Ad Deum

Octave is over...back to work

2012-01-02T06:10:00.002-05:00

The beautiful Christmas Octave has ended. Postulants - get back to studying and practicing.

Next training in two weeks on January 16th. (Moved to accommodate Fr. Reid's Schedule.)

Party this Saturday at Walsh's House...I hope you can make it!

Winter is coming...

2011-11-04T21:09:00.002-04:00

The schedule has been updated!

Please check the Mass and Training schedules for updates. I admit to doing it late at night so be wary of mistakes. Big ticket items coming up:

This coming Wednesday, November 9th, we will have the Rank Ceremony after the Low Mass. For those who have taken the Senior Acolyte Test at home, I need you to either drop it off at the St. Ann's office in an envelope addressed to me - David Liberto - or scan it and email it to me no later than 12:00 PM Sunday November 6th. Be sure to have sent your application for advancement as well if you haven't already. If you want to take the test, email me immediately.

Wednesday December 7th - Missa Cantata for the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

Saturday December 17th - Solemn High Mass

Postulants need to practice their Latin on a regular basis. Please contact me if you need to arrange special sessions to practice with myself or a willing server. No excuses.

Enjoy your week!

Great Job!

2011-10-31T06:13:00.003-04:00

Excellent job serving Our Lord yesterday everyone! A special thank you goes out to the Postulants who showed up and helped set up and break down and some of them served their first Latin Mass as well. Stay up with training, studying, and test taking. Here's the list of servers and positions from this weekend:

Crossbearer: David Carter

Torchbearers:
1. Griffin Walsh
2. Sam Dehority
3. Vincent Schiffiano
4. Simon Ohlhaut
5. Peter Rusciolelli
6. Will Borin

Boatbearer: Nathaniel Rusciolelli
Acolyte 2: Michael Kitson
Acolyte 1: AJ Ohlhaut

Thurifer: Harry Ohlhaut

MC: Brady Ostendorf

Encouragement for the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2011-10-17T20:20:00.005-04:00

We have a number of servers applying for advancement to the level of Senior Acolyte. In addition to an absolutely grueling, horrific, terrifying, and painful 20 question test, the servers must also be open to a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In the first rank, Junior Acolyte, an devotion to the Blessed Mother of God is encouraged because Mary leads us to Jesus. Therefore, the second rank serves to fulfill that path in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacraments and Adoration are specifically encouraged as a way to embrace and experience Jesus Christ. Without faith in Christ, detailed movements and Latin phrases in the Mass are empty.

Also, the First Friday devotion is encouraged in addition to learning about St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. Please follow the links to learn more.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

October News

2011-10-17T19:16:00.004-04:00

Great training today!

We want to welcome our two new and final Postulants for the year, Vincent Schiffiano and David Carter. This rounds out the 2011 class to seven and please take time to pray for the Postulants during their training period.

Just so no one feels lonely, here's some homework:

-Postulants:
Read the Know Your Mass Book pages 23 - 31;
Read the How to Serve Low Mass book Lesson 2;
Listen and practice with the audio file of the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar on the blog;
Review all handouts and be prepared for an oral quiz at the next training session.

-Servers:
Review the entire Know Your Mass book prior to the next training session;
Practice positions for Christ the King Missa Cantata.

The next training session will be October 29th from 9 - 10 AM. Everyone is invited to attend the 8:00 AM Mass at St. Patricks Cathedral, followed by training at St. Ann's.

Pray hard. Love much.

Photo credit: Bowsk

Francis Cardinal Arinze Offers Usus Antiquior in Providence

2011-10-04T19:43:00.001-04:00

Francis Cardinal Arinze Offers Usus Antiquior in Providence

Thought this was pertinent given the Eucharistic Congress. Enjoy the pics.

St. Therese of Lisieux, ora pro nobis

2011-10-04T16:25:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out this past Saturday (St. Therese's Feast Day) to help setup the St. Ann's Carnival. Like St. Therese, we did simple acts of service that made a big difference to others. We worked for a few hours, prayed the rosary, ate some sweets, and went on tour of the Church provided by Fr. Reid.

Many people were grateful for our help, and as I mentioned before, it's good practice to extend serving outside the Sanctuary. Look for more service opportunities in the future, and remember that participation in these events helps you when it comes to rank advancement.

For the Postulants, please look to the side bar to find the Latin pronunciation resource box to help you in your training.

St. Ann Carnival This Weekend

2011-09-28T21:57:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder that we'll be meeting this Saturday morning at 7:45 AM to help set up the Carnival at St. Ann. Please meet in front of the Church. We'll spend two hours helping to get things ready. Then we'll break for a rosary at about 10:00 AM and then we'll continue helping until about 11:30 AM.

Last year, it was a lot of fun and a lot of work. The parishoners were very grateful and the head of the Carnival Committee called the other night to see if we were going to be there again this year.

Look forward to seeing everyone there!

New Server Rank Update

2011-09-15T12:30:00.003-04:00

Please take a moment to review some changes to the server ranks on the side bar. After some prayer and review, the academic requirements for the group has changed. The change reflects what is believed to be a smoother transition through the ranks without compromising standards.

Here's a review of upcoming dates:

Friday & Saturday September 23rd and 24th = Eucharistic Congress
Saturday October 1st = service opportunity 7:45 to 11:30/Noon - St. Ann Carnival
Sunday October 30th = Missa Cantata - Christ the King - 12:30 PM
Wednesday November 9th = Rank Ceremony after Low Mass
Thursday December 7th = Missa Cantata - Vigil of the Immaculate Conception - 6:00 PM
Saturday December 17th = Solemn High Mass - 7:00 PM

2011 Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress

2011-09-06T10:13:00.004-04:00

For many families and Catholics in the Diocese, the Eucharistic Congress is a wondeful opportunity to experience Christ in the midst of fellow Catholics. Every year, I encourage the servers and their families to attend as much of the Concress as they can. This year has some special attractions:

The opportunity to hear, see, and even meet Cardinal Arinze in person is a worthy goal for anyone in our ministry. From 2002 - 2008 he served as the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. When it came to the Mass, MEF or MOF, he was the expert. He was considered a heavy candidate for the papacy back in 2005. I strongly recommend all of the servers to attend his talk.

The entire program is filled with great talks for all of the servers and their families, including Bishop Jugis and Bishop Burbidge. Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho will give a talk on "The Eucharist and the Fatima Message." Seminarian Philip Johnson will talk about the"The Eucharist - Food for Redemptive Suffering." These last two talks include Marian and Eucharistic themes which are not only central to our Faith but also to our ministry.

Add to all of this a Pontifical High Mass, a Eucharistic Procession, Adoration, a potential plenary indulgence, Reconciliation, and hanging out with a whole bunch of Catholics...whew!..I really hope everyone gets to make the Congress.

As a disclaimer, I'm not advocating for the young men in our ministry to avoid the teen or middle school tracks, but I am saying that I think they would benefit from the adult track if they are inclined.

Click the pic below to link to the official site. (And remember folks...you can be a saint too!)

The Immaculate Heart of Mary - presented by the servers

2011-08-28T21:59:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the following servers who turned in potential posts. Fr. Reid reviewed, corrected, and commented on all of the posts turned in and chose these two for publication. Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us!

The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Thomas Mathis

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a depiction of the holy mother's heart. In art work from many time periods, it has been depicted with a heart, a ring of flowers around it and swords piercing it. These details are not strict or to the letter, but rather a common part in its depiction. Each of the parts have a distinct meaning and reason for being there. For instance, the swords represent the pains and sufferings she would endure. The flowers, which are usually red and blue when colored, represent the fact that she is both a mother and queen of heaven.

You will find that many people are drawn to devotions for the Immaculate Heart throughout the world. This is partly because Mary appeared several times in which she openly encouraged Catholics to increase devotionals toward her heart, the most well known of these being Fatima. She wanted the world to pick up on a more prayer filled life and less sinful existence so that the world would be spared from the ominous clouds of pain and sorrow that were to come.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Griffin Walsh

Oh my God, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary…” begins my Daily Offering. We offer many prayers to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Immaculate Heart of Mary leads all people to Jesus Christ, her son. With Mary’s loving Heart we see her love for God. She shows us her humility, gratitude and obedience towards God with her pure heart. Mary’s heart is a symbol of Christian perfection, and we should strive to follow her virtues. It was Mary’s Immaculate Heart that responded with a yes to God when the angel appeared at the Annunciation.
There are many devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. A devotion is an ardent and selfless affection and dedication to something or someone. The devotions to Mary’s Immaculate Heart bring us closer to God and Mary. The devotions include the first Saturday devotion, which is intended to make reparation for mankind’s sins. The other devotion is wearing a Miraculous medal. Two years ago I made a devotion for the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the first Friday. I am now considering making a devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To reach perfection and Heaven we must follow Jesus and Mary's perfect way.

Holy Heart of Mary, Our Model
Life of Prayer, Life of Work, Life of Sacrifice.
Bouasse Lebel

2011 St Ann Carnival

2011-08-28T21:58:00.001-04:00

Another opportunity for service is available on Saturday October 1st. Just like last year, we'll be helping to set up for the St. Ann's Carnival. We'll meet at 7:45 AM at St. Ann and remain to help until about 12 PM.

Last year we had a blast helping set up booths and tents. After we prayed the rosary, we headed back out and handed out balloons to kids. We even got a free treat from the bake sale! Although, I can't guarantee that we'll be able to get the treats again this year.

Many of the parishoners who were in charge of the Carnival last year were very relieved to have our assistance. It makes a big difference when we help out and it's an opportunity to extend our serving ministry beyond the Sanctuary as God calls us to do.

Homework time!

2011-08-18T20:53:00.005-04:00

Servers need to remember to complete the assignment for this Monday's training session. For those who may have forgotten, all of the servers are to turn in a essay-type blog post on the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Please keep it to under 200 words and please use Church approved references. You may include links as well. Submissions are to either be emailed or handed in on paper by 4:15 August 22nd.

Also, if you know of anyone who might be interested in joining our 2011 new server class, we have one more spot for a potential server. Shoot me an email if someone comes to mind. They would still need to be approved by Fr. Reid for consideration.

Thank you

2011-07-28T05:46:00.002-04:00

A big thank you to all of the servers and their families who helped out with the Solemn High Mass for the Feast of St. Ann on Tuesday.

Specifically there's a number of folks to recognize for their efforts. First, thank you to the servers who made multiple practices, arrived early, and served with diligence before, during, and even after the Mass:

Brady O. - Thurifer
Peter Rusciolelli - Acolyte 1
Nathaniel Rusciolleli - Acolyte 2
Michael Kitson - Cross Bearer and Torch Bearer
Harry Ohlhaut - Lead Torch Bearer
AJ Ohlhaut - Lead Torch Bearer
Will Borin - Torch Bearer
Sam Dehority - Torch Bearer
David Rabideau - Torch Bearer
Joseph Mack - Torch Bearer

Additional thanks goes out to Thomas Mathis and his family (especially Danielle) for organizing and managing the pre-Mass dinner. The servers, seminarians, and priests were very grateful for the food during that busy time.

Another special thanks goes out to the Borins, Ostendorfs, and Rabideaus for working with such short notice on putting together the canopy for Bishop Jugis. It came out beautifully and I believe it showed Bishop Jugis that we think he's rather special. (A big thank you to the one organizing the canopy project who asked not to be named but worked very hard up until the moments before Mass began - thank you.)

Be on the look-out for publicity surrounding the Mass which will be coming out soon. The Diocese is very blessed to have a great group of families working so hard to glorify the Lord. Thank you again.

Fire up for the Holy Spirit

2011-06-06T17:31:00.002-04:00

I'd like to thank all the servers and their families for all of the efforts during the last few months. Many people were very grateful for the Ascension Missa Cantata, and that type of Mass takes a good bit of preparation. Thanks to all the servers who assisted with this Mass:

AJ Ohlhaut, Brady Ostendorf, Peter Rusciolelli, Sam Dehority, Will Borin, Harry Ohlhaut, Nathaniel Rusciolelli, Luke Bruck, Joseph Bruck, and Griffin Walsh.

