Letter from Fr. Allen - November 29, 2018

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, difficult as it is to believe, is the first Sunday of Advent, and the wheel of our annual cycle of devotion will turn one more time, and the rush of Christmas preparations, secular and sacred and those two jumbled together, is suddenly upon us.

"Time flies!", we shout. "Where does the time go?", we ask. That sensation we all share of time rushing past - or even, perhaps when we were children longing for Christmas morning, of time so-slowly creeping past - is a sign to us, even a timely Advent-ish reminder, that though we dwell in time, we are never quite at home in time. (Here, by the way, is my favorite attempt to declare peace with time's passing, which turns, inevitably, melancholic: Sandy Denny's beautiful song with Fairport Convention, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" - I also like Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs brilliant cover.)

That sense of dislocation is an especially appropriate and helpful in Advent. Jesus is coming; history is either rushing or crawling toward its end, depending upon your perspective. As we will pray in Sunday's collect:  as once he "came to visit us in great humility... he shall come again in his glorious majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead." Our unease with time reminds us that we share with aged Simeon his longing and expectation for Israel's consolation, that this world as it is is not as it ought to be, not what God will one great day remake it to be, when his kingdom is fully come: "a kingdom of truth and life; a kingdom of grace and holiness; a kingdom of peace, of love, and righteousness," as we prayed at last Sunday's Mass of Christ the King. C.S. Lewis wrote of our odd and unsettled to time's passing this way:

Do fish complain of the sea for being wet? Or if they did, would that fact itself not strongly suggest that they had not always been, or would not always be, purely aquatic creatures? Then, if we complain of time and take such joy in the seemingly timeless moment, what does that suggest? It suggests that we have not always been or will not always be purely temporal creatures. It suggests that we were created for eternity. Not only are we harried by time, we seem unable, despite a thousand generations, even to get used to it. We are always amazed by it--how fast it goes, how slowly it goes, how much of it is gone. Where, we cry, has the time gone? We aren't adapted to it, not at home in it. If that is so, it may appear as a proof, or at least a powerful suggestion, that eternity exists and is our home.

Time flies, time creeps, but Advent is a privileged time for turning again to the Lord, who is our consolation and our hope, who says, “Surely I am coming soon." To which our patient and expectant keeping of Advent embodies our reply: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

God bless you and grant you a watchful Advent,
Fr Allen

Letter from Fr. Allen - November 22, 2018

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving! By the time this newsletter sloshes into your inbox, I hope you are viewing the world reading this through a tryptophan-induced somnolent haze! Today we give thanks especially for the bounty of this beautiful land and fruitful land. And as we give thanks, let us pray also for those who do not share in its bounty, and then let us resolve and act so that they may. I encourage you to think now of the concrete ways you may help the poor during this holiday season, remembering always that we are the unworthy recipients God's grace to us in Jesus Christ. And so, as we (sometimes!) hear prior to the Offertory at Mass: I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. And to  remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

Speaking of giving, next Sunday is the Ordinariate's annual second collection for the Retirement Fund for Priests. Please keep me and my confreres in bait and tackle in our senescent decrepitude! More information is below, and you may give electronically here.

Below you will also again see information for the purchase of the "People's Edition" of our Missal. This is a book you will use! It includes the order of Mass and all of the readings and prayers for every Sunday and solemnity of the year. See below to reserve your copy today.

God bless you,
Fr Allen

Letter from Fr. Allen - November 15, 2018

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

I'm very pleased to tell you that the Catholic Truth Society, the publishing house that produced our Divine Worship Missal and Book of Occasional Services - our official liturgical books - will next month publish The Divine Worship Sunday Missal (People's Edition). This book is meant, as the subtitle indicates, to aid the prayer and devotion and foster the "active participation" of the people attending Mass. It will include all of the prayers and biblical readings (in our translation) for every Sunday and Solemnity of the year, as well as all parts of the Mass in our Ordinariate form. These books are beautifully and solidly produced, and so not inexpensive. But to encourage purchase and use of this book by our people, Corpus Christi will place a bulk order, which will allow a substantial savings (approximately $13.00 for an individual copy) on shipping. The cost is $40.00, and we will be taking orders for only a limited time - until December 4th. Just in time for Christmas! To reserve your copy, click here! You'll see more information at the link.

