whom we ask mercy and the one who will grant us everlasting peace.

The big day's arrived

They live just around the corner (literally). For at least the past three or four years, I've watched them come bounding up the stairs together.  Each week, they find their seats.  They sit.  They pray.

Today, they came up those stairs, this time separately, but accompanied by their family and friends.  They entered the church apart, but exited just a short while later, eternally bound to share their days, their dreams, their hopes and their lives together.

The rest of today is about celebrating, about giving thanks to God for the gift that has been offered and given today.  With each tomorrow, this day has the potential to become even better than it already is.  Life is not easy, it can be hard work, but with a soul mate to share the path, each struggle can be lighter, and each cause for celebration can be that much more magnified.

Tomorrow, they leave for their honeymoon, the beginning of the next chapter, the next adventure, the next discovery of all that should be celebrated, one day at a time.

50 years later

Today, Paul and Pat's family were home.  Today they had a party, like the parties they used to have in days of old, one of those gatherings for family and close friends that hasn't happened for quite some time.

Today, when I arrived, he told me that he was going to get married today, but that he had to hurry and ask her if she would carry through with the wedding.  There was joy in this household, with just the slightest tinge of humour, just enough to keep things balanced.

First we spoke prayers for the two of them, then we listened to the word of God.  When the time came for them to speak their words to each other, I invited them to turn toward each other, and then there was a prenant pause.  If you wish I continued.  Without batting an eyelid, she answered, Well, just let me think about that for a moment.  When the laughter died away, we continued.  Words were spoken to one another, rings were exchanged, just as they had been half a century ago, and then the party could begin.

As friends old and new took time to reminisce about the days lived in this place, and with this happy couple, the stories were woven, the memories mustered, and now they look to tomorrow with gratitude for all that has been, and for all that is.

Here's to the next 50 years! 

Ida's gone home

She celebrated her 100th birthday only a few months ago.  Until last January, she was still living in her own home, a widow for the past thirty years or so.  Over the past couple of months, she's had to face a number of challenges, but she did it with grace and great courage.

On Thursday morning, she finally returned home.  I think the final journey went relatively quickly.  Now there is no more suffering.  Reunited with the love of her life, she now awaits the arrival in that other place of her friends and loved ones.

Those loved ones came to the Church this morning to pray her home.  They didn't want any fuss; they just wanted to do what was right.  In song, and in words we commended her to the mercy of the One who she met all those years ago, on the day of her baptism.  This was a day for celebrating because her journey is now complete, and the promise made to her on the day when the holy water was poured over her newborn skin has now been fulfilled.

Rest in peace.

Tears and fears

This morning, I witnessed both tears and fears.

The tears were not caused by any emotional termoil (at least it didn't seem that way).  Instead they were the result of standing over a frying pan which was filled with sliced onions.  The oil and the onions combined to no doubt release the pleasant aromas and just enough of the dread juices to make tears spring to the eyes of the one who was standing ever-so-solicitously over the gently tanning rings of goodness.

The fears I noticed were evident in the eyes of another soul who had the task of cubing some root vegetables.  From personal experience, I know how dangerous it can be to cut some root vegetables, especially if knife skills are not properly honed.  Evidence this eager worker who set out to tackle a turnip.  She didn't bother to peel the beast (at least not until she had succeeded in cutting it down to size).  Instead she sliced right through the thing, letting the two halves fall like a slaughtered animal on the table before her.  She then proceeded to take each half into her hands, and to attack it with the knife.  At first she was at least being careful to cover the blunt end of the knife with her opposite hand (in order to add pressure and thus cut through the stubborn vegetable), but then I saw a sight that made me almost jump.

Cut into wedges by this time, she tried to continue cutting one of said pieces by setting it on the sharp edge and cutting into the waxed vegetable skin!  This was a certain accident waiting to happen, so at least two onlookers quickly sprang to her rescue.  Before long, she understood that she needed to place the vegetable flat-side down, and then continue cutting into the desired cubes.

Tears shed, and fears averted, we then could continue with the rest of our day.

At first sight

Every day should be an opportunity for a bit of learning.  In some cases, the learning takes place in classrooms, but more often than not, learning can (and often does) occur in other places, at other times too.

Have you ever imagined what it might be like to meet new friends?  We usually think of this occuring with young children, but adults are game for this adventure too.  All over the world, the same process unfolds every time people meet each other for the first time.  Although we may not show it on the outside, our experience is very much like that experienced by some explorers in Papua New Guinea who encountered a new tribe of people.