The next High Mass will be on Tuesday July 26th. It will be a first for St. Ann's this year as it will be a new feast for a High Mass, the Feast of St. Ann, and it will be a Solemn High Mass! Fr. Reid has rounded up some help to make it happen. It means some new rubrics for the servers to learn, but it will work.

Check out updated Mass and training schedules and be sure to pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit for Pentecost this week.

May is for Mary

2011-05-04T06:00:00.002-04:00

Take time this month to get to know your mother...both here on Earth and in Heaven. Whether it's the Rosary or a renewed devotion to Our Lady under a specific title like Our Lady of Fatima or Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, she is a blessed advocate for the whole world.

Also check out the training schedule for May. All dates are subject to be cancelled for when God wants our child to be born. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Pray for us.

Divine Mercy Novena

2011-04-22T13:51:00.005-04:00

Today begins the Divine Mercy Novena, and it continues till next Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday.

I don't think I need to delve into reasons why it is crucial to petition the Lord for mercy with the general audience of this blog, but nonetheless, there are many in the world, including myself, who are in desperate need of God's mercy everyday.

A small reminder: As a part of our Thurifer rank, a devotion to God's Divine Mercy is specifically encouraged in our ministry. What a great opportunity to prepare for that Rank now!

Bottom line: souls need your advocacy; don't leave them to Hell.

Click here to be redirected to the EWTN's Resource page.

Serving During Holy Week

2011-04-17T21:26:00.004-04:00

I often get strange looks and questions from parishoners, parents, priests, seminarians, and many other types of people when I explain the expectations we have for our MEF servers at St. Ann's. While Fr. Reid sets these expectations, I willingly apply the training, constantly pushing the servers in every aspect that I can.

Let's get to the point: serving at the altar is not a right; it's a privilege. Fr. Reid approved every single server in our ministry for a reason. Not everyone is called to be a priest. Not everyone is called to kneel three feet away from the Celebrant during the most sacred aspect in our faith, the Consecration.

We take the Mass very seriously. Serving in the Sanctuary always takes preparation, diligence, and love. We are not Pharisees. Completing rubrics and spouting off an ancient language like robots without understanding what's going on is an insult to the Lord and unbefitting of altar servers. That's one reason it takes 6 months to complete basic training to be an acolyte at Low Mass. We focus on understanding and the goal is to cultivate a stronger relationship with God and a stronger love for Him. Start off as a "slave for Christ," train, learn, and listen, and then Christ will invite you to be his friend (John 15:15) as Pope Benedict XVI reminded us in his message to Altar servers. Thus, once in the Sanctuary, you are loving God and glorifying Him through excellent and diligent serving.

As Lent comes to it's culmination, the emphasis on the Liturgy during Holy Week is heightened and intensified. Servers must step up to the occasion:

1. Mind your appearance before the King of Kings - haircut, shoes shined, showered, and shaved.

2. Reverence for the King of Kings - pause when genuflecting, move slowly and purposefully, keep your eyes down, mind the altar, the vessels, and the tabernacle.

3. Be conscientious to imitate the King of Kings - arrive in plenty of time, help without being asked, be the example.

4. Prepare to be in the presence of the King of Kings and to receive Him: Sacrament of Reconciliation, time spent in Adoration, and learning humility. Especially ask Our Lady for help.

Lastly, training does not stop once you leave St. Ann's. You bring everything you are to the Sanctuary when you serve, and therefore you must serve at home as you would serve at Church. Spend your day imitating Christ so that when you are in His Sanctuary you will bring with you the sweet aroma of charity from serving your family well.

Be silent angels this week and glorify God.

April and Youth Lenten Retreat

2011-04-03T19:48:00.002-04:00

Training this week is on Tuesday April 5th from 4:15 to 5:45 pm. This is the second time I'm announcing that practice attendance in March, April, and May will help guide who is chosen to do what in Missa Cantata's this year.

The Diocese of Charlotte is sponsoring a Youth Lenten Pilgrimage this Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM at Belmont Abbey. Click here to see the info page about the day. If anyone is interested in going and does not have a youth group to go with, I will consider taking servers this year. If you want to experience Christ in the company of your fellow servers and North Carolina Youth, I am highly encouraging the trip this year. Let me know.

Practice cancellation notice

2011-03-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

I commend the parents for the keeping me updated on family schedules. Unfortunately, due to the high number of servers who can't make it to Saturday's practice, I'm going to have to cancel it.

I've updated the training schedule and I'll confirm today about the 4th or 5th next week.

We have an opening for this Saturday evening's Mass for Ac1 if anyone is interested. Please let me know.

New Novus Ordo Missal

2011-03-28T14:55:00.003-04:00

The new English translation of the Roman Missal is coming out and the servers will recognize that the changes reflect the Latin responses they've learned in the MEF.

Even so, there's still an opportunity to learn about the responses which has been an integral part of our ministry. The Diocese of Charlotte has been putting out education in the Catholic News and Herald on a regular basis, but in addition, the Diocese of Charlotte has also produced some great videos featuring Fr. Brandon Jones of St. Mark in Huntersville. Here they are:

Lenten update

2011-03-10T14:53:00.005-05:00

Lent is upon us. I hope everyone got their ashes yesterday and has begun Lenten practices by now. I have some news for the entire group so here we go:

Next training session is this Tuesday March 15th from 4:15 to 5:45. Please be prepared for the training prior to arriving. Go over your Mass cards and your roles for the Missa Cantata. Just so there is no confusion, attendance is going to be considered when assigning roles for the Missa Cantata's this summer.

There will not be a Missa Cantata for the Annunciation this year on March 25th as there is no priest available to celebrate it. It is still a Holy Day of obligation, so make sure to attend Mass.

The next Missa Cantata will probably be in May for the Ascension. I expect Fr. Reid will want to do at least two to three Missa Cantata's between May and July so we'll be focusing on that in training.

Fr. Reid has mentioned a few things that need to be addressed: If you are not going to show up to Mass as assigned, then I need to be informed no matter what. We've had some team players help out, especially Will Borin and Joseph Mack, but it is the original server's responsibility to be aware and to manage to be at Mass. Second, Fr. Reid has mentioned that servers are arriving late to help set up for Adoration. Servers are REQUIRED to be at St. Ann's by 4:30 pm to set up for Adoration on Wednesday and by 5:45 pm to set up for Saturday evening Mass. This comes from Fr. Reid and it is a matter of obedience on the server's part. Lastly, when servers extinguish the candles, please let the smoke extinguish prior to replacing the glass chimney and wipe the chimney after Mass. We'll review this at training.

The April Mass Schedule is out but the training schedule will need to wait as I'm waiting for my April schedule from work at this time.

Fr. Reid did commend the servers and their hard work. Keep up the good work.

Photo credit: The Catholic Traveler

A great time

2011-02-26T13:32:00.003-05:00

I've gotten reports from servers, families, and priests that the field trip to St. Bernadette was successful and enjoyable. Fr. Gober was very impressed with the server's catechesis and he credited that to the families. Both Fr. Reid and Fr. Gober were grateful for the time and effort put into the questions presented to them in the Q&A session. We all had fun running around Linville Falls as well. Look for more trips in the future!

Just a reminder that we have training this Tuesday from 4:15 until 5:45 as usual and we'll be covering Missa Cantata work and reviewing the field trip.

Please keep all of the servers and their families in your prayers but please pray especially for Mr. Stefano who's enduring some blessed challenges and has requested prayers.

Anyone want to fill in for Ac2 on Saturday March 5th? If so please email me.

Field Trip!!!

2011-02-19T21:14:00.001-05:00

So here's the list of what's going on and what needs to happen:

Servers need to eat breakfast prior to attending. A very gracious parent is supplying snacks and some beverages in an ice-chest, but servers are still on their own to ensure they have enough to eat outside of lunch which will be provided.

Servers need to bring outdoor clothes. If we do go hiking, we're not going hard-core. It will be a maximum of 2 miles on easy trails around Linville Falls or field games.

Servers need to bring great attitudes and a willingness to be open to God and open to being teammates with the other servers.

We decided to simplify the trip and decrease the driving and only go to one parish. Fr. Reid chose Linville = we go to Linville, NC.

No permission slip = no Linville. No permission slip = no Linville. No permission slip = no Linville. We're Catholic; it's always better in 3's. If you need a permission slip, email me.

Each server needs to bring 3 thoughtful questions written down on paper to ask the priests.

Here's the itinerary....suggestions are welcome. We've never done this before.
8:00 AM Morning Prayer and Rosary at St. Ann’s
+ Collect permission slips
9:00 AM Mass with Fr. Reid
+ Select servers to serve Mass
10:00 AM depart for Linville, NC
+ Rides - Do you want to ride up with your parents if they're driving?
-Leaders are Brady, Joseph, & Benjamin.
-Questions, Games, & CD of Archbishop Fulton Sheen
-if in the cars at 12:00, pray Angelus
12:30 PM Lunch (pizza at St. Bernadette)
-Discussion from the car rides
-Office of Readings – Liturgy of the Hours
1:30 PM Tour St. Bernadette with Fr. Reid
2:30 PM Holy Hour / Adoration / Confession?
-Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm
3:30 PM Hiking at Linville Falls/Gorge (if weather permits) or use the church parking lot for some football/ultimate Frisbee – group choice – either will be fun and either will be free.
-If we have poor weather, we’ll go straight to the question and answer session and bypass outdoor activities.
4:30 PM Q & A session with Fr. Reid & Fr. Gober
5:15 PM depart for Charlotte
-6pm Angelus
7:30 PM pick up in Charlotte

Parents please be aware that we may come home earlier. You will be informed on the ride home if this need arises.

February Shake-Up

2011-02-03T21:03:00.004-05:00

Two big ticket items:

First and most pressing is the February Mass Schedule. Due to circumstances, the change in training times in the last few weeks has wreaked havoc on the schedule. After taking time to review individual needs and ministry needs, I've re-worked the February Mass schedule. Please understand that I don't like this kind of change with such short notice. I have been trying to really address individual needs, but I have to make decisions based on the group as a whole.
Please also note, that the next training session is on February 12th at 10:00 AM and everyone needs to be there to catch up.

If you can't make a particular date based on the current schedule, let me know.

For future scheduling, I am waiting to post March scheduling information until the weekend of the February 12th when I'll start my new job at CMC-Pineville ICU. Once they give me a schedule at that time, I'll make the server schedule as opposed to making something now and having to change things again.

We have a green light for our Monday February 21st Server Field Trip. Servers and parents are invited on the trip; everyone can obviously come to the Mass.
Here's the rough draft itinerary:

Everyone meet at St. Ann at 9:00 AM for Mass.
Carpool up to the St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, NC. (Bring a snack for the ride up)
Tour the Basilica with Fr. Reid and pray the rosary. (Bring your rosary)
Lunch in Asheville at a restaurant. (Can someone head up research on a decent one?)
Travel to either Linville, NC or Tryon, NC (Fr. Reid hasn't confirmed which one yet.)
Tour the 2nd parish with Fr. Reid and Fr. Gober.
Question and Answer session with Fr. Reid and Fr. Gober. (More on that to come)
Carpool back to St. Ann.

We intend to throw in a outside activity during the day. This is the first time we've done this but I really think it's going to be a wonderful opportunity for the servers. I'll need someone to organize carpooling which can be done via email and during the Saturday Feb 12th training session.

Thanks to Griffin and Will for stepping up and assisting at the Candlemas this past Wednesday. It was good to try it out, and we'll be better prepared for next year. Comment away...

Oremus...

2011-01-12T21:31:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the servers who were officially enrolled in the St. Ann MEF Server Ministry!

