Taking a break from blogging...

...in memoriam...

Special thanks to Steve Calovich

It was very nice to see some old friends at the Oratory last night, people that ordinarily do not attend Mass with us. Among them was Steve Calovich and his sister Celine, members of the Blessed Sacrament Latin Mass Community (KCKS). They shared Holy Mass with us. And 
Steve brought a gift...the T-Shirt (above) for Oratory members. The message on the front says: Follow me to Old St. Patricks...They do Latin Rite! A very clever turn of the phrase.

Steve gave us three of these t-shirts. So if you'd like one (XL), just email and let us know. First come, first served.

It was so nice to see these folks. Steve was a former member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Latin Mass Community and Celine taught catechism classes for primary age children at Blessed Sacrament for many years. The Calovichs also wanted to let you know how beautiful they thought our new church is!

Kudos to Canon Avis, the choir and the altar servers

High Mass at the Oratory Thursday evening for the feast of the Ascension was beautiful and reverent. AND, the choir and organ performance was very, very good. The new choir director and organist did an excellent job with just a few voices.  It is difficult to achieve a good blend with men's and women's voices singing Gregorian chant together. It was very well done last night. Plus, we had the opportunity to hear a bit of the formidable capabilities of our new pipe organ during the recessional. Thanks to all who participated.

First...you must read Italian...

If you speak/read Italian or can "intuit" what the site is saying, the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia-Dei" has a revised web site up and running.

It has documents, commentary, information, and events about the activities of the commission.

You can translate the site page by page using Google Language , if that helps.

For those of us who have elderly and needy parents...

This is a must view...

Thank you, Nancy, age 91
Thank you, Al, age 95

Ascension Thursday - May 21st

Thursday, May 21st is the Feast of the Ascension. Masses will be at 12:10 (Noon) p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Everyone is reminded that there is no parking in the OSP lot on week-days.

This is the Introit for the feast day (Acts of the Apostles i, 11):

"Ye men of Galilee, why wonder yo, looking up to heaven? alleluia. He shall so come as you have seen Him going up into heaven, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Ps. O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God, with the voice of exultation. Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost."

For more information about the fact and the feast, click here.

The Death of A Pope - by Piers Paul Read

Pat Ziglinski, "the mother of Latin Mass in Kansas City", had this novel on sale at one of her periodic book sales in the narthex last Sunday. Not being able to resist a thriller and especially one with a Church angle, we had to buy it. We're into it by about 50 pages and it is very promising.

Jeff Miller, posting on The Curt Jester blog, reviews the book, thusly:
"There are not exactly too many books that could be described as an "ecclesiastical thriller". The new book by Piers Paul Read called "The Death of a Pope" is certainly part of that small genre, but not limited by that.

The novel starts with a trial for a laicized priest who had been working for an international Catholic charity and had been arrested for trying to buy nerve agent. The plot builds from there in the last weeks of Pope John Paul II's life and it follows a serious threat as you might expect from the thriller genre. The main characters follow a range mainly along a faithful Catholic and lapsed/liberal Catholic divide that includes a Cardinal, priests, a reporter, and various personnel from security agencies.

The split between faithful and less than faithful Catholics is part of the plot of the book and some of the dialogue concerns hot issues of the day such as condom use, women priests, etc. Though the book never lapses into just a vehicle for apologetics that is artificial and the issues raised are totally consistent with the plot. One thing I liked though is that the more liberal or fallen away Catholic characters were not described as unlikable stereotypes. They were treated as real people as where all the characters in the book. As you would expect from a novel published by Ignatius Press the sympathy of the book is certainly in an Orthodox Catholic direction - but again I liked it focusing on plot and characters and not making the novel a soapbox which is always a disastrous decision.

"The Death of a Pope" was a thoroughly satisfying read from the start to the end and totally satisfying how the plot resolves. While it is an enjoyable read for Catholics, the novel is quite well written and should see a large audience."
The novel is now available at Ignatius Press for $18.66 and also at Amazon for $14.30.

Christian population in the Holy Land declining rapidly

The New York Times published this story today about how the number of Christians in the various countries of the Holy Land is falling precipitously. The implications of this decline are many. We suggest that you read this story to understand what is happening as the Muslim population explosion continues throughout the world.

This link will take you to some information about what The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem is doing in the mideast to help support Christianity in the Holy Land. For more information about the Order and its work, click here.

Update...and explanation

A couple of days ago we were pleased to post a thank you to a member of the Oratory who was very involved as a volunteer...dedicating many hours in service. We thought that we had this person's permission to post this kudo. However, post-publication the person contacted us and asked that the post be removed. 

