The Paper Posts

A traditional gift celebrating a fiftieth wedding anniversary is gold, which is why a fiftieth is a called a golden year or golden anniversary. Similarly, the first year of marriage's gift is paper, thus "The Paper Posts" will be very marriage (and God) focused over the next year! 

When I'm feeling frustrated with a particular part of my life that I can't control, such as rental-house-hunting, for example, I like to rearrange my furniture. To date, I have rearranged the bedroom six times since moving into the apartment last August. I haven't messed with the living area though, until last night. Heedless of how Josh may feel about it, I practically turned the apartment on its head and then let him just come home to it. He wasn't a fan.

But instead of nay-saying or asking it to be put back, we worked together to come up with a layout we both liked. And I know that Josh would have probably preferred the apartment the way it was, but he understood that I needed this relatively small change in scenery. Throughout all of it, he was actively asking my opinion on the recliner or the desk, making sure that we achieved everything I had set out to do. That was more touching to me than anything else.

He could have been angry with me for rearranging without his permission. I could have taken it personally that he didn't like what I had spent an hour and half arranging carefully. Jesus reminds us in today's Gospel that whoever is angry with his brother will be liable for judgment.(MT 5:20-26). That we have to make the effort to reconcile with those around us before trying to make peace with God. There are times for righteous anger, but furniture is not one of them. It isn't something that belongs between spouses or between children and their God. As a married couple, a literal reflection of God's love, I feel this overwhelming need to make our fights count. To choose them carefully, with intent, so that the disagreement will better us as a couple, rather than cause us to lash out and stay angry, separating both of us from God.

Tota tua.

Eucharistic Prayer in Pieces

We've talked about the Eucharist, sacrifice, and all the whys, but what about what we actually say during the Eucharistic Celebration?

There are different variations and parts to the entire Eucharistic celebration, but I thought we could break down the one we say every time, right before actually receiving Christ. Not too long ago, many pieces of the Eucharistic Rite changed, but one in particular has resonated with me, and I think, most of us. 

"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." 

This prayer comes from the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 8, when a centurion begs Jesus to heal one of his servants. He tells Jesus that He doesn't need to enter his home, only speak and heal the servant. The centurion admits a deep understanding of authority, not just his own, but also Christ's authority over the servant and himself. This acknowledgement of authority is similar to the woman who believed she need to only touch Jesus's cloak or the mother of James and John, who trusted that Jesus could give the best to her sons in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The centurion is admitting that Christ is the True Authority, and that faith is all that is needed for Christ to heal his servant, but what are we saying when we repeat his words?

Firstly, we are addressing Jesus in the Eucharist when we state "Lord", claiming faith in the True Presence each time before receiving Him. The second phrase is a little less literal. What is our roof? The centurion is talking about his actual home, but when say roof, we mean our physical shells, our human bodies. We are not worthy for Jesus to actually, physically enter us when we receive communion in a few moments. But that's okay, because the second half of that prayer is, again, similar to the centurion's.

We trust that Christ needs to only say the word, and healing will take place. Our trust in Christ as we say this prayer helps us to prepare ourselves for Him, and cleanse our soul. God abhors sin, thus we before we receive God in the form of Christ, we ask for the chance to be made ready, and that were the last little bit comes in. Healed. Just by faith, by trusting in God, our soul is healed and ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, cleansing ourselves of any venial sins and prepared for the next week and walk of faith before we return to the altar for our next chance to become better and closer to God.

Tota tua.

The Eucharist 101

The Church is in one of my favorite liturgical seasons right now. As season of hope and new, of celebration, and on our cute kiddos. It's First Communion season, a unique practice to only us and few other denominations. I can't think of better time to explain the Eucharist then now, as we get to see it through young, excited eyes.

Starting with the basics, the Mass is divided into two parts: the Liturgy of the Word, when we read the Bible and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which begins with the priest prepared the altar for the bread and wine before the gifts are brought to him. The Eucharist is most commonly recognized as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice of Himself for us. This is why prayers throughout this part of the Mass are familiar, you've heard them before from the Gospels! Most faiths stop here with their Eucharistic celebrations; they "do this memory of me" and break bread together, but the Catholic Church believes more is going on than an act of remembrance. 