In the first rank, Junior Acolyte, the servers are required to know how to serve as Acolyte 2 in the Low Mass in addition to knowing how to serve as Torchbearer in the Missa Cantata. The servers also agree to be open to receiving encouragement and education on having a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as develop an interior prayer life. The servers were also required to take a challenging test and pass it. Last, but not least, the Postulants had to endure six months of training before they could enroll. Servers who had been participating in the program prior to this year assisted in the training of the postulants. At the Ceremony tonight, the servers all received a special rosary hand-picked by Fr. Reid for the occasion.

Here's the list of newly enrolled Junior Acolytes:

- Michael Kitson (Postulant)

- Nathaniel Rusciolelli (Postulant)

- AJ Olhaut (Postulant)

- Harry Olhaut (Postulant)

- Peter Rusciolelli (Postulant)

- Sam Dehority (1.5 years)

- Griffin Walsh (1.5 years)

- Thomas Mathis (1.5 years)

- Luke Bruck (2.5 years)

- Benjamin Bruck (2.5 years)

- Joseph Bruck (2.5 years)

- Will Borin (2.5 years)

A special regcognition went to Brady Ostendorf who was enrolled as a Master of Ceremonies, the highest rank the ministry offers. Brady has put in a lot of work, training, devotion, and committment to serving the Lord and received his own personal surplice as a gift from Fr. Reid. He took many tests and endured preparation and training above and beyond what's required. Thank you Brady for your service and desire to lead.

Congrats to all!

We're a go for the Ceremony!

2011-01-11T19:07:00.002-05:00

This is confirmation that we will have the Ranking Ceremony tomorrow. All servers will dress out in cassock and surplice and sit in the choir during the Low Mass. You must show up by 5:45 at the latest if you want to sit in the choir. It is recommed to be there for Holy Hour.

I'll be sending out the program via email so that no one is surprised about what they are ceremoniously agreeing to.

If you want to be regcognized, you need to send in your application for advancement.

Application deadline

2011-01-09T22:17:00.002-05:00

If you have not filled out the Application for Advancement, you must download it from the sidebar and fill it out. Scan it or re-type it and email it to me as soon as possible so I can send it to Fr. Reid by tomorrow evening. This needs to be done for advancement on Wednesday.

Disclaimer: This is not the confirmation everyone is expecting. I'll post daily.

Let's get started again

2011-01-03T16:57:00.004-05:00

Happy Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus!

What a wild and crazy Christmas Octave that was for a lot of us. Getting back into the swing of things here's what's going on:

Saturday January 8th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, we will have our next training session. Those who have taken tests can bring those tests in for grading. Those who need to take written and skills tests will do so. After the training session, we will have a 15 minute informative session for the parents. After the session, questions will be answered on a one to one basis outside the Church.

Sunday January 9th 4:00 PM, we will have the Solemn High Mass in Greensboro, NC. Anyone who needs a ride just needs to pipe up at the next training session.

On Wednesday January 12th after the 6:00 PM MEF, we will have the ranking ceremony for the servers. Please make plans to attend.

Please note the updates to the Server rank information and application for advancement on the sidebar.

Tests?!

2010-12-04T09:28:00.007-05:00

Updated Mass schedules and Training schedules are on the blog!

This Monday we'll have a run-through for the Missa Cantata but Fr. Reid will not be attending. We'll also have a test for those who are seeking to advance to level of Senior Acolyte. Those servers who have served as Ac1 and Ac2 at Low Masses and as Ac1 or Ac2 at the Missa Cantata may choose to take the test. For those who want to take it on December 20th, that is fine. If you would like to take the test at home prior to December 20th, I can email the test to the parents who would proctor the test.

As mentioned at the previous training, Monday December 20th will be the testing date for the Postulants and anyone else seeking the Junior Acolyte Rank. I'll also be providing the tests for the Senior Acolyte and Thurifer Ranks. Once again, if you would like to take the test at home, you may, but it will be proctored by your parents and then brought in on December 20th.

So how do you study for these tests. Let me tell you:

Junior Acolyte: Study the Our Lady of Fatima quiz; be able to write out in Latin some basic server responses repeated in the Mass; know the Low Mass Card very, very, very well. Read over the entire Know Your Mass book, focusing on the Offertory and the Canon. Also, know the rubrics for the Torch Bearer position at the High Mass: to be reviewed on Monday. Studying for this test will serve as the basis for the rest of the tests.
Senior Acolyte: Same as Junior Acolyte but the focus will be on Ac1 and Ac2 in both the Low Mass and High Mass. Also please review page 45 in the Know Your Mass book. There will be questions on the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This test is the easiest of all the tests.
Thurifer: Same as above. Focus will be on the Thurifer, but may include Ac's, Tb's, and Bb. You will be required to write out the Nicene Creed in English and the Confiteor in Latin from memory. You will need to answer questions on the Devotion to the Divine Mercy. This test is harder than the previous two but shorter.

Hope this helps. Study hard. Approach me with questions at any time. Pray hard.

Immaculate Conception Missa Cantata

2010-12-02T14:37:00.007-05:00

Amidst the Advent wreaths, Jesse Trees, and other seasonal happenings, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary next week!

Details:
- All servers who are assisting will need to be at St. Ann's on Wednesday December 8th by 6 pm. Mass begins at 7pm.
- There will be an hour of Adoration preceding the Missa Cantata from 5 to 6 pm. Fr. Reid is asking for a volunteer to assist serving that hour of Adoration.
- There will be Adoration after the Missa Cantata. Fr. Reid is asking for a volunteer to assist serving the intial 10 minutes of that Adoration time. Communicate to me if you want to volunteer.

Line-up
MC: Brady O.
Th: Ben B.
Ac1: Joe B.
Ac2: Joseph M.
Bb: Luke B.
Cb: Michael K.
Tb 1: Joseph Y.
Tb 2: TBD?
Tb 3: Nathaniel R.
Tb 4: AJ O.
Tb 5: Thomas Mathis
Tb 6: Griffin Walsh
Alt: Harry O. , Peter R.,

End of the Year...Liturgically speaking

2010-11-17T14:14:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone has recovered from the last Missa Cantata and is ready for the next one! Wednesday December 8th at either 6:30 or 7 pm (waiting back from Fr. Reid on the time.) Prior to Fr. Reid scheduling the Missa Cantata, I had scheduled to see my in-laws in Spokane, WA, so I won't get the joy of being there, but I think with everyone's help, it should go smoothly. More details at Monday's training session.

Our ministry has been invited by Fr. Ferguson FSSP to assist as servers in a Solemn High Mass for the Feast of the Holy Family on Sunday January 9th at 4:00 PM in Greensboro at Our Lady of Grace Church. A Solemn High Mass has clerics for the MC position, but we would fill in the rest. We've already done most of the training for it with the Missa Cantata, and the Deacon and Sub-Deacon perform many of the roles our servers usually do in a Missa Cantata. Fr. Reid has given us permission to assist with this Mass, and I will be asking/recuiting for volunteers for positions on Monday.

We are going to have our first ranking ceremony for the Postulants and the servers. I need families to vote on which date would be best for everyone to attend. Fr. Reid has said he would prefer not to have the ceremony after a Missa Cantata, so I'm offering a few choices you can pick on the blog. Info on the tests and requirements for advancement to be provided on Monday.

I've updated the Mass Serving Schedule one the blog, and do not forget to study for the Our Lady of Fatima quiz on Monday.

Nice job everyone

2010-11-02T20:19:00.003-04:00

Reports are coming in...The Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ was a great success. The Schola/Choir did a suberb job in chanting and singing for an hour and a half almost continuously. Their efforts helped to part the veil allowing the congregation to experience a bit more of heaven. The attendance was excellent and many received the privilege of assisting at the Mass.

One of my major goals with the ministry was accomplished this past Sunday. For the first time, I got to assist at a Missa Cantata at St. Ann's from a pew. I witnessed the fine execution from all of the servers. The torches were handled very well, even with a last minute change. The torchbearer leads, Joseph Y and Griffin W did an excellent job. The acolytes, Crossbearer, and boat bearer were "spot on," with cues and the flow of the Mass. As thurifer for the first time, Benjamin managed the position very well and lead admirably. Last, but not least, the MC, Brady O. did excellent. Due to the demands of the position, the Master of Ceremonies has much to prepare and the first time acting under the mantle can be daunting. Brady did very well, as did all of the servers.

The one thing that impressed me the most about the serving was the execution of the rubrics. All of the young men served reverently, with purpose, and then moved out of the way. The servers did not draw attention, but when a server was moving, his movements were in line with the rubrics so that the server in effect became "invisible." Watching from the pew, when a server did come into view, he directed attention to the King, as a servant should. This is the measure of success I would like to use for our ministry in the Sanctuary.

With an early December Missa Cantata on the books, December 8th, I will most probably keep the line-up we had with the exception of the Torch-Bearers. Great job to all and thank you to the families who support these servers, the ministry, the Diocese of Charlotte, and Christ the King.

Just in case you missed it...

2010-10-30T22:14:00.001-04:00

Missa Cantata tomorrow: Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be there by 11:30 AM ready to help set-up.

Be ready to participate in a rare and awesome event.

First Service Project

2010-10-09T09:46:00.004-04:00

The St. Ann MEF Servers had their first service project this past Saturday. Seven young men came out early before the start of the St. Ann Carnival to help out. The boys ran around setting up drink booths, fixing and securing other booths, hanging signs, helping out to set up bingo, and of course taking a few minutes in between to ensure the quality of the games.

Once the fair got underway, we had time to pray a rosary in the Church. Then we got a sneak peek at the unfinished, but still beautiful, new Chapel at St. Ann's. After a treat at the bake sale, we got to work on balloons for the kids and we had a lot of fun.

Thanks to the servers and their families who were able to make it. Many of the parishoners at St. Ann's were very grateful for the assistance. It was really good to demonstrate that our little ministry is not a secluded and sheltered group. While we focus on the Latin Mass, a mystery to most parishoners, we are a part of a larger family, and in coming months we will continue to expand the ministry to other parishes and the Diocese.

Papa Benedict speaks

2010-10-06T12:17:00.003-04:00

Quote from today's General Audience that applies to what we've been discussing in training:

"In closing, Benedict XVI highlighted how the example of St. Gertrude "shows us that the focal point of a happy and authentic life is friendship with Jesus the Lord. This is learned through love for Sacred Scripture and the liturgy, through profound faith and through love for Mary, so as to gain increasing knowledge of God and, therefore, to know true happiness which is the goal of our existence"."

See the whole article here.

Don't forget that tomorrow is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary...pray with your family!
Don't forget that Sunday is the Rosary Rally at St. Patrick's...3 pm...pray with your Church family!

October: Focus on Mary

2010-10-01T17:30:00.003-04:00

Happy Memorial of St. Therese of Lisieux! What a great way to start off October. This month our ministry will go right along with Holy Mother Church and spend time praying as our Heavenly Mother asks us to do.

