Prayers Answered

Yesterday we arrived at church a little bit later than we usually do for noon Mass.  We weren’t late, but the parking lot seemed especially crowded.   Since we has gone to Mass at a different parish last week, we hadn’t seen the bulletin or heard the announcements.  We didn’t know if anything special was going on.

Apparently there was.

We were each handed programs as we walked into church.  We glanced down at them and smiled.  One of our own, now Fr. John,  had been ordained to the priesthood just the day before.  We were about to celebrate his first Mass with him.

 

I don’t know how other parishes acknowledge the first Mass of one of their own, but at ours it is a Big Deal.  The full choir was there as well as the Knights of Columbus, in full formal dress complete with swords.  There was incense and loads of flowers and extra altar servers.  Our Pastor and both of our Deacons participated as well as about a dozen visiting priests, all of whom were in some way influential in Fr. John’s discernment, formation, and education.

Before Mass started there was an almost palpable feeling of joy, of great anticipation.  Even the littlest of kids seemed to recognize something amazing was about to happen. 

 

Once Mass started people prayed more energetically and sang louder than maybe they ever had.  What a privilege it was to be the first congregation to respond And with your Spirit to Fr. John!

While giving his first sermon, about the Trinity and love, Fr. John got a bit choked up.  That's okay, he wasn't the only one.  He almost skipped the creed and went straight to the Prayers of the Faithful.  A little nudge from the Pastor got him back on track.  Nerves!

 Make me a channel of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me bring your love,

Where there is injury, your pardon Lord,

And where there's doubt, true faith in you.

 

 Make me a channel of your peace,

Where there's despair in life let me bring hope,

Where there is darkness, only light,

And where there's sadness, ever joy.

During the Sign of Peace, the priests on the altar appeared to share a special happiness.  There was joy in having a new member in their midst.

I am the bread of life

He who comes to me shall not hunger

He who believes in me shall not thirst

No one can come to me

Unless the father beckons

And I will raise you up

On the last day.

 

It was amusing to watch sixteen priests try to figure out where to go to distribute communion.  After all, they are all used to being in the primary spot.  Thank goodness for bossy deacons.

And holy is your name through all generations!
Everlasting is your mercy to the people you have chosen,
and holy is your name.

For nearly thirty years our parish has had a simple tradition.  After the closing song, no one leaves.  Instead, we kneel down and pray a Hail Mary for vocations.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners 

now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

We saw the fruits of these prayers yesterday in a most tangible way.  In addition to the ordination of Fr. John, we have three more young men in formation in the seminary.

Our prayers have been answered.

AMDG