When Jesus died for our sins, He was the final sacrifice. Before this, the Jewish religious community atoned for their sins through animal sacrifice, offering unblemished lambs, goats, and even turtledoves. The idea was relatively simple, God wanted more from us than physical sacrifices, He wanted us to join Him in heaven, which is where Jesus stepped in. Jesus (God's ONLY son) came to Earth, lived a fully mortal life, which was ended when He died on the Cross, as a completely willing and unblemished sacrifice. As the Son of God, Jesus had never sinned, He lived only to do His Father's will, which made Him the perfect and final sacrifice. 

This perfect and final sacrifice gave us clear instructions at the Last Supper, "This is Body". "This is my Blood", holding bread and wine. This, paired with His commands that we must eat the "Living Bread" to have eternal life shows us that the Bread and Wine we consume is not just bread and wine, but this is actually, spiritually Jesus Himself (JN 6:44-51). When the bread and wine is presented to the priest, it's just that, bread and wine. But at a critical moment in the Mass, when servers traditionally ring the bells, during the Eucharistic prayer when the priest repeats Christ's words that I mentioned earlier. "This is My Body, given up for you"

 ***bells ringing***

That mystical, holy moment is known as "transubstantiation". It literally means the change the bread and wine experience to the spiritual forms of Christ's Body and Blood. This is one of the greatest Mysteries of the Church, and something we choose to believe, although there's all kinds of proof if you look hard enough. It may look like bread and wine, it may taste like bread and wine, but spiritually, those two simple things have become Christ incarnate. 

Which is why we wait until an "age of reason" to receive our first communions. And why there this such a specific cleaning ritual for the chalice and pall, Jesus was literally there. Literally. And I can totally hear you not buying it, I know it sounds bizarre. But let's be clear hear, the God who flooded the entire Earth, and saved only Noah and his family, the God that empowered Moses to split the Red Sea, the God who spoke to Isaiah, Elijah, Elisha, and John the Baptist, who through His Son, was resurrected on the third day, and you're choosing to find this one a little strange? 

If God can do all that, then why can't His spiritual substance join us in the Mass? Why can't He nourish us with His very Self? 

Tota tua. 

P.S. Want that proof I mentioned? Check back Friday, I'm writing a follow-up with some saintly examples! 

7 Habits of a Moderately Successful 20-somethings in Law School

Since getting back to KC after a spring break filled with wedding planning, the realization that finals are approximately four weeks away, that camp staffing is almost due, and that my wedding in almost fifty days lit a fire under my ass. I have this enormous sense of urgency and purpose, to accomplish what needs to be done in a timely manner, because as finals loom closer, the more tunnel-visioned I know I will become. 

I'm a busy person, we all tend to be. Juggling work, children, school, family, significant others, and whatever else we take onto our plate. It can be a lot. But there are certain habits that can help make each day-by-day a little easier. 

Seven habits of a moderately successfully 20-somethings in law school 

1.) I drink as much coffee as I think I need. It's an addiction, and I know it. But I also know that after 2 pm, it's time to switch to a nice green or herbal tea. Caffeine too late in the day makes sleep harder to come by that night, a vicious cycle that can really interfere with your success if it goes too far. 

2.) I listen to a Christian radio station in the mornings. Admittedly, I don't listen to K-LOVE all the time, I do quite a bit. In the mornings, the music tends to complete my morning prayer routine and help put me in a better mood for the upcoming day. The positive music is uplifting, and helps to start the day off better than other genres or silence. 

3.) Maintain my planner/to-do lists. While some weeks I do better than others about filling it in, my planner helps to keep it all straight. What's do, who to see, how much to bring, and what should I be doing right now? I don't adhere to it strictly, I can adjust my plans as needed for my day, but a general rule of thumb is that I do not turn on my TV until I've accomplished what I wanted for the day. 

4.) Speaking of accomplishing, I make myself accomplish at least three things on the less busy days. I started this in my undergrad, between my sophomore and junior years, living at my parents' house. I made myself accomplish three things each day, such as doing the laundry, taking a walk, and picking up an extra game at the ball fields. This way, I avoid falling into a rut of feeling unsuccessful - I am doing things, even if they feel small or insignificant. 

5.) I tell my people that I love them. Josh and I probably seem to say it excessively. I always say it to my parents when getting off of the phone. It's how I start my prayer journal most mornings, by telling God, "I love you". It's cheesy, it's said too much, but I think it is important and wonderful to hear and say. To know that you are valued and necessary to someone's daily life. 

