Failure to Communicate

The other day I posted about the disappointment I had in the way my parish handled the Proposition 2 issue. I was disappointed, because where I attended Mass in Michigan, whenever a ballot initiative came up that a priest could and should discuss "from the pulpit" they took that opportunity. Yet here in Alaska, I saw nothing that came close to active support.

Leading up to the election I made sure that I did what I could in terms of supporting the proposal. I posted about it on my blog, linked to the Catholic Anchor, linked to the APR website, and I even wrote to my parish urging them to support the measure publicly in various ways that were available. I received in return a we are looking into it response. What we got was a brief mention during announcements that a letter from the Archbishop had been printed and was placed near the bulletin. (Not in the bulletin, not stuffed in the bulletin, not even NEXT to the bulletin... but near it. Not to mention it was a word document copy and not on official letterhead.) This... non-action disappointed me. But I offered it up, did what I thought was proper in terms of my own response, and let it go. Prop 2 passed, and I was happy.

Until I read the Catholic Anchor's post from the Archbishop. It stung me like lemon juice on a cut. When I read the post, I wasn't upset by what was said, no, I was upset by what didn't happen. Here is the part that got me (emphasis mine):

So for a year leading up to today’s vote, the Catholic bishops of Alaska – Archbishop Schwietz, Bishop Edward Burns of Juneau and Bishop Donald Kettler of Fairbanks – rallied Alaska’s Catholics to support the parental notice initiative.

From Anchorage, Archbishop Schwietz sent letters to the diocese’s 32 parishes and published statements in the Catholic Anchor encouraging his flock to sign a statewide petition required for the ballot proposition, collect other signatures and otherwise “actively support” the parental notice initiative.

He prompted priests to address the issue from the pulpit and post notices in parish bulletins. Parishioners were urged to collect petition signatures on church property and in their neighborhoods.

...

“The support of the Catholic Church played a crucial role in our success,” Minnery observed.

Once the state certified the petition, a ballot question was prepared for the August primary election. And the Knights of Columbus sprang into action. Councils from around the state, along with the national Catholic men’s group, raised over $80,000 for radio and television advertisements in support of Proposition 2. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood – the nation’s largest purveyor of abortion – and other abortion supporters poured over $800,000 into opposition ads, setting up a David-versus-Goliath media battle.

As the August vote drew near, notices supporting Proposition 2 appeared in Catholic Church bulletins and prayers were offered at Mass.

Sherry Grenier of the Respect Life group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in South Anchorage distributed yard signs and bumper stickers. And on busy intersections, Catholic families including St. Benedict parishioners Megan Walsted and her children joined throngs of supporters waving “Yes on 2” signs to rush hour drivers.

On election day, Alaska’s Knights of Columbus offered rides to the polls. In Anchorage, the group provided 23 rides to voters who lacked transportation, reported District Deputy Cal Williams.

...

What did our parish not understand? We didn't hear it from the pulpit. I even emailed them and asked for it. In fact... you want to know the real sting, Ms. Lisa Murkowski attended Mass at our parish the Sunday before election day. What a chance to publicly speak out against the vile of abortion, with the captive audience of a Catholic Senator who has a less than stellar Pro-Life record. Instead... we heard a homily about community...and respect...and differences.

We didn't have it in our bulletin either. I emailed the links for the bulletin inserts. I offered my time, talent, and treasure to help stuff the bulletins or do whatever it took. Instead... we got a letter near the bulletins.

Now I have never said where I am a parishioner, and I will continue to keep that off the interwebs. That being said, this pushes me ever close to revealing that. My purpose and goal has never to bring scandal or spotlight upon my neighbors, friends, and faith family.

That being said... we failed here. Sure some of us went to vote, and I pray that others voted Yes on two. But as a parish? We failed. We ignored our Bishop, in fact, we defied our Bishop. He said in his post:

It is a core issue for Catholics, who believe the relationship between parent and child is sacred – and not one to be broken by others, including abortion practitioners.

We weren't part of the success. We were too afraid. To afraid to stand up and say anything, too afraid to support the teachings of the faith, and too afraid to stand up to our church leadership and demand they fulfill their obligation to authority.

We failed to proclaim the Gospel to one another. I say we, because we are a parish community. We are only as strong as our weakest link. We win as a team, and lose as a team. As individuals, we might be OK... but that shouldn't be good enough for anyone. If we truly believe in what the Eucharist is... then we failed. For it is supposed to unify and create the communion with one another that only it can bring. Therefore, we failed. We did not communicate the message of our God to one another, and therefore failed in communicating it to the world.

I know people from my parish know who I am. I don't hide who I am on my blog, I also don't advertise. Our parish business is our own. But if we are unwilling to stand for this most basic teaching of the faith... we will fall for anything, and should that be kept quiet? Our parish, and others like it, must do a better job of teaching the faith. We aren't the only ones. In many parishes in the area Catechesis is laughable, ministries are wacky and questionable, an inconsistent (or worse sometimes: heterdoxical and even heretical) message is conveyed about the teachings of the faith, and the liturgical life is about as inspiring and sacred as an Alaskan grey sky. It is harder and harder to refrain from saying these things. I do want to be charitable, but at some point silence becomes an enabling effect. How come Anchorage parishes have Respect for Life groups? The answer is not because they asked for it. We ask for things. I know of at least 4 people that have offered themselves carte blanche to various parishes to no avail. We must become an authentic Catholic community.

The sick and twisted irony of this situation is that in a mere month or so we are going to celebrate "Respect for Life" month. Will we hear this message then? Will we have people stand up and have dinners, breakfasts, and get into Diocesan papers showing how Pro-Life we are? Every last parishioner at our parish, and at any parish that doesn't consistently hear a Pro-Life anti-abortion message, should demand to know why not. This can not be an issue that is used for clout, fame, or religious-political popularity.

We have abortion clinics in our surrounding towns, but no parish Pro-Life/Anti-abortion ministries... why not? We have prisons and therefore prison ministries... why isn't the same true for life issues? For those that say: "You don't need the parish." You are right... buy my point is why not?