Have a look.  Watch particularly the facial expressions.  They are oh so revealing!

Learning from each other

This morning, I made my way into St. David's school for my weekly visit.  Each week, I greet the secretary and the principal and then I'm whisked off to a classroom, just in time to join the students for breakfast before the National Anthem and the prayer are played and recited.

This day began with a visit to Grade 5 students.  Unlike the Kindergarten and Grade 1s with whom I had visited on previous occasions, this group were sombre.  After their greeting, politely uttered, they quickly returned to the comfort of their books (this is reading and quiet leisure time, as well as time for eating a bowl of cereal).  Thankfully a few of the students answered the prompt to offer this newcomer a bowl of crunchy goodness, so I chomped my way from one desk to another, asking questions about what each child was reading.

Once that tour was complete, the silence resumed, and the teacher was almost apologetic for the 'good behaviour' which has been instilled in the students.  I had a choice to make: I could either bid them all adieu and leave the room, or I could try to engage them.  Being the adventurous type, I chose the latter.  Eyeing the smart board which hung on the blackboard, I ventured to tell the teacher that I'd like to know how one of those things works.  It took a little bit of coaxing, but eventually, he agreed to fire it up, and I asked one of the students to show me how it works.  Before long, the board was ready for any lesson that might unfold.

I then began speaking with the students, You all saw me at Mass yesterday, but how many of you remember my name? (The reader should know that the principal of the school had introduced me to the class when I had arrived only about 20 minutes previously).  One student answered with a degree of certitude: Father Tony.  I wrote the letters T - ONY on the smart board, then asked the next question: Does anyone know the longer name that is usually associated with my name?  One of the students replied hesitatingly, FATHER Tony?  I wrote FR in front of my name on the board.  Turning back to the class, I saw quisical looks on many faces, so I decided to play a game of hangman.  I placed dashes at appropriate places so the name appeared as FR _ _ T _ O N Y, and then invited more participation.  One by one they guessed a letter, and it wasn't long before they had the puzzle figured out.

Next I introduced them to my family name.  Knowing that until very recently, people did not refer to priests by their first names, but rather by their family names, I wrote my family name below my Christian name, and one of these bright students pronounced it correctly the first time (so much for thinking that the pronunciation was challenging in the least).  I then explained that the etimology of the name is Cantonese.  In fact, I even went as far as to write the Chinese family name in characters.  By now, I knew that I had their attention.  One student even volunteered to share with me the Chinese character for 'energy'.

The next part of the explanation involved a mercator map, so I asked the teacher whether he could project one for me onto the smart board.  Once it was up, I proceeded to explain to the students that my paternal family originated in Canton, China (I placed a red dot somewhere in south-western China on the map), and my maternal family roots can be traced back to Medeira (I placed another red dot somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Spain).  The next chapter of the story involved some of my ancestors emigrating to Guyana (in South America, not Africa), so I placed a red dot in Guyana, and then traced the routes for the migration of each of these two families.

I also added dots to illustrate where Sudbury is located, and where some of the other countries they knew were located, just so they would be able to situate themselves.

Having provided a bit of a lesson in culture, in geography and in history, I left the classroom a few moments later with a promise to bring for them the Chinese characters for the rest of my family name.  That will be an adventure for another day.

A matter of perspective

I went for a walk this afternoon in the neighbourhood.  The object of this foray was to feed some of the hungry (literally).  What happened was that I myself was fed with laughter and a new appreciation for the essentials in life.

Having delivered the food, I spent a few moments chatting with friends.  In the midst of the conversation, another person arrived and suggested that we should have a look out the window.  The exact words were send the fashion police.  It took some time to locate the person in question, more because he had moved away from the original location than for any other reason.  When we finally located him, we each advanced our own opinions about his fashion choices.

Admittedly this was a bit shallow of us, but then again, it didn't take too much time to discover that perhaps one of the deepest people in that location, one of the people who is most looked up to, and one of the people who could care least about what others think of his fashion sense, was dressed almost identically to our new-found friend.

I guess we were the ones who needed the lesson today.  Good thing we were able to eat humble pie, and laugh at ourselves.

Fun with numerals

This morning I was present at a regular celebration of the Eucharist with the students of St. David's school.  They are a wonderful group of children, who have been trudging up the street to the church for these regular gatherings for some number of years now, and it shows.  There are some who help with music, assisted by two adults who provide the music using two guitars.  There are other students who take turns proclaiming the scriptures.  There are even some who serve at the altar (another way for them to get used to helping in little and not so little ways).

