This was an experiment, a sort of test-run to see whether I was recovered enough from what was probably the most serious bout of bronchitis I've had in ten years. I'd been to the doctor the Tuesday before and he heard nothing of consequence when he told me to take deep breaths while listening with a stethescope. However, I could still feel the ( Read more... )

I'll confess right off the bat, that I don't remember a word of yesterday's sermon. It was delivered by The Rector, on a hard piece of The Gospel, the tenth chapter of Mark where Jesus prescribes getting rid of all your worldly possessions as a step toward Heaven. I was almost completely consumed by the total absence of either of the Hometown Boys ( Read more... )

I realize Sunday Mass shouldn't be a competition, but, there are certain forces, both exernal and internal, at work that seem to be compelling me to "step up my game." People at St. Michael's don't know me very well despite over twenty years of attendance. As Jem said to me recently, "We notice when you're not there.", not necessarily when I am ( Read more... )

the first thing I noticede about Mass last week was that the order of worship was printed on smaller paper; it had gone from eight and half by eleven to the size of a large Christmas card in less than a week. I think it's all a part of a "go green" initiative of some sort. And, it makes sense. After nearly twenty years as a parishioner, you'd ( Read more... )

I was late for Mass(too much time surfing the net before leaving the house) and by the time I got there Rev. Susan seemed just about to bring home the essential message of that morning's sermon. I'm not sure what part of the lectionary inspired it, but, it seemed to be about "categorizing" people. It's something we all do and it did cause me to ( Read more... )

Just about the only thing I can remember about the next day was that New Peter was seated across the aisle on the Gospel side of the sanctuary. He was sitting alone and gave me a little royal wave of the wrist. I don't think he was making a reference to "The Queen"; only I would even think of giving that spin. It was a sincere, spontaneous ( Read more... )

Ran to Mass yesterday morning, thinking it might be an usher day. It wasn't. A very nice lady was captain and she was so sweet about asking for a little extra help during collection that I thought nothing of responding affirmatively ( Read more... )

I have to admit I arrived at Mass last Sunday expecting the worse. I thought for sure I was an usher and I knew for sure I would be late. I steeled myself for an icy glance from Usher Lady as I slipped in by the Parish Hall entrance. An older African-American lady offered me an Order of Worship and I declined it until I could check my name on ( Read more... )

It took only thirty-five minutes to get to the Upper West Side this morning; both of my trains arrived within seconds of reaching the platform. Did they suspend subway repairs in honor of Gay Pride Weekend? I don't know. All I know is I arrived nearly an hour before Mass. It was wonderful ( Read more... )

I'm not sure where we are on the Church calendar. All I know is that the third Sunday after Christmas has become the traditional time to celebrate Christ's baptism. IIRC, he was a grown man by the time he sought out John the Baptist, so it has nothing to do with the Nativity or the Three Wise Men or anything Christmas-y. It's just the way it is ( Read more... )