Tag Archives: parish life

February 2, 2012 · 11:23 am

feast of the presentation and the prophet anna

Twenty-nine years ago today, hubby and I embarked on our parenting journey. Our first-born entered the world with  healthy lungs announcing his displeasure at the sudden change of venue. We joked about him seeing his shadow and wanting to go back for six more weeks of snoozing. When hubby began the round of phone calls to share the good news, mention was made of it being Groundhog Day. But it was our dear Benedictine friend, Sr. Grace, who gently reminded us that it was also the Feast of the Presentation.

Luke’s gospel story of Mary and Joseph presenting the baby Jesus in the temple is filled with rich words and memorable characters. (Luke 2: 22-39)  I always had a fondness for the prophet, Anna. She spent a mere 7 years with her husband, and was a widow until 84. Her days were spent praying and fasting in the temple.

Do you know an Anna? Our parish has been blessed with many Anna’s over the years. These are the faithful and faith-filled women who form the small remnant of weekday mass goers. They are present at every Eucharistic Adoration or extra prayer service. They arrive early, and leave late in order to pray more. They are the ones with the tattered prayer books and worn-out rosary beads. In our parish it was Anne, Pearl, Kay, Catherine, Helen, Tessie, Kate and more. When we first came to the parish, 30 years ago, some were already widows. Some are still alive today. Others have joined the glorious communion of saints, still joining their prayers with all holy women and men across time.

My favorite Benedictine community also had its Anna’s. These elder nuns were no longer able to participate in active ministry. But, they spent hours in the chapel praying for all.

Of course, we cannot forget the Simeon’s. But the men in the temple are usually front and center, so it is not easy to forget them. Today let’s remember, with gratitude, all the quiet women prophets in our midst.

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December 1, 2011 · 7:00 am

a house is not a home

Here is a link to my latest article for the Prairie Messenger, a house is not a home.

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September 27, 2011 · 6:00 am

the best and worst of times; my life as a parish catechist

When my children were young, I put my heart and soul into our parish catechetical program. I was in the midst of studies myself, and on fire with a desire to teach the Catholic faith. There were no paid positions in our rural parish, but I willingly put in many volunteer hours preparing children for Sacraments and facilitating adult faith formation sessions. I had found my calling. In many ways, it was the best of times.

Unfortunately, our parish and diocese was in the midst of a sadly dysfunctional situation with our priest and bishop of the time. Heads were rolling. Priests and laity were being dismissed, often without explanation. Lines were being drawn in the sand. Folks sucked it up, grumbled and stayed. Or, they spoke out and quickly found themselves on the other side of the church door. I was in the latter group. It truly was the worst of times.

I learned several lessons about church politics from this experience. My priest friends, who were skittishly looking over their own shoulders at the time, were not willing to stand up for me. They offered a shoulder to cry on and affirmed the injustice that had been done, but that was the extent of their help. I was left alone. But when two of their own were unceremoniously removed from the diocese, we lay folks were expected to raise our voices in loud protest and support!

I also learned that each parish has a small flock of obedient sheep that will continue to do the pastor`s bidding regardless of the extent of his nastiness. They will commiserate and grumble loudly about the injustices being committed, but never directly to the priest. Their silent acquiescence is interpreted as support, and enables the bad behaviour to continue.

Several priests have come and gone in our parish since then. I had one more `best of times` experience facilitating the RCIA program. The pastor at the time affirmed and empowered us in our work. It was a refreshing interlude, but only lasted as long as his time in the parish. His successor was another over-controlling, micro-manager and I wasn`t ready to join his ranks of minions.

What is my involvement in parish catechetics today? Zilch! Sadly, my roller coaster experience sucked all my energy and passion. I no longer feel called to parish work. It took a long time, but I`ve finally made my peace with it.

I`m sharing this story in the spirit of disclosure. Yes, my experience left me scarred and more than a little embittered. It has also given me the perspective of both an insider and outsider. Our parish catechetical programs have their shining moments, and faith-filled and committed catechists provide the brightest lights. But there are weaknesses that need to be addressed with honesty, creativity and collaboration. And so, this discussion will continue….

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June 27, 2011 · 10:19 am

corpus christi

image via Microsoft

Yesterday was Corpus Christi, or the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is central to our Catholic identity. It is the `source and summit` of our faith life and liturgical worship. Sadly, the theology surrounding this sacrament separates us from other Christian denominations. Ironically, it also divides us within our own Church.