Being in the presence of children, adults have to be ready for almost anything.  During the homily, when we dare to invite dialogue with childen, some of their answers can sometimes sound like they belong on an episode of the Art Linklater show, and at other times, simple converstaions quickly become story telling time.

Then there's the brave young man who arrived to announce the Prayers of the Faithful.  One by one, he read aloud the prayers that had been prepared, written on a sheet of paper.  Bravely he ventured to invite a prayer for the pope, and this was the time that I had to stifle a smile.  He prayed for Benedict the fourteenth.  It took a moment for me to realize what he was doing, but then the answer dawned.

The name must have been written as Benedict XVI (which is sixteenth) but he read it as Benedict XIV (which would be fourteenth).  Bonus points should be awarded to this brave young man who is obviously working on his understanding of Roman numerals.

A special year for faith

Was it an act of providence or is something else at work?  Just yesterday, I spoke with the community gathered here about the importance of faith in the life of our students and our children, in fact in all our lives.  This morning, there is an announcement from Rome about a special Year of Faith which will be observed beginning next year.

His Holiness, Benedict XVI says:  I have decided to announce a Year of Faith. It will begin on 11 October 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and it will end on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, on 24 November 2013. Apostolic Letter Motu proprio data entitled Porta fidei, published this moring in Rome.

This is not the first time that a Year of Faith has been proclaimed.The Servant of God Paul VI announced one in 1967, to commemorate the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul on the 19^th centenary of their supreme act of witness. He thought of it as a solemn moment for the whole Church to make "an authentic and sincere profession of the same faith"; moreover, he wanted this to be confirmed in a way that was "individual and collective, free and conscious, inward and outward, humble and frank". He thought that in this way the whole Church could reappropriate "exact knowledge of the faith, so as to reinvigorate it, purify it, confirm it, and confess it". The great upheavals of that year made even more evident the need for a celebration of this kind. It concluded with the Credo of the People of God, intended to show how much the essential content that for centuries has formed the heritage of all believers needs to be confirmed, understood and explored ever anew, so as to bear consistent witness in historical circumstances very different from those of the past.

There are gifts being prepared for us during this upcoming year of grace.  As the preparations for its observance are put into place over the next months, we ourselves must do our part, preparing our hearts like soil in a garden, to receive the gift of faith, to grow in our appreciation for it, to marvel at it and to learn even more how to share it.

The dialogue begins

Lex orandi, lex credendi: the law of prayer is the law of belief.  This ancient credo is still true today, and bears witness when we consider that the prayers we utter have the power to transform us, and to provide wisdom and guidance for those who seek.

In the first part of my reflections on the Eucharistic prayer, particularly the responses of the people which belong properly to the Preface, there is food for thought about how we are called to be examples of faith for our young and for all those who challenge us to be the best, most faith-filled people we can be.

Listen in or just keep reading to find out more:

For the children

Five hundred young women were here for Mass on Wednesday of this past week, all of them students at Marymount Academy.  When we were ready to begin the liturgy, I explained to them that all Catholic churches in English-speaking parts of the world are currently preparing for some revisions to the texts we use for Mass.  I pointed out that we have provided cards in all our pews with responses for the people, and I invited them to follow along as the Mass continued.

It wasn’t all that long ago that I myself was in their place, a student filled with dreams hopes and expectations.  One thing is sure though: the world in which our young people are growing up today is very different from the world in which many of us did, even just a few years ago.  Where once we may have taken it for granted that our children were familiar with routines such as regular attendance at Sunday Mass and the recital of Grace before meals, in many situations today, these habits cannot be presumed.  More and more, it would seem that prayer has been relegated to the domain of private space, but faith is nourished by both private and public prayer.  Faced with the challenge of competition from modern-day society, perhaps even more than ever before, we have a responsibility to be visible and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, for we have been called by name by one who we did not know.

 

Each day, Christ tries to show and tell us how much he loves us. If we hear his voice, his words resound at the depth of our being.  In fact they beg to be proclaimed for all to hear.  The question is Do we want to hear his voice?  Are we truly listening for it, or are we content to abdicate the responsibility that is ours, preferring to believe that our lives and our destinies are in the hands of a culture that speaks a different gospel?  If we answer yes to the first two of these inquiries, then we have begun to understand the meaning of true discipleship, but while we look to Him to be our strength, we must also be willing to accept the responsibility of evangelizing the world around us.  This was the task entrusted to the first apostles, to our parents, and to their parents before them.  It is the task now passed on to all of us, for the sake of the children and the young adults who are in our homes and in our schools.