I should also say that we hope soon to see the publication of another book for the Ordinariate - the St Gregory Prayer Book. This is will be more of a personal manual of devotion, including the order of Mass (but not the proper prayers and lessons), and various prayers and devotions such as Stations of the Cross, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, forms for daily prayer, Marian devotions, and so on. We also still await the Holy See's approval of our Daily Office (you might pray for that happy day!).

God bless you,
Fr Allen

Letter from Fr. Allen from the annual clergy assembly - October 25, 2018

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Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham and our Ordinariate Chancery in Houston, where I am attending the annual clergy assembly of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter. The days are full of meetings, but also well seasoned with fellowship and prayer. As our diocese spans the continent, it is good to have this opportunity to see our bishop (who sends his greetings!) and my brother priests in the Ordinariate. Yesterday we had a beautiful choral evensong, for which we were joined by Archbishop Christoph Pierre, the papal nuncio (the Pope's personal representative) to the United States - a great honor for us and a reminder that the Ordinariates continue to have notice and care at the highest levels of the universal Church.

I can report to you that we continue to grow numbers, in ministry, and in spiritual vibrancy - indeed, the growth we have seen at Corpus Christi in the last year is being experienced across the Ordinariate. While here, we are having "business" meetings (administrative policies, safe environment guidelines, etc) and also conferences facilitated by the St John Paul II Foundation on ministry to families. We are also eating a lot.

Good as it is to be here, I look forward to returning home to my family and to seeing all of you at Mass on Sunday. Please remember this Sunday is also our monthly Evensong & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament - do come and pray with us.

Thursday, November 1st, is All Saints Day, a holy day of obligation. Masses will be celebrated 8AM and 6PM.

Friday, November 2nd, is All Souls' Day, with Masses at 12PM and 6PM. Please see below for information about submitting names of loved ones to be remembered at these Masses. 

God bless you,
Fr Allen

Letter from Fr. Allen - October 11, 2018

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

Time flies! Here we are in the middle of October, though we are still dodging hurricanes and if autumn has arrived the humidity hasn't gotten the news. But November will soon be here and with it the great feasts of the Church Triumphant and Expectant. You will see notices for both All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day below. I remind you that All Saints' is a Holy Day of Obligation.

As a happy prelude to All Saints' Day and a reminder of the joy and comfort of the saints' intercession and companionship, this Sunday brings the canonization in Rome of six blesseds. They are:

• Paul VI (Giovanni Battista Montini), Supreme Pontiff;

• Oscar Arnulfo Romero Galdámez, archbishop of San Salvador, martyr;

• Francesco Spinelli, diocesan priest, founder of the Institute of the Sisters Adorers of the Most Holy Sacrament;

• Vincenzo Romano, diocesan priest;

• Maria Katharina Kasper, virgin, founder of the Institute of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ;

• Nazaria Ignacia de Santa Teresa de Jesús (née: Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa), founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Crusaders of the Church.

Get to know these dear saints!

All Souls', while not obligatory, is an important and sweet day as well, as we pray for the repose of our faithful departed loved ones. To submit names of loved ones to be remembered at All Souls' Day Masses, please do so on the form here. May God grant them rest!

God bless you,
Fr Allen

[Editor’s note: You can watch the canonizations of the six Blesseds live Sunday morning, 14 October 2018, starting at 3.30AM Eastern time on EWTN. An encore will air at 12.00 noon. This article details more ways to find live and encore broadcasts of the canonization Mass. ]

Letter from Fr. Allen on the Leonine Prayers - September 27, 2018

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

In 1884, with turmoil in Italy leading to the loss of the Papal States (those portions of Italy over which the Pope had temporal/political sovereignty), Pope Leo XIII prescribed a set of prayers to be prayed after Mass by priest and people: three Hail Mary's; Hail, Holy Queen; and a collect (soon standardized as a prayer for "the liberty and exaltation of our Holy Mother, the Church"), to which was also soon added the prayer to St Michael the Archangel. These became known as the "Leonine Prayers." 

