End of the Year...Liturgically speaking

I hope everyone has recovered from the last Missa Cantata and is ready for the next one! Wednesday December 8th at either 6:30 or 7 pm (waiting back from Fr. Reid on the time.) Prior to Fr. Reid scheduling the Missa Cantata, I had scheduled to see my in-laws in Spokane, WA, so I won't get the joy of being there, but I think with everyone's help, it should go smoothly. More details at Monday's training session.

Our ministry has been invited by Fr. Ferguson FSSP to assist as servers in a Solemn High Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family on Sunday January 9th at 4:00 PM in Greensboro at Our Lady of Grace Church. A Solemn High Mass has clerics for the MC position, but we would fill in the rest. We've already done most of the training for it with the Missa Cantata, and the Deacon and Sub-Deacon perform many of the roles our servers usually do in a Missa Cantata. Fr. Reid has given us permission to assist with this Mass, and I will be asking/recuiting for volunteers for positions on Monday.

We are going to have our first ranking ceremony for the Postulants and the servers. I need families to vote on which date would be best for everyone to attend. Fr. Reid has said he would prefer not to have the ceremony after a Missa Cantata, so I'm offering a few choices you can pick on the blog. Info on the tests and requirements for advancement to be provided on Monday.

I've updated the Mass Serving Schedule one the blog, and do not forget to study for the Our Lady of Fatima quiz on Monday.

Nice job everyone

Reports are coming in...The Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ was a great success. The Schola/Choir did a suberb job in chanting and singing for an hour and a half almost continuously. Their efforts helped to part the veil allowing the congregation to experience a bit more of heaven. The attendance was excellent and many received the privilege of assisting at the Mass.

One of my major goals with the ministry was accomplished this past Sunday. For the first time, I got to assist at a Missa Cantata at St. Ann's from a pew. I witnessed the fine execution from all of the servers. The torches were handled very well, even with a last minute change. The torchbearer leads, Joseph Y and Griffin W did an excellent job. The acolytes, Crossbearer, and boat bearer were "spot on," with cues and the flow of the Mass. As thurifer for the first time, Benjamin managed the position very well and lead admirably. Last, but not least, the MC, Brady O. did excellent. Due to the demands of the position, the Master of Ceremonies has much to prepare and the first time acting under the mantle can be daunting. Brady did very well, as did all of the servers.

The one thing that impressed me the most about the serving was the execution of the rubrics. All of the young men served reverently, with purpose, and then moved out of the way. The servers did not draw attention, but when a server was moving, his movements were in line with the rubrics so that the server in effect became "invisible." Watching from the pew, when a server did come into view, he directed attention to the King, as a servant should. This is the measure of success I would like to use for our ministry in the Sanctuary.

With an early December Missa Cantata on the books, December 8th, I will most probably keep the line-up we had with the exception of the Torch-Bearers. Great job to all and thank you to the families who support these servers, the ministry, the Diocese of Charlotte, and Christ the King.