Good disciples are good citizens.  None of us present here today would expect to be free of property taxes, or rent payments for the places we call home.  We don’t even think twice about paying the HST on purchases of goods and services.  Give to Caesar, the things that are Caesars.  Jesus’ teaching in today’s gospel is clear, but there’s a second part to this teaching: Give to God the things that are God’s.  Perhaps the most important work that any Christian can hope to accomplish in this life is to find the balance between these two responsibilities.  Living as responsible citizens and good stewards is one way that we can provide an example for our children, and for our neighbours.  We also provide good example for our young and for those who look up to us when we understand and appreciate the gift of our faith and celebrate it well.

The entire liturgy of the Eucharist is an act of thanksgiving to God for all that we receive from Him.  In particular, as we listen to and recite the words of the preface, the first part of this prayer, we enter into a conversation with God, not unlike a dialogue we may have with a friend.  In today’s second reading, Paul greeted his friends at Thessalonica warmly: Grace to you and peace.  Likewise, when we begin the Eucharistic Prayer, the first words spoken are a greeting between the priest and the congregation: The Lord be with you … and with your spirit.  Since the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, the priest then invites: Lift up your hearts. In other words, Give unto God the things that are God’s and the assembly responds in joyful agreement, We lift them up to the Lord.  With these words, we acknowledge that all we have is a gift from God.  Therefore, when the priest continues: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God, the people acknowledge that it is right and just.  The priest then speaks on behalf of the gathered community, expressing a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God which ends with an invitation for all those present to unite our voices as we recite or sing together the angelic hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.  Heaven and earth are full of your glory.  Hosanna in the highest.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest.

The Eucharistic Prayer is indeed the prayer of God’s people.  Its words are uttered with ever growing conviction as we come to understand them.  What’s more, if we allow these words to truly permeate our hearts, and to find a home there, they have the power to transform us, to help us listen more attentively for the voice of Him who calls us by name.  What better gift than this ability to listen, and to respond in faith, can we offer to our children?

Dream big

The more I live in this community, the more I marvel at some of the wonderful people who call this place home!  There is a real sense that people care, and this is made evident in many ways.  Some of these are made possible thanks to those who know others.  After all, building bridges begins with one person knowing another, introducing that person to another ... and so on.

The possibilities for good are absolutely endless, but nowhere are they more evident than in situations where some who have the means gather to plan for the good of others who are struggling.  In the world of technology, the dream is that communication should be easy (and where the tools are available, it often is) but the truth is that where there are walls preventing communication, no dreams are easy. Perhaps nowhere are walls more insurmountable than in the lives of teenagers and young adults who have no where to turn for support.  The results of such isolation can be (and often are) disasterous both for the individuals concerned and for the communities in which they live, but this reality doesn't have to be the last word.

What would this city (or any city for that matter) be like if there were truly people who cared enough to listen?  What would happen if there were a place like the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth in every community: a place where teens and young adults knew they could turn for help when in times of distress?  What if there were a place like Insight in every community to help drug adicts to find a welcome, a listening ear or a helping hand?  What if there were places like the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, ready to answer a call when all other appeals seemed to go unanswered?

The good news is that these places do indeed exist.  The examples they provide are inspiring signs of hope for what can be, if only we would dare to dream.

There goes some of it

On Wednesday of this week, the scaffolding in the east tower was removed.  As it came down, the last spots of brick were re-pointed (the spots where the scaffolding itself was fastened to the walls).  The pieces of the scaffolding were loaded on a flatbed today and hauled away to its next place.  In fact, the trucks left the property after darkness had already set in.

Within two more weeks, the rest of the scaffolding will also be moved, but before that happens, the last 5% of the re-pointing on the outsides of the west tower will be completed.  In addition, there are still some last minute adjustments to be made to the flooring in both towers at the bell level, and to the hatches which have been installed there. 

Oh, and there will also be some additions made to the access ladders in both towers ... and atop the towers, where there once were wooden decorative louvers, some bird netting will be installed as a temprary measure until next spring when we can have the louvers fabricated and put in place.

 Inside the towers, the wiring has been installed for the ringing of the bell.  Once the rest of the scaffolding has been removed, representatives of the Verdin Bell company will be on site to complete the installation of the hammer that will be mounted beside the bell, and the connection of the electronics which will then allow the bell to ring.

This is a day that has been very long in coming, and much anticipated.

Déjà vu

Only yesterday, the students from a neighbouring high school descended the hill and joined us here for the celebration of the Eucharist.  This morning, it was my turn to climb the stairs and to greet them up close.

