Things You’ll Notice
A couple weeks ago, we began to offer an easier opportunity for parishioners to receive Holy Communion while kneeling. As I mentioned in the Year of the Eucharist video announcing this, it came from the request of numerous parishioners. Over a year ago two individuals broached the possibility and I thought about it and prayed about it. I told the Lord, “if this is something you want for your people, let me know.” Then a couple months ago, the flood gates opened. After Mass one Sunday two families asked about it, then it was at First Communion parties, and throughout the summer people inquired. Then people offered to pay for kneelers, or pads. It was rather remarkable. It was a sign of your great love and devotion to the Eucharist.
The parish I grew up at utilizes a communion rail to distribute Holy Communion, which means almost everyone receives Holy Communion while kneeling. I often reflect about what that experience taught me about the Holy Eucharist. It taught me that the Eucharist is different from every other food I consume. Normally I’m sitting to eat (actually I really like to stand and eat but that’s a different story; see Exodus 12:11). Every other time I eat, I feed myself. Receiving Holy Communion on the tongue while kneeling taught me that the Eucharist was an entirely different sort of food. I was kneeling before the Lord and receiving this incredible gift of the Holy Eucharist.
No one is forced to receive Holy Communion a certain way, I simply want to offer a brief reflection as to why some parishioners may have requested the opportunity to receive Holy Communion in this manner. Of course the goal isn’t to create differences and divisions at Sunday Mass. Some may want to kneel, but their body won’t allow it. Others may think it’s a bit odd and “old fashioned.”
Another change that you’ll notice in November and December is that we are subscribing to a different pew missal/hymnal. For years we’ve been using “Breaking Bread” which is published by Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) and beginning in Advent, we’ll be utilizing the “Ignatius Pew Missal” which is published by Ignatius Press in collaboration with the Augustine Institute.
Back in July I mentioned that a change may be coming and we were exploring our options. To get the best deals, we had to make a decision in August and that decision has been made. In the end, the decision came between the Ignatius Pew Missal and the Source and Summit Missal. Both options would be less expensive than Breaking Bread and included settings of the Entrance and Communion Antiphons.
We chose the Ignatius Pew Missal because it will be an easier transition for our musicians. Having four parishes and deciding which option will work for each parish was a bit challenging. However I’m very excited for this transition. There may be a learning curve and maybe your favorite hymn isn’t in this publication, but overall it will be good for our parishes.
For those involved in Music Ministry, like choir members, cantors, and directors we will have a workshop to introduce this publication to you. Please save the date for Saturday, September 25th. Fr. Jedidiah and Adam Fahncke will be leading the morning and it should be a helpful time to reflect on the role of music during the Sacred Liturgy and practically become familiar with the new 2022 Ignatius Pew Missal.
These are exciting times. May all that we do glorify our Heavenly Father for He has saved us through the sacrifice of His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Sean Wilson