There was some adjustment over the years both in form and intention: Pope Pius X allowed for a three-fold invocation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Pope Pius XI asked that the prayers be particularly offered for the conversion of Russia and for the freedom of Catholics there to practice their faith. These prayers were said after every Mass until 1965, when they were suppressed in an instruction regarding the implementation of the Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

Since the revelations of abuse this summer, many parishes and even some entire dioceses have returned to the use of these prayers. And beginning this Sunday, immediately after the dismissal at each Mass for both Corpus Christi and St Mary's, we will pray the Leonine prayers. Writing to the people of St. Mary's, Fr. West has said "We ask one another, 'What can we do?'  The first line of defense against sin and evil is prayer, our best sword and shield. All of us need to commit to praying frequently and fervently against the dark forces which seek the ruin of souls, families, marriages, schools, houses of worship, and any other noble pillar of human society."

And so we offer these prayers particularly for the protection of the Church and her ministers against the attacks of the enemy that have led to and exploit this time of grave scandal in the Church. While it is true that we must discern and enact those reforms necessary for the protection of our children and to promote the faithfulness of the Church's ministers, this is also and at root a spiritual battle which must be fought with spiritual weapons. The Leonine prayers are a strong and tested arrow in our quiver.

For just this reason, Pope St. John Paul II encouraged a more frequent use of these prayers, particularly the prayer to St Michael:

May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle we are told about in the Letter to the Ephesians, "Draw strength from the Lord and from his mighty power" (Eph 6.10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle recalling before our eyes the image of St. Michael the Archangel (Rev. 12.7). Pope Leo XIII certainly had a very vivid recollection of this scene when, at the end of the last century, he introduced a special prayer to St Michael throughout the Church. "St Michael the Archangel defend us in battle, be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil." Although today this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it, and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world. [24 April 1994]

There will be a card in the pew racks for you to use, and they are included [here]. We will pray the Leonine prayers at least through Advent in place of the Last Gospel (the Hail Mary's and Hail, Holy Queen also serve to commemorate the Incarnation which is the devotional heart of the Last Gospel).
 

God bless you,
Fr Allen

Letter from Fr. Allen - September 20, 2018

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

Well, my vocabulary has increased by one neologism: "hurrication." Last week when we were confidently informed that Hurricane Florence would be making an unwelcome and extended visit to the Lowcountry, Fr West and I decided to cancel all activities through the weekend, and my family and I skedaddled to Atlanta. I'm grateful for the time we had with family and old friends there, but I am sorry to have missed being with all of you at the Lord's Altar. In any case, this Sunday we will together give thanks for having been spared the storm's rain and winds, and also pray for our neighbors (quite near) who have suffered so terribly. [Here] you will see information for donating to relief of those impacted by Florence, and I encourage you prayerfully to consider making a gift.

After a week's weather-imposed delay, things are very suddenly getting very busy for us:

• This Friday, 9/21, is Ember Friday in September, a day of abstinence for Ordinariate members. I encourage you to join me for a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament in reparation for the sins of abuse in the Church and for the healing and wholeness of victims. The Holy Hour will be from 7 - 8.00PM.

• Our Wednesday School program of family supper, class for adults, and catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children begins next week - Wednesday, 9/26; supper at 5.30PM; class at 6.00PM.

• Next Sunday, 9/30, at 4.00PM will be our first Evensong & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament of the fall.

Finally, we are in need of nursery workers for Wednesday nights. These are paid positions; if you or anyone you know of might be interested, please email me.

God bless you,
Fr Allen

Letter from Fr. Allen - September 6, 2018

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

I'm very much looking forward to the beginning of our Fall Christian formation program - "Wednesday School" - and hope you will consider participating if you have not in the past. We have a simple supper in the parish hall beginning at 5.30PM, our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for children and class for adults start at 6(-ish)PM, and we make sure everyone is on their way home by 7PM. Read here for more about our offerings.

Parents of children in Catechesis must register their children and also attend the Safe Environment workshop this coming Wednesday (9/12) at 5.30PM in the church. Please read more about the Safe Environment meeting here.

If you would like help by volunteering to provide one of our Wednesday evening meals or a portion thereof (let us not neglect dessert as is the habit of some!), please contact Judi.

We are also hoping to provide a nursery for children below Catechesis age. If you or someone you know would be interested in staffing the nursery, please let me know.

God bless you,
Fr Allen

Letter from Fr. Allen announcing Day of Penance, Wednesday School

+JMJ+

Dear Friends,

I had a wonderful weekend away with my son Henry at Alpine Camp, scene of many happy childhood memories for me. I missed being with you on Sunday, but you may appreciate knowing that I offered Mass at 4.45 in the morning because I forgot I was in the Central time zone!

