Praying and going to Mass with a group of brothers and priests from an order is an extremely unique experience. And a very good one. The first time you go into a new church it gives you a very off sense. You know all that is going on. The Mass order is the same, the music is similar perhaps, but you feel that every eye is on you and the question going through everyone’s mind is… who is that? And to an extent, it was no different walking into the chapel where 30 or so men of an order. In this case the Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross or perhaps more simply they are known as the Crosiers. In of all places a town of 875 people in Onamia Minnesota.
Welcome
I have heard for years that ‘our parish needs to be more welcoming’ And all of the parishes should be more welcoming. But the question remains how? In our case we put people in the front of the Church welcoming people answering any questions they have. When new parishioners sign up, we bring them to a meeting explain to them some parish history ask for some basic family history from the. We show them the various groups available etc. Yesterday we walked into the priory church about 7:15. Morning Divine office began at 7:30
We sat down in the pews as one would do. It is then that the enveloping love of Christ came about myself and Thea and continued its comfort and love. We were welcomed by one of the brothers who wanted to be sure we knew that the morning would start with morning prayer and showed us the books which this particular order uses and they then offered us seats on the altar along with the brothers and priests. Another of the order showed us what pages we would be using and how the order is followed. This is the way they treat each and every guest.
The divine office started and though I was used to doing the morning prayers in common, it was not anything like this. Men who have lived together for years and years building up a fraternity that seemingly could not ever be pierced now suddenly included my wife and I. We were supported loved and helped along and included in a public liturgy and suddenly we were also a part of the order. That is a welcoming spirit like I have never seen before.
We were guests but more
As guests, we were allowed to stay in the sacristy as Mass began. Again, another made sure we had the proper books and songs that were to be used that day. The spiritual gifts received were very personal, but so much was the gift of fraternity. We were a part of that community and felt an integral part of that community. And that is what the parish needs, again.
Fraternity, in the sense I am using it covers all. Men, women, children, grandchildren etc. Saint Patrick’s 4 priests give everything that they have for all of us. They offer themselves for us. No, they don’t just “work” those few hours a week doing Masses. That s very important. We would lose the summit of our faith without that. But with that they are also the ministers of the Church. Most associate this with leading the Church…But that is not the case. Jesus leads the Church…
Our servants
Jesus’ ministers take care of, heal, provide what is needed. They are what is described in the New Testament as “diakonos” or the English word Deacon. Before they were ordained priests, they were ordained Deacons first. And they never lose that charism. The best description I have heard of Deacon is “table waiter” The one that keeps the water glass filled, clears the dishes, sets up the table so that your dining experience is as great as it can be. And if they are good, the table waiter will not even be noticed, but your night would be so chaotic without such a person.
Church working in Fraternity
The pastor’s main goal is of course to run the particular parish, but also at their heart is this Deacon desire to assist. The important thing here is that by helping and trying to take care of the individuals particular needs spiritual or physical it helps build a bond between the priest and the individual. Building this bond is the beginning of the fraternal relationship. There is the ordained minister, but all of us are called by our Baptism into the role of Priest, King and prophet (go ahead start reading at paragraph 783 in the Catechism… four real cool paragraphs) This allows each of us to help others, be it family friends or strangers. One you begin building that relationship, it spreads.
Just as Thea and I were allowed into that fraternity of love that the Crosiers give, we can bring that fraternity, not just a welcome, but a true love to each one that come through that Church door. And closer and closer that feeling of Heaven on earth is maintained by the priests upon that Altar bringing us the true love that is the Eucharist itself. Be good Play nice Think God!