Yes, remember Fr. Christian’s ordination well. It was amazing to see him poised so precariously on his knees to service the bishop with those big, pink Irish hands atop his head to hold him tight. Indeed, it was quite a sight to see him throwing himself so nervously yet enthusiastic into the effort, bowing and bobbing his head so reverently as all watched in silence seeing him begin the matter somewhat squeamishly like an untrained ballerina taking the stage for the first time, then soon continuing more confidently like a prima donna diva giggling as she partakes with greatest abandon of the most delectable chocolate covered cherry ever imagined. That part was what made it such a spectacle and so memorable. I haven’t gone to an ordination since.

https://melissa-zehner.squarespace.com/blog/anneandchristian

His bishop is no doubt less than pleased.

Hopefully he will do better pleasing his wife.

LOL

Blessings to you as you work toward ordination to the diaconate!

As a Diaconal Candidate in formation, and proud to learn how to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and His people, I feel confident to say you’ve hit the nail on the head… we are not here for “WE”; we are here for HIM; and to glorify His name and works by our’s!

I would substitute “dismaying” for “silly,” but you get the point.

And the weekend liturgy is the single point of real contact with this church for so very many Catholics. “New Evangelization,” indeed!

Thank you Mary for your response. I am working on my Master’s in Theology and I am taking as many Liturgical Theology classes as I can. One of the things I am seeing as a result is that we rush through the Liturgy and don’t appreciate the prayers that are part of it. In general we tend to try to fill everything with song, but when the offertory song goes so long we miss the prayers over the gifts and the connection between the ordinary and the sacred as we present the bread and wine which will be transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We rush through prayers and don’t hear them. One of our music directors commented that she was frustrated that the prayers of the faithful aren’t really prayers because we rush through them. The deacons read them and the cantor has the people respond so quickly. So I have been pausing after I read the intention before inviting the response from the people, to allow it to penetrate and allow the people to make it their own prayer. I haven’t heard any feedback yet, but I have been doing it for 3 weeks to see what happens. I will keep you in my prayers, that you find a community that feeds your needs.

Thank you for your response. All of the things you mentioned make for compelling homilies, I think. They remind me of things I try to use when I write a column (or a talk). Like you, I usually have someone read my column before I submit it so I can get some honest feedback. And I certainly know that not every one is a home run. 🙂 But, as I’ve said before, I don’t think anyone expects that — I certainly don’t. Only that there be something in the liturgy that leads people forward and lifts them up. Maybe it’s the homily or the music or the community or all of the above, but when everything fails to do that, we’ve got a problem. And that’s what I’ve been experiencing on a regular and long-term basis in multiple places. All systems failing. And from what I’m hearing from others, I am not alone, sadly.

God bless you in your ministry!
Peace

I wish I could join you!