The (almost) last Mass of Advent
(Almost last, because my parish has a 7 a.m. tomorrow…so technically that’s the last, before the Vigil Masses begin at 4:00 p.m.)
Before I give you the end of Advent notes, I thought I’d share this brief bit I wrote after I got back to the office today. I think it reflects the attitude of reverence at my parish quite well.
The ten-year old altar boy emerges from the sacristy, holding the brass candle lighter a good distance from his surplice and cassock. The first three candles he lights easily, moving cautiously, careful not to burn himself. He stops, bows before the Tabernacle, and goes to light the remaining three candles on the altar’s left side. He still holds the flame out from him, cautious of it. His face is perfectly solemn as he goes about his work.
The flame goes out at the first candle, and he lets out a huge sigh, acting, for an instant, like the young boy he is. He bows again, and retreats into the sacristy. When he re-emerges, it is with a new flame. In the dark sanctuary it is a brilliant point of light.
He bows again, then tries to light the candles a second time. This time, they all cooperate.
(And can I mention, this kid was really cute? I’m guessing his age, but he didn’t look to be too much older than 10 or 11. All the altar boys at St. Pat’s are very serious about their work, and it gives rise to a lot of occasional cuteness in the younger ones. And yes–it’s all altar boys.)
So, onto the last of the Advent notes :
- (And the first one’s not even an Advent note, it’s a Christmas note…sheesh) The church was decorated today, and it is beautiful! The outside was done over the weekend. Inside, all the statues are adorned with garlands, and the Mary statue in the gallery is particularly beautiful. She has poinsettias and fruit garlands all around her, even in her hands. I’m going to try to get a picture for you, because it is truly beautiful. The baptisimal font is surrounded by flowers. Inside, the altar is just festooned with poinsettias and Christmas trees. The manger scene is all but complete–all we need is Christ the Infant. His parents are already waiting expectantly. And the St. Pat’s manger scene? Incredible. It even has a water feature! The choir loft has a wreath and a garland as well. It’s really beautiful.
- Mass was pretty crowded, but nothing compared to Confessions after. St. Pat’s offers confessions (almost) every day, and before Sunday Masses. Today, there were easily 100 people waiting for the Sacrament. I have never seen so many people for individual confession. At penance services, sure. But like this? Never. Both confessionals were filled. There were little kids–maybe seven or so–with their lists of sins on the Palmer ruled paper, wadded up in their hands. They took it so seriously. And they should, right? “And a little child shall lead them”, for sure. But how great was it to see all those people wanting to be really ready to receive Jesus at Christmas?
- Random thought, while I was waiting in line: As I looked around, and saw the Church Militant (aka, the Church on Earth), I was thinking, “We are all here, admitting our imperfections, wanting to make ourselves better people. Each one of us realizes that we are human, and we screw up.” It was sort of amazing, this mass of humanity, with their very presence, demonstrating the need for God’s forgiveness, and how very human we all are.
- My family and I are going to the 4:00 Mass tomorrow. This is early for me (I’m used to Midnight), and my sister is playing Midnight Mass (she plays flute/piccolo) at our old parish. I may do a twofer and go to 4:00 and Midnight–the readings are different at the various Christmas Masses. We’ll see. Dinner follows at my parents’, and then…not sure. It’ll be weird not having to sing at Midnight Mass for the first time in awhile. I’m sure at least one viewing of A Christmas Story will occur.
- Blog hiatus (unless I have some awesome Christmas insight to share with y’all ) until next Tuesday, when we get back from Pittsburgh. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!