Christ is risen! And we’re feeling a little better, too.
Yes, a lot of time and
work went into Holy Week and Easter here. Once done, here in the rectory, we
had a good dinner then all got really quiet; pooped priests! But we were not the only ones who poured out
a lot of ourselves to make it happen.
Up close and in real
time, there were dozens of ‘moving parts,” intricate elements and energetic
individuals moving in different directions and at different speed, paths crossing
in the church, in the rectory, or on the lawn.
It did not even slightly resemble a choreographed ballet. But there was a unity behind, and before; and
that unity was revealed in a glorious week.
The “deep” preparation
was hard to spot, but its effect was clear.
The sacristy and rectory staff oversaw the arrangement of people,
flowers, furniture, tools, resources, and even feet (for Holy Thursday), a
veritable army of artists in the floral medium arrayed our sanctuary (for Easter)
and green thumbs both professional and parochial helped prepare the grounds.
You would not believe the checklists and phone lists that were used, or how
many people could work in such a tight space over such a short time, even if
you saw it happen.
My altar servers were
awesome; there were rehearsals and instructions and provisions and exceptions
and cues and long long liturgies. I doubt the Cathedral crew did as well. It was clear that our lectors here are also
exceptional; the Word of God resounded with clarity and conviction. And who did not overhear some visitor agog over
the glorious music? Special thanks to
Chris Mueller and all the singers and musicians for all they gave. Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
were, of course, extraordinary. The Boy
Scouts gave us fire (for the Vigil).
The seriousness of our
worship goes hand-in-glove with the warmth of our mutual affection and welcome
to visitors. Folks were moving about to
set up the coffee and other elements when the sun came up that holy
morning. The Hospitality on the Lawn
Easter morning was overseen by Liz Dooley and Jasmine Kuzner, at the head of an
army of volunteers (eggs, anyone?) and contributors (homemade treats are the
BEST, and everyone said so), with an especial nod to our Home School
Association, and the Rosensteel Knights of Columbus. I know it made a lasting impression.
Speaking of welcome,
it was a delight to provide the Sacraments of Initiation to Kyle Hammer,
Vanessa Staak, and Laura Dunn; I hope you will make the opportunity to get to
know these, our neophyte members!
The ushers had plenty
to do (especially at the Easter 9 AM!); people needed to be welcomed, and seats
found, and offerings collected. And the
counters? They are STILL counting, last
I checked. That’s good news – because heaven
knows we need it. Seen the parking lot
lately? Yikes.
To the visitor, it
resulted in a beautiful, seamless whole; people who love one another were also
happy to welcome them, coming together to worship God with the very best of
what they could muster and offer to Him.
The visitors who thought that got it just right, I think. And I think and hope that all who call Saint
Bernadette home were reasonably proud to do so.
Please offer your
prayers and gratitude to God for the talent, joy, diligence, and good humor of
so many people, who made our Holy Days remarkable and effective in giving glory
to God and spreading the Good News to our neighbors. Christ is risen, indeed.
Monsignor
Smith
