Traditional Catholic Charismatic Orthodoxy

Our young priest made a comment just after "the Greeting of the Assembled People" yesterday. He reminded the assembly that as we celebrate the Mass we are joining in heavenly worship with the angels and saints. He then said that sometimes he wonders if the angels and saints are laughing at our lackluster responses and singing.

I wrote this post last year about reverence, especially while receiving Holy Communion. Reading that post would be helpful to better understand my position about a few liturgical issues. But here's a snapshot from that post:

I was born in 1967, post Vatican II, so my childhood saw remnants of the past being replaced, changed, or removed. I remember going to Mass as a very young boy and watching my parents receive Holy Communion at the altar rail. By the time I received Holy Communion for the first time, the altar rail had been removed, and we were taught to receive on the tongue or in the hand. I have always preferred to receive on the tongue, and truth be known, I would love for the Communion rail to come back. I embrace the few times we get to respond or sing in Latin. I love that connection to Church history.

Other thoughts I have posted with regards to Liturgy or related topics are here, here, and here just to note a few.

I absolutely love the reverence shown in the TLM and the Orthodox Liturgies and what that reverence teaches us...reminds us of.

For several years, when I lived in Louisiana, I attended a church that was part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. (For those that are unfamiliar with this, the Charismatic Renewal is in full communion with Rome.) I guarantee that there was never a lackluster response or less than maximum effort in the singing or participation in the Mass.

When preparing for the Revised Roman Missal translation changes, the Bishops stated that their hope was that the effort would bring about more "full, active, and conscious participation" in the Mass. As we prepared in our parish here in Texas, I often thought of those days in the charismatic Catholic church.

The charismatics I associated with could not be described as irreverent for sure. But at the church I attended there was time during each Mass where the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit were...well, on display.

I state it in this manner because I firmly believe that such should be practiced outside of Mass. It's not that I think that the gifts of the Spirit are irreverent, but what is "the better part" given to us...charismatic gifts, or the Mass itself?

I believe that the true focus was lost. Case in point; a strong and mature Catholic who attended Mass there regularly once told me that they had to attend Mass at a "regular parish" for several straight weeks, and that it was good to get back to "real church". I wonder...did Jesus forget to show up in the Eucharist at that other parish?

I often wonder if I am an oddity. I love the Mass we celebrate today post-Vatican II, but I believe that much of our tradition, especially the reverence once shown has been lost. Being honest, it actually hurts.

Can't we bring the richness and beauty of all of these together?

Sometimes I just wish for some sort of Traditional Catholic Charismatic Orthodoxy.

When it's time to sing, sing! When it's time to respond, respond fully knowing what you are saying! Stop going through the motions; pretty please. Quick checking your mobile device. Focus on Jesus before, during, and after Communion. Please don't be so quick to rush out of church or nearly kill someone getting out of the parking lot.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O Good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from thee. From the malignant enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me. And bid me come unto Thee, That with all Thy saints, I may praise thee Forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Amen.

O Lord, deprive me not of thy heavenly blessings. O Lord, deliver me from eternal torments. O Lord, if I have sinned in mind or thought, in word or deed, forgive me. O Lord, deliver me from…littleness of soul and stony hardness of heart. O Lord, deliver me from every temptation. O Lord, enlighten my heart which evil desire hath darkened. O Lord, I, being man, have sinned: do thou, being God, in loving kindness forgive me. O Lord, send down thy grace to help me, that I may glorify thy holy name. O Lord Jesus Christ, enroll me thy servant in the book of life. O Lord my God, even though I have done nothing good in thy sight, yet grant me, according to thy grace, to make a beginning of good. O Lord, sprinkle on my heart the dew of thy grace. O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me thy sinful servant, cold of heart and impure, in thy kingdom. O Lord, receive me in repentance. O Lord, leave me not. O Lord, lead me not into temptation. O Lord, grant me thought of good. O Lord, grant me tears, a remembrance of death, and a sense of peace. O Lord, grant me mindfulness to confess my sins. O Lord, grant me humility, charity, and obedience. O Lord, grant me endurance, magnanimity, and gentleness. O Lord, plant in me the root of all blessings, the fear of thee in my heart. O Lord, vouchsafe that I may love thee with all my heart and soul and in all things obey thy will. O Lord, shield me from evil men and devils and passions and all other unlawful things. O Lord, who knowest thy creation and what thou hast willed for it; may thy will also be fulfilled in me a sinner; for thou art blessed for evermore. Amen.