So, we tried. If someone doesn't wish to be recognized in this way, we can't force them. Our thanks to all who are giving of their time and treasure for the benefit of the Oratory.

Fascinating reading...Vatican opens secret documents regarding Henry VIII's break with Rome

The actual letter in which King Henry VIII requests annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The rest is history. Pope Clement VII refuses and the Anglican schism follows. A photograph of the annulment request letter with the attached official seals of many of the King's supporters is shown in this article from Vatican Archives. You don't have to be a history wonk to be fascinated by this release of previously secret document.

Christian charity...sometimes hard to accept

A reader writes about an incident in which help was offered at the church building to another person of our community. This help was rudely refused. This reader suggested the basically insipid Christian "new age" tune might be right after all. Here's a verse of the lyric.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love.

Archbishop Weakland admits he's a homosexual

The former archbishop of Milwaukee admits his sins.

Why? 

To atone? Not likely. To sell his new book, of course.

Prayers for our priests...close to us and far...during the Priestly Year

We interrupt this hiatus for this timely information about Indulgences for the Year of Priests.

We thank Rorate-Caeli for this from the Vatican  regarding Indulgences for the Priestly Year, (June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010] 
"To the truly penitent priests who, in any day, pray at least the morning Lauds or Vespers before the Most Holy Sacrament, exposed in public Adoration or in the Tabernacle, and, following the example of Saint John Mary Vianney, offer themselves with prompt and generous will in the celebration of the Sacraments, above all of Confession, a Plenary Indulgence is mercifully granted in God, which they may also apply to their deceased brothers in suffrage if, in conformity with the current norms, they go to sacramental confession and Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

"A partial Indulgence is also granted to the priests, also applicable to their deceased brothers, every time they devoutly pray duly approved prayers to lead a holy life and to fulfill in a holy manner the duties assigned to them.

"To all the penitent faithful who, in a Church or Oratory, devoutly assist at the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass and offer prayers to Jesus Christ, Supreme and Eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, as well as any good work accomplished in that day, so that He may sanctify them and conform them to His Heart, is granted a Plenary Indulgence, if they have sanctified their own sins in sacramental penance and raised prayers for the intention of the Supreme Pontiff: on the days in which the Priestly Year is opened and closed, on the day of the 150th anniversary of the pious death of Saint John Mary Vianney, on the first Thursday of every month, or on any other day established by the Ordinary of the place for the use of the faithful. ...

"To the aged, the infirm, and all those who, for legitimate reason, cannot leave their house, with the rejection of every sin and the intention of fulfilling, as soon as possible, the three conditions, will also be granted in their own house, or wherever their condition retains them, a plenary indulgence if, on the aforementioned days, they recite prayers for the sanctification of priests and offer the infirmities and discomforts of their lives faithfully to God through Mary, Queen of the Apostles.

"Partial indulgence is also granted to all the faithful every time they devoutly recite five times the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory be, or other appropriately approved prayer, in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, to obtain that the priests may keep themselves in purity and sanctity of life."

Patrick Barvick to be ordained as a Deacon May 22nd

Patrick Barvick, son of Old Saint Patrick members Anna Marie and Gary Barvick will be ordained a Deacon of the Church on May 22nd.

The ordination will be held in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, Nebraska. Patrick has been a seminarian in the diocese since 2001.

His service as a Deacon will last one year, after which Patrick will be ordained a priest of the Lincoln, Nebraska diocese.

Patrick began his service in the sanctuary when he was seven years old as a server for the Latin Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows parish. He continued as an altar boy until he graduated from high school when he was 18 years old.

As our former Latin Mass chaplain, Father Francis Kriski has said many times, the most efficacious training for the priesthood is altar boy service. 

Our congratulations go to Patrick and to his parents and brothers and sisters at this very exciting time.

...And the work goes on...!!

Joe Farris and his brother, Phillip Farris are shown stripping the old paint off the framework of the entrance to the sacristy/parish office. 

The plan is to get the paint down to the original wood and then prime and repaint. This extra work will insure that no wood rot will occur and also make sure that the entrance to the office will be attractive.

Our thanks to parish member, Joe Farris and to his brother for the extra help. Stripping paint is a hot and dirty job. Many thanks, fellows!!!

We also want to thank Joe and parishioners Steve Martinez and Alan Troyer for undertaking the maintainance of the grass to the south of the church. Tentative plans include possibly having a garden and some landscaping along the northern edge of the church.