6.) I leave my phone on silent. Which seems to irritate people when I lose my phone and "calling it" is not an option, but the constant beeping, buzzing, dinging, and ringing is distracting. It pulls away from the face-to-face interactions of daily life. I know I'm bad about my phone, but when it's on silent, I can put it out of sight and really ignore it. 

7.) I don't try to be something I am not. I am what God created me to be, blissfully imperfect. I don't try to be a person I am not, I don't pretend to be overly fashion-minded or hyper-focused on other people. I learned early on that I have no interest in being socially busy or academically perfect, and I am happy with that who I am. It is easiest for me to be happy and successful in my own niche if I am not faking in one I have no place in. 

Tota tua. 

Sunday Special: Happy Easter

Easter Vigil is one of the longest masses at the Catholic Church. Originally lasting all night, literally a vigil for Easter Sunday, it now ranges between three and seven readings from the Old Testament, an epistle, Gospel, baptisms, confirmations, and first communions of those joining the church. Starting outside in the dark, and ending some two and half hours later, it is no small undertaking. And it's hard to focus on.

"Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus"
Rom. 6:3-11

I have attended many Easter Vigil masses with my family, but there was something special about this one. And that quote from Romans really stayed with me, and I kept reading it over and over, trying to commit it to memory. And throughout the rest of the mass, as people receivered various sacraments of initiation, I felt those words close to my heart.

In baptism, we die and are born again, in our Lord's light and love, washed clean of original sin. When confirmed, we are blessed with the grace to consciously turn towards Christ each and every day. And the living bread and wine of Holy Communion sustains us like no mortal food or drink ever could, helping us through our day-to-day struggles, so that we can live in and for the Lord.

It's hard to see the joy in every day events or in sacraments we were raised into. The church I have been a part of my whole life can seem stuffy and boring at times. As I mentioned earlier this month, my prayer life seems to lack joy during its day-to-day routines. But there is joy and beauty in the simple things. We must be dead to sin and alive in Christ; we must push past the dangerous monotony that temptsus to sleep in instead of wake up and pray

The Easter season is for joy and celebration in the church, a sort of new year, an opportunity for a fresh start, resolutions, and to find joy in this littugical season, and the ordinary times to follow.

Tota tua.

. 

Just a Little Lost...

Josh will not drive anywhere new or newish without both of our phones fully charged and at least one
GPS running. Getting lost is the best way to bring out the worst in him; our most ridiculous fights have happened when we have made wrong turns on the way to parents' house north of Kansas City, and he panics, not knowing where to go next, even though he has driven this way hundreds of times.

Which is no different than any one of us when plans go awry. Suddenly, we are a panicking mess, unable to focus on the simplest of things because we don't know where to go next. We don't get into the college or graduate college that we had hoped for, our long-term relationship ends suddenly, a sudden illness strikes, or someone close to us passes away. And we are surrounded by new surrounding without a GPS.

I think that's how Joseph felt when Mary said she was pregnant. His well-planned life with his picked-just-for-him bride was suddenly anything but that. And then, to top it all of, an angel insists that he takes her to Bethlehem, keep the kiddo, and just keep living life. How crazy is that? How hard would that be to just accept and carry on?

If Joseph can accept that his future wife is pregnant because God willed it, and then continue to love and care for her their entire lives, you can find a new path too! Maybe an angel won't scream in your ear, maybe you won't be struck by lightening like Paul, but God will give the strength and abilities to get through whatever has been thrown at you.

Tota tua,

LeAnn

"He Sprang Up"

Sunday's Gospel was another one of those we've heard a thousand times. Oh lookie, Jesus performed a miracle, and we kind of phase in and out of listening to it and the homily that follows. We've heard over and over about how awesome and powerful Jesus is.

But this Sunday at Mass I was reminded how important the details are in the Bible. After all, these weren't typed on a computer or even a typewriter; these books were originally carefully handwritten, so anything within them is important. This isn't just a little detail Mark felt like adding, each of these are important. With that reminder, my mom and I were questioning why it was important that Bartimaeus was even named. Wouldn't it have made more sense to leave him nameless, so that this poor blind man could stand for anyone?