We have failed to communicate to one another the importance of this issue. So instead we communicate another message. We tell each other that innocent life doesn't matter. We communicate that Social Justice is free trade coffee and taking kids on mission trips. (Don't get me wrong, valid, necessary, and important things... but not sufficient.) We communicate that Social Justice works are about something else... We have failed to communicate though, the Gospel. So we have failed in our Catholic duty. I cannot stand for this...and neither should you. This is one issue... but there will be others. Issues like this are toxic to the faith, they mock God and they rot the core of our parish. Once the core is gone... what fruit can survive? Do not let the silence prevail.

**N.B.:
I was informed of a post by Msgr. Charles Pope. It addresses the issue of preaching and priests. It is a very informative and insightful piece. It quotes Pope St. Gregory the Great and his instruction on preaching. You can read it here: (Link)

The Job of a Priest

Fr. Longenecker, of Standing on my Head wrote about his first homily at his new parish. He conveyed a message that I haven't heard since I was back in Michigan listening the likes of Fr. Acervo and Fr. Ricardo.

His post talked about the Cross, what a parish is for, and the role of a parish priest. You can read his full post here: "The Way of the Cross"


The most telling part for me was how he views the role of a parish priest:

Just completed my first Sunday as the new parish priest at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish. Got a very warm welcome and we're off to a flying start. The homily was about what a parish is for, and therefore what a parish priest's job is.

I spoke about the cross being made up of the vertical beam and the horizontal. The vertical represents our worship of God and fulfills the first commandment to Love God. Therefore the first priority of the church is not social work or pastoral concern or political change or being nice people or even education or catechesis, but worship, devotions, prayer and the sacramental life. Therefore the parish priest's first job is to lead the people to "worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, bow down before him his praises proclaim." Part of that job at OLR is going to be to build a new church. Plans are well underway and you can follow the progress of that exciting project here.

I wish more priests would take this view. What separates us from other Christian denominations are the Sacraments and our devotion to Mary, the Angels and Saints.  If they are not our focus... then are we really, truly Catholic?

I wonder what a pastoral lay leaders first job is... since they have different "abilities" and limitations?
Is that why some parishes struggle?
Could a strong and very orthodox lay leader do the same as a priest?

I wonder?

Maybe that is why Jesus set things up the way He did...


... He sure was smart wasn't He?


.

Firsts

The other day I had the HONOR of helping two young Catholics participate in "Firsts" in their life.

The first was a sister of a friend. She is visiting her sister here in Alaska, and they came and visited us. They said they wanted to go fishing because although our friend lives here, her sister is currently studying Theology in Europe, and grew up in the Midwest. She had never caught a fish.

So we went down to a fellow parishioner-friend's place, that lives on a river, and decided to do a little fishing before Eucharistic Adoration. And what do you know... she caught her first fish, and a Red [Sockeye Salmon] at that. The technique for this type of fishing is a little tricky and awkward at first, but she quickly got a grasp on it, and was able to pull one in. I was geeked. She caught it on my pole, wearing my waders. Shortly there after we had to pack up and head to Adoration and they had to head home... to eat some Salmon.

I was pretty happy, and felt blessed. You could say it was a great way to spend the afternoon with fellow Catholics. (As a side note, the instant I met her, my wife told her to as me a question she had discussed in one of her classes regarding the Tridentine Form of Baptism. Talk about a way to instantly get on my good side).

I thought that my day was pretty good, I could have gone to bed and chalked it up as a good day. But then...

...something even cooler happened!

As we were leaving for Adoration, packing up our fishing stuff, I asked one of the young daughters of our friend, at whose place we were fishing, if she wanted to come to Adoration. (NB: Adoration is fairly new thing in this area.) She said, "Sure, I've never been." It was a pretty loud and resonating YES in my heart.

While we were there, we all prayed and talked a bit. I know that Adoration is about us and Jesus, but I don't think He minded the conversation, since it was about Him. It really was a moving experience for me... and hopefully for our guest as well. I have worked with teens since, well, I was a teen and I am always excited to hear their perspective on life and their faith.

So I was pretty blessed the other day, getting to experience firsts. That is the great thing about really surrounding yourself with people of your same faith and values... you get to experience life together in a deep and meaningful way. When experiences present themselves to you, their relation to the faith is easy, when you and your friends share the same theological and philosophical base. It makes life easier to digest, and it allows simple things like fishing to have a deep spiritual impact. It also allows deep spiritual events like Adoration, to be spread and shared to everyday friends.

Deo Gratias!

5 Ways Your Parish Can Improve Its Sacred Space

Matt over at Shrine of the Holy Whapping has posted a "How-To" instructional on 5 easy ways (concepts) that any parish can follow to improve their Sacred Space. All of his advice is practical and can be implemented easily and best of all, over time. In other words, his advice takes into account the fact that most parishes don't have millions of dollars to renovate their parish "Extreme Home Makeover Style" and therefore his advice comes in a form that can be implemented at most parishes.

Why "Improve" your Sacred Space? Well unless you are fortunate enough to go to a BEAUTIFUL parish already, then you probably go to a church that in the last 40 years has undergone either renovation or is newly built in the modern-auditorium style. Lately, the faithful have been clamoring for a more Sacred and reverent place for God.

His post is worth reading, and is a very straightforward piece. I suggest that folks print out the post and send it in, or take it in to their local pastoral council, or Pastor. But remember, if you want change, you will have to get your hands dirty, so be willing to either do the work or write a check.

His post is here:

Five Things Any Parish Can Do To Improve Sacred Space

(Church: after simple changes)

Here is the quick list (with my commentary):

