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Category Archives: Parish Life
The Armchair Liturgist: Praying For Nearby Parishes
Before commencing the Eucharistic Prayer this morning, the pastor mentioned one of our neighboring parishes–the one in my town of residence. Pray for them on their patronal feast, he asked. Years ago, I made sure the parish school observed school … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life
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The Armchair Liturgist: Mass Intentions Aligned With The Liturgical Year
One of my duties at my new parish is to monitor the parish bulletin. One of those sub-tasks is to check the publication of Mass intentions. I noticed that during Christian Unity Week, the pastor has listed a prayer for … Continue reading
Posted in Parish Life, The Armchair Liturgist
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Podcasting The Psalms
They gave me the keys to the parish podcast this summer. What do I know? Basic Scripture stuff. The Psalms. Last week’s on the 34th was my best, I think. I haven’t done voice audio for years–it goes back to … Continue reading
Posted in Parish Life, Scripture
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Today’s Rite of Committal
I have followed in the footsteps of many fine lay ministers in parishes. I’ve always strived to honor their service, their memory, and their initiatives. My newest parish is the first where I have come after my predecessor has died. … Continue reading
Handing Off
Over at Where Peter Is, a small back-and-forth on the worth of a parish mission in response to a comment of mine: From your wife’s last point, it sounds like you need a good old parish mission! That will not … Continue reading
Posted in Commentary, Ministry, Parish Life
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Desk
My wife has gotten into Marie Kondo, who is apparently a big thing. At home, where we have squeezed a house, then a large apartment into a smaller apartment, perhaps it has saved me from leaping over boxes and stuff … Continue reading
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What Inspires?
A social media friend posted a question: what books would his friends recommend for Catholic teens? I saw a lot of good stuff. I saw good books that would likely be misfires. The answers rather showed people who read or … Continue reading
Posted in evangelization, Parish Life, spirituality
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Crucifix
While I was unable to be here long enough for the dedication rite, I was blessed to witness and important installation, one that already inspires reflection. Left, the truck has arrived, and below, I captured an image without zoom that … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Parish Life
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A Missing Dedication
With my departure from the wonderful Pac NW, one thing I will miss is my parish’s dedication of a renovated church. As marvelous as the dedication of a church is, I will miss my friends a bit more. Earlier this … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life
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Boxes
The word is out on another outlet of social medium, so I may as well report it here. Pieces of my home are getting boxed up, as you see. Once my family and I find a place to live, I’ll … Continue reading
Posted in My Family, Parish Life
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Heading To More Stay-At-Home
Been busy with church and elections work, so I haven’t been watching much news lately. Even church news. From Ireland, Fr Neil Xavier O’Donoghue discusses “Lockdown 2.0” at PrayTell. Last March all public activities, including churches, closed down overnight and … Continue reading
Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life, spirituality
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Assembling Furniture
Last week the pews and kneelers arrived from Texas. The last bit before shifting Mass from the social hall into the new church. Here’s a before image, with the lights full on for liturgy:
Posted in Parish Life
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Before And After
Before, it looked like a landscaped side of a school gym, which is what is was built for: The outside cross, if you can see it, left, was a later addition, I think. The major construction is complete, and a … Continue reading
Posted in Parish Life
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Catholic Sensibility 
Times Change
I showed up 80 minutes before morning Mass today. Just in case, you know? People came on time, as it happened. About an hour later. Lots of them. One of our highest attendance marks, coming out of the pandemic. In … Continue reading →