Kudos For My Kiddos

I do believe that my two youngest children (8 and 5) are very well-behaved at Mass, and not just for children. Generally, they are better behaved than many adults unfortunately.

Oh, they have their moments as all children do, and particularly when they decide to get in the space of the other. It starts off innocently enough. One decides to hug the other or something like that. The next thing you know, somebody is mad or upset. One of them hugged too long or leaned too hard. If you're a parent, you know what I mean.

Yesterday, my wife was not feeling well and stayed home. Brandon and Monica went to Mass with me, and I have to admit that I was a little concerned about the possibilities the absence of Mom could have on the situation.

While I knew they would be fine through most of the Mass, I was scheduled as Sacristan. Brandon usually "assists" me in this duty before Mass begins, but I needed him to sit with Monica...in the front row...with no adult supervision.

Well, they did great! Monica looked through her Picture Book of the Mass booklet, while Brandon occupied himself with his Mass Kit that we gave him for First Communion.

Phew! But there was one more hurdle, and it would be a big one. As Sacristan, I need to leave my seat at the beginning of the Homily to adjust the number of hosts according to the Mass attendance count. This is normally the time when thy begin to "stir" just a bit.

I had covered the scenario with them before Mass and gently reminded them as I left them alone for the Homily. Then, I watched for a moment from the back of the church before heading to the sacristy. So far, so good.

After I had completed my task, I again observed them from the rear of the church. I was relieved...and surprised that they left my seat, the one between them, open and did not seem to pay the other any attention.

After Mass, some friends of ours came to remark about how well the children behaved while I was not with them, and then they sat and visited with Brandon and Monica while I completed my after-Mass duties.

Later, a few others also remarked about their behavior. Needless to say, I was very proud of both of them, so I figure they deserve to be bragged on just a bit.

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Liturgy: What is said when there is no Pope?

During the Eucharistic Prayer this past Sunday, recognizing that it would be the last Sunday Mass with Pope Benedict XVI as our pope, I wondered what would be said this coming Sunday when there is no pope. Later that evening, my wife Kendra asked that very question of me, so that made it a little more important for me to find out. :-)

Well, long story short, the Priest will simply omit the papal reference. The USCCB has released a document, LITURGICAL NOTES AND RESOURCE MATERIALS FOR USE UPON THE RESIGNATION OF THE POPE which among other things addresses this:

The Eucharistic Prayer 

In accord with liturgical norms, the Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs I is appropriately used. 

Until 2:00 PM Eastern time, February 28, 2013, the formula for mentioning the name of the Pope in the Eucharistic Prayer is to be followed as usual. After that time, during the sede vacante, the formula is adjusted as follows: 

Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon) Be pleased to grant her peace, to guard, unite and govern her throughout the whole world, together with N. our Bishop, and all those who, holding to the truth, hand on the catholic and apostolic faith.7 

Eucharistic Prayer II Remember, Lord, your Church, spread throughout the world, and bring her to the fullness of charity, together with N. our Bishop and all the clergy. 

Eucharistic Prayer III May this Sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim Church on earth, with N. our Bishop, the Order of Bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you have gained for your own. 

Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs I Lord, renew your Church (which is in N.) by the light of the Gospel. Strengthen the bond of unity between the faithful and the pastors of your people, together with N. our Bishop, and the whole Order of Bishops, that in a world torn by strife your people may shine forth as a prophetic sign of unity and concord

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Thanks to Sr. Dorothy Eggering, SSND from the Office of Worship, Diocese of Dallas

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof

Today is officially one year that the English-speaking Catholic Church began using the Third Revision of the Roman Missal. Since the announcement by Blessed Pope John Paul II in 2000, it has been the hope of the Church that the revised translation would be an opportunity for everyone to grow closer to the Lord through a more  "full, conscious, active participation" in the Mass.

One of my favorite revisions is

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Have you ever heard someone say. "I just don't get anything out of Mass."? Perhaps you have even said or thought this before? One of the beauties of the Catholic Mass is that it is true worship of God. Worship is directed toward God, not toward one's self. Why do we think there has to be "something in it for me" to go to Mass? Do we think we actually deserve some benefit or are "worthy" of such on our own accord?

