Divine Mercy Novena

Today begins the Divine Mercy Novena, and it continues till next Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday.

I don't think I need to delve into reasons why it is crucial to petition the Lord for mercy with the general audience of this blog, but nonetheless, there are many in the world, including myself, who are in desperate need of God's mercy everyday.

A small reminder: As a part of our Thurifer rank, a devotion to God's Divine Mercy is specifically encouraged in our ministry. What a great opportunity to prepare for that Rank now!

Bottom line: souls need your advocacy; don't leave them to Hell.

Click here to be redirected to the EWTN's Resource page.

Serving During Holy Week

I often get strange looks and questions from parishoners, parents, priests, seminarians, and many other types of people when I explain the expectations we have for our MEF servers at St. Ann's. While Fr. Reid sets these expectations, I willingly apply the training, constantly pushing the servers in every aspect that I can.

Let's get to the point: serving at the altar is not a right; it's a privilege. Fr. Reid approved every single server in our ministry for a reason. Not everyone is called to be a priest. Not everyone is called to kneel three feet away from the Celebrant during the most sacred aspect in our faith, the Consecration.

We take the Mass very seriously. Serving in the Sanctuary always takes preparation, diligence, and love. We are not Pharisees. Completing rubrics and spouting off an ancient language like robots without understanding what's going on is an insult to the Lord and unbefitting of altar servers. That's one reason it takes 6 months to complete basic training to be an acolyte at Low Mass. We focus on understanding and the goal is to cultivate a stronger relationship with God and a stronger love for Him. Start off as a "slave for Christ," train, learn, and listen, and then Christ will invite you to be his friend (John 15:15) as Pope Benedict XVI reminded us in his message to Altar servers. Thus, once in the Sanctuary, you are loving God and glorifying Him through excellent and diligent serving.

As Lent comes to it's culmination, the emphasis on the Liturgy during Holy Week is heightened and intensified. Servers must step up to the occasion:

1. Mind your appearance before the King of Kings - haircut, shoes shined, showered, and shaved.

2. Reverence for the King of Kings - pause when genuflecting, move slowly and purposefully, keep your eyes down, mind the altar, the vessels, and the tabernacle.

3. Be conscientious to imitate the King of Kings - arrive in plenty of time, help without being asked, be the example.

4. Prepare to be in the presence of the King of Kings and to receive Him: Sacrament of Reconciliation, time spent in Adoration, and learning humility. Especially ask Our Lady for help.

Lastly, training does not stop once you leave St. Ann's. You bring everything you are to the Sanctuary when you serve, and therefore you must serve at home as you would serve at Church. Spend your day imitating Christ so that when you are in His Sanctuary you will bring with you the sweet aroma of charity from serving your family well.

Be silent angels this week and glorify God.

New Novus Ordo Missal

The new English translation of the Roman Missal is coming out and the servers will recognize that the changes reflect the Latin responses they've learned in the MEF.

Even so, there's still an opportunity to learn about the responses which has been an integral part of our ministry. The Diocese of Charlotte has been putting out education in the Catholic News and Herald on a regular basis, but in addition, the Diocese of Charlotte has also produced some great videos featuring Fr. Brandon Jones of St. Mark in Huntersville. Here they are:

Field Trip!!!

So here's the list of what's going on and what needs to happen:

Servers need to eat breakfast prior to attending. A very gracious parent is supplying snacks and some beverages in an ice-chest, but servers are still on their own to ensure they have enough to eat outside of lunch which will be provided.

Servers need to bring outdoor clothes. If we do go hiking, we're not going hard-core. It will be a maximum of 2 miles on easy trails around Linville Falls or field games.

Servers need to bring great attitudes and a willingness to be open to God and open to being teammates with the other servers.

We decided to simplify the trip and decrease the driving and only go to one parish. Fr. Reid chose Linville = we go to Linville, NC.

No permission slip = no Linville. No permission slip = no Linville. No permission slip = no Linville. We're Catholic; it's always better in 3's. If you need a permission slip, email me.

Each server needs to bring 3 thoughtful questions written down on paper to ask the priests.

