What is a weekend like in the life of a jobbing priest? They are fairly typical although there were a couple of changes this week. Friday was the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This feast comes 40 days after Christmas and remembers the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. The story can be found in the infancy narratives in Luke's Gospel. (Worth a read). The feast gives the Church a wonderful prayer that is used daily in the liturgy. Simeon (see picture) expresses the joy and longing of his people in his prayer of thanksgiving to God for the presence of the Messiah. In England the feast was known as Candlemass and was a time of processions of light and warmth in the cold darkness of winter. The church was full and many brought candles to be blessed for use in thier own homes. Friday afternoon is spent getting things ready for the weekend. Some time spent with the scripture readings to prepare for the homilies to be shared and to help compose the prayers of the faithful at Mass. Then some more practical concerns, newsletters printed, books marked, flowers done. Friday also saw me dealing with piano tuners and florists for a wedding. On Friday evening all of us in the house were invited to a birthday celebration of one of the parishioners in a local restaurant. Great fun was had by all!
Saturday morning began with prayer, I try and spend about an hour each morning tuning in with the Big Fella. If I don't everything goes pearshaped! Then Mass number 1. This was with the regular crowd that come to our morning Mass. The numbers were swelled by the promise of the Blessing of throats for the feast of St Blaise. Then a quick coffee with the ladies of the Saturday Morning Group (wonderful bunch who know how to party) then off to the convent in Palmers Green for Mass number 2 - with a retreat group focusing on coping with change. Then back home. Sautrday afternoon was spent preparing for a talk to our RCIA group on the Sacrament of the Sick. Then I was around for the vigil Mass on Saturday evening to meet the people as they came and went.
Sunday Morning arrived fog laden and cold! The Church was, as usual full for the first few Masses and again I was around to meet the people. At 11am I was with the RCIA group and the fruits of Saturdays labours on the Sacrament of the Sick were shared. Then I celebrated the 12;30 Mass. Lunch, Rugby on the TV, and 40 winks then celebrated the 6.30 Mass and finally had some time to catch up on some prayer. Monday came and the week began again!
Saturday morning began with prayer, I try and spend about an hour each morning tuning in with the Big Fella. If I don't everything goes pearshaped! Then Mass number 1. This was with the regular crowd that come to our morning Mass. The numbers were swelled by the promise of the Blessing of throats for the feast of St Blaise. Then a quick coffee with the ladies of the Saturday Morning Group (wonderful bunch who know how to party) then off to the convent in Palmers Green for Mass number 2 - with a retreat group focusing on coping with change. Then back home. Sautrday afternoon was spent preparing for a talk to our RCIA group on the Sacrament of the Sick. Then I was around for the vigil Mass on Saturday evening to meet the people as they came and went.
Sunday Morning arrived fog laden and cold! The Church was, as usual full for the first few Masses and again I was around to meet the people. At 11am I was with the RCIA group and the fruits of Saturdays labours on the Sacrament of the Sick were shared. Then I celebrated the 12;30 Mass. Lunch, Rugby on the TV, and 40 winks then celebrated the 6.30 Mass and finally had some time to catch up on some prayer. Monday came and the week began again!
No comments:
Post a Comment