Remember where those words come from. In Matthew 8:8, the centurion says to Jesus, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." He doesn't think Jesus owes him anything. He sees himself as not being worthy of the presence of the Lord.

Jesus responds by saying, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Wow! Jesus recognizes that "the chosen people" have become dry, lacking in faith, and perhaps complacent. I think we can and have become like that too. Jesus rewards the centurion's faith by healing his servant.

Well, we also are not worthy, and we don't deserve anything. But here's the thing; God wants to give it all to us anyway. What all? Himself, His life, and all that that implies.

We say these words just before receiving Him in Holy Communion, the Eucharist, and having properly prepared ourselves to receive Him, we receive the Grace which He desires for our lives.

This is from the Commentary on the Order of Mass:

Nonetheless, despite these Biblical origins, speaking of “my roof” may seem strange before Holy Communion, since Christ is coming to us in the form of food – not literally entering into our houses. Certainly, the clear association with Matthew, chapter 8, has a figurative intent, but it may also be helpful to recall that Saint Paul says, “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you” (1 Cor 6:19). 

We are therefore to make our bodies into fitting homes for God’s grace to dwell within our souls. The Eucharist is true food that provides spiritual nourishment, which is why we will refer more specifically to “my soul” in the last line. But this sacramental strength for our souls in turn informs both our mental and physical deeds (recall the Confiteor also incorporates both types of action – “in my thoughts and in my words”), such that the totality of our bodies, souls, and lives may become suitable instruments of the Lord.

Lectors; A Serious Call to Service

The word lector is Latin for "one who reads". However, in the liturgical sense of the word, "reader" is lacking at best. Being a lector is a serious call to service, a call to serve God and the people of God. It is not to be taken lightly or without some understanding of what the Church prescribes for such service.

I will avoid a prolonged accounting of the history of the lector as a minor order, but will point out that the Catholic Church still considers the lector to be "instituted" for service.(1)

In the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, I find this particular instruction speaks to the care with which this service is to be attended to:

In the absence of an instituted lector, other lay people may be deputed to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, people who are truly suited to carrying out this function and carefully prepared, so that by their hearing the readings from the sacred texts the faithful may conceive in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture (GIRM 101)

Wow! There is much to process there:

• "deputed" - as in being given a responsibility
• "proclaim" - as in declaring insistently, praising and glorifying publicly
• "carefully" prepared - as in not waiting to the last minute, as in praying before practicing, as in arriving to Mass early, as in wearing the appropriate attire, etc.

and that

• "the faithful may conceive in their hearts a sweet and living affection for Sacred Scripture" - as in the lector has a great responsibility to cooperate with God's Grace and the Holy Spirit in being so effective that the people of God are moved to also cooperate with God's Grace and the Holy Spirit, preparing them more efficaciously to receive the Word of God in their hearts and subsequently the Eucharistic feast as well.

In the readings, the table of God's word is laid for the faithful and the riches of the Bible are opened to them. (+)

When the Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself is speaking to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, is proclaiming the gospel. (+)

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(1) based upon GIRM 99

(+) From Roman Missal Formational Materials provided by the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2010.

Breast Beat Down? Not Quite What You Think

Some Catholic practices may seem odd to non-Catholics, but have become foreign for some Catholics as well.  Take the breast striking for instance. Striking the breast is not some form of self-flagellation or breast beat down.

Our parish is blessed to have a very young, newly ordained priest assigned to us for a couple of months now.

Yesterday at Mass, he reminded the congregation that during the Confiteor, the rubrics in The Order of Mass state we strike out breast during the words "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault" (mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa").

The USCCB commentary on The Order of Mass states

"During the Confiteor, the faithful should “strike their breast” while saying, “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” This prescribed “striking” is a symbolic tapping of the chest with a clenched fist over one’s heart, signifying remorse. This is part of the beauty of our Catholic liturgy – sacramental words are complemented by sacramental actions. This action also recalls the penitent tax collector in Luke, chapter 18, who “beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’”

I actually like an older explanation even better. St. Augustine, speaking of striking the breast said

"What does this mean except that you wish to bring to light what is concealed in the breast, and by this act to cleanse your hidden sins?"

The Body of Christ. Amen!

I love the Mass. In fact, I love Liturgy in general. I serve in various liturgical ministries in my parish, and love serving at Mass as often as possible.