1. Rearrange Furniture:
• This is the easiest to do.  The point is to be intentional about what you do and liturgically sound. Most Sanctuaries are "random" at best. His advice is small changes to make the Sanctuary more focused on the important things: (for those keeping score at home) The Altar and the Tabernacle. Bringing the Tabernacle "in-line" with the Altar and the Crucifix is an easy start. The Sanctuary should be "useable" in the sense that people walk around in it throughout Mass, and do so in a pretty set pattern. The Altar, Tabernacle, Priests chairs, and altar servers seating should be placed in logical areas and directions.
2. Consider a New-Color Scheme:
• This is a simple change. Add some color and texture to the walls. The posters main point here is, because many parishes have white or grey walls running throughout the church, they have a very institutional and cold feeling. Whitewashed walls aren't very visually appealing. They also don't draw people to the Sacred. Use patterns, textures, and break-up for areas of large uninterrupted color.
3. Add New Paraments and Hangings:
• This is dangerous advice to give to churches, especially with the fondness for FELT that has be acquired in the last few decades. His point is to use hangings in a way that create a new visual look to the church at a low cost, and in some cases to cover other "problems." We aren't talking "liturgical" colors here necessarily; instead we are taking more semi-permanent hangings, therefore he suggests that colors should be used that are more harmonious to the overall look and feel in the church.
4. Put In a New Floor
• This is probably the most "expensive" piece of advice. Carpet is bad. It kills sound, it looks "domestic" and the pattern looks outdated the day that it is new. Not to mention the fact that it gets dirty, and for health reasons should be cleaned way more often than it is. I know in Alaska, carpet is used because there is this thought that it is "safe" in terms of slipping. (Because of all the snow and ice.) Yet, this doesn't have to be done, lock, stock and barrel. Start with the Sanctuary. Use "various" flooring in different parts. The main aisle, near or around statues, etc. The point is you are trying to make the church look more Sacred.
5. Re-Organize Well-Meaning Clutter 
• More is not More, and Less isn't always More. The advice here is: taking things away can make things look bland and bare, while adding things, such as statues, to bare areas might just look cluttered. The point is to use a logical relationship between art and structure to create a look and "feel" of Sacred space.

Finally, he gives on last over-arching piece of advice:

Work with what you have, and don't work against it. You may not be able to turn your 1950s A-frame church into Chartres, but if you try to find art that harmonizes with its perhaps now rather quaint attempts at futurism, while at the same time seeking to reconnect it with tradition, the result may have a pleasing consistency to it. Simply dropping garish plaster statuary in a dull modern church results in a museum diorama of the history of American Catholic bad taste. Try instead to find common ground, while at the same time ennobling it in some fashion. Many of the examples of the "other modern" we have showcased on this website may give you ideas. While it may lack the grandeur of Rome or Florence, it can still become a beautiful, unified expression of the Faith.

My advice is to re-evaluate your parish every 3-5 years. This doesn't mean make BIG changes every 3-5 years, it just means re-evaluate. Think about how often you re-decorate your home. I don't mean new furniture and new carpet, I just mean a re-evaluation, and yes buying a new home counts. I would say most folks do it more frequently than 3-5 years. So, why wouldn't we do the same with our parish? Again, the point isn't to stay "modern" or in "fashion" it is to ensure that the space, the church, is Sacred. Little things help and can move toward the Sacred.

Lastly, change is hard for people to accept. My advice is the more regularly you change, add, or remove small things the more comfortable people will get with the idea. This doesn't mean to change for change's sake, it just means that there is no time like the present. Also, Catechesis on the "WHY" of the change is very important. It will explain to people WHY the change is being made, and settle in their hearts a bit the change. Again, change is difficult for many to accept, unless of course the change is POSITIVE and DESIRED. If you explain that the DESIRE comes from GOD, and the POSITIVE is that the new "look" creates a more Sacred and Worship-Worthy space, people will be much more likely to be on board. Remember, you can't please everyone... but we are only looking to please one person here: God.

Pray for Fr. Francis Le - Holy Family Cathedral, Anchorage, Alaska

I received this email from a reader today, regarding some turmoil that is occurring at Holy Family Cathedral in Anchorage Alaska. The Pastor, who seems to be doing a wonderful job there has come under some attack and scrutiny. Please pray for them.:

Dear friends of Father Francis,

You might have caught a hint from some of Father's recent sermons that there is great turmoil at HFC. Some staff and some parishioners are complaining about the recent changes in liturgy and administration as well as the building of the Holy Family Center. The Archdiocese has heard a lot of complaints.

It is time for those of us who support Father Francis also to be heard. A "visitation" will soon take place to determine if Father Francis has been properly "pastoral" in meeting the needs of the congregation.

If you support Father, as I and many others do, please, very soon, let the powers that be know that you are excited about the changes he has accomplished in just two years, and the changes that he hopes to make in the next four years.

Here are some people you should contact sooner rather than later:

Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, ab.schwietz@caa-ak.org, 297-7755
Fr. Emmerich Vogt, Provincial, Western Dominican Province at opwest.org

God's blessings on our parish and our parishioners at Holy Family Cathedral

Now for those of you that may not live in Alaska, and wonder "What business is this of mine?" Or, "How do I know the truth?" Well, that I cannot tell you, so all I can ask of you is to pray. Pray for Father Francis, the parish of Holy Family, and for the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

I will leave you with a few interesting highlights about Father Francis Le and the Cathedral Parish that he is the pastor over... it may shed some light on "why" some are complaining:

• He is a Dominican Order priest.
• Here is the link to the Parish: Holy Family Cathedral
• TWICE Daily Mass
• Three (3) Masses on Saturday
• Five (5) Masses on Sunday (One in Spanish)
• Weekly Mass in the Usus Antiquior (Tridentine Mass)
• Daily Liturgy of the Hours - Both Lauds and Vespers; Compline on Friday
• TWICE Daily Rosary
• DAILY CONFESSION - TWICE ON SATURDAY
• (NB: This is all done with 3 priests)
• A Newly constructed "Holy Family Center" that houses the Education center, the Holy Family Library, and St. Paul's Corner - Catholic Bookstore: The entire center... PAID FOR aka Without Debt.
• A Vibrant parish life with groups, ministries, and apostolates such as the: Knights of Columbus, Prison Ministry, Women's Group, Young Adults, Youth Group, OVER 10 Prayer and study groups, and many more.
• They have a schola, choir, and music director... which attend to all the Mass needs mentioned above.

So please continue to pray for them. There is some obvious turmoil that exists in this vibrant parish and they are all in need of our prayers. If you are an Alaskan, and are familiar with this parish please contact the appropriate folks with helpful and charitable words of encouragement, and your assessment on the situation.

Leaders and being led...

Someone recently told me something... and I don't know if it is true or not, but my over analytical brain can't get off of this comment.

They said that when a leader starts something, or is leading a group of people, that whether or not the "movement" will exist beyond the tenure of the leader has less to do with the leader, and more about the group. He said that sometimes, a group will follow someone just because of who they are and what they stand for - and as soon as they are gone that group, falls apart.

Sometimes, though, a spark is lit, and the group continues on without the leader.

I wonder if it really does have anything to do with the leader? I wonder if it is any sort of statement to actually how affective they are?

