From Our Pastor: Called to Reverence and Readiness

We are in the end times in our readings this weekend as we prepare for the end of the Church calendar year. We hear about the end of time and how we need to be prepared always as we do not know when. Jesus makes it abundantly clear that there will be signs, but that we do not know the time and day. We should always be ready to meet Jesus, whether that be the end of time with the second coming or our own death where we better be ready to meet Jesus.

Parish council has asked me to address people’s attire to Mass and especially when they are taking on a liturgical role. Any time you bring up people’s attire in Church everyone always quips back, “well be glad they are here.” Obviously, we are glad that you are here, but it is the role of the Church and the pastor to guide you constantly to something more than just being here. Pay attention. Sing. Listen. Welcome the stranger/visitor, etc. BUT then also, let’s call ourselves to a greater accounting to what we wear. We must remind ourselves who it is we are coming to see and what it is we are attending.

First it is Jesus Christ our King and Savior that we come to encounter. Second it is the wedding feast of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, with His Church, you the people. Don’t just think of you attending a wedding, but instead what would you wear if you came for YOUR wedding. If you were being married to the King or Queen of England, would you wear what you come to Mass in every weekend? This isn’t just the King or Queen of England; this is Jesus Christ King of the Universe. Tell people, especially your children, how important Mass is by raising your standards to a higher level. Most churches throughout the world would not let you into their church building as a tourist in shorts, sleeveless, flip flops, short skirts, jeans etc. etc. They usually put a garbage bag or grocery sack like thing over your attire if it isn’t presentable. I bet if you asked Fr. Ken what people wear to Church in his home diocese, you would be surprised at the extent of how much they dress up, and how beautiful it is.

Fr. Don had put out attire requirements at some point. I will try to send that guide to liturgical training leaders to remind people of the attire expected. Shorts, flip flops, sleeveless tops, short skirts, jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate attire for ministries. If you are not scheduled for a ministry and it is needed, you should already be dressed well enough to help as you should be dressed well for Mass, period. Please let’s call ourselves to a higher standard. Let’s challenge ourselves to something more. Let us remind ourselves we are here to be married to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ our King.

Lastly, it has been requested that I put a kneeler in the main aisle for communion (at least to start until we get more kneelers if needed), especially for those who desire to receive kneeling on the tongue. Bishop has asked us to consider it, especially when it is requested, so we will begin next weekend. It is already being done in a couple of parishes in the area now. Receiving on the knees is a desire by many as a show of their reverence for who it is we receive in the Eucharist, Jesus Christ. Receiving on the tongue and kneeling was the norm in the Church for many years as it shows our humility of being fed, almost begging to be fed like a baby bird does. Just because the kneeler is there doesn’t mean you are required to receive kneeling, but it is available for anyone. If you desire to receive on the hand or standing, just walk up to the person distributing at the kneeler just like you normally would. This is not a change, but an addition to accommodate those who desire to use it.

- Rev. Steven Arisman