A Month Of Sundays

Did I mention I was going to be busy during the 11:15 AM (and other) Masses at St. Olaf the next few weeks?

I made a mental review of my liturgical duties until Easter (including this past Sunday).

This is the list:

• January 24--Choir and Cantor
• January 31--Cantor
• February 7--Choir and Cantor
• February 14--Lector
• February 17 (Ash Wednesday)--Choir
• February 21--Choir and Cantor
• February 28--Cantor
• March 7--Choir
• March 14--Lector
• March 21--Choir and Cantor
• March 28 (Palm/Passion Sunday)--Choir
• April 1 (Holy Thursday)--Choir (Cantor TBD)
• April 3 (Easter Vigil)--Choir and Co-Cantor
• April 4 (Easter Sunday)--Choir (Cantor TBD)

There is a remote possibility I may be a Lector for April 2 (Good Friday), but that schedule has not been made.

No excuses for me not assisting at Mass!

Another Kind Of Prospect

I have mentioned this happening before.

Another athlete is doing the same.

God bless all our seminarians.

Pray for more.

We Shall Gather

Another January 22 is almost over. For the 37th. time in our nation's capital the Culture of Life and Culture of Death clashed in their annual ritual of marches marking the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the two decisions made by the United States Supreme Court legalizing abortion on demand. The passion and zeal on both sides of the issue are as strong as ever.

The past 365 days were witness to some remarkable events which continued to fuel the fire and fan the flames. The current administration placed key poor-(pro-) choice supporters in critical cabinet positions, among other actions to support this overtly poor-(pro-) choice president's policy. A leading practitioner of abortion services was murdered. A Catholic nun was discovered to be an escort for an abortion clinic. There are plans in the works for building the largest abortion clinic in this country. And the passage of health care reform in this country seems to hinge on whether or not federal funding for abortions will be provided. There's never a dull moment, is there?

At times I wonder if battle fatigue is apparent. I wonder if arguments for and against are falling on deaf ears because they have been repeated so much and perhaps are sounding like empty rhetoric. Has everything been said about the subject? Is there nothing new under the sun? Or does our society wish this topic would just disappear?

Not in my lifetime. Especially since, for the first time, polls indicate those who are "pro-life" now have the majority viewpoint, albeit by a slight margin. The tide of popular opinion seems to be in our favor.

So, the battle will continue. Today is the day when batteries are recharged, the banners will fly high and proud, and each side will continue to make its case in the public forum. Tomorrow, the grassroot efforts and behind the scene events will continue, each side seeking an advantage.

I may not live long enough to see this issue resolved. But, I still need to continue doing what I can to bring it to closure. I still need to choose life.

Our Humanity, Our Future

The adage goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Mark Shea add a few of his own to a photo of his granddaughter and the resulting post is a reminder of what the day is about.

Hide And Seek

Krush reminds us today is National DeLurking Day. This annual event in the 'blogosphere is designed for those who read 'blogs to leave a comment and let us know they have visited. With some affection these guest are called "lurkers", just hanging around. (Groupies for 'bloggers?)

My comment section is open. I welcome you to leave your remarks and suggestions on what could make this infinitesimal corner of the universe a better place to be. Speak the truth in love else it will be deleted.

Working Vacation

In my own small way, I am part of the "reform of the Reform". With my educational background in music (both at the undergraduate and graduate levels), I want to hear meaningful and worthy song in liturgy. This, at times, has put me at odds with some of my lay colleagues at a local level in terms of taste and appropriateness; but, not being in any kind of leadership position, I have had to "go along to get along". I can say I am very pleased with what we attempt to do at St. Olaf, as the music director and I are of the same general mindset.

But, as the saying goes, I have to be the change I want to see. To that end, I will be here. While I have had a minimum amount of exposure to chant, this will be an wonderful opportunity to learn more. I wrestled with the decision of whether or not to go, but I opted to take advantage of the opportunity. (The only drawback is I am taking "red eyes" through Denver and Atlanta to get there.)

A fedora doff to Anastasia Crosswell, who posted this on her Facebook page. As this is in her backyard, hopefully we will be able to meet each other in person.

Back late Saturday night. Time to me to fly.