I wonder if this is why some parishes, dioceses, and movements within the Church march on for long periods of time, while others are a quick bright flash, only to leave as quickly as they came. Again, I wonder if this has to do more with the leaders or the led?

An odd comment...

A group of us has started to pray the Rosary prior to Mass... in an attempt to enliven the spiritual prayer life and community at our parish. There are a lot of factions, divisions, and long-standing "issues" at our parish, and so it is part of our humble attempt to actively do something to glorify God in our parish and create community.

We have done this for about a month, and recently Mass times have changed at our parish so some folks who hadn't necessarily seen this before this past Sunday noticed our group.

After Mass, someone came up and asked how they could "join" our group. I simply said, show up. Then came the odd comment. They then inquired whether they had to sign up or if there was a fee involved. This rattled me a little bit. I don't blame the person, in fact, I applaud their desire considering that they in fact assumed there was a process and a fee to "join our group."

I realized that many parishes have really gotten to the point where everything is a "group" or there is some process involved in "doing things" in our parishes. In fact, our group has regularly been doing this devotion for over a month, and there has been no listing of it in the bulletin, nor will there be I suspect. There is this weird notion in American parishes about "sponsorship." I think that is why the question was posed to me the way that it was. As American Catholics, we are under some misguided understanding that everything that occurs in our Church is some "corporate" undertaking. What I mean by that, is that events must be sponsored and "controlled" by the Church or some group. For the most part, this is unfortunately true. I know our parish and Archdiocese have a very strict policy on who can and can't speak, present, or advertise. This is a good policy in some ways... and horrible in others. It can clearly keep a firm wrap on the proper teachings of the Church, but also discourages community and organic fellowship and apostolates, especially in small communities.

Regardless, it was good to see that our presence was being felt by others. In fact, we have received many comments from various parishioners. I know I personally was approached by 5 new people this week, and in a small parish that is a big show of support. It was odd coming to a parish that didn't have a Rosary prior to Mass, and now that it has started, it will be interesting to see if it can grow. In the spiritual battle that we are all in... we need as many warriors as we can get.

Really Pro-Life

While reading Shoved to Them today, I came across a little anecdote that made me smile and chuckle a bit:

"What is your profession? Breeding?" He asked sarcastically.


"No," I told him. "I've chosen to be the Mother of Nations. We will populate the Earth."


I could tell he didn't get it, so (being the nerd I am) I did a little math for him. "If our children have babies at the same rate that we do, you will have 4 grandchildren and I will have 36. If we keep it going you will have 16 great-great grandchildren and I will have 1296. A few more generations and my decedents can touch every corner of the globe."


There was a long pause on his end, then he wistfully replied, "I would have liked to have had a little girl."

When my wife and I got married, we were required to take an NFP class. The class was... well it just was. I have some very confused thoughts and feelings about NFP. I understand that there are those that use NFP as a family planning method, while others use it in a way to try and help conceive. My wife and I have always used the phrase, "We want as many kids as God blesses us with." It really throws people for a loop. My wife grew up in a house of 4 kids and I in a house of 2. I would say both of us also grew up in lower middle class, or upper-lower class socio-economic situations. That is to say, both families may have had more children if we lived in higher tax brackets.

My wife and I had our "Monkey" 11 months and 1 week after we were married. We don't know how many we will have, but we are friends with families that run the entire spectrum. What is interesting though, is that at our parish we are friends with folks that have quite a few kids. In fact if you took our 10 closest friends at our Parish and added all our kids together, there would be 44. That's 11 families (including us) with an AVERAGE of 4 kids per family. This includes several families that have only 1 child and/or are newly married. Only 1 these families is officially "done" having children. In fact, only one family even has teenagers, the rest are 12 or younger. This is a lot of kids, and in reality when things are said and done, if you gave each family the average amount of kids, the number would grow from 44 to 56. Our parish has a couple hundred families in it, I honestly don't know if there is an exact count. But theoretically, using the same argument as in the above example, we would be a majority in the Church in one more generation. Meaning in about 25 years, there could be 170 - 224 kids, just from our group of 11. Let's just cut that in half - 80-110 new people in the parish in 20 years. Add to that all of us, and you have about 200 people, just from 11 families.

Now if you take 11 families with 2 kids each...using the same math, the number of people stemming from those families will be around 60.

60 v. 200... that is a BIG DIFFERENCE. That is what being REALLY pro-life is all about.

"...One reason to Remain Catholic?"

A dear friend of mine shared with me a difficult situation yesterday. My friend, whom I will call, Deeply Frustrated, shared with us, a group of close friends from our Parish, a difficult question that was posed to them the other day.

Deeply Frustrated (DF) was talking with a friend of theirs who is a "fallen away Catholic" (FAC). FAC has some children the same age as DF does, and so they were talking about school and the summer vacation that is about to start. The topic of summer "Church events" came up, and the discussion eventually lead to the topic of Vacation Bible School. Unfortunately this year, it looks as if the local VBS won't occur, because of a multitude of reasons. The discussion moved from that, to the reasons why it won't occur, until the topic eventually got to the point where both parents were talking about the lack of programs in GENERAL for kids at the local parishes. DF explained to us, her friends, that she wasn't bashing the Parish, in fact she was trying to explain how a lot of people are trying to get things going, but just facing road-blocks. Then, FAC posed the question that shook DF, and shook all of us when she told us about it:

FAC said, "Give me one reason to be Catholic?" She explained that she can take her kids to any one of the other 20+ churches in town and have them get a better understanding of Christ. She knows that any of the other churches have programs, groups, and religious education programs that are in place that will "nourish" the children's faith better than what our Parish can provide. She could very well be horrifyingly correct.  

DF had a million things they wanted to say, but knew that none of them would resonate. DF knew that FAC was theologically misguided, but knew that she was emotionally and logically very correct.

Now, before you start listing your theological and dogmatic answers, realize that the person posing this question has obviously had a multitude of things that have caused them to fall away. DF also couldn't argue with the fact that the local Catholic parishes are less than adequate with their Catechism and children's programming. So what was DF to do? She left it open ended, and said that the Parish is working on improving things, and left the conversation at a point where it can be picked back up again, but where to start?