After reviewing the results of the recent Junior Acolyte Test, I am aware of some areas of improvement in the formation of the servers. One important area is Mariology, the study of Mary, the Mother of God. Why study Mary? Why not just go straight to Jesus? Please read the following:

(1.) "For every Christian, and for every human being, Mary is the one who first believed. Out of her faith as Spouse and Mother, she desires to act upon all those who entrust themselves to her as her children. And the more her children persevere and progress in this attitude, the nearer Mary leads them to the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8) They recognize ever more clearly the dignity of man in all its fullness and the definitive meaning of his vocation, for “Christ fully reveals man to man himself.” (Vatican II’s Gaudium et Spes, #22) (Mary in the life of the Carthusians-.pdf)"

(2) "II. DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN
971 "All generations will call me blessed": "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship." The Church rightly honors "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their dangers and needs. . . . This very special devotion . . . differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration." The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel," express this devotion to the Virgin Mary.517 (CCC 971)"

There's so much more, but suffice to say that Mary leads the sinner to Jesus. In that respect she epitomizes our mission: point to God; but Mary does a whole lot more than point. As for our ministry, when the servers choose to enter the full ministry of the MEF altar servers as Junior Acolytes, they will take upon themselves a commitment to having a devotion to the Blessed Mother. (note: approved by Fr. Reid) So here's how we're going to make all of this tangible for the servers this month:

We're inviting servers and families to the Rosary Rally at St. Patrick's on Sunday October 10th at 3:00 pm. In addition, there will be Adoration, Benediction, and a Eucharistic Procession.
On Saturday, October 23rd, we will be praying two rosaries with Fr. Reid and St. Ann parishioners at the Hebron abortion mill. This is following the Mass for Life at 9:00 AM at St. Ann's.
We have the privilege of having Fr. Roux come and give a talk on Our Lady of Fatima at the Monday, October 25th training session. (4 pm to 6pm - yes, it's a 2 hour session) More info on preparation for this talk to come. (Yes, there will be a quiz on it. I love you, too.) Please invite family to come to this training session and listen to Fr. Roux.

Lots happening

2010-09-29T15:01:00.004-04:00

Lots of info to be disseminated in a short manner:

- Thanks to everyone who emailed support for the new growth I mentioned in the last post. I look forward to seeing the servers at St. Ann's this Saturday, rain or shine, at 8 AM. After helping setting up outside, Sr. Helene has commandeered our group to help set up for Bingo. There will still be the 6:30 Latin Mass in the afternoon as well with Griffin and Will serving.

- Thanks to Fr. Reid who come out at the last training session to instruct the servers on the Canon. Please be sure to follow-up with him with questions and comments about what he talked about.

- Results are in from the Junior Acolyte Test: Good news - a majority of servers passed! I will be following up on an individual basis with everyone who took the test. For those who need to re-take the test, you'll have another opportunity in December when the postulants take the Junior Acolyte test. Anyone interested in applying to take the Senior Acolyte Test can email me. The test will be given at the end of October with a blueprint being provided beforehand. If you thought the Junior Acolyte test was challenging...

- The training schedule and Mass schedule have been updated and are awaiting your mouse click to see the changes. These schedules are not final until one week from today, so please leave comments, suggestions, and ideas for changes.

-Added the Diocesan Guidelines for working with minors to the blog. Thanks to all of the parents for helping our ministry be compliant with the Protecting God's Children requirements.

Our Ministry at St. Ann's

2010-09-18T15:08:00.004-04:00

Our young little ministry is over two years old now, which is only a bit older than my daughter, Teresa. Like my daughter, the ministry had to develop slowly and with a lot of care and attention. We've had to learn to crawl and then learn to walk, with some falls, bumps, and bruises along the way. Little by little, our ministry continues to grow and develop, branching out in new ways and learning new things, all within the safety of Holy Mother Church.

As servers, our main focus is serving Christ, specifically in the Liturgy, but also in serving others. I would like our ministry, our service, to grow beyond the Sanctuary and into the parishes that our servers belong. Through Fr. Reid, St. Ann has been the home of our ministry, sheltering us and providing us with supplies, space, time, and resources. I would like to begin our new growth by assisting the community that helped to foster our development.

Specifically there are two events coming up that I would like to use to inaugurate this new growth. The first is the St. Ann Carnival on Saturday October 2nd. While the carnival runs from 10 am into the afternoon, there are lots of opportunities before, during, and after for service. It would give the servers an opportunity to meet more of the parishioners, and more appropriately, it would show the community of St. Ann's, that altar serving is more than just rubrics. Right now we're looking to help out with set-up on Saturday morning from 8 - 10 AM. After the set-up, we'll spread out and help Mr. Ted Peters fill in holes as needed at booths and rides until noon for a total of four hours. I understand this is short notice. I needed to wait for approval.

The second opportunity will be to witness for the unborn with St. Ann and St. Vincent parishioners at the Pro-Life Mass on Saturday October 23. After the 9:00 AM Mass, servers are asked to travel to the Hebron St. Abortion Mill (10 minutes away) to pray the rosary with Fr. Reid.

The comment box awaits...

Training and Updates

2010-09-18T14:32:00.002-04:00

We have torches!!! Fr. Reid got a set of 6 nice torches. They will require an orientation and training to use as they are expensive, butane torches. (Don't burn down the new church, please.) Please take the opportunity to thank Fr. Arnsparger and the St. Michael servers for helping us utilize the St. Michael torches up to this point.

We have the surplices for the new Server Ranks!!! At various levels within our new hierarchical ranking system, servers will receive special surplices for Mass in recognition of their dedication, discipline, and achievement. Ceremonies for the various ranks will occur after the tests and trials.

September 20th:
Training is from 3:45 to 5:15 pm with Fr. Reid educating on the Canon. Translation: A very busy and holy man is taking time out of his schedule to come teach, and therefore everyone better be prepared to listen, answer questions, and engage in the training. Hint: Know Your Mass through the Canon. Afterwards, if time permits in Fr. Reid's schedule, he will lead the servers in Vespers. Please bring your Liturgy of the Hours for this great opportunity. (Volume IV for those with the full set.) If you do not have the Liturgy of the Hours, we will share. Then, after that, all servers who qualify for Junior Acolyte will take the test for it.

The Eucharistic Congress was AWESOME!!! Please check out the Diocesan photos below where you might see some familiar faces. More to come on the 2010 Eucharistic Congress.

Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress 2010 from Diocese of Charlotte on Vimeo.

September Training

2010-09-04T12:15:00.006-04:00

Next training session is this Tuesday September 7th at 4:15 PM. Postulants need to be prepared to run through all of the Latin and rubrics up until the beginning of the Canon. Experienced servers need to be prepared this month to take the test for the first level: Junior Acolyte. This test will cover the Ac2 position at a Low Mass and the TorchBearer position at a Missa Cantata.

On Monday September 20th, Fr. Reid will be present to educate the servers on the Canon. In order to accomodate his schedule, the training time has been moved a half hour earlier going from 3:45 to 5:15. This is a great opportunity to learn about the pinnacle of the Liturgy. Please make plans to attend.

Please review the Mass schedule for changes to assignments.

Photo Credit: FaceMePLS

Eucharistic Congress 2010

2010-08-29T21:05:00.004-04:00

Friday, September 10th, begins the 2010 Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress. All servers and their families are highly, highly, highly, and even highly encouraged to attend this wonderful event. It's one of the few times a Pontifical Mass in the Novus Ordo is offered and it's a blessed opportunity to experience the Lord. Even if you've been a number of times, it's also a great opportunity to be united, engage, and even evangelize in word and deed to fellow Catholics. Click here for the Congress Web Page.

For those attending, don't forget to make the Sacrament of Confession at the Congress or within 8 days as well as fullfilling the rest of the requirements with the intention of obtaining the plenary indulgence.

In preparation for the event, servers are encouraged to make a novena of the Prayer for the Eucharistic Congress beginning this Wednesday:

O Jesus, who art really, truly and substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament to be the food of our souls, deign to bless and bring to a successful issue all Eucharistic Congresses and gatherings, and especially the coming Congress of the Diocese of Charlotte. Be Thou the inspiration of our labors, resolutions and vows; accept graciously the solemn homage we will render to Thee; send Your Holy Spirit to kindle the hearts of priests, religious, and all the faithful, especially the children, so that devout participation in the Holy Mass and frequent and daily Holy Communion may be held in honor in all the countries of the world; and grant that the Kingship of Your Sacred Heart over human society may everywhere be acknowledged to the glory of God, the Father. Amen.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, bless the Congress.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Patroness of our Diocese, pray for us.
Saint Paschal Baylon, pray for us.
Saint Patrick, pray for us.
Amen.

Genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament

2010-08-25T18:06:00.006-04:00

A question came up in the last training session: Can a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament provide a remission of venial sin?

St. John Vianney comes right out and says, as if it was already general knowledge, that such a reverence does provide a remission of venial sins in his "Catechism on Confession": "My children, as soon as ever you have a little spot upon your soul, you must do like a person who has a fine globe of glass, which he keeps very carefully. If this globe has a little dust on it, he wipes it with a sponge the moment he perceives it, and there is the globe clear and brilliant. In the same way, as soon as you perceive a little stain on your soul, take some holy water with respect, do one of those good works to which the remission of venial sins is attached -an alms, a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament, hearing a Mass." (Click here for the rest of that teaching...Chap 17)

Yet, as we frequently ask in our ministry, is the outward movement enough? Or is there more St. John Vianney was alluding to? St. Thomas Aquinas addresses these questions in his Summa Theologica:

"...Hence, for three reasons, certain things cause the remission of venial sins: first, because they imply the infusion of grace, since the infusion of grace removes venial sins, as stated above (Article 2); and so, by the Eucharist, Extreme Unction, and by all the sacraments of the New Law without exception, wherein grace is conferred, venial sins are remitted. Secondly, because they imply a movement of detestation for sin, and in this way the general confession [i.e. the recital of the Confiteor or of an act of contrition, the beating of one's breast, and the Lord's Prayer conduce to the remission of venial sins, for we ask in the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses"]. Thirdly, because they include a movement of reverence for God and Divine things; and in this way a bishop's blessing, the sprinkling of holy water, any sacramental anointing, a prayer said in a dedicated church, and anything else of the kind, conduce to the remission of venial sins."

So the genuflection alone does not serve the purpose. The grace given by the Lord, the detestation for sin, and a reverence for the Lord are some of the necessary ingredients to the recipe for remission of venial sins.

Bottom line: With the right frame of heart and mind and by the grace of God, a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament can provide a remission of venial sin. But is that the goal?

Is a genuflection a habit, a custom, or desire to revere the Lord? It may start off as a noble custom taught to us by our priests and parents, and then it may become habit. Hopefully, as one matures, it becomes an act of love and faith.

As for remission of sins, the Church advocates to stick to the Sacrament of Confession:

"Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father's mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful." (CCC 1458)

Altar servers have the privilege of genuflecting to Blessed Sacrament in the Sanctuary during training and especially at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass where their frame of heart and mind should be prepared and focused. Yet, when you attend Mass with your family, should you love any less before you enter the pew?

Photo Credit: jdbradley

Mass Schedule Updated

2010-08-17T16:33:00.002-04:00

I had some time to update the Mass Schedule for our servers for September and October. This schedule will be finalized on 9 pm Monday, August 23rd. Please contact me if you see any issues. Please note all of the wonderful Marian Feasts in September and the Missa Cantata at the end of October for Christ the King.

Please preview the schedule on the side bar to the right.

Pope Benedict XVI on Altar Servers

2010-08-17T15:35:00.003-04:00

On August 4th the Holy Father gave a short discourse on St. Tarcisius, the patron saint of altar servers. His words help to guide altar servers in their ministry. The entirety of the General Audience can be found here on the Vatican website.

"...Who was St Tarcisius? We do not have much information about him. We are dealing with the early centuries of the Church's history or, to be more precise, with the third century. It is said that he was a boy who came regularly to the Catacombs of St Calixtus here in Rome and took his special Christian duties very seriously. He had great love for the Eucharist and various hints lead us to conclude that he was presumably an acolyte, that is, an altar server.

Those were years in which the Emperor Valerian was harshly persecuting Christians who were forced to meet secretly in private houses or, at times, also in the Catacombs, to hear the word of God, to pray and to celebrate Holy Mass. Even the custom of taking the Eucharist to prisoners and the sick became increasingly dangerous. One day, when, as was his habit, the priest asked who was prepared to take the Eucharist to the other brothers and sisters who were waiting for it, young Tarcisius stood up and said: "send me!". This boy seemed too young for such a demanding service! "My youth", Tarcisius said, "will be the best shield for the Eucharist". Convinced, the priest entrusted to him the precious Bread, saying: "Tarcisius, remember that a heavenly treasure has been entrusted to your weak hands. Avoid crowded streets and do not forget that holy things must never be thrown to dogs nor pearls to pigs. Will you guard the Sacred Mysteries faithfully and safely?". "I would die", Tarcisio answered with determination, "rather than let go of them".