Here's the itinerary....suggestions are welcome. We've never done this before.
8:00 AM Morning Prayer and Rosary at St. Ann’s
+ Collect permission slips
9:00 AM Mass with Fr. Reid
+ Select servers to serve Mass
10:00 AM depart for Linville, NC
+ Rides - Do you want to ride up with your parents if they're driving?
-Leaders are Brady, Joseph, & Benjamin.
-Questions, Games, & CD of Archbishop Fulton Sheen
-if in the cars at 12:00, pray Angelus
12:30 PM Lunch (pizza at St. Bernadette)
-Discussion from the car rides
-Office of Readings – Liturgy of the Hours
1:30 PM Tour St. Bernadette with Fr. Reid
2:30 PM Holy Hour / Adoration / Confession?
-Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm
3:30 PM Hiking at Linville Falls/Gorge (if weather permits) or use the church parking lot for some football/ultimate Frisbee – group choice – either will be fun and either will be free.
-If we have poor weather, we’ll go straight to the question and answer session and bypass outdoor activities.
4:30 PM Q & A session with Fr. Reid & Fr. Gober
5:15 PM depart for Charlotte
-6pm Angelus
7:30 PM pick up in Charlotte

Parents please be aware that we may come home earlier. You will be informed on the ride home if this need arises.

February Shake-Up

Two big ticket items:

First and most pressing is the February Mass Schedule. Due to circumstances, the change in training times in the last few weeks has wreaked havoc on the schedule. After taking time to review individual needs and ministry needs, I've re-worked the February Mass schedule. Please understand that I don't like this kind of change with such short notice. I have been trying to really address individual needs, but I have to make decisions based on the group as a whole.
Please also note, that the next training session is on February 12th at 10:00 AM and everyone needs to be there to catch up.

If you can't make a particular date based on the current schedule, let me know.

For future scheduling, I am waiting to post March scheduling information until the weekend of the February 12th when I'll start my new job at CMC-Pineville ICU. Once they give me a schedule at that time, I'll make the server schedule as opposed to making something now and having to change things again.

We have a green light for our Monday February 21st Server Field Trip. Servers and parents are invited on the trip; everyone can obviously come to the Mass.
Here's the rough draft itinerary:

• Everyone meet at St. Ann at 9:00 AM for Mass.
• Carpool up to the St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, NC. (Bring a snack for the ride up)
• Tour the Basilica with Fr. Reid and pray the rosary. (Bring your rosary)
• Lunch in Asheville at a restaurant. (Can someone head up research on a decent one?)
• Travel to either Linville, NC or Tryon, NC (Fr. Reid hasn't confirmed which one yet.)
• Tour the 2nd parish with Fr. Reid and Fr. Gober.
• Question and Answer session with Fr. Reid and Fr. Gober. (More on that to come)
• Carpool back to St. Ann.

We intend to throw in a outside activity during the day. This is the first time we've done this but I really think it's going to be a wonderful opportunity for the servers. I'll need someone to organize carpooling which can be done via email and during the Saturday Feb 12th training session.

Thanks to Griffin and Will for stepping up and assisting at the Candlemas this past Wednesday. It was good to try it out, and we'll be better prepared for next year. Comment away...

Tests?!

Updated Mass schedules and Training schedules are on the blog!

This Monday we'll have a run-through for the Missa Cantata but Fr. Reid will not be attending. We'll also have a test for those who are seeking to advance to level of Senior Acolyte. Those servers who have served as Ac1 and Ac2 at Low Masses and as Ac1 or Ac2 at the Missa Cantata may choose to take the test. For those who want to take it on December 20th, that is fine. If you would like to take the test at home prior to December 20th, I can email the test to the parents who would proctor the test.

As mentioned at the previous training, Monday December 20th will be the testing date for the Postulants and anyone else seeking the Junior Acolyte Rank. I'll also be providing the tests for the Senior Acolyte and Thurifer Ranks. Once again, if you would like to take the test at home, you may, but it will be proctored by your parents and then brought in on December 20th.

So how do you study for these tests. Let me tell you:

• Junior Acolyte: Study the Our Lady of Fatima quiz; be able to write out in Latin some basic server responses repeated in the Mass; know the Low Mass Card very, very, very well. Read over the entire Know Your Mass book, focusing on the Offertory and the Canon. Also, know the rubrics for the Torch Bearer position at the High Mass: to be reviewed on Monday. Studying for this test will serve as the basis for the rest of the tests.
• Senior Acolyte: Same as Junior Acolyte but the focus will be on Ac1 and Ac2 in both the Low Mass and High Mass. Also please review page 45 in the Know Your Mass book. There will be questions on the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This test is the easiest of all the tests.
• Thurifer: Same as above. Focus will be on the Thurifer, but may include Ac's, Tb's, and Bb. You will be required to write out the Nicene Creed in English and the Confiteor in Latin from memory. You will need to answer questions on the Devotion to the Divine Mercy. This test is harder than the previous two but shorter.