I don't think that the lack of a strong Catechism program, no children's programming, or any other "lack" within the infrastructure of the Catholic church is a proper reason to leave, but how many times have we heard a story like this? You can trace it more than likely back to the poor formation of the PARENT when they were a child. So where do we start? In big cities and parishes that are well supported by an orthodox, the answer is a little easier, than in small town America where DRE's don't grow on trees.

The Catechesis of our parishes is central to the vibrancy of the Faith. What is so very perplexing is that modernists cry for easy to understand Missal translations, the absence of latin, and "production" style Masses so as to allow the faithful to more fully understand and participate in the faith. Yet, they are unwilling to TEACH the faith to the people for whatever reason. Is it because true knowledge would pull back the curtain on the "Wizard"? Possibly. But I think there is something more to it... and I can't quite place my finger on it. This situation though is critical... I have so much I want to say about the watering down of the faith, I just don't know where to begin.

People say that tradition and Catechesis isn't the way to revitalize the faith, and I say they are incorrect. After seeing what faith and reason have produced in other areas, and now being in a place where tradition lacks and modernism reigns, I think the soil is ripe for some "reform of the reform." I know there isn't a magic formula, but it has to start somewhere. You can't build Rome in day, but it won't ever be built if you don't lay the first brick. And if those wanting to rebuild it argue over where to lay the corner stone... it will never be built.

I don't have a perfect answer for DF to give to FAC, but I think this answer might buy DF some time: "If you ask that question, it means your heart WANTS to remain true to the faith. Sure, you may have lost hope, and faith has vanished, but the LOVE of Christ is still alive in your heart with the Holy Spirit. Hold fast to that, and re-commit yourself to the faith. Come to Mass, pray the Rosary, and roll up your sleeves and let's start rebuilding this thing together."

It might, it might not... but we have to lead by example... otherwise the sheep will continue to stray. If they stray, they will find greener pastures, even if they only appear greener... it's harder to lure them back, then to keep them here.

What do you have to offer?

I will say it right now... you may not like this post. But hear me out...

It is our DUTY to give to our Parish. This giving usually comes in the form of financial "tithing." But this isn't the only way to give... in fact, the Catechism speaks quite clearly on supporting the Church and the precepts might surprise you. "This Rock"  - a publication of Catholic Answers, one of the premier lay apostolates in America dealing with Apologetics, has published several  Q&A's on the issue. You can find the collection here: "Catholic Tithing."

Canon Law has this to say:

Can. 222 §1 Christ’s faithful have the obligation to provide for the needs of the Church, so that the Church has available to it those things which are necessary for divine worship, for apostolic and charitable work and for the worthy support of its ministers.

The Catechism § 2043 says:

2043 The fourth precept ("You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church") ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.


The fifth precept ("You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church") means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.


The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities 

But what do we do when our Parish, doesn't seem to be a good steward of our money? What is our obligation if our Parish is spending money on things outside of what the Catechism, Canons, and Church teachings pronounce? What if there is improper Catechesis, Liturgical Abuse, or worse yet outright heresy occurring? Are we obligated to give? How Much?

I struggle with writing this post... I just don't know what to think. I stated Church law above... but beyond that, there aren't any hard and fast guidelines, in terms of amounts, formulas, or even specifically who/what you should be supporting. (e.g. Parish, Diocese, Charity, etc...)

The worst part of Catholic giving appeals is the cliche that sends shivers down my spine, that is often invoked:

Time - Talent & Treasure

How does this affect our obligation? I was talking with someone else in my same position, at least financially, and we were discussing how we wish we would "give" more every week. Isn't the point of Time - Ta... T3 (I can stomach that)... a way of saying that:

The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities.

So, if one cannot provide Treasure (aka Money); then it seems that Time and Talent are justifiable substitutes. It is easy to think of ways that giving ones time or talent to their parish, is a valid way of "providing for the material needs of the Church." But does it satisfy the Precepts and Laws of the Church?

Recently, I heard a priest say: "that most of the time, the people that complain the most, give the least." Is this true? What about when you try and give, your time or talent, but aren't able? What do you do, when financially you aren't in a position to give a lot of money, but you are willing to give time or talent, but the Parish either doesn't take you up on the "offer" or doesn't provide an opportunity for you to give?

What can we do at that point? It is frustrating... there is so much that our Churches could be, and should be doing in the world, and yet many times we see our Churches doing things that seem counter-Catechetical.

As more churches get built that look like auditoriums and community centers, and we lose the essence and "soul" of our faith... we wonder where our money is going. Years ago, when you gave in the weekly collection, you could physically see the fruits of your offering. Statues, Icons, Images, priestly vestments, liturgical items, schools, and other tangibles signs of the faith were all around. Now, one could walk into some of the new Catholic churches and be confused as to whether it was St. Mary's or "The Rock: The New Life Christian Worship Center of Faith and Vitality." We wonder why Protestant Mega-Churches get so much money... the answer is really simple. They ask for it... for a specific tangible purpose, and then get it done; and what they ask for is directly applicable to their "presentation" of the Faith.

What do I mean? Well, let's take an evangelical church that does 45 minute long sermons. They need new video screens... because they are central to their Sunday Service. So they ask that each family give an extra $5 this week: Voila! $1500 extra and new video screens. Catholic churches ask for a little extra, and we still have the same watered down Catechism, liturgical abuse, ugly vestments, and empty alcoves where statues could reside. When was the last time you went to a baptism or had a child baptized? What did the baptismal certificate look like? Was it printed from an inkjet printer in the church office? Or was it on thick bonded paper, printed elegantly, some latin here and there, and maybe some calligraphy to fill in names, places, and dates?

What about the missals and hymnals? Are they full of Haas & Haugen? Do you lack kneelers? Do you have glass chalices, stoneware vessels, or felt banners-a-plenty? Where is your money going? How about your Catechism program? Is it worth the time spent or paper that it is printed on? If you can identify with these questions... are you still obligated to give? Or an even better question... is it RIGHT to give... anything beyond the "Material Needs" of the Church? Are these Material needs?

This doesn't mean we simply stop writing the checks... and sit back and wait for change. In fact... it is the exact opposite. We must reclaim the Church. Not for our own sake, not for a return on our investment, but because we are CALLED... GOD REQUIRES IT. If we are complaining, but not offering a solution... we are no better off than the Parish that asks for money, but has nothing to show for it.

