Have you ever been to a teaching Mass???

Teaching Mass planned March 9 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church: Keeping the Faith

 

By NOLA Community The Times-Picayune  

Guests at the 9 and 11 a.m. Mass on March 9 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Covington will be in for a bit of a surprise. They will find the pastor, Fr. Rodney Bourg, standing behind the altar before Mass starts wearing his clerics, or “street clothes”. In front of him on the altar will be what appears to be piles of fabric – the layers of his vestments. As he puts on each layer, Fr. Rodney will explain to the assembled congregation the names and purpose of each garment.

Most Holy Trinity Church website

This is a Teaching Mass: “An opportunity to let people know why we do what we do,” explains Fr. Bourg. During this liturgy, Fr. Bourg will explain the Mass: The history of its parts, the meaning of colors and symbols, the roles of the priests, deacons, lectors, ushers/greeters, extraordinary ministers, musicians, and altar servers.
Fr. Rodney said that his use of a teaching Mass came out of a request from those preparing for full initiation into the Catholic faith. Those new to the faith as well as life long Catholics were amazed at how much they learned. The main response Fr. Bourg gets is one of awe. A teaching Mass helps to illuminate the “tie back to the Last Supper,” he said, “the unbroken tradition of the Eucharist” and the “dialogue between the priest and the people conveying God’s grace.”
Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Covington is located at 4465 US 190 Service Road.




>  So this indeed occurred today; a teaching Mass for this 1st Sunday of Lent.  Just as the story above promised, our pastor, Fr. Bourg begin Mass up front, explaining some basics of the Mass and then vesting in front of the entire congregation, telling us what is a stole, a chasuble and an alb.  He explained everything, the procession, why we have an opening prayer, the readings, the role of the Deacon in proclaiming the Gospel.  Fr. Bourg also explained the history and origin of the homily.  Next, he explained the origin and the why of the Creed, the prayers of the faithful and everything about the offertory.  In such detail, our pastor even explained the reason the collection is taken up during the offertory.


We learned how the altar is prepared for the Eucharistic Prayer and the Consecration.  Fr. Bourg carefully explained the meaning of True Presence and when it actually occurs.  We were given the reasons behind the Lord's Prayer and the Sign of Peace.  As Communion neared, Fr. Bourg described the fractioning of the Host and adding the particle to the Chalice.  He even described why we should receive Holy Communion reverently and how we are to return to our pews, after receiving Jesus, in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving.  Finally, Fr. Bourg explained the closing rites, including the final prayer and dismissal.


Now I think it was extremely important that during this teaching Mass, Fr. Bourg mentioned some important points that are actually pet peeves for me.  In the beginning, he addressed the issue of coming to the Church properly prepared.  He challenged us by asking, what do we do at home, on the way to Church, before we even enter to properly be prepared for Mass?  He went on to discuss appropriately and pastorally the issue of how we dress for Mass.  Never intimating that no one should miss Mass if they were coming from work or any other difficult situation; just a good honest assessment of do we dress and prepare as well for Mass as we would any other special event??  I liked his approach.  His next point that strikes a nerve when made aware of this was a direct challenge for those who refuse to take part in the sign of peace.  Reminding all of the Scriptural reminder to make peace with your brother before you bring your gift to the altar, Fr. Bourg asked quite directly, if you can't bring yourself to exchange the sign of peace, can you really be ready to receive Jesus in Holy Communion??  Finally, our Pastor addressed those who receive Jesus in Holy Communion then exit stage left.  The early departure of those at Mass has long been problematic.  Fortunately, the number who do this are small, still it causes a disruption in the Body of Christ.  Fr. Bourg, being a Pastor of souls, from the altar plainly said if you leave after Holy Communion, don't do it anymore.  I would say it another way, if you want to leave early, forget going to Holy Communion.  Yes, there may always be an exception to the rule, but I agree whole-heartedly with Fr. Bourg on giving this admonition during today's teaching Mass.


By the way, nothing was done to invalidate the Mass in any way shape or form.  Due reverence was always present during the celebration.  Yes, it did take about 80 minutes from start to finish but it was time well spent.  Anyway, does not Jesus deserve more than our usual 60 minutes per week?


Ask your Pastor or parish Priest about a teaching Mass.  All I heard today as parishioners left Mass was they learned so much today about something they have been attending and doing for years!