Hope this helps. Study hard. Approach me with questions at any time. Pray hard.

Papa Benedict speaks

Quote from today's General Audience that applies to what we've been discussing in training:

"In closing, Benedict XVI highlighted how the example of St. Gertrude "shows us that the focal point of a happy and authentic life is friendship with Jesus the Lord. This is learned through love for Sacred Scripture and the liturgy, through profound faith and through love for Mary, so as to gain increasing knowledge of God and, therefore, to know true happiness which is the goal of our existence"."

See the whole article here.

• Don't forget that tomorrow is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary...pray with your family!
• Don't forget that Sunday is the Rosary Rally at St. Patrick's...3 pm...pray with your Church family!

October: Focus on Mary

Happy Memorial of St. Therese of Lisieux! What a great way to start off October. This month our ministry will go right along with Holy Mother Church and spend time praying as our Heavenly Mother asks us to do.

After reviewing the results of the recent Junior Acolyte Test, I am aware of some areas of improvement in the formation of the servers. One important area is Mariology, the study of Mary, the Mother of God. Why study Mary? Why not just go straight to Jesus? Please read the following:

(1.) "For every Christian, and for every human being, Mary is the one who first believed. Out of her faith as Spouse and Mother, she desires to act upon all those who entrust themselves to her as her children. And the more her children persevere and progress in this attitude, the nearer Mary leads them to the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8) They recognize ever more clearly the dignity of man in all its fullness and the definitive meaning of his vocation, for “Christ fully reveals man to man himself.” (Vatican II’s Gaudium et Spes, #22) (Mary in the life of the Carthusians-.pdf)"

(2) "II. DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
971 "All generations will call me blessed": "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship." The Church rightly honors "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs. . . . This very special devotion . . . differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration." The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel," express this devotion to the Virgin Mary.517 (CCC 971)"

There's so much more, but suffice to say that Mary leads the sinner to Jesus. In that respect she epitomizes our mission: point to God; but Mary does a whole lot more than point. As for our ministry, when the servers choose to enter the full ministry of the MEF altar servers as Junior Acolytes, they will take upon themselves a commitment to having a devotion to the Blessed Mother. (note: approved by Fr. Reid) So here's how we're going to make all of this tangible for the servers this month:

• We're inviting servers and families to the Rosary Rally at St. Patrick's on Sunday October 10th at 3:00 pm. In addition, there will be Adoration, Benediction, and a Eucharistic Procession.
• On Saturday, October 23rd, we will be praying two rosaries with Fr. Reid and St. Ann parishioners at the Hebron abortion mill. This is following the Mass for Life at 9:00 AM at St. Ann's.
• We have the privilege of having Fr. Roux come and give a talk on Our Lady of Fatima at the Monday, October 25th training session. (4 pm to 6pm - yes, it's a 2 hour session) More info on preparation for this talk to come. (Yes, there will be a quiz on it. I love you, too.) Please invite family to come to this training session and listen to Fr. Roux.

Eucharistic Congress 2010

Friday, September 10th, begins the 2010 Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress. All servers and their families are highly, highly, highly, and even highly encouraged to attend this wonderful event. It's one of the few times a Pontifical Mass in the Novus Ordo is offered and it's a blessed opportunity to experience the Lord. Even if you've been a number of times, it's also a great opportunity to be united, engage, and even evangelize in word and deed to fellow Catholics. Click here for the Congress Web Page.

For those attending, don't forget to make the Sacrament of Confession at the Congress or within 8 days as well as fullfilling the rest of the requirements with the intention of obtaining the plenary indulgence.

In preparation for the event, servers are encouraged to make a novena of the Prayer for the Eucharistic Congress beginning this Wednesday:

O Jesus, who art really, truly and substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament to be the food of our souls, deign to bless and bring to a successful issue all Eucharistic Congresses and gatherings, and especially the coming Congress of the Diocese of Charlotte. Be Thou the inspiration of our labors, resolutions and vows; accept graciously the solemn homage we will render to Thee; send Your Holy Spirit to kindle the hearts of priests, religious, and all the faithful, especially the children, so that devout participation in the Holy Mass and frequent and daily Holy Communion may be held in honor in all the countries of the world; and grant that the Kingship of Your Sacred Heart over human society may everywhere be acknowledged to the glory of God, the Father. Amen.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, bless the Congress.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Patroness of our Diocese, pray for us.
Saint Paschal Baylon, pray for us.
Saint Patrick, pray for us.
Amen.

Genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament

A question came up in the last training session: Can a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament provide a remission of venial sin?

St. John Vianney comes right out and says, as if it was already general knowledge, that such a reverence does provide a remission of venial sins in his "Catechism on Confession": "My children, as soon as ever you have a little spot upon your soul, you must do like a person who has a fine globe of glass, which he keeps very carefully. If this globe has a little dust on it, he wipes it with a sponge the moment he perceives it, and there is the globe clear and brilliant. In the same way, as soon as you perceive a little stain on your soul, take some holy water with respect, do one of those good works to which the remission of venial sins is attached -an alms, a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament, hearing a Mass." (Click here for the rest of that teaching...Chap 17)

Yet, as we frequently ask in our ministry, is the outward movement enough? Or is there more St. John Vianney was alluding to? St. Thomas Aquinas addresses these questions in his Summa Theologica:

"...Hence, for three reasons, certain things cause the remission of venial sins: first, because they imply the infusion of grace, since the infusion of grace removes venial sins, as stated above (Article 2); and so, by the Eucharist, Extreme Unction, and by all the sacraments of the New Law without exception, wherein grace is conferred, venial sins are remitted. Secondly, because they imply a movement of detestation for sin, and in this way the general confession [i.e. the recital of the Confiteor or of an act of contrition, the beating of one's breast, and the Lord's Prayer conduce to the remission of venial sins, for we ask in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses"]. Thirdly, because they include a movement of reverence for God and Divine things; and in this way a bishop's blessing, the sprinkling of holy water, any sacramental anointing, a prayer said in a dedicated church, and anything else of the kind, conduce to the remission of venial sins."

So the genuflection alone does not serve the purpose. The grace given by the Lord, the detestation for sin, and a reverence for the Lord are some of the necessary ingredients to the recipe for remission of venial sins.

Bottom line: With the right frame of heart and mind and by the grace of God, a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament can provide a remission of venial sin. But is that the goal?

Is a genuflection a habit, a custom, or desire to revere the Lord? It may start off as a noble custom taught to us by our priests and parents, and then it may become habit. Hopefully, as one matures, it becomes an act of love and faith.

As for remission of sins, the Church advocates to stick to the Sacrament of Confession:

"Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful." (CCC 1458)

Altar servers have the privilege of genuflecting to Blessed Sacrament in the Sanctuary during training and especially at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass where their frame of heart and mind should be prepared and focused. Yet, when you attend Mass with your family, should you love any less before you enter the pew?

Photo Credit: jdbradley

Eucharistic Congress was Great!

It was good to see some of the servers and their families at the Congress this year. Awesome job to the Brucks in their role as servers for the Congress.

Witnessing the Blessed Sacrament being exposed for the city to see always renders my heart open to the glory of the Lord. Adoration, prayer, and the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist were plentiful all day Saturday and provided many opportunities to experience Christ, which the Holy Father, among others, recommends on a routine basis.

In the presence of numerous priests who call Him down from Heaven, seminarians studying to be priests, and the faithful of the Diocese, I found great consolation. (We still need more priests and seminarians so keep praying for them.) To experience the witness of our faith extending beyond the walls of our Charlotte parishes, opens my heart to the Catholics spread across the country and the world. The Congress helps make it real for me.

Friendships were renewed from across the Diocese with many traveling far to be a part of the Congress. It was good to see Lucas Rossi again. Many folks across the Diocese are looking forward to the Missa Cantata coming up.

St. Ann's Schola sang very well, and it will be another awesome Missa Cantata with their talents put to good use ministering for the Lord under the direction of Terese Rowe.

Channel 14 News did a small piece and that coverage can be viewed here.

Lastly, the entire hall seemed filled with people of all ages and from all cultures for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Isn't heaven going to be something like that? Tons of people loving God, worshipping Him, uniting with Him. It was good to be there and it was good to witness many from the across Diocese coming together to work for the Lord. It's part of what our group of servers from different parishes is about.

