You will often hear from people who lived through the “great” post-Vatican II reform of the Mass that, despite the loss of reverence and sharp drop in attendance, it was good to have the Mass in the vernacular. Surely, understanding what goes on in the Mass is important. Yet, surprisingly to some, understanding every prayer…
“No, you can’t eat that candy cane. Hop in the van. It’s time for Christmas!” My wife and I load our three excited young children in the van and drive out for a brisk sparkle tour before Midnight Mass. It is 20 degrees below zero, a definite improvement from last year. We are excited that…
I remember standing outside last winter while flooding our backyard hockey rink. It was a Sunday morning, and, having already fulfilled my Mass obligation, I was intent on getting a quick flood in before lunch. Off in the distance, I heard the unmistakable clear ringing of a church bell. It was the first time I…