It was my dad who solved it for us though. Bartimaues was called to by Jesus, called by name to come to Him and ask Jesus to heal him. Without sight, literally with blind faith, Bartiemaues had to believe as we all do now, by only hearing about Jesus had done. But by believing, Bartimaues was able to not only have his sight given to him, but also given the opportunity to follow Christ. He "sprang up" and went to the Lord.

Do you spring up to follow Christ when the opportunity arises? Even on a Monday? Even on a cold, dark Monday when all you want to do is stay under those warm blankets and not force yourself up and out of bed earlier than you have to, so that you can do your devotional before the day has truly began?

Spring up this morning! Be thankful for the opportunities before you, and get after it. You're called to do something today, what is it? Go and do it!


Tota tua,

LeAnn

Soul-Food Routines

I think one of the hardest things about actively pursing Christ in your daily life is finding a prayer routine that fits your spiritual needs. The way I like to look at is by asking, "What feeds your soul?". This is also the way I like to explain different types of Christianity to people too, explaining that while we believe in fundamentally the same things (God, Jesus, Heaven, etc.) our soul-food is different from person to person, and that's okay! We weren't all created to be the same person, and so it makes sense that we would all praise and seek God different. 

So, what feeds your soul?

• Do you like the routine and tradition of Mass?

• Do you enjoy the solitude of silent Adoration?

• Do you feel God's presence the most at a praise and worship meeting?

• Do you like to just talk to God while in the car or taking a walk?

• Do you connect well to God's word in the Bible on your own?

• Do you keep a prayer journal?

• Or do you connect better when you have a priest, pastor, or other leader guiding you

Obviously, there are many more ways to feed your soul then just this, but it is a good example of how different people bring themselves closer to God. 

Once you have decided on what works for you, try to create a routine around it. Personally, journaling is the one the best ways for me to stay connected with God. For some reason writing, whether it is to God or to all you helps keep me focused on the spiritual path I want to take. 

My mornings start off with walking Lily at 6:00 am, which is followed by a shower and making breakfast. After I have made breakfast, I start by reading from a daily devotional called Jesus Calling, which is nondenominational and I recommend it. After the words written by the author, Sarah Young, I read the suggested Bible passages and then think about them and write about them in my journal, reflecting on what they mean to me today and what they mean in regards to the habits and person I want to be. I always conclude with a little bless/protect/help particular people in my life, starting with Josh and ending with my camp family. As I sip my coffee my coffee, I immerse myself in God's words and support, trying to truly hand everything I have to do today to Him, asking Him to make me His hands and His feet. 

Obviously, I'm not perfect. I want to sleep in or take extra time on my hair instead of pray, but little by little, this effort becomes as a routine as eating breakfast. You don't just need physical nourishment, you also need spiritual sustenance. So start off by figuring out what actually nourishes your soul and go from there, find something that works for you and start mixing bits of it into your day. It's never too late to start a new habit. 

Tota tua,

LeAnn 

Ostranenie

Defamiliarizing During Lent

I've been asked many times if I get bored at Mass. "It's the same thing every time," they point out, "do those words mean anything to you?" 

The answer is yes those words mean something to me, but only because I make sure that they do, but this is a struggle. The traditions of the Church are rich and beautiful, but if you are not actively participating in them, they are just words, no different than greetings we exchange without giving actual thoughts to the conversations happening. They are just reactions, not communicating.

Mass should be all about communicating, not a routine, but a treasured conversation between God and you. If you aren't actually focused on the conversation, what good is that conversation?

Try to de-familiarize yourself with Mass over the remaining weeks of Lent. Try to see it as something unfamiliar so that you can look at it differently and more deeply, not just as part of your Sunday routine, but as a precious moment, different from all the others you have throughout the week. Let Lent be an ostranenie to you, encouraging you see the Holy Mass in an entirely new light and prepare yourself for Jesus' return this Easter.

Don't just go through the motions, immerse yourself in God's Light each Sunday, whether at Mass or a different celebration. We could all benefit from a little more attention to our time with God.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

New Traditions

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

This year's Thanksgiving feels a little odd, I'm not in my old tiny twin bed or at my mom's dining room table. I'm nowhere near my parent's house actually. Josh's family tends to sleepover at his grandparent's house on Thanksgiving night, and so we decided to just stay in Pittsburg while he works and then drive over.