When we receive Holy Communion under the appearance of bread and wine, we believe that it is really and truly the body and blood of Jesus and not just a sign or symbol of remembrance. We use dense words such as transubstantiation to try and explain the unexplainable. As with most mysteries, there are many layers and meanings beyond this core belief. Our theological or ideological leanings often determine which aspect is highlighted in our worship style. At the risk of over-simplifying or generalizing, traditionalists focus more on the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine. Liberals or progressives focus more on the communal banquet table that feeds and unites us.

A focus on the real presence tends to place great importance on devotional practises and liturgical rites such as Eucharistic Adoration, Benedictions, and Corpus Christi processions. Individual piety and acts of devotion center on the Tabernacle and the consecrated host itself. It can be more exclusive, with high standards of who can and who cannot receive.

A focus on the communal aspect of Eucharist focuses on gathering in fellowship around the table of the Lord. The worship style is less formal and more communal, less focused on the person of the priest and more focused on the community. It tends towards inclusivity, with a desire to welcome all who come to the table.

A previous pastor used to focus on the real presence. His strong devotion was apparent in both his worship style and homilies. He often wore a Cope, a liturgical cape, changing vestments mid-way in the mass. After Communion, he dramatically kneeled in long prayer in front of the Tabernacle while we watched from the pews. Lengthy rules concerning reception of the Eucharist were repeatedly read in homilies and printed in bulletins. We had to bow – and he kept correcting how we bowed.

He preached that the most important place in the world was inside the four walls of the Church. Missing Mass was a grave sin. One First Communion Sunday, when pews were filled with non-Catholic family and friends unsure of when to sit and stand, he preached about Eucharistic miracles – hosts purportedly turning to real flesh and blood. I squirmed in the pew wondering what our visitors were thinking. What were the young boys and girls thinking? At the heart of his efforts was a deep devotion. But his methods were turning people away rather than drawing them in.

As with many aspects of our faith, the truth can be found in the middle of two extremes. If we truly believe in the sacramental presence of Jesus in the Eucharist then yes, we must receive with respect and devotion, ensuring that certain standards are in place. If we truly believe that it is a sacrament of love and unity, then we must also reflect this in how we welcome our sisters and brothers to the table.

 

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June 3, 2011 · 6:00 am

the clericalism of the laity

Jamie L. Manson has written another thought-provoking blog on the National Catholic Reporter web-site. In Priest`s pornography case reveals clericalism of the laity , she challenges the laity for remaining silent in the midst of the abuse scandals. She claims that even progressive voices are hesitant to openly challenge and report priests, and blames it on the “internalized clericalism of the laity.” Even when the evidence is staring us in the face, we are as guilty as clerics in giving the offending priest a “pass.”

Is this true? We have heard of the stories of days gone by, when a child’s word was seldom believed. Even when it was believed, a family was too ashamed or afraid to openly accuse the priest. But have we not moved beyond the old protectiveness of our clergy?

In my own parish life, I have never had to experience the unique betrayal of a sexually abusing priest. But I have experienced the effects of authoritarianism and abuse of power. I have seen some past priests treat a parish as their own fiefdom, bullying others to do their will. Parish councils and finance and liturgy committees were mere pawns, ensuring that all Father’s plans and wishes would be fulfilled.

I have also seen the diocesan-wide effects of a now long-gone bishop who was absolutely crazed with control. In his last years he had heads rolling among clergy and laity alike.

These priests and bishop were also abusers, though not sexually. And what did we do? Well, those of us who spoke out quickly found ourselves on the margins. Friends shared our feelings of anger and injustice, but felt they could do nothing beyond offering a shoulder to cry on. Priest friends, while sympathetic, distanced themselves from the situation out of fear for their own positions.

Since then, I have sat back and observed how a parish reacts to a pastor who abuses their power. The one constant seems to be that most of the faithful inner circle remains faithful. Oh, they will grumble mightily about how difficult Father is to work with. But they will continue to do his bidding. On Sunday morning, he is still surrounded by his minions. During the busy liturgical seasons, he still obsessively controls every detail despite the extra time and energy required of already over-worked volunteers.