As he went on his way he met some friends who approached him and asked him to join them. As pagans they became suspicious and insistent at his refusal and realized he was clasping something to his breast that he appeared to be protecting. They tried to prize it away from him, but in vain; the struggle became ever fiercer, especially when they realized that Tarcisius was a Christian; They kicked him, they threw stones at him, but he did not surrender. While Tarcisius was dying a Pretoria guard called Quadratus, who had also, secretly, become a Christian, carried him to the priest. Tarcisius was already dead when they arrived but was still clutching to his breast a small linen bag containing the Eucharist.

He was buried straight away in the Catacombs of St Calixtus. Pope Damasus had an inscription carved on St Tarcisius' grave; it says that the boy died in 257. The Roman Martyrology fixed the date as 15 August and in the same Martyrology a beautiful oral tradition is also recorded. It claims that the Most Blessed Sacrament was not found on St Tarcisius' body, either in his hands or his clothing. It explains that the consecrated Host which the little Martyr had defended with his life, had become flesh of his flesh thereby forming, together with his body, a single immaculate Host offered to God.

Dear altar servers, St Tarcisius' testimony and this beautiful tradition teach us the deep love and great veneration that we must have for the Eucharist: it is a precious good, a treasure of incomparable value; it is the Bread of life, it is Jesus himself who becomes our nourishment, support and strength on our daily journey and on the open road that leads to eternal life; the Eucharist is the greatest gift that Jesus bequeathed to us.

I am addressing those of you who are present here and, through you, all the altar servers of the world! Serve Jesus present in the Eucharist generously. It is an important task that enables you to be particularly close to the Lord and to grow in true and profound friendship with him. Guard this friendship in your hearts jealously, like St Tarcisius, ready to commit yourselves, to fight and to give your lives so that Jesus may reach all peoples. May you too communicate to your peers the gift of this friendship with joy, with enthusiasm, without fear, so that they may feel that you know this Mystery, that is true and that you love it! Every time that you approach the altar, you have the good fortune to assist in God's great loving gesture as he continues to want to give himself to each one of us, to be close to us, to help us, to give us strength to live in the right way. With consecration, as you know, that little piece of bread becomes Christ's Body, that wine becomes Christ's Blood. You are lucky to be able to live this indescribable Mystery from close at hand! Do your task as altar servers with love, devotion and faithfulness; do not enter a church for the celebration with superficiality but rather, prepare yourselves inwardly for Holy Mass! Assisting your priests in service at the altar helps to make Jesus closer, so that people can understand, can realize better: he is here. You collaborate to make him more present in the world, in every day life, in the Church and everywhere.

Dear friends! You lend Jesus your hands, your thoughts, your time. He will not fail to reward you, giving you true joy and enabling you to feel where the fullest happiness is. St Tarcisius has shown us that love can even bring us to give our life for an authentic good, for the true good, for the Lord.

Martyrdom will probably not be required of us, but Jesus asks of us fidelity in small tings, inner recollection, inner participation, our faith and our efforts to keep this treasure present in every day life. He asks of us fidelity in daily tasks, a witness to his love, going to church through inner conviction and for the joy of his presence. Thus we can also make known to our friends that Jesus is alive. May St John Mary Vianney's intercession help us in this commitment. Today is the liturgical Memorial of this humble French Parish Priest who changed a small community and thus gave the world a new light. May the example of St Tarcisius and St John Mary Vianney impel us every day to love Jesus and to do his will, as did the Virgin Mary, faithful to her Son to the end..."

Tuesday Afternoon training

2010-08-02T12:00:00.002-04:00

We are a go for a 5 pm Missa Cantata practice tomorrow at St. Ann's. Please don't forget to sign up for the chant workshop if you want to go.

Prayers at the Foot of the Altar

2010-07-31T10:44:00.003-04:00

Here's the long awaited Prayers at the Foot of the Altar for the MEF. Please note the wonderful mistake I made, and left in on purpose...ahem, to show that suffixes are important in the Confiteor. Practice and be perfect for the next training session.

No practice this Saturday

2010-07-28T21:25:00.002-04:00

Due to the short notice, vacation schedules, and special events, there will not be practice this Saturday. Please comment, email, or call about possibly having a Missa Cantata practice on Tuesday August 3rd at 5, 6, or 7 pm.

Check out the previous post for corrections.

End of Summer update

2010-07-27T14:11:00.003-04:00

Please note that we're cancelling August 2nd's training session due to scheduling conflicts. Repeat: No training Monday August 2nd...

As announced at the last training session, St. Ann's is hosting the "Sing like a Catholic" Workshop from CMAA. The event is Friday August 6th and Saturday August 7th all day at St. Anns. It's free for altar servers and 1/2 price for other kids under 18. This is a great opportunity to learn from experts, but you don't have to be an expert to go. Beginners are very welcome and I've heard great things about this workshop. Click here to go to the workshop registration page to find out more information.

At the end of that workshop, on Saturday August 7th at 6:30 pm, we'll have the Missa Cantata. This Saturday, July 31st, we'll have our Missa Cantata practice from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Everyone is welcome to go to St. Patrick's Saturday Morning Mass at 8:00 AM and then we'll all head over to St. Ann's for training.

Here's the line-up:

Cb: ?
Thurifer: Brady O.
Boat Bearer: Benjamin B.
Ac1: JP M.
Ac2: Joseph B.
Tb1: Joseph Y.
Tb 2: Will B.
Tb 3: Chase M. ?
Tb 4: Chris B. ?
Tb 5: ?
Tb 6: Luke B.

More Latin Pronunciation Assistance

2010-06-29T18:47:00.004-04:00

Here are the files for Side B of the Latin Pronunciation guide and the "Most Necessary Prayers" in Latin. Keep practicing and have a safe 4th of July.

pic of high altar at St. Martin de Tours in Louisville, KY

Church Latin Pronunciation Practice

2010-06-21T15:34:00.002-04:00

Take time to practice with the list that was handed out. Focus on the letters and accents as opposed to just memorizing the words based on how it sounds. Use the audio file to guide you. Side B will be available later this week.

Final Audio File Test

2010-06-21T12:29:00.002-04:00

Please click on the file. If you can't hear the audio file please comment or let me know.

Sacred Heart Weekend

2010-06-10T13:56:00.003-04:00

We have confirmation for this weekend:

Saturday AM Mass at St. Vincent de Paul at 9:00 AM
Drive to Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, NC arriving by 11:00
Training with Fr. Ferguson and Noah Carter from 11:00 to 1:00pm
Bring your own lunch, a large cooler with ice will be in my car. We'll eat lunch on the Church grounds.
Arrive back at St. Ann's in Charlotte between 2 - 3 pm
Be back at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury on Sunday June 13th by 3pm

We'll have extra space in cars on Saturday. If you need a ride on Sunday, we can coordinate that as well.

The Mass schedule has been updated as well. Training schedule to be updated soon.

The new servers will be joining us at the next training session on Monday, June 21st. Please pray for them as the first few months are challenging as we all remember. More to come...

Getting Organized

2010-06-04T20:28:00.003-04:00

We have a tentative training session set up at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, NC on Saturday June 12, 2010 at 11:00 AM.

Here's a tentative plan:

Saturday June 12th 9:00 AM Mass at St. Vincent's off Park Road.
Caravan up to Sacred Heart Church after Mass. (Should take less than an hour to get there.)
Do the training.
Lunch in Salisbury.
Caravan back to St. Ann's where servers can get picked up.

Marla Walsh, Debbie Mack, and Stefano Monaco (a MEF regular at St. Anns and well known to me and many of the parents) have offered to drive other servers whose parents may not be able to make it.

As for the Mass itself, it will count for the Sunday obligation. Servers will be expected to be at the Sacred Heart Church by 2:45 pm to help set up. The Missa Cantata will be at 4:00 PM on Sunday June 13th.

A note for the servers: you will be expected to listen, obey, and be prepared for your position so that we can facilitate Noah in his new role. Expect to learn new things with Fr. Ferguson. I know I will.

I need everyone to contact me to let me know what they can make and can't make. I'll be at the hospital this weekend but I hope to hear wonderful stories of tomorrow's Ordination and first Masses for the new priests.

Evening post in between shifts

2010-06-01T21:31:00.003-04:00

I'm busy but here's some updates:

Will Borin and Sam Dehority have volunteered for tomorrow's MEF and Children's Benediction. Please be there by 4:00pm to set up quickly for the kids and then finish setting up afterwards before the regular Holy Hour.
I'm trying to organize a training session for the Missa Cantata in Salisbury and here's what I've come up with so far: Fr. Ferguson FSSP and Noah Carter (DoC Seminarian) will be available on Saturday June 12th around lunch time in Salisbury. The next day is the Missa Cantata. Can we make it? Can we carpool? Please give me feedback so we can make this great experience work.
This weekend: seminarians/ordinands become priests = huge! Friday night they have a Holy Hour for the Ordinands at St. Pat's. Saturday 10:00 AM at St. Marks for the Ordination. Then 10:30 on Sunday at St. Ann's for soon to be Fr. Rossi's first Mass. New priests (baby priests as my wife calls them) don't come around every day. I highly recommend that everyone show up and support these men. Pray for them.

More info to come...stay tuned

Get ready...

2010-05-20T15:59:00.004-04:00

I got an email from seminarian Noah Carter, who will be staying in Charlotte for a bit, complimenting the servers on the Ascension Missa Cantata. He told me he saw the pictures and they looked beautiful. I read his email, and I thought, "What pictures?" Then I got on to the Diocese of Charlotte website and saw this:

Missa Cantata from David Hains on Vimeo.

Our little group has already been asked to serve a Missa Cantata this summer at another parish (more details to come). We've got a new class of servers coming this month and after this publicity, expect more.

Bottom line: God is telling us that we're doing good. Stay focused and disciplined, and let's keep up the good work!

See you Saturday at the party!

Training Time Change

2010-05-01T14:05:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the late notice everyone. This Monday, the Missa Cantata run-through will be from 5 - 7 pm. That's 5pm to 7pm which is an hour earlier. This change is to accomodate Fr. Reid's schedule. The late notice is my fault as I've known for over a week now. That being said, I still expect the servers to have reviewed their roles for the Missa Cantata to be prepared for Monday evening at 5:00 pm.

Don't forget about the Summer Server Party at the Borin's. All Latin Mass servers and their families are invited to attend. It's on Saturday May 22nd at 6:00 pm.

I also need to add a friendly reminder that parents need to be aware of when they are supposed to show up for their role in Protecting God's Children. We've had some very gracious help with some parents volunteering to stay when others didn't make it, didn't find a substitute, and didn't notify me. Please remember that if we do not have an extra adult, training will be immediately cancelled.

More to come...

Finishing up April and May

2010-04-16T13:52:00.002-04:00

We are officially planning the Ascension Missa Cantata Rehearsal for Monday May 3rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Anns. The Schola will be there as well. As with the last training session, we may have to swing the time to accomodate Fr. Reid's schedule, but as of now 6:00 PM is the set time.

Moreover, we have the results back for the pool party and the official scheduled date, time, and place is: Saturday May 22nd at 6:00 pm at the Borin's Residence. More information will be provided.

Please remember that the next server training will be at 4:45 PM at St. Anns this coming Monday April 19th. See you there!

Updated schedules

2010-04-10T14:17:00.003-04:00

I've reworked the training and Mass Schedules through May. I will need to sit down with Fr. Reid to get the rest of the summer finished up. Please be aware there is a tentative rehearsal for the Ascension Missa Cantata on Monday May 3rd at 6:00 pm. As before, it will go until 8pm. Confirmation of that training session will come shortly.