Please give your attention to two items:

Wednesday School
The school year is back under way, and it is time for us to begin again with our Wednesday School programs. These will begin with our Safe Environment meeting for parents on Wednesday, September 12, at 5.30PM in the church. There will also be a program for children that night while parents have an opportunity to review the safe environment materials and talk briefly with me about the issues concerning the safety of our children in the Church. The children's program will not be a safe environment/"Teaching Touching Safety" program, but rather a quick and fun Catechesis of the Good Shepherd introduction with our director, Scarlett Crawford. Parents will be given the safe environment children's materials - when and how and in what terms to communicate this information to children is left to the discretion of parents who, after all, know their own children best. Having said that, the parents' meeting is mandatory in order to enroll children in our Catechesis program; if you are unable to attend on Wednesday, September 12, and would like your child(ren) to participate in Catechesis, please let me know so that we may arrange a make-up date. Our first classes, for children and adults, will be the following Wednesday, September 19th, with family supper at 5.30PM and class beginning at 6PM. Everyone goes home by 7PM. See more - including a link for registration - [here]!

A Day of Penance
Last week, we heard from Bishop Lopes regarding these latest terrible revelations of the scandal of abuse in the Church (scandal which has intensified even in the last week). Bishop Lopes invited us to offer the fall Ember Friday (September 21) as a day of penance for the renewal of the Church and healing of victims of abuse. To that end, I invite you to join me in a Holy Hour of prayer and penance in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament on that day, from 7 - 8PM.  (For understanding the Ember Days in general, see here.)

I have been asked why we ought to do penance for the sins of others - a good and fair question. Briefly:

• Because the Church is, as St Paul teaches us, one Body, though it has many members. We are not all, of course, personally guilty of these crimes, but we all are, in a sense, implicated. St Francis began in just this way; he never intended to found a religious order, but rather to be a penitent, offering his own self-chosen poverty, with all of its hunger, want, and suffering, in reparation for the sins of all against God's love. So also we are doing penance for the sins of those deacons, priests, bishops, and others in the Church against children and the vulnerable.

• Because penance intensifies our prayer. This is why fasting and prayer are so closely associated. By fasting we are, as it were, "putting our money where our mouth is" and demonstrating (and so also fostering) the urgency of our desire and the depth of our sorrow - going without, or voluntarily bearing some cross, in order to gain some good thing or end. As we hear from the prophet Joel at the beginning each Lent: "Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God; and cry to the Lord."

• Finally, because it is what Jesus did for us, and "we are," as again St. Paul teaches, "ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." By this penance, we seek to make reparation not only for our own sins, but for the sins of others in the Church.

This Ember Friday falls on the Feast of St. Matthew, and so is not a day of mandatory abstinence, but I invite you to join me in fasting and abstaining from meat that day, and then join me in prayer before our Lord, present in the Blessed Sacrament, that God may forgive our sins, heal his Church, and comfort and restore those who have been prayed upon.

God bless you,
Fr Allen

End of Summer Letter from Fr. Allen

+JMJ+

Dear friends,

Somehow, and very much without my acquiescence, the summer is winding down and "fall" - busy with activity - is upon us again. But, at least for me, and I know for many of you as well, the summer itself has been busy with activity. But here we are - our children return to school on Monday and door is closed on summer. 

But of course, all those "school year" activities are themselves, I hope, fun and enriching. And in that regard, you will shortly receive notice of our "Wednesday School" offerings and calendar. But for now, please note that on Wednesday, September 12, we will have our "safe environment" workshops for both parents and children (you will receive more information about that well beforehand), and the adult class and children's catechesis will begin the following week, on September 19.

Having said that, and with that "safe environment" note still ringing, I can't help but turn once again to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet: "The harvest is past, the summer is over, and we are not saved." This melancholy summing up comes to mind with the abuse scandals that once again wrack the Church. This is just to let you know that I will be speaking about the latest revelations of abuse in the homily this Sunday. It will be entirely G-rated, and of course I want to shine the redeeming - and purifying - light of the Gospel on the entire matter. In the meantime, I hope that you will keep yourself informed and pray, pray, pray:

O GRACIOUS Father, we humbly beseech thee for thy holy Catholic Church; that thou wouldest be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

God bless you, 
Fr Allen