Annual Mission Appeal: Next weekend we will welcome Fr. Floyd Costan, a diocesan priest, from the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan in the Philippines. He will conduct our annual appeal for the missions for his prelature. His place is a small prelature in the Southern Philippines, with only about 20% Catholic Christians from a Muslim majority. It has ten (10) parishes and 14 diocesan priests. The place is economically challenged, but the church is a living witness of inter-religious dialogue. The help that you could extend will help in continuing their mission in catechetics, youth ministry, social action, vocation promotion, and inter religious dialogue. Please be as generous as you can so that Fr. Floyd can continue to build up the Church in the Philippines.
Thursday, August 15th, we celebrate the feast of our Blessed Mother’s Assumption into heaven. It is truly a feast to be celebrated with great joy and eager anticipation. We celebrate this feast, and we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as God took her to heaven, body and soul, upon the end of her life here on earth. We celebrate the reuniting of the Blessed Mother with her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We can only imagine the joy that Mary experienced, as she was welcomed to heaven by the Holy Trinity and all the angels and saints. It is easy to understand how this day can be remembered for all the joy it brought to our Blessed Mother, but we may still wonder, what does it mean to us? For us, it means that a promise has been fulfilled. Mary is the first to follow Jesus, who ascended into heaven. Mary is in heaven, body and soul. The promise that Jesus made to us by His Resurrection from the dead is now fulfilled in Mary, His Mother. What God has done for Mary He will also do for us. We can be sure of this. God is always true to His Word, no matter what we may think. We may not be able to understand how God will fulfill His promises, but He will do it, of this we can be sure.
Mary was sure that all God’s words to her would be fulfilled. That is how she lived her life, with complete trust in God. Her example of faith and trust will show us that God does keep His word. For our part, we must pray for a greater trust in God, a real trust that allows us to put ourselves in His hands. If we believe in God as we say we do, then our lives must show that faith in all that we say and do. Our celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a celebration of our faith in God’s word to us as He shows us the way that leads to eternal life. It is a time for us to renew and deepen our trust in Him who has given us all good things. Let us ask God for a deeper faith in Him as we strive to put His word into practice, just like Mary did.
This Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother is a HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION, which means that we are obliged to participate at Mass either at the vigil the evening before or on the feast day itself. Please check the bulletin for Mass times and make plans to come to Mass.
A few years ago, I shared some reminders of things we should and should not do at Mass. I share them again especially in light of the Eucharistic Revival so that we can deepen our understanding of how we can show greater reverence for our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament.
Fast before Mass. It is Church law that one fasts for at least 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. Water and medicine can be consumed, of course. The purpose is to help us prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
No Food and Drink in Church. The exceptions would be a drink for small children, water for the priest or choir (if discreet) and water for those who are ill. Bringing a snack into church is not appropriate, because we want to set the church apart as a place of prayer and reflection.
Men, take your hats off. It is impolite to wear a hat into a church for a man. While this is a cultural norm, it is one that we ought to follow closely. Just as we take off our hats for the Pledge of Allegiance, we do so in church too, as a sign of respect.
Don’t chew gum in church. It breaks your fast, it’s distracting, it is considered impolite in a formal setting, and it doesn’t help us pray better. Can you imagine the Pope popping gum during Mass?
Cross yourself with Holy Water on entering and leaving the church. This is a reminder of our Baptism, which made us members of Christ’s Church. Just try to remain mindful of what is happening when you do so and don’t do it without saying a prayer.
Dress modestly and appropriately. Wear your Sunday Best. As Catholics, we believe that God comes down to meet us at every Mass. So, why would we not dress up?
Show up at least a few minutes early. If for some reason you can’t be on time, then try to sit in the back so you don’t disturb others. Getting to Mass early allows you to pray and better prepare yourself for Mass.
Cell phones should never be used in Mass for calls or texting. The exceptions are emergencies (big ones, not everyday ones) and if you do use one, please walk out of church to do so. Also, if you are using the phone for readings or prayers, this is appropriate, but try to be discreet.