Due to the lack of time to train, we will probably keep MOST of the positions as they were for the Annunciation. We might switch up a few spots. Luke B. mentioned being a torch bearer, so I'd need someone to step up for him. I might consider letting Joseph M and Brady pray it out for thurifer and see who feels called to it.

Please know that we should be receiving new recruits sometime in May. Please welcome them when they arrive and help make them feel comfortable.

Last but not least, please take the survery at the right hand side of the blog for our summer server party.

April 5th Practice Canceled

2010-04-05T05:49:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday! Please continue to enjoy the Easter Octave knowing that this evening's practice is being canceled. Some of you asked for it to be canceled, but in addition, I need to work at the hospital today.

Now that things have settled down after the Missa Cantata, more posts will be coming as per your requests. I will also get the Spring-Summer Schedule situated this week as well.

As usual with cancellations, please email, post, or call that you have received this information.

Annunciation Missa Cantata Update

2010-03-13T10:08:00.003-05:00

So finally the next Missa Cantata approaches. Here are some updates for everyone:

Monday March 15th practice begins at 5:30 pm! It's been moved earlier to accomodate Fr. Reid's schedule. Everyone needs to be on time, please. Please comment, email, or call to confirm that you have received this news.

At the end of the Missa Cantata, the servers will process out of the Church, receive the blessing from Fr. Reid and return to the altar rail to pray the St. Michael the Archangel prayer. The schola will be singing the Salve Regina that we sing at the end of practice prior to our arrival at the altar rail.

Homework essay: 200 word essay that is due on March 22nd addressing the following: How does God answer your prayers? Please give an example of an instance when you felt your prayers were answered. Please also include a quote from a Saint, Pope Benedict XVI, or a previous Pope about prayer.

Server Cards and Homework

2010-02-17T16:57:00.003-05:00

Finally I offer you the combined server cards for the Missa Cantata at St. Ann's. During the next two weeks leading up to the next training session, I expect the servers to peruse the cards and point out all kinds of errors and mistakes. Anyone else may do the same.

Lastly homework that is do by the next training session is to have read all of the propers for the Annunciation from the 1962 Missal and be ready for an oral quiz at the training session on March 1st. Don't have access to the propers? Just let me know and I'll point you to the right direction.

Final line up for Annunciation Missa Cantata:
Cross Bearer: Chris Borin/Sam Dehority
Thurifer: Joseph M.
Boat bearer: Luke Bruck
Ac's: Brady O and Benjamin B
Torch bearer's:

JP Mack
Joseph Yellico
Griffin Walsh
Will Borin
Joseph B
Thomas Mathis

Annunciation announcements

2010-01-27T16:03:00.004-05:00

If it wasn't official before, it is now; Thursday 25th at 7:00 pm Fr. Reid will offer a Missa Cantata for the Feast of the Annunciation at St. Ann's. I sat down with Fr. Reid this week and he accomplished a lot for the MEF at St. Ann's:

Hundreds of dollars of new cassocks have been ordered and will be at St. Ann's within 5 weeks. (Yes Luke, we ordered an 11 just for you.)
The Spring Mass schedule has been hammered out and is available on the side bar.
The Server training schedule has been completed and is available on the side bar. Please note the Monday March 15th training session with the Schola and hopefully Fr. Reid for a Missa Cantata rehearsal. It is imperative to make that training session.
An additional Missa Cantata may be planned for Thursday May 13th on the Feast of the Ascension which we did last year.

Let me know if mistakes have been made on the schedules or how I can help you in your ministry.

Piano = no practice today

2010-01-18T14:32:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the late notice, but there will not be any practice today. On a better "note," my little family got an upright piano for the cost of moving it. On a worse "note," the piano fell on my leg while moving it. But the piano is fine, so don't worry.

My leg swelled up a bit, but rest, ice, compression dressings, and elevation have brought it down a good bit. I will need to rest it today and therefore practice gets cancelled. I've notified many of the server families, but please call someone if you talk with them regularly just to make sure they're aware.

Otherwise, the text Missa Cantata is officially scheduled for Thursday March 25th, the Annunciation. More details to come. I'll also work on the schedule, and we'll reschedule todays training for another time.

Please use this opportunity to go over the Latin and practice rubrics for the Low Mass. Have a happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Reminder

2010-01-12T11:21:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a lot fun glorifying the Lord during the Christmas season and spending time with family. Today there will be practice at St. Ann's at 4:15.

Hope to see everyone there.

Holy Father on Christmas

2009-12-23T11:27:00.003-05:00

From today's general audience with Pope Benedict XVI, we receive a beautiful insight into Christmas. This information comes from the VIS, Vatican Information services and the article can be found here online. Come, Lord Jesus.

THE CHILD JESUS MAKES THE LOVE OF GOD MANIFEST VATICAN CITY, 23 DEC 2009 (VIS) - In his general audience, celebrated this morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope focused his remarks on the subject of Christmas. At the beginning of his catechesis the Holy Father explained that "the Church's liturgical year did not initially develop on the basis of Christ's birth but on that of faith in His resurrection. Hence, the most ancient feast of Christianity is not Christmas but Easter. The resurrection of Christ is what founded the Christian faith, underpinned the announcement of the Gospel and brought the Church into being".

"The first person to make the clear affirmation that Jesus was born on 25 December was Hippolytus of Rome in his commentary on the Book of Daniel, written around the year 204", said the Pope.

"In the Christian world, the feast of Christmas assumed a distinct form in the fourth century when it took the place of the Roman feast of the 'Sol invictus', the sun unconquered. This highlighted the fact that the birth of Christ is the victory of the true light over the darkness of evil and sin. Yet the particular and intense spiritual atmosphere that now surrounds Christmas developed during the Middle Ages, thanks to St. Francis of Assisi who was profoundly enamoured of Jesus the man, of the God-with-us".

"This particular devotion to the mystery of the Incarnation was the origin of the famous Christmas celebration in Greccio. ... St. Francis with his nativity scene highlighted the defenceless love, humility and goodness of God, Who in the Incarnation of the Word shows Himself to mankind in order to teach them a new way to live and love".

The Pope then went on to recall the fact that the first biographer of St. Francis, Thomas of Celano, recounted how, "on that Christmas night, Francis was granted the grace of a marvellous vision. He saw, lying immobile in the manger, a small child Who was reawakened from sleep by the proximity of Francis himself".

"Thanks to St. Francis, Christian people are able to understand that at Christmas God truly became the 'Emmanuel', the God-with-us, from Whom no barrier or distance separates us. In that Child, God became so close to each of us ... that we can establish an intimate rapport of profound affection with Him, just as we do with a newborn child.

"In that Child", the Holy Father added, "God-Love becomes manifest: God comes unarmed and powerless, because He does not intend to conquer, so to say, from the outside; rather, He intends to be accepted by man in freedom. God becomes a defenceless child to overcome man's pride, violence and thirst for possession. In Jesus, God assumed this poor and disarming condition in order to triumph over us with love and lead us to our true identity".

"His being a Child likewise indicates to us that we can meet God and enjoy His presence", the Pope concluded. "People who have not understood the mystery of Christmas have not understood the decisive element of Christian existence: that those who do not accept Jesus with the heart of a child cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven. This is what St. Francis wished to tell the Christian world of his time and of all times, even unto today".AG/CHRISTMAS/... VIS 091223 (560)

Wrapping up December '09

2009-12-23T10:25:00.003-05:00

I would like to send out a warm conrats to newly ordained Deacon Lucas Rossi. Yesterday, the Ordination Mass was beautiful and filled with joy. Bishop Jugis commented during his homily how in the second reading, Deacon Phillip was told by the angel to "go south." Phillip obeyed and ended up assisting a traveling Ethiopian eunuch in understanding a scroll of Isaiah. Then in the zeal of receiving the Truth, the eunuch exclaimed, "See , here is water! what is to prevent my being baptized?" (Acts 8:36). Lucas also obeyed the Lord's will in coming from the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois to Charlotte. As a Deacon, his role will be to proclaim the Word of the Lord, assist with Baptisms, Marriages, funerals, and public prayer, and assist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Lucas brings a wonderful gift of Joy to the Diocese of Charlotte and to his ministry. As a transitional Deacon, Lucas may be ordained into the priesthood as early as this summer, so let's be sure to continue to keep him in our prayers. By the way, after the Mass, Lucas commented that he will be receiving instruction in how to offer the MEF. Take time to pray for Lucas, the Deacons of the Diocese of Charlotte, those in training to be Deacons, all of our Priests, and our seminarians. God is good.

Please remember that the next training session will be next Tuesday December 29th from 4:15 to 5:45 pm.

I have completed the 2-server training cards and will be distributing them out at the next two meetings.

The next Missa Cantata will be in March. Fr. Reid and Terese Rowe are still finalizing which date will be utilized, the Feast of St. Joseph or the Annunciation.

For those who are interested I'm posting a link to the 2010 Mass Calendar also known as the Liturgical Ordo. This Ordo is for the Old Rite (MEF) calendar and does not always match up with the Novus Ordo Calendar.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Finally a new post!

2009-12-14T14:16:00.004-05:00

Practice is a go for today, December 14th, 2009. There's a new training schedule that's out. Please see the link on the sidebar. Please note the changes and I really tried to put it out with any mistakes this time so keep me honest and let me know if I messed up.

I've been working on the Mass Schedule for the rest of December and January and will have it out soon. Please comment if there are dates you can't serve.

The dedication on December 5th went very well! Griffin Walsh and Thomas Mathis served and did a great job. Will Borin helped make a replica of the completed Church that was put on display in the gym for the ceremony.

Great to see you folks helping out. See everyone in a few hours.

Fruit of Homework II

2009-11-02T12:09:00.003-05:00

In addition to the previously posted essays, I would like to add some quotes from the other essays that add depth to the purpose of the assignment.

"One should stir within himself a desire to know and to be aware of all that is going on (at) the Altar...Most importantly, one must observe the silence and reverence of the Mass, and the great Mystery about to take place." J. Yellico

"Also, you may find it interesting to discover how many of the prayers had changed slightly in translation. Knowing the original prayers can deepen your understanding of where the prayers originated, as well as how they were meant to be said." D. Rabideau

"A good way to help you to participate would be to be like Jesus." N. Simms

"The MEF (is) not meant to be a burden for people. The Latin spoke throughout the Mass may confuse some greatly, and the unfamiliarity of the dignified rubrics may turn some away from the Extraordinary form - at first. However, if one sticks with it, the MEF (granted me) a great amount of incresaed appreciation, devotion, and reverence for the Sacrifice of our Lord." J. Bruck

"A second way (to fully participate) would be to spend time preparing oneself for the Mass, either in prayer or in meditative silence." B. Ostendorf.

The Fruit of Homework

2009-11-02T11:54:00.004-05:00

Back in August, the servers were asked to write a 200 word essay.

"The essay should explain how you would instruct someone in ways to participate in the MEF. Write the essay for a fellow Catholic who may have been to one MEF and walked away unsure of how to act or participate in the Mass."

Below are two essays from the group that I believed best fulfilled this assignment:

The Latin Mass
Griffin Walsh

The Mass of the Ordinary Form and Extraordinary Form are the same. The amazing miracle happens, The Consecration (occurs) through the acts of the priest. The Mass of the Extraordinary Form may be difficult for people to go to because they think they need to know Latin to participate. It is not difficult to participate because the priest and acolytes speak all the prayers and words, but the congregation stays silent. This silence gives (me) more time to adore Christ then the other form of the Mass. Knowing when to stand, kneel, or sit you just follow the servers and the priest, but also people who attend the mass regularly will show you what to do.