As I said when I started this post... I know there will be much of this post that people object to... I am not asking you to agree with all of it... or even most. I simply want us to thing about giving to our Parish, Diocese and The Church. We must be generous with our T3. We must also, demand that the Church be forthcoming with the Spiritual "Food" that it is supposed to be supplying. I don't have a lot of answers, but I know what isn't working. Catholics are consistently "ranked" in the lower tiers in terms of giving-to-income/earning ratios, amongst Christian faiths. I don't think it is because we are cheap, and I don't think it is solely because it isn't asked for or required, like it is in other Christian churches. I think there is a direct relationship between what modern Parishes "use" it for as compared to what Catholics wish it would be used for.

But our parishes and dioceses will not change unless we speak up. The time for complacency and complaining is over, the time for action, renewal, and reform are here. Our T3 is useless, unless it provides for the growth and nourishment of the Faithful, otherwise the Catholic church simply becomes a non-de-script Christ charity. Although useful and important, it is not the essence of the ONE TRUE CHURCH.

As a final note, I want to make it clear that I am not saying that we should give, demanding or even expecting to get something in return. I am simply trying to point out that we must discern whether our Parishes are being "good stewards" of our T3. If they are not, we must find ways, including taking it upon our own shoulders, to bring about reform. If the "Body of Christ" is only as good as its parts, then we must all individually fulfill our role, otherwise we are in danger of letting the body become atrophied, lazy, and impotent. Laziness turns to sloth, and sloth is a deadly sin.

Archdiocese of Anchorage's Speaker Vetting Policy

The Archdiocese of Anchorage has  published their vetting criteria/process for speakers and those "serving" in the diocese. This is a very contentious policy amongst the lay and even some clergy. The reason it is contentious is because of how difficult it makes it for groups and parishes to bring speakers in. It also has some procedural flaws. On top of that, many wonder why the Archdiocese has felt the need to publish this when, the Bishop has the power to say who can and can't come to their diocese at any time. In other words, why make such a rule or process... when there was something already in place to do the same thing?

What this does is create "conspiracy" theories and makes people start to worry what the "real" reason behind the policy is. Personally, I have been told that there have been some problems in the past, where some questionable folks have been brought into speak. Because there are a lot of "lay lead" parishes in the Archdiocese, I am sure the Bishop just wants to let people know that when it comes to the moral and theological teaching of the "flock" he intends to closely guard their souls. This is a good thing... hopefully this policy will be a force to safeguard that, and not a procedural mechanism to forward an agenda or prevent a certain type of speaker to come to the Archdiocese.
One final note: I think that the policy on its face is good. But in the larger context it is worrisome. There have been a lot of problems in the diocese in the past regarding the restrictions on lay apostolates. Myself and others have talked about this policy in the past, and we have all wondered if this will end up pushing apostolates from the parishes and forcing them to become "independent." I know that this type of speculation seems very anti-institutional from the outside, but as I come to learn more about how things operate, especially in the realm of apostolates and local parishes, I worry that this policy will be more of hindrance to the faith, than a protection. I know firsthand how at my parish, the "Theology and Brew" apostolate essentially had to fold, because of this policy and the way in which it was "used." Hopefully, there will be clarity in regards to this issue in the future.

The article from the Archdiocesan paper is below with my emphasis and comments.

Vetting policy established for speakers in Anchorage Archdiocese
By PATRICIA COLL FREEMAN
Catholicanchor.org

Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz has established a policy to vet outside clergy and lay persons before they are invited to speak or serve in the Archdiocese of Anchorage. [Not sure what they mean by serve, a tad ambiguous.]

The policy, which took effect earlier this year, requires the archdiocese’s parishes, organizations, schools, ministries and agencies to obtain clearance from the archbishop’s office before any person not affiliated with the Anchorage Archdiocese may “speak or serve in any capacity” within the archdiocese. [Again, ambiguous. I think if there wasn't the problematic track record in the past with speakers and persons involved in the AOA, this wouldn't be as concerning.]

The policy applies to speakers who would address “any aspect of the Sacred Sciences, church teaching or the life of the church.”


In addition, it applies to speakers sponsored by private groups using or renting church property. [This is a good thing! This is part of the policy that makes me quite happy.]

“As archbishop, I take my role as chief teacher and shepherd very seriously,” Archbishop Schwietz commented in a note on the new policy. [Good!]

The vetting policy, he explained, “assures the people of our archdiocese that those who speak or serve publicly teach in a manner consistent with the church.” [This statement will either be a blessing or a curse, let us hope that it is the former!]

A memo on the new policy was sent to the archdiocese’s pastors and priests, deacons, school principals and directors of ministries and agencies, including Catholic Social Services. According to the memo, the goals of the vetting process are to “ensure fidelity to church teaching and to obtain the required background reviews done on all those engaged in ministry.”


According to the policy, a sponsoring organization must submit a “ministry clearance request” and receive written permission from the archbishop’s office before a speaker or “ministry assistant” is invited into any of the archdiocese’s venues.


In a confidential process, the sponsoring group must provide detailed information about the prospective speaker or ministry provider, such as the topic of the presentation or purpose of the proposed event.


In the clearance form for laity, one question asks, “How will this person promote communion with the Universal Church and vision of the Archbishop?”


The policy includes a strong warning that if a person is invited before the letter of permission is received, the request for clearance will not be considered.


Completing a clearance process is expected to take at least eight weeks. [This seems to be a LONG process, I have also been told that even INQUIRY, not just invitation is a reason for denial of a speaker. This will make things more difficult to bring in "big names" but it safeguards, then good.... right?]

For more information, contact Father Steven Moore at stbenpastor@gmail.com or 297-7722.

In the end I am sure that this policy will be used to keep the rif-raff out, and bring the good folks in. As I said, I have no issue with a Bishop guarding his flock, in fact I applaud it. Unfortunately though, I have already seen this policy used in a way which prevented a good group of faithful Catholics from running their apostolate. Let us pray that this will be an instrument of unity and good.

The Importance of the Tabernacle, Rubrics and other Rituals - Bp. Jenky of Peoria

I must give a sword-tip to Father Z. on this story:

The following is a story from the Catholic Post which is the Catholic newspaper from the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois. The story explains a recent directive from Bishop Jenky regarding the placement of the Tabernacle in all Churches in the Diocese.