As they entered the doors of the school, some appeared to still be sleeping, while others were hastily headed for any myriad of locales: the volleyball court, their lockers, the music room, their favorite hangout.  I couldn't help wondering how many of them actually noticed me, and how many of them were perhaps wondering who I was.  Perhaps there were some who chose to turn the other way, although none would readily admit such an afront.

As the last of them entered, the bell signalling the beginning of another day sounded, and I was ushered into the place from where I would be invited to pray the opening prayer, part of the exercises common to that scholastic environ.  This of couse was followed by a series of announcements, and then the academic day could begin.

I spent some time chatting with a few of the staff members, and then ventured into the wing where the Grade 7-8 classes were to be found.  Most of these students I had not met (until today), and whle some greeted me with words that portrayed existing relationships of varying levels, there were many whose blank stares told yet another story.  In the weeks and months to come, there will be other occasions though for me to come to know more of them, and for them to come to know me better.

The adventure should be quite interesting.

More than 500

Today at noon there was a barage of students arriving in the church.  In total, there were some 540 students from Marymount Accademy (MMA for short).  Just days after the secular Thanksgiving holiday, this gathering furnished an occasion for the students to give thanks to God for the gifts they have received, even as they also recognized the challenge to be apostles to their friends as well as to strangers.

Perhaps the most surprised were those who gather for the daily Mass here, but the truth is that anyone is welcome to join us for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, and every occasion such as this is an opportunity to teach and to learn.  Students willingly accepted the responsibility to proclaim the scriptures and some of the staff assisted with the distribution of communion.

These gatherings are also opportunities for the teachers (myself included) to learn.  Observation allows us to perceive the need for additional catechesis, and also the opportunity to give praise for examples well set.

Since we are currently preparing for the introduction of the revised Roman Missal and the accompanying General Instruction, this was a perfect opportunity to invite the students to begin using some of the new responses (thanks to printed cards which are located in the pews).  They willingly participated, even as they were obviously learning about the responses that are particular to weekend celebrations and Masses for Solemnities (of which today was neither), and those which are used for all Masses (including today's ferial observation).

Once this encounter had been completed, the students (and others who were present) continued along the road, back to their studies, back to their lives, all challenged to be apostles in today's world.

New Archbishop in Gatineau

The Holy Father announced a number of appointments of bishops today.  Such nominations happen quite frequently, but this time, one of the appointments is for a territory in Canada, and for someone who I (and a number of others) know.


The official announcement says:

The Holy Father, Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation from the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese of Gatineau (Canada), presented by His Excellency, Roger Ébacher, in conformity with Canon 401, para. 1 of the Code of Canon Law (in other words, he has reached the age limit of 75 years and has submitted the requisite resignation letter).

The Pope has appointed as Metropolitan Archbishop of Gatineau, His Excellency, Paul-André Durocher, until now Bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall (Canada).

Archbishop Durocher was born on May 28, 1954 in Windsor, Ontario.  After having completed primary and secondary studies in Timmins, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Music, 1972) at the University of Western Ontario in London and a secon Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1980 from the University of Ottawa.

 Having completed Theological studies at Saint-Paul University in Ottawa, he ws ordained a priest on July 2, 1982 for the diocese of Timmins.  In 1992, he obtained a Licence in Canon Law from the University of Strasburg in France and in 1996, a Licence in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome).

Elected titular Bishop of Ausuaga and Auxiliary of Sault Ste. Marie on January 20, 1997, his Episcopal consecration took place on March 14 of that year.

On April 27, 2002, he was named Bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall.


He is currently a member of the Permanent Council of the CCCB and a member of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy and the Sacraments for the francophone sector.

Getting used to it

Over the past four weeks, I've been trying to explain some of the needed catechesis around the changes to the translations, and also using this opportunity to provide an opportunity for people in our pews to deepen their appreciation for the words we speak and the meanings they convey.

Beginning this weekend, parishioners were invited to use the cards we've inserted in the pews to help them get used to the new responses.  This will take some time, and even though many if not most will quickly get used to the new wording, there will be some who may resist.  In time though, more and more of us will become more and more accustomed to the words.  Only when they come instinctively will we venture to declare ourselves comfortable.  In the meanwhile, there are still questions from those who are confused by the new and from those who have been away (for whatever reason).

It takes time and patience for all of us.

