Sunday Mass (April 17, 2011)

Sunday Mass (April 17, 2011)

On a normal Sunday, I would arrive at the church at around 10:00 a.m. This gives me quiet time alone in the Sanctuary (except for Ms. Helen, we have a running joke: Who gets there first?) This particular Sunday, I was filling in for my friend Iris, teaching her class. I arrived at 9:30 and sat down in her class to read her instructions. Ms. Sarah Sherman arrived. She commented “I am not picking on you, dear, but it is hard to get the young girls to wear their shoes during Mass when they see you with yours off.” “Yes Ma’am….I will wear my shoes.” I replied. I then saw Deacon Mike and asked him to stop by during class to bless our Rosaries. Then my little students arrived, Tonia, Emily and Angela. We colored and talked about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Around 10:15, Deacon Mike stopped by and blessed our Rosaries. He also spent a few minutes showing us his Rosary. We discussed how to use our Rosary and what to do during the prayer. It was then time to go into the Sanctuary to do the Rosary Prayer. As we entered into the Sanctuary, we genuflected toward the tabernacle; genuflected as we entered the pew, and sat down and joined in the prayer (we were a little late). [Genuflection is an honor that Catholics do upon entering the Sanctuary. We make the cross on ourselves, and bend down on the right knee.] It takes approx. 20 minutes to do the entire Prayer. Hearing those girls (who are about 7 years old) pray my favorite prayer brought tears to my eyes. Afterwards, we went back to the classroom where I hugged each of them and told them how proud of them I was. It was time for Mass.  Mass is a wonderful thing…it is very much a thing that must be participated in….my favorite part is the offering of peace. We shake hands and offer peace to one another. After Mass, I shook Deacon Mike’s hand and confirmed our plans for Tuesday.  I then left to go home.