The following is the article from the Post [Emphasis and Comments]:

Saying that placing the Blessed Sacrament at the physical center of the church puts Christ at the center of our spiritual lives as well, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, is asking that the tabernacle be located “in the direct center at the back of the sanctuary” in all churches and chapels in the Diocese of Peoria.
The bishop’s letter was issued on Holy Thursday, the day when Catholics around the world gather for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and celebrate the institution of the Eucharist.
"A gift in the bishop’s letter is that he is giving people five years,” said Msgr. Stanley Deptula, director of the diocesan Office of Divine Worship. “Some of those parishes, for architectural, financial and catechetical reasons, will need to take some time to revisit the Eucharist. . . . They have five years to pray over this moment of renewal.”
Following is the full text of Bishop Jenky's directive:
------
April 1, 2010
+Holy Thursday
Dear Priests, Deacons, Religious and Faithful of the Diocese of Peoria,
The Mass, of course, is our most important act of worship -- the very source and summit of all we do as a Church. A profound reverence for the Reserved Sacrament is also intrinsically related to the Eucharistic liturgy.
The Reserved Sacrament must therefore be treated with the greatest possible respect, because at all times the Blessed Sacrament within that tabernacle, as in the Eucharistic Liturgy, is to be given that worship called latria, which is the adoration given to Almighty God. This intentional honor is incomparably greater than the reverence we give to sacramentals, sacred images, the Baptistry, the Holy Oils, or the Paschal Candle. The Sacrament is reserved not only so that the Eucharist can be brought to the dying and to those unable to attend Mass, but also as the heart and locus of a parish’s prayer and devotion. [The reservation of the Eucharist isn't a "garage" for "leftover" Host. It is the "heart and locus" of the Parish's prayer and devotion... in other words the essence or purpose of the Parish.]
There is a kind of bundle of rituals in our Catholic tradition with which we surround the Tabernacle. As we enter or leave the church, we bless ourselves with holy water, we genuflect towards the Tabernacle [This is important... we must know why we do what we do... when and if we do it.], we prepare for Mass or give thanks after Mass, consciously in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament. At prayers and devotions, during the Liturgy of the Hours, in any private prayer which takes place in a Catholic Church, we truly pray before the Risen Christ substantially and really present in the Sacrament reserved in the Tabernacle.
These core Catholic convictions and their architectural ramifications have recently been reaffirmed by many Bishops in the United States. As bishop of this Diocese, I am also convinced that where we place the Tabernacle -- and how we ritually reverence the Reserved Sacrament -- is as important for the continuing Eucharistic catechesis as is all our preaching and teaching. [What he means here is: the placement of the Tabernacle and how we treat it says something about us as individuals, a parish, and what we believe in teach in relation to the True Presence in the Eucharist. Actions speak louder than words.] With Jesus truly present in the Blessed Sacrament at the physical center of our places of worship, how can He not also more firmly become the center of our spiritual lives as well?
After consultation with my Presbyteral Council, [In other words this isn't simply the Charism or Catechsis of one man and his idea.] I am therefore asking that those few parish churches and chapels where the tabernacle is not in the direct center at the back of the sanctuary, that these spaces be redesigned in such a way that the Reserved Sacrament would be placed at the center. In some cases, this change can be easily achieved, but given financial and design restraints, plans for redesign may be submitted to the Office of Divine Worship at any time during the next five years. Monastic communities whose chapels are open to the faithful as
semi-public oratories may also request a dispensation from this general regulation according to the norms of their particular liturgical tradition. There may also be some very tiny chapels where a change could be impossible. These requests should be submitted in writing to my office.
I would also like to remind everyone in our Diocese that at Mass, in accord with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Tabernacle should only be reverenced at the beginning and end of the liturgy or when the Sacrament is being taken from or returned to the Tabernacle. At all other moments and movements in the liturgy it is the Altar of Sacrifice that is to be reverenced.
It is my conviction that Eucharistic Liturgy and Eucharistic devotion are never in competition but rather inform and strengthen our shared worship and reverence. May all in our Diocese grow in greater love and appreciation of the gift of the Eucharist.


Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
BISHOP OF PEORIA

This concept, this letter, this idea is very important to think about. Where else should the Tabernacle be? What does it matter where it is or how we treat it?

Let me explain my theory of the "House of Cards" as it relates to customs/traditions/rituals/beliefs/rubrics in our faith and the importance of following them. I will do this by showing how ignoring a small thing in one area can lead to big implications somewhere else.

What is the  first thing you see when you walk into a Church where the Tabernacle is not in the center? Maybe the Crucifix. So then where do you genuflect? Towards the Crucifix or towards the Tabernacle? Why do you genuflect? Let's say the Tabernacle is off to the side, and you genuflect anyways towards the Cross or the Altar? What does this say about your belief in the True Presence and the Eucharist? Now, what do you do before the reception of Communion? Do you bow or kneel? Why do you do this? What about AT reception? Do you take in your hand or mouth? Kneeling or standing? Again, why do you do what you do?

So you see, our posture in one instance bleeds into another. Sure moving the Tabernacle towards the center of the Church doesn't fix this automatically but it offers the opportunity at proper Catechesis. It allows the priest to explain WHY we do what we do, and what our focus should be - The True Presence of Christ.

This is true for other things as well. There MUST be a CONTINUITY in what we do in relation to the Rubrics of the Mass and the Catechism of our Liturgical Faith. We cannot pick and choose what we believe or do, simply because some appeal to us while others don't. On top of that, we must be INTENTIONAL  about why and what we do in relation to the important rituals and functions of our Faith. Bishop Jenky calls these things "Architectural Ramifications."

Holy Week Traditions - in Alaska

So I got this from the Catholic Anchor, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Anchorage:

Holy Week rekindles ancient traditions

Amongst the traditions they mention are:

• Palm Sunday Procession
• Veiled Images
• Washing of the Feet - Holy Thursday
• Praying in Gethsemane - Adoration
• Veneration of the Cross

At the parishes that I belonged prior to coming to Alaska we celebrated all of these in one form or another. Lent, and especially Holy Week, is my favorite liturgical season, in major part due to these traditions. It appears that the Archdiocese is in support of these traditions and it seems that many other parishes will be celebrating through them. When I asked about one of them specifically I was told that certain things had been tried in the past and it created more discord than any benefit so the practice was abandoned. Hopefully though, our parish will end up using most of them.