Both Masses are different in many ways. As you will see the altar is set in different ways. The altar is set so the priest's back is facing the congregation. There is a crucifix and two candles on the altar behind prayer cards. The credence table is set to the right of the altar. You may see the priest wearing a hat at the beginning and ending of the mass, this hat is called a (biretta). Another big difference is the silence, but it is one of the best parts in the mass.

From being silent to all the differences, the Latin Mass will help you appreciate the ordinary form better than you ever have before.

MEF Participation
Thomas Mathis

The Mass in the Extraordinary Form can be very confusing for new attendants. Many are lost in the Latin or have trouble with the responses. For some it may just be the new set up at the altar. In this form of mass there are two key elements for participation, confidence in your abilities and being well studied. The second element is of importance because you have the knowledge of when things are going to happen, what they are, and what they mean. Secondly, you will be able to identify the parts of the mass where you need to respond. Confidence is another must. This will help you fully participate without you having second thoughts in your responses. I highly recommend you buying a 1962 missal. This tool gives you English translations and printed copies of the Latin that is being said during the mass. Lastly, there is a red book that St. Anne's offers during mass that can also be used as an aid to people who struggle with the Latin. I hope this has been a helpful guide in participating in the Mass in the Extraordinary Form.

Hero for Life Scholarship

2009-10-28T14:57:00.003-04:00

H/T to Danielle Mathis for providing this information: "Hero for Life Award will grant a $2000.00 educational scholarship to the winning applicant whose service project best champions the unborn and/or respect for human life."

Click here for the official information page. http://www.rati.org/content/NewsEvents/HeroforLifeScholarship/tabid/80/Default.aspx

This is an excellent opportunity for our servers for many reasons. If you have ever thought about setting a goal to help save human lives or if you have been a "life-saver" by an means, please consider following up with this scholarship.

Photo Credit: Lunar Costic

Schedule Updates for November

2009-10-28T14:23:00.003-04:00

Please check the blog links for updates to the Mass Schedule and Training Schedule. Please feel free to comment, email, or call with concerns or questions. I'm hoping that the Sanctuary will be somewhat completed on Monday. We will have training come rain or shine.

Thanks to everyone for their cooperation with the construction and the unforseen cancellations of training sessions.

Training Canceled Today (Friday October 23rd)

2009-10-23T10:49:00.002-04:00

I'm back from the other side of the country, and our trip went well. Teresa did not seem to be bothered much with the flying except for not having a place to lay down when she wanted to take a nap.

Looking at everything that needs to be accomplished for our MEF servers, it's more prudent to cancel training today than to have it.

Please leave a comment, email, or call me to confirm that you have received this information. Please call or email other parents to ensure that everyone has this information.

Missa Cantata Officially Canceled

2009-10-15T23:44:00.005-04:00

Greetings from Spokane, WA! So, I've been emailing with Fr. Reid back and forth for the last few days. Yesterday evening, Fr. Reid called the ball and canceled the Missa Cantata on the 24th. The major rationale for the cancellation was the delay in getting the marble installed. Apparently there won't be a guarantee that the entire Sanctuary will be available, and while rubrics allow for flexibility in a Novus Ordo, there's specific requirements for a MEF where the entire Sanctuary needs to be accessible.

Fr. Reid has expressed deep regret in this decision, but he feels it's the most appropriate given the circumstances. We must trust in the reign of our Lord Jesus Christ and look forward to the next Missa Cantata which has yet to be rescheduled.

This news, while disappointing, is actually good news for a number of reasons:

We'll be able to train in a completed Sanctuary for the Low Mass and a future Missa Cantata without guess-work on how things might turn out.
We'll be able to schedule training sessions and rehearsals in advance, avoiding the confusion of last minute scheduling based on the availability of the Sanctuary and Fr. Reid.
We won't be rushing to get everything in order the day before the Missa Cantata.
The completed Sanctuary will truly provide the appropriate setting for the TLM with the completed altar, ambo, and altar rail.

I have to take a moment and thank the servers and their families for all of their work for the past few weeks. It was intense and short of one more training session to see how the Sanctuary would look and polish off some details, it was going to be a great Missa Cantata.

We will still have the training on Friday October 23rd from 4:15 to 5:45 pm as previously scheduled but will cancel the training on Monday October 26th.

Please note that while this blog will send posts out via emails, it is important to check the blog because emails can be deleted or overlooked and pertinent information may be missed. Posts will always be accessible on the blog.

New schedules will be out hopefully in the next few days. Please feel free to call or email me tomorrow.

Confirmation for tonight

2009-10-12T13:30:00.002-04:00

I passed by St. Ann's and talked with the construction crew. The marble installation begins tomorrow! We might have some equipment to work around but we'll be okay. See everyone tonight at 6:15 pm.

Monday October 12th Rehearsal

2009-10-12T11:38:00.002-04:00

Training is on for tonight. I'm heading over to 12:10 Mass and I'll run by St. Ann's to verify but even if the Sanctuary is not accessible due to the marble installation, we'll find a way to work with the Schola and with Fr. Reid if he's there.

Check back.

3 sessions left to go...

2009-10-05T20:18:00.006-04:00

Great training session today. Even with construction still going on, we did well. Please note that our rehearsal with the Schola and possibly Fr. Reid will be in one week on October 12th from 6:15 to 8:00 pm. I will make the final decisions on positions this Friday (4:15 to 5:45 pm) at the end of training that day. I will be testing the four possible Ac's first thing on Friday and I'll also be testing for Tb #1 and Tb#2. The group present will vote on the top 2 Ac's and top 3 Tb's. I get to choose from there.

Current thoughts after todays training:
Th: Joseph Mack
Ac's: Brady O., David R., Ben B., Joseph B.
Bb: Luke Bruck or Griffin Walsh
Tb's: JP Mack, Sam Dehority, Joseph Yellico, Griffin Walsh, and whoever isn't an Ac.
Cb: Chase M, Nate S., or David R.

I need to thank Sam Dehority for being willing to serve at the last minute this past Saturday and step up as Ac1. Fr. Reid said things went well. I appreciate that kind of teamwork in our ministry.

Study hard...pray hard.

Photo credit: John Stephen Dwyer

Tighten up

2009-10-02T20:39:00.003-04:00

It's time to buckle down. We have four training sessions left before the Missa Cantata, and three of them will happen over the next ten days. Due to the number of servers missing practices, (beyond their control), I'm waiting to see what happens for the Ac's and Tb's. Moreover, with the flu running around, I'm expecting for some last minute sickness. I'm hoping for full health going into the end of the month.

Here's my current thoughts on positions:
Thurifer: Joseph M. (Brady O. as alt)
Ac's: Brady O., David R., Ben B., Joseph B.
Bb: Luke Bruck
Tb's: JP M., Joseph Y, Griffin W., Nate S., and whoever isn't an Ac.
Cb: Chase M. (Corey A. as sub)

Please note that I will be gone from Oct 13th - Oct 20th and then working the 21st and 22nd. We'll have a practice on Friday October 23rd to finalize things so please don't miss that session. I can be reached, but we won't be having training during this time. This means that for this Missa Cantata, servers are going to need to practice at home a lot for their position and alternate positions.

If anyone can serve tomorrow night (Saturday Oct 3rd) at 6:30 pm with Thomas Mathis please let me know. I'll be working, but I'll get my messages regularly. Stay tuned.

Eucharistic Congress was Great!

2009-09-30T08:35:00.003-04:00

It was good to see some of the servers and their families at the Congress this year. Awesome job to the Brucks in their role as servers for the Congress.

Witnessing the Blessed Sacrament being exposed for the city to see always renders my heart open to the glory of the Lord. Adoration, prayer, and the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist were plentiful all day Saturday and provided many opportunities to experience Christ, which the Holy Father, among others, recommends on a routine basis.

In the presence of numerous priests who call Him down from Heaven, seminarians studying to be priests, and the faithful of the Diocese, I found great consolation. (We still need more priests and seminarians so keep praying for them.) To experience the witness of our faith extending beyond the walls of our Charlotte parishes, opens my heart to the Catholics spread across the country and the world. The Congress helps make it real for me.

Friendships were renewed from across the Diocese with many traveling far to be a part of the Congress. It was good to see Lucas Rossi again. Many folks across the Diocese are looking forward to the Missa Cantata coming up.

St. Ann's Schola sang very well, and it will be another awesome Missa Cantata with their talents put to good use ministering for the Lord under the direction of Terese Rowe.

Channel 14 News did a small piece and that coverage can be viewed here.

Lastly, the entire hall seemed filled with people of all ages and from all cultures for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Isn't heaven going to be something like that? Tons of people loving God, worshipping Him, uniting with Him. It was good to be there and it was good to witness many from the across Diocese coming together to work for the Lord. It's part of what our group of servers from different parishes is about.

New Sanctuary is up and running!

2009-09-23T14:40:00.005-04:00

Tonight we'll have the first MEF in the new Sanctuary. There's going to be a lot of guess work as to where items will be and how we will run the MEF, but it will all work out and glorify the Lord.

Now that we're finally in the new Sanctuary, I've been able to finalize the Mass and training schedules for October. Please visit the links to the side and get the dates in your calendars. Please note that there's a chunk of October where there will not be training as I'll be in Spokane, WA for a family wedding. Therefore there's a number of training sessions close together for the servers to get used to the Low Mass in the new Sanctuary and to prep for the Missa Cantata.

This week there will not be practice. It is my hope that everyone and their families can attend the Eucharistic Congress this weekend. For servers, it's a great opporunity to witness the Diocese worshipping and adoring the Lord in the Eucharist. Moreover, a Norvus Ordo Pontifical Mass is always worth witnessing. Before the Mass on Saturday, St. Ann's Schola which serves at the Missa Cantata, will sing at the Eucharistic Congress. Please support those who will be supporting us.

Photo Credit: Lauren Rupar

1st fall schedule edit

2009-09-09T22:44:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Marla Walsh for catching that training session I mistakenly put on the 25th of September. As if I would take anyone away from the Eucharistic Congress! I moved it, so we'll see what happens.

One brick at a time...

2009-09-08T21:52:00.004-04:00

Update: Tim Mack made it through surgery early this morning! He's recovering but still has some ground to make up. Thanks to Theresa Ostendorf for the updates.
Please also keep Thomas Mathis in your prayers as this past week he also under went surgery. He's recovering as well and will provide information as he can.

************On a personal note, I'd like to make sure that the rest of the servers take care of themselves and their families as we've had a breakout of surgeries. I will continue to pray for you all...especially considering that we have a Missa Cantata coming up. :)********************

I've updated the training and Mass schedule for this month. Please note the change from some Mondays. In order to be off later, I had to make some concessions. I am going to strongly encourage attendance as we'll be training for the new Sanctuary and the Missa Canata.

This Friday, we'll be training and helping out with the move into the new Church. PLEASE be available Saturday to help move items over as we'll be doing the first MEF Low Mass on Saturday at 6:30 pm. We will need your help, please. (You'll also be the first to see how the new Church will look.)

I've also completed the master server sheet for the Missa Cantata which answers most of the questions for the Missa Canata in the new Sanctuary. Individual server position sheets will be available shortly.

Please stay tuned and keep praying for those who are recovering.

Training cancelled for today...Labor Day

2009-09-07T11:21:00.002-04:00

Due to any number of reasons we have to cancel training today. Schedules and info to be up tomorrow!

Please leave a comment, or call, or email to confirm that you know about today's cancellation.

Thanks!!!

We need prayers...

2009-09-04T14:03:00.004-04:00

I recently received news that Tim Mack, the father of MEF servers, Chase, Joseph, and JP was admitted to the hospital this week. I called him today and received permission to put up some information. As of right now, Tim will be undergoing open heart surgery with a triple bypass for his heart on Tuesday September 8th. As Catholics, we know September 8th to be the Birth of Mary, Jesus' Mother. So I am asking that prayers, Holy Hours, rosaries, Masses, and whatever else can be offered for Tim be done.