Construction nearing the end

After almost six months of construction on the towers at this church, the scaffolding has become a fixture (both literally and figuratively) as have the workers whose vehicles are present on our property from sunrise to sunset.  Finally though, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

At some point in the coming days, the scaffolding surrounding the East tower will begin to come down.  As it does, the final pointing in that tower will take place (in the spots where the scaffolding is fastened to the tower).  Once these final bits of mortar have cured, the tower will be complete.

Work in the West tower is almost complete as well.  In the next two weeks or so, that scaffolding will also be removed, and the final pointing will take place.  Before that happens though, the last parts of the window frames (there are twenty-two windows in all) are being scraped and repainted.  It's just a matter of odds and ends at this point, but sometimes there can be lots of those as well ... like the extra two feet of access ladders in each of the towers.  I'm not sure at this point if that final bit of construction has been complete, but I'm sure that the workers won't leave before it's put in place.

The wiring has been installed for the upgrades to the bell.  Once the masonry work is complete, the foundry will send its own reps to tend to the bell.  Before very long, she who has been silently waiting atop the tower will sing for all to hear.

What we believe

Having previously presented explanations of the adaptations of the liturgical greeting, the Penitential Act and the words of the ancient hymn of praise, the next in the series focuses on the wording of the creed.

There are actually two creeds in current use in the Catholic Church, the Nicaean and the Apostles' creeds.  Although their history and development are varied, both can be used interchangeably at liturgical celebrations.  The revisions to the Roman Missal and to the General Instruction that accompany it have also provided some changes to the words that will be recited when we pray these symbols of faith together. 

Listen in to this week's reflection or just keep reading to find out more: 

The ties that bind
Happy Thanksgiving!  With these two words, families small and large from all parts of this country greet each other this weekend.  If by chance there should be someone here today who is unfamiliar with the celebration of Thanksgiving, fear not. This is your chance to learn everything you ever wanted to know about a North American Autumn festival.  People in the United States also mark this harvest celebration, although not for a few weeks yet.  Families of all shapes and sizes gather with friends to share a meal traditionally composed of turkey and a number of other provisions in a true gastronomic feast.  This is not a weekend to be on a diet.  Instead its a time to indulge and to renew the ties that bind us together: to recognize the many people who have been sources of blessing for us over the past year, to remember occasions of grace and to pay attention to specific ways in which we have been challenged to grow, even as we give thanks for the bounty of the harvest.

The custom of sharing a meal with family and friends is nothing new.  Banquets have always been part of major celebrations.  It is therefore not by any mere coincidence that the prophet Isaiah speaks of a feast made up of rich food and well-aged wines offered by the Lord of hosts.  This imagery was no doubt known to the chief priests and the Pharisees who listened as Jesus tried to explain to them what heaven is like.  In this case, he speaks of the riches afforded to royalty, and the lavish love that would compel a monarch to spare no expense for the celebration of his son's wedding meal.  In fact, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist, it was his intent that we should see in the simple gifts placed upon the altar, the riches of a banquet which is offered for each and every one of us.

The writings of the early Fathers of the Church and many others after them tell us that great care was taken to explain the mysteries of our faith to those who wanted to understand them.  Even from the earliest times, the church has been a source of learning, and those who have endeavored to enter upon the journey of faith have most often been taught first about the creeds, the words we use even today to express our beliefs.  In the past number of decades, much of the Church's wisdom has been questioned, and many of our practices examined under microscopes, but the truth is that our beliefs have never changed.  Our creeds are just as valid today as they ever have been.  Within the words spoken by a gathered congregation lie the ties that bind this community together.  Herein are found the beliefs that we profess.  In fact, the words of our creeds are still used today to instruct catechumens, those who wish to learn more about us, and who eventually may choose to join us on this journey of faith.

Whether we use the wording of the Nicene Creed, written and adopted at the first Council of Nicaea in 325, or the shorter Apostles' Creed, both are sources of teaching about what the Christian community believes.  We use these creeds today to instruct but also to affirm our own belief.  In the dioceses of the United States of America, the Creed of choice, spoken every Sunday is the Nicene, however in Canada, we have a choice to use the Nicene or the Apostles' creed during the celebration of our Sunday Masses, and at the Masses celebrated on liturgical Solemnities such as Christmas, Easter and at other times during the year.  Like many other parts of the liturgy, the words of these two creeds have been slightly altered in the new translation that we are still learning about.  In the coming weeks, we will need to pay particular attention to the words, even as we speak them together.

Each week, we speak these words aloud as a re-affirmation of the faith that binds us together as a people who believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.  We believe that he descended into hell; and that on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.  We believe also in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.  