All week, I felt really conflicted about what I should be doing this week. Eventually, we reach an age where our home is not our parent's house, and our family is no longer just the family we were raised with. But when is it appropriate to start a new tradition?

I believe that when you feel safe enough, comfortable enough, loved enough to develop something new with someone(s) you should do it- Josh and I went shopping on Tuesday and had dinner out, calling it our personal Thanksgiving. We picked out gifts for our Secret Santa's and had a great time together. That's our new tradition.

But this newness does not detract from our old commitments, next year, when I'm living in a new place, I'll probably be desperate for a week back home in that safe, warm home. But all the same, your parents will understand. They have to eventually stop serving you Thanksgiving dinner, so that you can serve your own family and friends.

Remember that today, that your traditions were started by someone, and you hold them near and dear to your heart and to your entire life experience. Be thankful for the opportunity to partake in old traditions and begin new ones.

I'm thankful for each and everyone of you, and I hope you have an incredible Thanksgiving day!

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

Don't be stupid...

Stay in the boat!

During my first week of camp, my boss came to town- Bishop Johnston of the Springfield-Cape Girardeu diocese stopped by to say Mass and enjoy a meal with some the youth of his diocese.

"What is one of the stupidest things you can do on a boat in a storm?" he asked the kids. They all looked around confused, seeing as most of them have had little experience with boats or storms. Bobbi Mosley, our cook, leaned in and whispered to me, "jump out!"

Eventually, Bp. Johnston was able to pull it out of them, that the stupidest thing to do was to jump out of the boat in a storm.

"The Church is the boat, when times get rough, when you feel scared, frustrated, or abandoned, don't jump out of the boat. The Apostles thought Jesus was sleeping, not paying any attention to them or their problems, but He was right there. Jesus will never abandon us."

The kids loved it. For days, I heard them using the Bishop's earthy, child-friendly phrase. It stuck with my staff too, they're talking about even making shirts. And it stuck with me, on Wednesday, I hit a wall. I was so tired, and just unsure of what I was supposed to be doing or saying. Bobbi laughed at me, cheering me on over the hump, all I needed was a minute to breathe, and remind myself that I am not abandoned. I'm surrounded by campers and staff who listened to, respected, and loved me. I could do this.

"Don't be stupid, stay in the boat," I heard Bp. Johnston say, and then I was up and ready to go again.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

Jesus is my Super-Hero!

That's where I was this weekend! Being spiritually fed at the Springfield-Cape Girardeau youth conference, themed around super-heros, super-powers, and our kryptonites. The conference was blessed to feature the key-note speaker, Tony Melendez and the Toe-Jam Band!

Odd name, right? That's because Tony was born without arms. His super-power, however, is extraordinary. He plays his guitar with his feet! Tony has preformed for Blessed Pope John Paul II and is a phenomenal speaker and musician. His message for the youth of the diocese was beautiful; find your strengths and flaws, and give them all up to God.

From this, I heard a call to service.

Despite my absolute joy over being hired as the new west side Camp Re-NEW-All director, there has been a lot of emotional and spiritual struggle. For the longest time, I felt the unbearable pressure. I was concerned that I would lose staff, that I would lose support from longtime friends, that I was not what Camp needed or what God had wanted. But Tony, and all the fellowship I found around me soothed those doubts.

Because when you lay it all out there, Jesus will provide. And as the Holy Trinity core team sang over and over for us this weekend,

And if our God is for us, than who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, than who could stand against?

I had already heard and answered God's call, but I had been pulling a Jonah. There were many times I had not been trusting or devoted enough to what God had told me. I had heard what God said correctly, and it was time to trust in that. After all, God will never give us more than we can handle, and God will always provide.

Just like God provided for Tony, by giving him talents that he was able to use despite the struggles he was also given, God will always provide for us. God wants the best for us, the best that could possibly be given to us, because we are God's best and most beautiful Creations, and oh, how He Loves us.

If you would like to know more about Tony Melendez and his incredible journey and story, here's the link to his website!

http://www.tonymelendez.com

Finally, I have a huge, massive, gigantic thank you and shout out to give to my old youth ministers, and as always, my friends. Johnna Hilton has been a part of my life since I was five years old, teaching me how to sing, act, pray, Love, and serve the Lord. Travis Washeck became a youth leader when I was in high school, and I had a wonderful time getting to know Chris Vore better this weekend. The three them are the proud T, C, and J of Totally Catholic Junk- an online Catholic store that has creative apparel, and all kinds of fun Catholic "junk". 

totallycatholicjunk.com

I think that's enough for tonight- all that's left is for is some pictures and videos. 