One of those ministries is as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.  I've seen enough on social media outlets to know that some Catholics just stopped reading. That's a post for another day, maybe. However, there is a need in my very large parish, I was asked several times, and I finally gave in, serving as a substitute when there is a shortage of ministers.

I am marked but don't label me

I was born in 1967, post Vatican II, so my childhood saw remnants of the past being replaced, changed, or removed.  (Just lost a few more I think.)  But please don't stick any labels on me.

I remember going to Mass as a very young boy and watching my parents receive Holy Communion at the altar rail. By the time I received Holy Communion for the first time, the altar rail had been removed, and we were taught to receive on the tongue or in the hand. I have always preferred to receive on the tongue, and truth be known, I would love for the Communion rail to come back. I embrace the few times we get to respond or sing in Latin. I love that connection to Church history. That doesn't mean that I think something's wrong with you if you think otherwise.

Steam-punk Sacred

However, there is a serious reason that I long for a past that I really never experienced. It's called reverence. For quite some time I have noticed a lack of reverence for the Eucharist, and I'm sorry to say that it does not appear to be improving very much.

The Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ present in the Eucharist should make us tremble with awe and Holy Fear of the Lord. Too often, though, it is evident that for many it is just another "altar call" or that time when we get to get up out of our seats and walk around a bit.

“The faithful should receive Communion kneeling or standing, as the Conference of Bishops will have determined”, with its acts having received the recognitio of the Apostolic See. “However, if they receive Communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence before the reception of the Sacrament, as set forth in the same norms” (Redemptionis Sacramentum)

Residential Reverence

Don't get me wrong, my pastor (and his predecessors) and our Liturgy Commission have spent quite a bit of time and effort trying to educate people about properly receiving Communion. More than one priest has reminded people that Judas was the first to leave the table. It seems as though some do not listen, or worse, do not care.

Let's face it. Children are going to learn to show reverence (or not) for the Eucharist in the example of their parents first and then that of those who they regularly observe at Mass. No matter what our priests and catechists teach, they will watch closely and emulate. As if approaching Christ is not enough in and of itself, let us all be mindful of the children, the future of the Church.

Begin With Basics

This is a video which was approved by my pastor for our parish. It is not all-inclusive but it at least touches on some of the very basics. Norms outside of our parish may differ. If you are ready for something beyond the basics, read Redemptionis Sacramentum.

Show me your identification please

For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh (Ephesians 2:14)

 It's Sunday morning, and soon the family will be awake and preparing to go to Mass.  I've been up for quite some time now, and was really wondering what "identity" this blog would take on.  There are some really great blogs out there.  Many are well-established, and most are devoted to specific topics.

Naturally, I began to equate my thoughts for A Talking Donkey with my own personal life and experiences.  Ha!  Suffice to say that this concludes trying to nail down a particular topic or thinking that this thing will not "evolve" (but hopefully in a good way).

Today's Scripture Readings at Mass lend an opportunity to contemplate "identity".  In the Gospel (Mark 6:30-34), we hear that when Jesus "saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd".  In the First Reading (Jeremiah 23:1-6), God says "I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them".  In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 23), we proclaim "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."  What's all this about sheep and shepherds?


Well, first about the sheep thing.  Sheep are animals of prey and are not thought of as being too "bright".  In most regions, sheep have a tendency to group together in communities (flocks).  When flocks are of mixed breeds, they tend to form sub communities of like breeds, and even more closely within those that they are most closely related to.  Hmmmm.  Generally, they will follow the first sheep in their flock to move, and become stressed when separated from their flock.  (It's also interesting to note that in regions where they have no predators, sheep are less inclined to exhibit this congregational behavior.)


Understanding one's natural inclinations and tendencies, are a good first step in understanding one's identity.  God is not demeaning us with this comparison.  He is helping us to understand that we have become something lessor than what He created us to be.  God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27), but because of sin, we have fallen short. (Romans 3:23)

Paul reminds us in today's Second Reading (Ephesians 2:13-18) that our true identity is in Christ.  Speaking of Gentiles and Jews (from different flocks, if you will), he says that we are now one through Christ's flesh.  In Galatians 3:28, Paul says it more clearly; "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

It's pretty easy to forget who I am sometimes, a lot of times.  In fact, when I fall, the devil is really quick to "pull me over" to write that ticket.  It's a good thing that my id card has a picture of Jesus on it.