[Click on the arrow to hear a recording of the homily.]
Last week I chatted about the priest and the rabbi waving a sign saying, “The End is Near!”
Today in the gospel we hear the people asking for a sign from Christ. It’s all the more important to them given that he has just told them that their national symbol, the very dwelling place of God in their midst, will be destroyed. Such an idea is pretty startling. It’s like those apocalyptic movies where the aliens blow up the U.S. capitol building and the White House.
Then Jesus goes on to talk about the end of the age, and the need for perseverance in the face of trial and tribulation.
This is tough stuff to listen to. Try starting a movement gand gathering disciples by saying, “You will be hated by all because of my name.” See how far you get.
Sometimes discipleship may not seem very glamorous. But it is always worth it. As the saying goes, “Working for the Lord doesn’t pay much, but the retirement benefits are out of this world!”
So, the world will come to an end, but in the meantime we are here. What should we be doing?
The life of any parish revolves around three actions—the celebration of the liturgy and the other sacraments; the formation of disciples; and the proclamation of the gospel in word and deed. Of these, the celebration of the liturgy is preeminent. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council made this abundantly clear when they said that the liturgy “is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the source from which all her power flows.” (Sacrosanctam Concilium,10)
It follows then that the well-conceived and well-rendered celebration of the liturgy should be the first priority of the parish. Intentional discipleship begins with intentional liturgy. For this reason, earlier in the year I called together the coordinators of the various liturgical ministries to form the Liturgy Committee. Their task is to assist the Pastor in planning all aspects of the liturgies that will take place in the parish throughout the year.
One of the things that became apparent in our first meeting was a pressing need for recruitment, training, support and appreciation of all liturgical ministers. Our sacristans do a wonderful job, but all too often they are scrambling at the last minute to make sure that all the ministries for a particular Mass are covered. People are very generous and most are able to pitch in on such short notice. Nevertheless, it is a matter of critical importance that needs to be addressed. The first step is to invite members of the congregation who feel called to place their gifts at the service of the community in the litrugy.
To this end, we are having a “Mini Ministry Faire” for all liturgical ministries this weekend. In the Gathering Area after Mass are really nice folks who can tell you all about their ministry and answer any questions you have.
So how do you sign up? In your hymnal and in the pews this weekend, you will find a bookmark with an invitation to participate. On it are listed all the liturgical ministries in the parish. I ask that you take a moment to look it over, pray a little prayer of discernment, and then check the box that best applies for the ministry that speaks to your heart. There are three options:
Interested: You are interested in this ministry and would like more information, such as its training requirements and time commitments. You are not signing up for the ministry at this stage, just asking for more information.
Continuing: You like being a part of this ministry and would like to continue to serve for another year. Make sure you check the box, just because you have been doing it for many years, we will not assume you want to continue.
Leaving: Life happens. Sometimes change is good. Maybe you have been doing this ministry for a while and just want to try something new. Maybe you need a break. Checking this box is a simple way to “un-volunteer” with dignity.
[The story of “Gladys” and the linens at Holy Family.]
Once you have discerned your choice(s), simply place the bookmark in the collection basket when it comes around or in the basket in the Gathering Area. If you would like more time or want more information about a particular ministry, please stop by their booth at Mini-Ministry Faire.
Commitment forms will be collected through the end of November. At that point, we will compile the lists in the office and the coordinator of that ministry will be contacting you in mid-December. Liturgical trainings will take place after Christmas and be finished by Ash Wednesday. Typically, training is offered once a weekday and repeated on a Saturday. Make-up sessions are held later if you can’t make an earlier one.
Commitment to any liturgical ministry is for a period of one year.
Someone has asked that if they have been involved in a ministry for some time, do they need to sign up again and do they need to come to the training. The answer to the first question is “yes.” First, your renewed commitment is a liturgical act of offering your gift of time and talent to Our Lord and to the parish family. That is you it should be put it in the basket at offertory with the other gifts, if at all possible. On a more practical note, lists need to be updated every year and recommitting for the coming year helps us do that in the simplest possible way.
Do you have to come to the training even if you’ve been doing a ministry for years? Again, the answer is ‘yes’. By and large things are set up pretty good here, but there will be some minor changes for every liturgical ministry to bring us into conformity with universal and particular law. Also, at each training there will be a number of resources given out. These are essential for your success in your ministry.
We’re going to make it as easy as possible to come to a training. As I mentioned, each ministry will have at least three opportunities, one during the week, one on a weekend and a make-up session later.
As I said, someday, this beautiful church that we worked so hard to build so many years ago will not be standing, and we will be quite happy about that, because it means the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires.
In the meantime, we are here.
I thank you in advance. Through the joyful and intentional celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, may we draw closer in communion with Christ and with one another as we celebrate these sacred mysteries.