And then it came to me. It`s so simple. The reason that priests can behave badly and get away with it, is because we enable them! And when we do, are we any better than the priests and bishops who cover up the abuses of their fellow clergy? My wise husband is fond of saying that a person can only have power if you give it to them. When will we learn to just say no?!

Manson concludes her article with the following,

As the tales of the institutional church’s deception and negligence continue to mount, lay Catholics must stop making themselves subservient to their imagined notions of the power of the hierarchy, and must instead allow themselves to be channels of the power of God that is made manifest through sacrifice, courage, and truthfulness.

They must recognize how their internalized clericalism may be impeding their prophetic participation in the Spirit’s unfolding work in our church.

Amen!

 

 

 

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May 26, 2011 · 6:00 am

sunday tourist

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa

My husband loves to attend new churches while on holidays. I do too…now. Things were much different when we travelled with five energetic children in tow. Sunday mass was enough of a challenge in the familiar surroundings of our home parish. In a new church, I couldn’t relax until I had mapped out a quick exit to the basement or the crying room. And, I definitely had to locate the washrooms for the quick dash with the potty trainer of the moment. A large church offered some anonymity. With our crew, it was hard to slip in to the pews of a small, half empty church without all eyes turning towards us.

On our recent trip to Ottawa, our friends arranged for us all to attend Sunday mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame. Its beauty befits our capital city, and the grandeur contrasts to the simplicity of our rural church. The liturgy itself was a musical treat, thanks to the pipe organ and soaring voices of the cathedral choir. There was a nice balance between songs for the full congregation, and exquisite choral pieces to inspire moments of prayer. And when the organ belted out for all to sing, it was easy to raise your voice with no worries of sour notes. You were lifted up by the glorious sound, and could almost believe that you, too, sounded this good!

When on holidays, you don’t have to take a holiday from Sunday mass. For those who are actively involved in their home parish, being a tourist is an opportunity to sit back and enter into the worship space without the temporal worries of liturgical preparations. And if you really want a taste of the local color and culture of a place, enter into a church and join a community in prayer.

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March 22, 2011 · 6:00 am

the gospel of abundance

Preaching a gospel of abundance is an easy draw for filling the pews. It goes something like this…

If you are a good and faithful Christian and give regularly and generously to your church, then God will reward you with material wealth and success. Wealth, in fact, is a sign of a good Christian. Hence, the financial success and rich life-style of a preacher merely affirms his or her faithfulness.

Perhaps if we heard this message from our priests, we’d have more Catholics in the pews. In fact, in many developing countries we’re losing ground to our evangelical sisters and brothers in the convert contests. Become a Christian in our congregation and you’ll have wealth and success. Or, become a Catholic and prayerfully unite your poverty and suffering with Christ. Tough choice!

The Catholic Church isn’t immune to preaching this gospel of abundance. Many years ago, a speaker in our parish promoted tithing to help fund the annual bishop’s appeal. He spoke passionately about the financial miracles that he experienced through tithing, especially when it meant a hardship for his family. To me, it sounded like a form of Catholic Karma. Give until it hurts, and it will return to you -overflowing. The fact that he was addressing many struggling farm families angered me even more. Needless to say, there were few tithers in our parish.

Catholics are known for being miserly with the Sunday collection plate. We are generous with giving to those in need. And, we will pay for the necessary expenses of our parish. But many of us are no longer willing to pay for opulent buildings and the rich life-styles of some church leaders.

The sieve of logic behind the gospel of abundance is obvious and easily disputed. It is wrong to coerce money from others with empty promises of wealth and happiness. It is even more morally despicable to do so from those who have little or no disposable income.

But it is also wrong to preach that poverty should be accepted as God’s will. Poverty is an evil that must be eradicated by an equitable sharing of resources globally and locally. This is the miracle that we need, not the empty promises of charismatic, millionaire preachers.

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February 24, 2011 · 6:00 am

elders in the parish

It doesn’t take long to learn who the ‘long-timers’ are in a parish. My husband and I moved to town as newlyweds in 1981. We were warmly welcomed, and soon became a parish fixture ourselves as the babies began to arrive. For every prim and proper church lady who tut-tutted every time our children made a sound, there were others who delighted in seeing the lively crew in the front pew. “You have a beautiful family” were precious words to hear after a long hour of pretending we were in control of our children! God bless the parish elders who welcome young families.