The Holy Father's Pilgrimage to the Holy Land begins

Benedict XVI's extensive, week-long visit to the Holy Land began today. Here's is his schedule for the day in Jordan. Daily updates to the Pontiff's journey can be found here.

On the Schedule Today (Sunday May 10, 2009)
10.00 - Holy Mass celebrated at the Amman International Stadium
Recitation of the Regina Cæli at the Amman International Stadium
12.45 - Luncheon with Patriarchs, Bishops and Papal Entourage at the Latin Vicariate of Amman
17.30 - Visit to the site of Baptism of Christ, at Bethany beyond the Jordan
18.00 - Blessing of the foundation stones of the Latin and Greek Melkite churches at Bethany beyond the Jordan

Your prayers are urgently requested for one of our own

Please pray a "Memorare" for very special intention.
Please invoke this special intention during your daily prayer
and during your Masses and Holy Communions.

"Operation White Robe"

"Operation White Cape" (depending on which translation you read)That's what the Israeli security people are calling the security arrangements for the Holy Father's visit to the Holy Land beginning this coming Monday. The photo above shows the "popemobile" during rehearsals of movements for Pope Benedict. 

Over 80,000 security persons will be involved in providing secure, safe transport for his Holiness during his visit to 26 different sites on his pilgrimage agenda. Here's some more information.

As part of the operation, when the Pope arrives in Bethlehem, security will be transferred to the Palestinian Authority Presidential Guard. That's scary! We're all must pray that the Holy Father's visit is incident-free.

Kansas City Latin Mass devotee, Jack Cashill, has produced a documentary on the "March for Life"

Entitled, "Thine Eyes", it will be showing in movie theaters throughout the country. Look for it in Kansas City soon. You can purchase a DVD copy through the Thine Eyes organization. 

Old St. Patrick parishioner, John Heuretz, has written a review of the film appearing in this week's Wanderer. He also has written a review that will appear in The Catholic Key. The YouTube below is a promo for the film showing the scope and huge crowd that gathered in Washington.

Here is what our beloved bishop, Robert Finn had to say about the film...
"Thine Eyes is politically conscious without being partisan. It is factual without being preachy. It is sobering but very joyful. I would like all Catholic adults to see Thine Eyes; but it is also perfectly appropriate for high school or even middle school students. It tells a simple but profound story which has been largely pushed to the side by the commercial press: how hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children make a challenging spiritual pilgrimage to our nation’s capitol - year after year - out of love for human life, and come back home more committed than ever to change our country. Prayerfully watch Thine Eyes. Find a way to support this movement, and join the great March for life."
For more on Jack Cashill and his numerous books and videos, click here.

Obama says "no" to prayer breakfast

Read the not too surprising story here. Our thanks to a reader for sending this alert. 

Once again Old St. Patrick Oratory parishioners show their generosity

Our bulletin reported this morning that the special collection for the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest seminary in Italy, last week on Good Shepherd Sunday, was a very generous $1,800.00. 

Blessing for good weather prayed this morning

The only prayer for good weather and protection from bad that we had ever heard of was to St. Medard (5th cent.), patron of weather:
A Prayer for Good Weather

Good Saint
Medard, humble and loyal servant, you trusted God's providence in all things and at all times. You knew that God provides for the needs of His children. Inspire us with your faith, so that we may weather the storms that surround us and trust that the sun will shine again. Amen.
Pious tradition says that when he was a child, Medard was once sheltered from the rain by a hovering eagle. This is his most common depiction in art, and led to his patronage of good weather, against bad weather, for people who work the fields, etc. Legend has it that if it rains on his feast day, the next 40 days will be wet; if the weather is good, the next 40 will be fine as well. He was also depicted as laughing aloud with his mouth wide open; this led to his patronage against toothache. His feast is June 8th.

But today after 8 a.m. Mass, we prayed the "Holy Cross Weather Blessing". According to the OSP bulletin this prayer is said from May 3rd through September 14th, using a relic of the True Cross of Our Lord Jesus which asked God's protection against violent storms. The bulletin went on to say that it is prayed customarily after Low Masses during this seasonal period.

The prayer partially read:
We beseech Thee, O Almighty God, through the intercession of Holy Mary, the Mother of God, of the holy angels, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, widows, and of all They saints that Thou show us Thy continuing protection, permit tranquil winds, and also pour out to us, They unworthy servant, Thy safety from heaven above against lightning strikes and violent storms, and that Thou remain always protective of the human race and crush down the aerial powers by the right hand of Thy power. Through the same Christ the Lord....

Support needed for a wonderful Catholic Church music service


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