In the mean time, Tim is receiving constant medications and waiting for Tuesday. Please feel free to bring cards and posters to this Monday's training session so we can get them sent to Tim.

In addition, the Goduti family also recently had a surgery this past month. I have not received permission or particulars, but suffice to say that prayers will be needed for them as well.

Last but not least, please bring all cards and items for Lucas' spiritual bouqet so that we can get that sent to him.

Mary, Mother of Hope, Queen of Angels, Ora pro nobis.

photo credit: fergal OP

Moving...maybe closer to you!

2009-08-21T21:52:00.002-04:00

Beginning at 10:00 AM at 901 Brookrun Drive #1808 Charlotte, NC 28209 and going to 14406 Smith Road Charlotte, NC 28273, we'll make a total of 2 trips with the Penske truck and some vans. We'll have pizza for lunch and something else for dinner. Bring people...some can pack, some can carry, some can clean, and some can even babysit.

Call me for more info...and thanks in advance.

Homework?

2009-08-15T21:59:00.006-04:00

Yes, there is homework for the servers to tuen for Tuesday August 18th's training session. Server are to write a 200 word essay. The essay should be typed and either emailed to me or printed and brought to Tuesday's training session.

The essay should explain how you would instruct someone in ways to participate in the MEF. Write the essay for a fellow Catholic who may have been to one MEF and walked away unsure of how to act or participate in the Mass.

Essays that are exceptional (well written, few to no grammatical errors, and convincing) will be posted on the blog. Enjoy.

Next Training Session: Monday August 10th

2009-08-08T13:26:00.002-04:00

I look forward to Monday's training session.

Please remember to review the Canon using a 1962 missal (or one close to it). If you don't have a missal, you can view a rough version of the Canon online. Please remember to also bring your Missa Cantata work. Lastly, I remind the servers to bring cards and other prayers for Lucas' spiritual care package.

Upcoming dates: August 17th training session has been moved to August 18th at 4:15pm.
I need people to comment or email me with requests for Missa Cantata positions prior to this upcoming session.
If anyone is willing to wash cassocks and surplice's, please let me know. Ours need it.
I hope everyone who went to Discernment Day had a great time. We look forward to reports on Monday.

"August Happenings"

2009-08-03T21:59:00.002-04:00

1. With so many of our servers attending Discernment Day, we are in need of other MEF servers to volunteer in assisting with set up for the Wednesday (Aug 5th) Benediction/Adoration. We have servers who can make it for the Mass, but we are in need for Benediction/Adoration. I will be working and so I cannot make it at that time.
2. My little family will be moving to a new house in a few weeks (Aug. 22nd). In order to make the move successful, I've had to move a training session from Monday August 17th Training session to Tuesday August 18th for the same time (4:15 to 6:00 pm).
3. Seminarian Lucas Rossi will not be attending any more training sessions due to schedule conflicts and he will be leaving his post at St. Ann's next week. I am asking all of the servers and their families to offer up prayers for Lucas and provide a card so we can gather them up for a spiritual care package for his last year in seminary.
4. We will begin work on the next Missa Cantata at the next training session. Servers are asked to bring their previous Missa Cantata work with them so we can jump start right back in it.
5. Early September will be the move in time for the new Church. Please be flexible with the schedule as we approach. We will be looking to help Mrs. Kuhn and Fr. Reid move items from the Sanctuary back into the new Church as well so stay tuned for more information.

Diocese of Charlotte Day of Discernment

2009-07-24T15:39:00.005-04:00

The Diocese of Charlotte will be hosting a "Day of Discernment" for all high school and college boys interested in learning more about the vocation to the priesthood. It's a good day filled with fun, activities, meditation, and interaction with Bishop Jugis, seminarians (like Lucas Rossi who's been with us this summer), and priests.

This is not a day where if you attend you are expected to become a priest. It is a great opportunity to hang out and meet men who have answered God's call. Hearing God speak can be difficult. Listening to what the Lord is saying to you can be even more challenging. Finally, it's one thing to understand the Lord's will in your life; it's another to to follow it.

Here are the details:

Wednesday August 5th 2009

10 am - 5pm

St. Michael's Catholic Church, Gastonia

Call 704-370-3327 to make your reservation.

For more information on the vocation to the priesthood in the Diocese of Charlotte:

please talk with your pastor

visit the Diocese of Charlotte website

visit the Roman Catholic Vocations website

St. John Vianney, pray for us.

Photo Credit: Lawrence OP

Even the Holy Father takes vacations...

2009-07-20T07:32:00.002-04:00

Welcome back everyone! We will be having training this afternoon Monday July 20th at 4:15PM. Please be sure to arrive on time. The St. Michael crowd will not be in attendance this week, but we still have work to do.

First off...I really changed the schedule for the end of July and August so that we could have coverage. Vacations are great, but I had to move things around to fill in holes and provide Lucas a chance to serve the MEF. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THE SCHEDULE AS I MOVED A LOT OF PEOPLE AROUND.

I look forward to this evening.

Schedule Changes

2009-07-03T15:44:00.001-04:00

There will not be a MEF this Saturday July 4th. If there's one next Saturday, July 11th, then we'll post that information.

Everyone should have a happy and SAFE 4th of July!

Back from a break

2009-06-29T21:46:00.002-04:00

Sorry for delay in writing. I'm getting back into the swing of things. Please pray for my little family as we continue to search and follow God's will in finding a new home.

Check the updated Mass schedule. I've had to rearrange some folks due to sicknesses and other appeals. If this schedule doesn't work for you please let me know.

New Missa Cantata date is Saturday October 24th, the Vigil of the Feast of Christ the King!

More news to come.

Corpus Christi and more

2009-06-12T19:33:00.003-04:00

This Sunday June 14th, all are invited to sit in the choir at the Novus Ordo 10:30 Mass. Here are your rubrics for that Mass:

Be at St. Ann's by 10:00 AM. Dress in cassock and surplus. (If no cassock and surplus, dress in the white alb and cincture.) Per Fr. Reid's approval you will process up in pairs at the beginning of Mass. You will genuflect in pairs in front of the altar and then go to the liturgical choir. Your movements will be the same as the congregation, but be sure not to fidget as you will be an example for others. When it comes time for Communion, proceed to the Lateral Gospel side behind the acolytes kneeling on the step. Father will give you Communion and you are to return to the liturgical choir and kneel. At the end of Mass, you will process out under Fr. Reid's instructions. Then he will direct how you are to go about the actual Corpus Christi procession. He will need someone to ring the bells during the procession. I will not be there due to work, but my prayers will be there. All questions are to be directed to Lucas, the seminarian, and Fr. Reid.

This Monday June 15th we'll have a dinner party at the Borin's after the training session. (I know some may not be able to make it, but this was the only and best oppotunity to have it.) Please call each other and spread the word. Bring your swim suit...weather permitting. Families of the servers may attend. Families need to bring side dishes and deserts. Address and directions will be provided in the next day or two.

Due to sickness, we had Joseph and Benjamin Bruck step up and serve this past Wednesday. As a result, I rearranged the schedule a little to compensate so check it out. Thank you to those who couldn't make it which gave me notice beforehand to get the word out. Thanks to Debbie Mack for helping as I was at work at the time.

All are encouraged to pray the Corpus Christi novena in preparation for this weekend. Our ministry is to humble ourselves for Our Lord who humbles Himself by His Presence in the most Blessed Sacrament.

Sacred Heart of Jesus...have mercy on us.

Photo credit: Rrrodrigo

Training Recap 6/8/09

2009-06-08T21:21:00.006-04:00

We'd like to welcome Lucas Rossi (going into his fourth year of seminary at Josephinum) to our parish for the summer. Having him at our training will provide a whole new perspective and we'll do well to use him as a resource.

The links to the schedules are final. Chase and Nate will go on Wednesday for both Adoration and the MEF. We'll pray for you guys.

As of right now we're looking to have the party on June 21st in the afternoon sometime at the Borin's unless anyone has any problem with having the party on Father's Day. Families are welcome and servers and families need to bring side dishes and desserts. Again, the date and time are not set. We are waiting for feedback.

Today we covered Adoration and two server training for the MEF. It went very well. Servers are reminded to pray together after the MEF. More detailed choir rubrics to come for many who are clamoring for it.

Be sure to get to the next practice as we apply a Salesian approach to the training and get back into increased prayer time during the training sessions.

photo credit: danielkedinger

Summer Schedule '09 (round 3)

2009-06-03T20:51:00.002-04:00

Here's the latest. I will do one more round if needed. Remember, schedule is final after this Friday.

Summer '09 schedule Round 2

2009-05-31T20:57:00.002-04:00

Check the sidebar for the new schedule I've re-worked based on the many requests. This schedule will not be final until this coming Friday, June 5th. Please be sure to contact me if you need help getting things worked out. Please check because I moved a lot of servers around.

Here's the practice schedule for the summer as well. As you can see, we're stepping back a bit with the training.

If anyone who's willing to host the servers and their families for a get-together/party please contact me.

Comments

2009-05-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

Due to the lack of comments on the blog, I'm opening up the field so that anyone can comment. The catch is that I'll be moderating all comments before they're posted due to the nature of our young and innocent audience.

Comment away!

Proposed Summer Schedule

2009-05-29T09:48:00.004-04:00

I've worked up a potential summer schedule. It's goal is to help the new servers get accustomed to serving at our Lord's altar. With one priest, about one MEF per week, and fifteen servers, everyone will get to serve two times this summer.

In July Fr. Reid will be making a trip for a few weeks and hopefully Fr. Kauth will come down to celebrate the MEF at St. Ann's. If this doesn't happen, we'll have to retool the schedule.

This shedule is not final. I'm asking that the servers and their parents go over it and let me know what won't work. This schedule will be finalized in one week, next Friday.

The training schedule should be out later today or this weekend. Thanks.

Post Missa Cantata - summer '09

2009-05-25T21:19:00.005-04:00

Attending Mass today I realized that I will never approach the Liturgy in the same way after having spent a lot of time and research for the Missa Cantata. I hope that many of the servers and their families will feel the same way. It was a wonderful and mysterious experience, and much of the Novus Ordo makes a bit more sense to me. Here are some comments I received from folks who attended,

"God was wonderfully praised tonight." "It truly is the most beautiful thing this side of heaven, as described by Fr. Frederick Faber." "The Mass last night was absolutely beautiful."

Fr Reid was also very generous in his support and praise of the servers at the Missa Cantata.

Our goal is to serve the Lord and to point to God. So, I'd say that the servers did a great job in sticking to their ministry. We must continue our training to keep up skills for the Low Mass. A Mass is a Mass and we should put a lot of energy and preparation into every Mass served.

As for the summer, here's what's coming up in the immediate future:

The Latin servers have been asked to be in the Corpus Christi procession at St. Ann's. This will occur on June 14th. More details will be made available as they come. All who can attend and serve are welcome.

The next practice will be this Saturday, May 30th from 9 - 10:30 AM. If anyone can't attend Mass because the practice is too early, let me know and we'll change it to 10, but as for right now it'll be at 9 AM. I will hand out the proposed summer schedule at this practice. The new servers will be on it. The first new server will serve next Wednesday June 3rd.

There will not be practice on Monday June 1st.

There will be a Low Mass on Wednesday June 3rd.

More information to come.

Pic credit: Christopher M.

All Glory to God

2009-05-21T22:25:00.003-04:00

Awesome job everyone!!! I got to spend a few minutes quickly going through some of the video of the Missa Cantata tonight. Everyone did so well. Fr. Reid was very pleased and joyous. Servers, as you continue to serve and glorify the Lord, more and more grace abounds for so many.

Parents, thank you for your support and efforts. Tonight would not have been possible without you.

I've got to work for the next three days, so no posts until Monday. No practice this coming Monday. I'll post the schedules next week for the summer. I'm very excited about bringing the Seraphim on board as we combine the groups.

Again, excellent job everyone.