Elevating the Liturgy

In our community, as Holy Week approached, it was common to chat about where one plans to celebrate.  Families bounce around from one parish to another, trying to find the “least hokey” version of the Easter Triduum.  This is a sad state of affairs, during the deepest, most profound and beautiful days of the Catholic year.

Then I saw Red’s first communion pictures, which included a modestly dressed little girl and a priest in outstandingly beautiful vestments.  I remember that Red had to jump through some hoops to make sure that Red’s dress complied with the parish guidelines.  This made me think that in raising up the liturgy, we all have work to do, and the coming liturgical reform is a great opportunity to do so.

Here is a link to a post on a traditionalist musician’s response to the reform.  The author notes that the new Missal is a chance for a fresh start in the mass, that music and vestments and other aspects of the liturgy can be brought in to line along with the words that we speak.

If you would like to sing the Agnus Dei, say so in your parish survey.  One pastor recently implemented some chant, introducing it by saying that it had been requested by parishioners.  I am sure that this is true, but it also gave the priest some helpful cover for making some changes to the musical traditions of the parish.  If you would like further explanation of the new words of the missal, ask your pastor, and perhaps suggest that he put a series in the bulletin about it or host some informational meetings.  Read up on the changes yourself, so that you are prepared to talk about them when they occur — many parishioners will have questions, and you can help the church by being prepared to speak.

Dress well for Mass, even in summer time.  I know that this may seem like a small point, but showing respect for yourself, the Mass, your fellow parishioners and the priest by dressing well for Mass can go a long way, and while your parish may be casual, you would be surprised that people notice, and one family can have a quiet influence by encouraging others.  You don’t have to spend a lot of money.  Pretty girls dresses are often spaghetti strapped, but one white cardigan can cover your daughter for the entire summer.  With older girls, you might have to try buying a size up to get a dress of reasonable length and then having it taken in by a tailor.  You can get button down shirts or a nice clean polo for your son, tucked in to khaki pants and worn with a belt.  Little boys can wear shorts on really hot days, but still clean and tucked in.  You and your husband do the same.  No shorts for mass on adult men, please.  Comb every one’s hair, and you will be all set for mass in the summer.  They can change back into beach wear as soon as you get home, and the clothes can be hung up and worn next week, you don’t even have to wash and iron!