Ask Prosper - Latest

Thanks to everyone who submitted a question to "Ask Prosper."  In today’s and future Flocknotes, and here on the website, you will find Prosper’s answers to your questions.  In the meantime, keep your questions coming!

Ask Prosper 9/12/21

QUESTION: At the beginning and the end of the mass the priest both bows and genuflects. Is there a reason for doing both?
 
Prosper:  I watched closely this weekend and you are right, the priest both bows and genuflects when he approaches the Sanctuary (the sacred space around the Altar).  Both of these actions show our devotion:  genuflecting shows adoration to the Eucharist in the Tabernacle; bowing expresses our reverence to the Altar, which is a symbol of Jesus and His sacrifice.  If you watch closely, Father Daniel genuflects to the Tabernacle at the beginning and ending of Mass (or when placing the Eucharist in the Tabernacle after Communion).  But once Mass begins, our focus tends to the Altar, which is the center of the Eucharistic celebration.  So when the priest passes by the Altar, he bows in reverence.  When there is a Deacon, they seem to coordinate their actions and gestures.  Some of my friends that have been coming to mass for a long time always remember to genuflect to the Tabernacle, and reverence the altar before they sit, some of us forget.  I think it would be a nice idea to make some sign of our devotion as we enter the pews -- so consider as you are able genuflecting to the Tabernacle and bowing to the Altar.  And don’t forget to bow your head before you receive Holy Communion.  It’s the same reason, to show Jesus how much we love and respect Him.
  
QUESTION: Is there a dress code for Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers?
 
Prosper:  This question gave me the opportunity to talk to some of the ladies on the Liturgy Committee.  I enjoy it when I can talk to people that are a part of our parish family.  There is not a published dress code, but there are guidelines for appropriate dress.  Physical appearance should never distract the congregation’s attention from the liturgical celebration.  Shorts, very short skirts, revealing tops, and flashy prints and fabrics may be distracting and disrespectful.  During the summer some parishioners may be wearing shorts to mass, they should be knee length.  No graphic t-shirts please.  As members of our church family, I think it’s important that we all remember What not to Wear.  Father Daniel and I are glad we don’t have to make those decisions, we just put on our respective outfits – a collar and black suit for him, and a simple collar for me, I have fur remember – and we’re ready to go.  Dress respectfully and come as you are, of course.  But hopefully once we experience and accept God’s love and mercy, and finally come to recognize our dignity, we will go forth transformed and missioned to live our dignity and to share that same mercy and love with others.
  
NOTES FROM PROSPER:  I recently received several questions and comments that I am humbly handing over to Fr. Michael and the finance council.  I am just a dog you know.  I sure do understand why some of you are concerned with these things such as construction, sale of buildings, and Parish Share assessment.  These times have been difficult for our family.  We are all accepting new roles and adjusting to difficulties caused by the pandemic.  If you would like more information about finances and how they are being handled, please see our website.  You can find answers there about our budget and finance reports that we must submit to the diocese.  The nuns from Mercy Hospital used to say: “no money, no mission”.  However, no matter our situation, our number one concern as a parish family is service to our God.
 
This is a verse to a song that if I could sing, I would sing just now:
Faith be strong and doubt depart.  Fear and unbelief be gone.
Peace, possess the anxious heart.  Where the light of God is shone.
Faith be strong and doubt depart.  Lead your pilgrim people home.
(The Beauty of the Earth).
 
Let’s all trust that leadership and finance will lead us in just ways.  Dear Lord give us the strength to direct questions to those who can handle them, and the grace to accept the answers lovingly.  Let the church say AMEN.