I am writing this on Sunday, January 22nd. You will be reading it the weekend of January 29th and our parish trip to India will find us at Fr. Rojin’s home parish in Marygiri, Kerala. The plan is for us to have Mass with the children of the parish and for me to give them a short homily. That should be a sight.
Speaking of sights, I was behind the computer for three Masses this weekend, running the slides and the Annul Catholic Appeal (ACA) DVD. I have never sat in the back before at our Church. It was revealing. Your eye is drawn to the altar. At two of the Masses,
Fr. Rojin, all six foot four of him, was the Presider. His green vestments and his size were enriched by the beauty of the stain glass windows behind him. We do indeed have a wor- ship space of beauty.
I also find that putting the readings on the screen is enormously helpful. To both hear the word spoken and to read it at the same time is to deepen the experience. Remember the Scriptures are the Word of God in human language. When a phrase of an image gets in- side your heart, mind, or imagination, it is a great way of encountering the Lord. Remem- ber that as part of our pastoral Plan we are trying to deepen your encounter with the Scripture readings at Mass so that in them, you will encounter the Lord.
At all the Masses last weekend we showed the ACA video. Soon the Diocese will send you information on how to give to this year’s Appeal. Our goal if $ 85,000 and last year we raised $ 96,000. If everyone contributes to this important work of the Church, we should be in great shape. Watch for your packet from the ACA and prayerfully consider what you can give.