Having been in our parish for thirty years now, we have experienced the loss of many of our elders. One by one, their cherished spots in the pew become empty. Their faithful presence in life makes their absence even more apparent. Here are just a few memories.

“Whispering Kay” spoke in the loudest of stage whispers to her nearby friends before and during mass. My husband and I suppressed many a giggle at her comments and opinions. She was the devoted keeper of the church plants. Sadly, the plants seldom survived her tender care.

“The Prophetess Anna” who, like her namesake in Luke 2, spent many hours in the temple praying. If there was Eucharistic Adoration, Anna spent each and every minute in her pew. I asked her once what she prayed for in all that time. “I pray for each and every one of you” was her answer.

“A Pearl of great price” was a widow since the mid 1970’s. Like Anna, Pearl is a great woman of prayer. Nothing stopped Pearl from attending mass. One Sunday, when she was hospitalized, she asked to be taken to mass in her wheel-chair.

Perhaps it’s my age, but I’m much more aware of the elders in our parish now. We have ushers that can barely walk up the aisle but still faithfully take up the collection and offertory.  We have several couples married fifty and even sixty-plus years. The tenderness they show to each other gives us hope when much younger marriages keep failing.

Perhaps this Sunday, we can all take a look around the pews and make an effort to greet our elders. And don’t forget to say a prayer for them – because they are probably saying one for you.

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February 13, 2011 · 6:00 am

a rural church

Saint-Anselme, Quebec

Rural church life presents some unique challenges here on the Canadian prairies.  Here`s a wee look into my experience of our country parish.

Small town means small parish. It`s easier to build community when everyone knows your name. This is a good thing. It also means that everyone knows your business. This is not always a good thing!

In the hierarchy of parishes in a diocese (and yes, it does exist) rural parishes are seldom considered plum appointments. God help you if your parish is a regular target for exiled or incompetent priests who have peeved off the bishop!

Yuppie city-slicker priests can have a hard time adjusting to small town life, and will run back to the city at every possible chance. One pastor arrived at a parish meeting grumbling that the transmission fell out of his Audi and his Espresso machine was broken. True story!

With the present priest shortage, one pastor is often responsible for several parishes and missions. Many smaller communities are being closed or amalgamated. Priest-less parishes are already a reality.

One town equals one parish. There are no choices and no options that don`t include a long car ride. If you`re not happy with the priest, chances are he`s servicing all the surrounding parishes anyway.

While we have a lay ministry formation program in the dioceses, there is a shortage of lay women and men who are professionally trained in religious education or pastoral ministry. Even if we had them, we can`t afford to pay them.

The majority of our young people move away after high school for education, training, and work. We do not have young adult programs or music groups.

These are just some personal observations. Our town is a relatively short two hour drive from the city. These and other challenges are magnified and multiplied for communities that are even more geographically isolated , especially in our northern Canadian communities.

(Note: The beautiful church in the photo is not ours. The photo was taken on a visit to Quebec.)

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January 28, 2011 · 6:00 am

day 28 – ho-hum homilies

We have all been held captive on a Sunday morning with a ho-hum homily. Blessed is the parish that has a gifted, inspiring homilist. And God bless those who get a snoozer week after week. It’s a test of faith and perseverance to remain focused, listen patiently, and stay awake!

Homiletics or preaching is a gift that isn’t automatically bestowed upon a priest at ordination. Training is given in seminaries, but as with any course of study some are better students than others. Gifted homilists are able to delve deeply into the scripture readings and dig out a relevant and timely message. They have the gift of presenting the message clearly so that it is easily understood and remembered. They have the gift of words that inspire the listener. They know that having the answers isn’t always required, so will challenge and nudge us to further pondering.

For me, one sign of a good homily is the conversation that it sparks while cooking the Sunday brunch after mass. Even if you don’t agree with what was said, it gets you talking.  A ho-hum homily is a non-event that is forgotten by the time you reach the parking lot.

A good homily takes a lot of work and a lot of prayer. Sneaking the latest issue of Homiletic Review up to the pulpit and reading from it doesn’t count! If you are graced with a good homily this Sunday, be sure to affirm your pastor. It’s a tough job, and a few kind words of support can go a long way.

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