Sydney Barta, my little sister Ginna, and Sean Jastal singing in the rain

Adoration on Saturday night

The banners processing in at Sunday Mass

I think that's about it! Hope everyone has a blessed week, and remains full of the Holy Spirit!

Totus tuus, 

LeAnn 

Judgin'

Don't even bother denying; you're judging.  

Right now, you are judging whether or not you want to take the time out of your busy day to actually read what follows these sentences.  Whether or not this cute little blog is worth your time.  You've probably already judged the setup of the site, the background and various other details.  We all do it.  

So whatever happened to "thou shalt not judge lest ye be judged"?  

Throughout the summer, I have some pretty odd jobs; I give swimming lessons, I umpire, I babysit, and I make funnel cakes.  The last one is probably the most random of all my summer jobs.  I work for my grandma in a funnel cake stand; we go to a couple of different shows (monster truck rallies, tractor pulls, 4th of July festivals) and sell funnel cakes.

Normally, I'm the window person.  I smile at you from inside the hot, greasy trailer, and inform you that a lemonade and funnel cake will cost you nine dollars, and could you please step over to the pick up window for your funnel cake.  All the while I'm doing this, I'm judging you.  

I am assuming since you are a monster truck rally, you have no life or could be considered "redneck".  I'm guessing that because you threw such a fit over the line that you are impatient.  I believe that you are a bad mother because your children's clothes fit poorly or are stained.  I decide that you are uneducated because you couldn't take the time to read the prices clearly marked on the window to my left.  

What's funny is, they are probably judging me.  The girl working in a funnel cake stand; her eye makeup a little smudged, hair frizzed, and nose pierced.  I must be a high school dropout, or a young mother.  If I fumbled in counting out their change, they may think I'm uneducated. They see me joking with my brother and assume he's my boyfriend.  Because I am wearing a bandanna in my hair, and multiple bracelets on my wrist, I must be a "hipster". 

It's a vicious cycle; we all have eyes and ears, we see and hear things that make us think, we cannot turn a blind eye to the world.  So how then, do we stop this whole judging thing?  By making the effort not to.  

One woman who came through my line had pink hair.  She had at least five piercings in her face alone, and had four visible tattoos.  She also had two clean, well-mannered kids with her.  She was polite, thanked me, and then recognized me right after I had finally placed her; she is the woman who had done my body piercings.  Which goes to show; we can't judge a book by it's cover or where you even found it. 

So judging?  We all do it, and can't help it.  The trick with judging people is to not let our judges and assumptions rule our lives.  When in doubt, refer back to one simple rule:

Love thy neighbor as thyself.  

Keep it simple, keep it classy, instead of judging them, love them.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn

Holy Week Cheat Sheet

Grind Week - the Tridiuum 

Let's get down to business; it's Holy Week people.  For the last 34 days, we've been fasting, praying, giving alms, adding to our spiritual habits, in preparation for next Sunday.  If there was ever a week to buckle down, and give God all you've got, it would be this week.

Today at mass, we heard Luke's version of the Passion of Christ; Thursday, Friday, and Sunday we will hear the other three versions of the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of Christ.  We will venerate the cross, wash feet, and perform other various acts of tradition that most of us don't fully understand.

Is anyone else confused about what all will be going on this week?  Because I remember the first time I really paid attention at Holy Week services, and I was lost.  So, I thought I would offer a friendly, comprehensive Holy Week guide.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday (today).  Mass begins with a processional inside, weather permitting.  We had snow where I live, so we started inside.  The priest will bless the palms the people picked up before mass began, and then the entire congregation will process into their pews, with the priest entering last, like a normal mass.  The gospel will be one of the four accounts of the Passion of Christ.

We wave palms in tradition of how Jesus was greeted upon His return to Jerusalem.

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"              (Jn 12:13-15)

Holy Thursday is the most important and profound service in the Catholic Church, except for the Easter Vigil Mass.  Holy Thursday celebrates, the Last Supper, otherwise known as the Institution of the Eucharist.  This is the service you remember as child, the one where the priest washed feet.  He does this in reflection and honor of our Servant-Leader, who washed the feet of His Disciples.  This action represents baptism, a forgiveness of sins, and a servile action. We listen to the second Gospel version of the Passion.  At the end of the mass, the priest strips the altar and moves the extra consecrated hosts to another tabernacle off to the side.