Corpus Christi and more

This Sunday June 14th, all are invited to sit in the choir at the Novus Ordo 10:30 Mass. Here are your rubrics for that Mass:

• Be at St. Ann's by 10:00 AM. Dress in cassock and surplus. (If no cassock and surplus, dress in the white alb and cincture.) Per Fr. Reid's approval you will process up in pairs at the beginning of Mass. You will genuflect in pairs in front of the altar and then go to the liturgical choir. Your movements will be the same as the congregation, but be sure not to fidget as you will be an example for others. When it comes time for Communion, proceed to the Lateral Gospel side behind the acolytes kneeling on the step. Father will give you Communion and you are to return to the liturgical choir and kneel. At the end of Mass, you will process out under Fr. Reid's instructions. Then he will direct how you are to go about the actual Corpus Christi procession. He will need someone to ring the bells during the procession. I will not be there due to work, but my prayers will be there. All questions are to be directed to Lucas, the seminarian, and Fr. Reid.

This Monday June 15th we'll have a dinner party at the Borin's after the training session. (I know some may not be able to make it, but this was the only and best oppotunity to have it.) Please call each other and spread the word. Bring your swim suit...weather permitting. Families of the servers may attend. Families need to bring side dishes and deserts. Address and directions will be provided in the next day or two.

Due to sickness, we had Joseph and Benjamin Bruck step up and serve this past Wednesday. As a result, I rearranged the schedule a little to compensate so check it out. Thank you to those who couldn't make it which gave me notice beforehand to get the word out. Thanks to Debbie Mack for helping as I was at work at the time.

All are encouraged to pray the Corpus Christi novena in preparation for this weekend. Our ministry is to humble ourselves for Our Lord who humbles Himself by His Presence in the most Blessed Sacrament.

Sacred Heart of Jesus...have mercy on us.

Photo credit: Rrrodrigo

Dig into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

There are many times during the Mass when I catch my mind wandering, and I realize that I need to focus on what's going on and why it's happening. I like to refer back to the testimony of Catalina of Bolivia on the Mass. Catalina is a visionary and a interlocutor, someone who receives messages from another and provides them to the public. In this case, Catalina claims to receive messages from our Blessed Mother.

While the Church has not formally recognized Catalina as a true visionary, in 2000, Fr. Daniel Gagnon of the Archdiocese of Mexico's Commission for the Doctrine of Faith has stated that,

"I DO NOT FIND ANYTHING AGAINST THE FAITH OR THE CUSTOMS OF THE CHURCH. IT IS NOT MY FUNCTION TO CONFIRM ITS SUPERNATURAL CHARACTER; NEVERTHELESS, I RECOMMEND IT FOR ITS SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION."

Because of the copyright I will link to the article, and I highly recommend this for the servers because it provides some spiritual insight into how they serve at the altar. Moreover Catalina takes a lot of the doctrine that we cover in the training and presents it in a new "light."

Let me know what you think.

Photo Credit: Martin Beek, Lawrence OP

JP II - Salt and Light

Yesterday, April 2nd marked the fourth anniversary of the passing of John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI's homily was reported on VIS and he capitalizes on the fervor and joy of the late pontiff's desire to spread the Word of God.

As disciples we are called to be the "salt of the earth*" and "the light of the world.*" As servers, we must serve the Lord in the Sanctuary and out in the world. Take a few moments to read the report and then take some time with your parents and family to discuss the late JP II's role in spreading the Gospel and what you can do to retain your saltiness and light.

