From you pastor

On this weekend where we welcome the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal I defer my comments to great minds and draw from the word of the rector of our Cathedral.

Posture and Gestures
Throughout our liturgy there are postures and gestures we hold in common. Using the same postures and gestures strengthens our unity and reflects an attitude of ecclesial solidarity. Together we celebrate the Church's liturgy.
In the revised General Instruction of the Roman Missal, we are given directives regarding posture and gestures to keep consistent this desire of unity. Some of the directives remain unchanged, among them, standing from the beginning of the entrance procession until after the Opening Prayer, sitting during the readings, standing during the Gospel, kneeling from the Holy, Holy until the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, kneeling after the Lamb of God.
New postures will be in place during the Preparation of the Altar and the Communion Procession. During the preparation of the altar we will sit while the collection is taken up and brought to the altar with the bread and wine. After the priest washes his hands we will stand readying ourselves to offer our prayer to God. The ritual gesture of standing is a treasured position in the Church's prayer and is the desired posture when we offer prayer to God, receive God's word proclaimed in the Gospel, and a sign of great reverence as we process to Communion.
During the Communion Procession, the instruction requires that a simple bow of the head be made as we approach the communion elements of the Lord's Body and Blood. The bow shows our reverence and gratitude for the gift of the Body and Blood of Christ. The communion procession will need to slow down: as the person ahead of you moves away from the communion minister, then make the bow of your head towards the consecrated host or wine. The communion minister will wait until you raise your head before saying "the Body of Christ" or "the Blood of Christ". Your spoken response of "Amen" signifies your belief in the divine presence and the unity of the communal body. No further gesture such as a genuflection or sign of the cross is required after receiving communion.
In the Dioceses of Canada, Holy Communion is to be received standing. Some individuals may still choose to receive Communion while kneeling. Communion may be received in the hand or on the tongue. No posture or way of receiving Communion is to be considered a better, holier or more reverential way than the other.
Our bishop asks us to remain standing until all of the faithful have received communion. After this both priest and people alike are encouraged to enter into a prolong period of silent prayer where we either kneel or sit.

RIP Cameron

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Appreciating gifts

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From Your Pastor

Joanna Giresi decision to leave youth ministry at the end of the year is one that has been in the works for some time. I thank for Joanna the great care and discernment that went into making her decision. During the 2010-2011 school year, Joanna shifted from her role as solely a youth minister at Sacred Heart to helping provide sacramental preparation for both parishes. I do not know how we cold have made the transition without Joanna.
For the past ten years Joanna has been a formative and direct influence in many young peoples lives. We can not even begin to imagine how she will be missed. I am greatful that Joanna has agreed to form and guide our Youth Commission as we begin to plan for the future. The Pastoral Council Survey listed "Youth Needs" at the top of the list and the Youth Commission will be instrumental in guide us in the Comprehensive Youth Ministry Model as laid out by the association of youth ministers in Canada.
We are commited to youth ministry yet I know we will never be able to replace Joanna. It is my hope that through Youth Commission, we can all take up the challenge to minister to, for and with our youth.

Fr. Peter Keller
St. Michaels & Sacred Heart
(519) 344-2992 ext 23

Ubi amor, ibi oculus - Where there is love, there is insight

Fill er up

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fill me up with the oil of gladness I am running dry

From Your Pastor

Next week I will be on retreat at the Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington, Michigan.  I look forward to my retreat every year.  It is a week of silence and prayer.  One of my main projects while on retreat will be to pray over the 3^rd edition of the Roman Missal.

While the changes the changes for the congregation have been few; the flow and rhythm of how the priest prays is changing fundamentally.  On the weekend of November 19 and 20 will we decommission the 2^nd edition To make ready for the 3^rd edition’s exclusive use on the First Weekend of Advent.  You are learning your parts well and I realize there is always frustration with change. 

                The current translation was promised in the 70’s has been in the works since 1985.  In 2000 and 2001 clear guidelines for the translation was formed and since then tens of thousands of people have been consulted to bring about this translation.

It took nearly 4 years to introduce the first English translation in the early 70’s causing much confusion.  The changes made in this edition are clear and well thought out.  I see the bishop’s wisdom in introducing the changes slowly.  It can allow us to appreciate each change better so that we can celebrate using one text connect to the one text for all the English-speak Catholics beginning in Advent.