Together with friends and the members of God's family, let us therefore give thanks for the gift of our faith, and let us speak the words of our creeds boldly, for they are the ties that bind us together.  They are the reason for our presence here today, and for our presence in faith with the arrival of every tomorrow.

For the soles

Normally, most of the 'work' I do has to do with the soul and how it communicates, but every now and then, I also get a chance to take care of people's soles.

Last weekend, children in this parish were invited to prepare gifts for some of the homeless.  The recipients of these gifts are (and probably will remain) unknown to most of those who were involved in preparing these little packages, and yet this act of kindness has not gone unnoticed.

This morning, I delivered about two dozen pairs of socks, each of which was wrapped with ribbon and accompanied by a package of gum.  Each little package also bore a note addressed to the recipient.  The note explained that this gift is prepared with love for those who need these articles by children of this parish.  Each note is also decorated, courtesy of one of the children, in hopes of brightening someone's day.

When they were delivered to Foyer Notre Dame, the person who accepted them asked that I convey her heartfelt gratitude to those who had prepared these little treasures.  In her words: Please tell the children that we really appreciate their generosity.

Small acts of kindness can go a long way ... toward building bridges between organizations which are all trying to take care of those in need, and toward creating people of service who are capable of seeing the need for responding compassionately to those who need our help ... one soul (or is that one sole) at a time.

It's voting day

Throughout this week, various provinces and territories across this great land have been running to the polls to elect provincial and territorial politicians.  There are different systems in some parts of the country, but the basic tenet is the same: all citizens have the right to vote for their candidate of choice.

Today is voting day in Ontario, so this morning, I dusted off the card that arrived in the mail a few weeks ago.  The fact that Elections Ontario actually found me was in itself somewhat of a feat, given that over the past five years or so, I've had to register at the polling booth.  Regardless, I took my trusty card and made my way to the polling station indicated.  In this case, it was the local public library, located just a block or so away.

With card (and identification) in hand, I did indeed find the right place, and as it turns out, I knew at least one of the returning officers.  She still asked for my identification (a matter of principle I suppose).  Once the voting was done, I was on my way out the door, but since I was actually in the public library, I thought I might ask a few questions about whether the books on the short list for the Giller prize were available.

It turns out that there is a display set up with copies of many of the former Giller winners, but alas, although a printed copy of the short list for this year's competition is available, none of the actual volumes are.  It seems that they are all out on loan, and there are waiting lists already in place.  Although I did leave the library without any of this year's candidates, I did manage to find a copy of Jane Urquart's The Stone Carvers, part of the Giller short list in 2001.

Went in the door for one thing, and came out the door with another.  Isn't that the adventure of life?

Out of the mouths of babes

A few weeks ago, I visited Saint Francis School for the day of their first monthly prayer service.  During that time, we thanked God for the safe arrival of new friends (the school amalgamated with Saint Michael school over the summer months) and for the successful (almost) completion of the renovations to their new premises.  In the course of this thanksgiving, I also had an opportunity to sprinkle water on the walls of the building and on all the students who were starting a new year of study.

This month, when I arrived for the Thanksgiving prayer service, one of the Kindergarten students asked Why did you sprinkle me the last time you were here?  I half expected him to wonder about what else I would do this time around.  I made a mental note to find something tangible or action-oriented that I could share with students during subsequent visits.

***
This morning, I went to St. David's, another elementary school, this one located in the boundaries of the parish where I currently serve.  Beginning in mid-September, I am endeavoring to spend about 30 minutes once a week with one class of students in this school.  As it turns out, each class begins its day with breakfast, and this provides a perfect opportunity for some informal conversation with these new friends.

Today, I found myself in a Grade 1-2 class.  We shared a bowl of cereal and the children took it in turns to tell me stories about what's going on in their lives. At this age, they are innocent and conversations come easily.  I couldn't help wondering though, how long such innocence will last.  For the moment, it's important to listen and to learn how to play ... something these youngsters have mastered, and a lesson that they willingly share with the more experienced children among them.  Whether it's the excercise of sharing an apple, or learning how to use a glue stick, even for a few moments, the children can become the teachers if we allow them to share their wisdom with us.

With thankful hearts

Yesterday, I was at St. Francis school for a prayer service with the students and teachers.  The theme of this month's gathering was (and is) thanksgiving.  As it happens, this coming weekend will see the celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving, so it is good that we should get the students thinking about all for which they can be thankful.

Students gathered in the school gymnasium and prepared for this time of prayer (quite a challenge given the fact that there has been such a drastic change to the make-up of the student body over the past few months.  Where once there were students from JK-Grade 8, the school is now made up of students from JK-Grade 6.