My suggestion is that if you are particularly fond of a certain tradition that you politely inquire with your pastor, or whomever is in charge at your parish and suggest that your congregation and priests partake in that tradition. All we can do is ask... and then pray.

PS.
I edited this post a bit... because I didn't think that my original post was very helpful or very charitable. In the end, the purpose of this blog is to defend the Faith.

-Posted by: Joe

In between...

Today is one of those weird days of the year. It is winter here still, kind of. There is snow on the ground but it has been warm so it isn't really ideal for winter activities. It is a little to warm, and the snow is icy and slushy.

It also isn't spring. Too early for fish. I would love to go "plinking," or shooting, but I haven't been here long enough to know of a good place to go... plus that is kind of lame to do by yourself. I would take the wife but she is going to one of those jewelry parties tonight where they offer all sorts of great "deals." So I am in one of those "I need to get out and do something... but what is there to do" moods. I mean, I am in Alaska there are unlimited possibilities.

I guess it is fitting that it is Lent. I feel as if I am in a "desert" - but then I realized what the issue is. Male friends. It is hard for guys to find and/or be friends with other guys. There are a whole lot of reasons for this, but I have always found it to be true. I think the big reason is that a lot of guys present themselves as 1 dimensional. They are afraid to show themselves as anything more than a small sliver of who they are; they are unwilling to open at that emotional level. Or, a guy is so willing to show that emotional side that he pushes other guys away.

Rarely do you find an "in between" guy that can be both a guys-guy and an emotional guy. You see this all the time in the Catholic Church. There are the guys that are involved in everything, very open, usually very holy, but also very overwhelming for new guys or guys who are still learning to walk in Faith. The flip to this coin are the guys who sit in back, don't say anything, and present themselves with an air of mystery and appear to be "standoff-ish." They are usually new to the faith or unsure exactly how to practice their faith.

This usually causes the two groups to never meet, hang out, or even really strike up friendships. Sure the wives might be friends, and guys from both groups will know each other and even talk occasionally at functions or parties - but they usually wont be good friends i.e. calling each other up to hang out.

And then you have the "in between" type of guys. Ready willing and able to hang out with either... but for some reason each side sees the "in betweeners" in the light opposite to them. In other words... they are viewed by both as the "other type of guy." So in the grand scheme of things no one really becomes friends outside of their "type."

Now I know this is a simplistic view of things... and maybe isn't even true across the board everywhere... but something tells me this will resonate with more than a few of you. I have my ideas how to break this situation up a bit... but we will see if it can be done.

-Posted by: Joe

Tridentine Mass in Anchorage - WEEKLY! - Gloria In Excelsis Deo

I received an email yesterday regarding the Tridentine Rite Mass (also known as the Extraordinary Form) which will be held on a regular basis in Anchorage. For the EF mass to be held regularly or even weekly is HUGE NEWS! It means that the "reform of the reform" is actually taking place. Here is the email:

So it's official! Beginning Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 7:30PM at Holy Family Cathedral, we will have the routine "Sunday" celebration of the Extraordinary Form. Thank you Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, Fr. Tom Brundage and Dominicans Fr. Francis Le and Fr. Vincent Kelber.

Spread the word, and see you at Mass!

P.S. We have some servers but we could use more. Please contact Fr. Kelber at Holy Family Cathedral.

I really wish I lived closer to Anchorage and I wish I could learn to serve the EF Mass so that I could be of some assistance. If anyone would like to gift me the Altar Service Resources on SanctaMissa.org I would be more than happy to learn!

Facts & Meaning

At Mass last night the Homily started with a very interesting concept. Our priest began by explaining that as we move into the year 2010 we are fully in an age where facts and information inundate us from all angles. We have cell phones now that give us email, texts, twitter feeds, and that we can even read and update our blogs on. We can now literally take a picture with our handheld phone, research online about the item we just photographed, post it on our blog, and disseminate that information to thousands of people in the matter of minutes. [In the case of my blog, I could disseminate it to about 10 people :P] Twitter and Texting limit us to 140 or 160 characters. Newspapers are dying... while these "instant" devices which are small and "quick" are almost commonplace. There is no denying that information and facts concerning almost everything are literally at any of our "fingertips" at almost any time.

The problem is that we no longer want the FULL story. Newspapers are dying and yet Twitter and Facebook have us eating information 140 characters at a time. We no longer care about the fully story or the MEANING, we just want the punch line. Our question for information, solely for information's sake is killing our pursuit of meaning and the truth.

Information is not a bad thing. In fact, it knowledge is essential to discovering the truth about many things. Ultimately, Christ - the pure truth requires knowledge of HIM so that we can be with him. We must accept and believe the Truth and therefore can only do so after acquiring that knowledge. What is dangerous about information and its pursuit is that it seems many have abandoned meaning for the quest information.

We see this all the time in Christianity. We want to access information but we don't want the back story. We kneel in Mass because we are supposed to. We want the Mass in English so that WE  can understand it better. Everything needs to be chopped up into little bits. We don't have time for the Mystery, we just want the bottom line. We can't kneel at Mass because it would take too long, so we stand. We can't have only the priest distribute Communion because people process in a line and so we institute Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to speed things up. We are in a constant pursuit of gratification through information. Jesus argued against the Pharisees because of there adherence solely to the Law. They lacked the meaning behind the law. He also fought against the money changers who took advantage of the temple, again for the lack of their understanding to the meaning. These two factions were on opposite ends of the spectrum - pure law vs. no law; and yet Jesus fought against them both.

Meaning is important because meaning gives itself to the truth. We can only find the truth when we understand the meaning of the information which we acquire and how it relates to the truth. When we stop searching for meaning, we stop searching for truth. Everything we do in the Catholic faith has meaning behind it; if you don't know why you are doing it you should learn. Yes, there is virtue in obedience, but that obedience must eventually lend itself to knowledge. We must reclaim the meaning to our faith. "True Presence" must mean something. The rubrics of the mass and the GIRM must become our base, not our of sheer obedience but because of that which they uphold - the TRUTH. If we really trully believe in Jesus and his "once for all" crucifixion for the salvation of our souls we must commit ourselves to that belief through the way in which we worship. We must find meaning in our worship and we must reclaim the meaning to our faith. There are many ways to to this: reading the GIRM, going to Adoration, studying the rubrics, and even going through an RCIA program - not because we have to but because we want to.