All of this is to symbolize a cleansing of the Church, which is how Holy Thursday received it's other name, Maundy Thursday, taken from the word Mandatum, meaning cleansed.

In the Cathedrals around the world, another special mass takes place; the Chrism Mass, which is attended by as many priests as possible.  This mass represents the the institution of the priesthood. The bishop of the diocese washes the feet of twelve priests, and blesses the chrism oil that will be used for Confirmation and Baptism throughout the following year.

Good Friday is the only day of the year that there is no mass.  Anywhere. At anytime.  No mass.

"But wait, I remember receiving Communion at Good Friday services," you're thinking.

Right you are, you did receive Communion.  But it wasn't consecrated in front of you; it was consecrated on Holy Thursday.  Remember the extra hosts I mentioned?  Those are the ones we receive on Good Friday.  We don't have a Eucharistic celebration out of honor for the Passion of our Lord.  Instead, we venerate the Cross.

venerate: to regard with great respect; revere

The Church is bare after Holy Thursday services, we have no musical instruments and will not sing again until Easter Vigil.  All of the congregation's focus is on the Cross. Veneration of the Cross started in the fourth century, after St. Helena discovered the True Cross. The priest would unveil the relic, and announce to the people, "Behold, the Wood of the Cross".

The same is done today, although very few us will get to venerate the True Cross.  Rather, we will give our adoration to the representation of the cross; the Passion of Christ.  You may either kiss, touch, or simply gaze upon the cross.  All that matters is the sincerity with which you approach it.  That cross represents our salvation, the great suffering that Christ went through, and God's great Love for us.

After Veneration, the people will listen to the third Gospel version of the Passion, receive Communion, and quietly, solemnly process out.

Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday need their own special cheat sheet, which I will put up on Holy Thursday before services begin; but this should be more than enough to get you through the first two days of the Tridiuum.

The most important thing to remember is to be reverent  we don't have to understand every single thing we do as Catholics, what is important is to understand that we do it out of love and respect for our Lord, and what He did for us.

Have a blessed Holy Week,

Totus tuus,

LeAnn


Did I miss anything?  Want more details?  I put up all of my sources under the Links page, so that you can investigate for yourselves!  The sites I used had great tips, resources, and explanations for everything going on this week.  

Forewarning and Prep Time

Happy Advent! 

This weekend, right after Thanksgiving break, I found myself back at home in Monett.  This time, however, I wasn't in town for family festivities or for the pie.  I was in town to judge at the speech and debate tournament Monett hosts every year.

It's an unwritten rule that alumni come back ever so often and judge; seeing as I missed last year, I had to go this year.

Judging in and of itself should not necessarily be fun.  It consists of sitting still, listening to people argue over obscure points, such as whether or not Egypt is considered in the Middle East and watching poorly written monologues about "Life on the Street: Sesame Street" and "Removing the Hat".  When it's described like that, it sounds awful.

But then you get that one good debate round, where you can tell this team has put in so much time and effort into building a solid case, that one performance that has you gasping for air because you are laughing that hard, and it suddenly seems worth it.

Being prepared and ready to do whatever it is you're setting out to do makes a huge difference.  A little forewarning, and smart use of time can lead to something amazing.

In a round of Public Forum debate, teams are allocated two minutes each for "prep time" during which they can prepare their next speech or create a plan with their partners.  Those two minutes can make all the difference in the world; they can be the difference between a win and a loss.

What can you do with two minutes of "prep time"?

It's the Advent season, from now until December 24th, giving us all plenty of forewarning of what is about to happen.  We have four weeks to be ready to welcome Jesus into our homes.  He isn't an unexpected guest, or that rude visitor that didn't call ahead.  We are all very much aware that Jesus is about to be born.

This Advent, spend your time well; say the Rosary each night, make some extra time to say morning prayer, volunteer, and be more loving to those around us.  This time of year can really be the "most wonderful time", but only if we make it.  The only way we can really do that though, is by preparing for what and who is about to come.

Happy Advent and good luck; don't forget to light your first candle.

Totus Tuus,

LeAnn