Some the Grade 6 students dramatized the gospel passage of the healing the ten lepers.  Their hours of practice and dedication paid off.  We were all very thankful for their help, bringing this passage to life for us.

Ms Visentin's Grade 3 class also helped us to appreciate the importance of giving thanks.  The children wrote a cryptic poem which pointed out many blessings which we so often take for granted, and wrote their reflections out for us.  By the time they were finished telling their tale, the sheets they were holding spelled the word T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G.

***
Yesterday was also the liturgical feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the school, so a wood carving of the saint (which is yet to find a home somewhere in the office or in the newly-renovated foyer) was put on display for all the students to see.

In the days, months and years to come, passers by will be able to appreciate this work of art, even as they learn a little about the life of this thirteenth-century saint.

A new tune for an old song

This week, I continue the series of homilies meant to help those in the pews of this place, and those in pews of different sorts in other places to understand a bit about the whys and wherefores of the revised Roman Missal: the texts which will be introduced this year in the Roman Catholic parishes of Canada.

The Gloria (or Glory to God) is among the most ancient hymns sung collectively by God's people, but how often do we truly listen to the words we speak or sing every Sunday?  Do we ever stop to marvel at the great gift of tender love that God offers us every day, or do we take it for granted.

Listen in or read on.  Perhaps this week's reflection will provide an impetus for us to truly become people of gratitude for gifts offered out of love.

When the choir sings
From a very young age, most of us are introduced to music. Whether through recordings and toys that hang inside our cribs, or from the calming tones of a mother who sings a lullaby, music has a way of speaking to infants in a way that very few spoken words can. As we mature, music can continue to influence who we become, even as adults. People listen to all kinds of music, but not all kinds of music are appealing to all people. If the music is unpleasant, we say that it is noise. If it is pleasing, it can be like the words of a love song sung for one's beloved. The prophet Isaiah uses this imagery when he recounts God's reflection about His creation. The words of today's first reading portray our God as deeply in love with His creation (that's us). Every day, God invites us to listen to the music of his voice, to be lulled by the tones of his lullaby, to believe that we are His beloved and that he would go to any length to show us the depth of His love.

Now, if I asked you all to sing a love song, right here, right now, some might come forward (at first hesitatingly) but others might very possibly run for the doors of the church, or at the very least politely refuse to demonstrate their musical talent, but what if we considered the fact that singing God's love song can take on a number of different forms. What if I went a bit further and suggested that at times there is beautiful music and at other times there is just noise? Consider for a moment that we human beings have it within our power to listen to the voice within, God's voice, the voice of reason, the voice of our conscience ... and we also have it in our power to ignore this voice. Have you ever noticed how often it seems that when we are listening, the music of life is melodic, and how often it happens that when we are not, this same music is discordant?

Ecologists tell us that there is much to concern us about the health of our planet. In recent years, there is much more talk about greenhouse gases, about finding eco-friendly solutions to our consumerist mentalities, and about preserving the delicate balance that nature needs in order to sustain itself. We ourselves are no different; God has been trying to tell us the same thing for a long time, but the words of the prophets were ignored by many. Even Jesus' teaching about the landowner who planted a vineyard and took such care to cultivate it didn't succeed in converting the hearts of the chief priests and the elders. Perhaps some of them did grasp his meaning, but I'm willing to bet that most of them were too caught up in their own concerns to pay any attention to the notes of the love song he was trying to play.

What about us? How often do we find ourselves worrying about all manner of things: dreams that we have for those we love, concerns because our plans don't always work out the way we envisioned them, worries about how to make ends meet. When the clouds of life close in, we have a choice to surround ourselves with its accompanying noises or to let our requests be known to God, and to trust that He is capable of helping us to hear the music. True, we must do our part, but faith in God allows us to do even small things with great love. Children in our parish are learning this lesson in a very tangible way today. They are preparing socks for the homeless of our community. These gifts will be offered to people our children have never met. Hopefully, they will accept them as tokens of love and signs that they are not alone.

In the concerns and actions of our daily life, God's music can be heard all around us, but nowhere can it be heard more clearly than when we gather in prayer and sing together the ancient hymn by which we praise him for his greatness. We recite or sing it together every week, but have we truly heard it? Listen again, and pay particular attention to words you may not have heard before: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.

Dear friends, let every act of ours be a gesture of giving glory to God. Let every word we speak be an echo of God's song of love sung in our hearts. Let everything we do be about giving glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.