*Suggested reading: Matthew 5: 13-14

JOHN PAUL II COMMUNICATED HOPE VATICAN CITY
3 APR 2009 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica at 6 p.m. yesterday, 2 April and fourth anniversary of the death of John Paul II, Benedict XVI presided at a Mass in commemoration of his predecessor. In his homily, Benedict XVI explained how John Paul II "remains alive in people's hearts, as is evident from the non-stop pilgrimage of the faithful to his tomb in the Vatican Grottoes".
Turning then to address young people he said: "Your presence brings to mind the enthusiasm John Paul II was able to infuse in the new generations. His memory is a stimulus for us all, as we gather in this basilica where he often celebrated the Eucharist, to allow ourselves to be illuminated and summoned by the Word of God". The Holy Father then considered the Gospel readings, highlighting the difficulties involved in being witnesses of Christ.
"Our thoughts", he said, "go to the beloved Servant of God Karol Wojtyla - John Paul II, who from his youth showed himself to be a bold and intrepid defender of Christ.
For His sake, he did not hesitate to spend all his energies in order to carry His light everywhere. He accepted no compromise when it came to proclaiming and defending His Truth. He never tired of spreading His love. From the beginning of his pontificate, right up to 2 April 2005, he was not afraid to proclaim, always and to everyone, that only Jesus is the true Liberator of man".
Benedict XVI also dwelt on the fruitfulness of John Paul II's pontificate. "We could say ... that he generated many sons and daughters in the faith", he affirmed, telling the young people present that they "ideally represent the ranks of young men and women who have participated in the twenty-three World Youth Days in various parts of the world. How many vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life, how many young families resolved to live the evangelical ideal and to tend towards sanctity are linked to the testimony and preaching of my venerated predecessor!" the Pope cried. "How many young men and women have converted to, or maintained, the Christian path, thanks to his prayers, his encouragement and the support of his example"!
"John Paul II was able to communicate a powerful message of hope, founded on faith in Jesus Christ Who is 'is the same yesterday, and today, and forever'. ... As an affectionate father and a careful teacher, he indicated sure and sound points of reference indispensable for everyone, especially for the young. And in his final hours and his death this new generation wished to show they had understood his teaching, gathering silently in prayer in St. Peter's Square and many other places around the world. Those young people were aware that his demise was a loss: 'their' Pope was dying, whom they considered as 'their father' in the faith".
"We cannot live without hope", insisted the Holy Father, "but we must be careful. In times such as these, given the cultural and social context in which we live, there is a risk of reducing Christian hope to an ideology, to group slogans, to exterior cladding. Nothing could be more opposite to Jesus' message! He does not want His disciples 'to recite' a role, even a role of hope. He wants them 'to be' hope, and they can be so only if they remain united to Him".
"If the words of Christ remain within us, then we will be able to propagate the flame of love that He lit upon the earth; we will be able to hold high the torch of faith and hope. ... This is the flame that Pope John Paul II left as his legacy. He gave it to me as his successor, and this evening I ideally consign it, once again, to you young people of Rome, that you may continue to be sentinels of the morning, watchful and joyful at this dawn of the third millennium".

A classic video presentation of JPII that's been floating around the blogosphere. Enjoy.

A note on Eucharistic Adoration

The Vatican Information Service (VIS) provides stories, reports, and statistics of the Vatican, especially on the Holy Father. Usually, the "mid-day addresses" are reported where the Holy Father provides instruction, re-caps of speeches he made, and catechesis through his Wednesday addresses. Many of these reports and stories provide valuable insight into the teaching of Holy Mother Church and a good number can deepen our faith and participation in the MEF.

This past friday Friday, VIS reported on the Holy Father's speech to "the plenary assembly of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, who have been meeting to consider the question of Eucharistic adoration."

"The doctrine of the transubstantiation of the bread and wine, and of the real presence, are a truth of faith, already evident in Holy Scripture and later confirmed by the Fathers of the Church", said Benedict XVI.

After then explaining that, "in the Eucharist, adoration must become union: union with the living Lord and with His mystical Body", the Pope recalled words he had pronounced at World Youth Day 2005 in the German city of Cologne: "God no longer simply stands before us as the One who is totally Other. He is within us, and we are in Him. His dynamic enters into us and then seeks to spread outwards to others until it fills the world, so that His love can truly become the dominant measure of the world.

"On that occasion", he added, "I also reminded young people that in the Eucharist we experience the fundamental transformation of violence into love, of death into life. This brings other changes in its wake".

The Pope highlighted the importance of a renewal of Eucharistic adoration. This, he said, "will only be possible through a greater awareness of the mystery in complete faithfulness to Sacred Tradition, and by enhancing liturgical life within our communities". In this context, he also expressed his appreciation at the fact that the plenary had examined the question of "the formation of all the People of God in the faith, with particular concern for seminarians, favouring their development in a spirit of authentic Eucharistic adoration".

"Recalling three penitential practices particularly dear to biblical and Christian tradition (prayer, almsgiving and fasting)", he concluded, "let us encourage one another to rediscover and practice fasting with renewed fervour, not only as a form of asceticism but also as a preparation for the Eucharist and as a spiritual weapon to fight against any disordered attachment to ourselves". "

In the Diocese of Charlotte, there are a number of pastors who have instituted Eucharistic Adoration. In the city of Charlotte, there's specific times for Adoration at most of the parishes including, but not limited to, St. Patrick's (Wednesday's), St. Michael's (Wednesday's), St. Ann's (Wednesday's) and there's 24 hour perpetual Adoration at St. Gabriel.

The Diocese of Charlotte Catholic News and Herald recently went to St. Ann's and reported on Eucharistic Adoration there. (.pdf version)

Everyone, especially servers, are encouraged to make the time to adore the Lord and allow Him to continuously convert your hearts so that you may be more united with Him and serve Him with the love He deserves.

Photo credit: Lawrence OP http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/