RBWords - Volume 25 - Number 2: February 2012
Something to Think About
I have begun my “busy season!” Lent is the time that parishes like to schedule “Lenten Missions,” which is one of my major ministries as an itinerant preacher. This year, beginning February 11th, I have eight straight “missions,” in Louisiana (2), Texas (5) and California (1). I finish up in the middle of Holy Week. I think if Lent had ten weeks, I could fill all of them!
Usually I arrive at a parish on a Saturday afternoon and preach at all the weekend Masses. (This could be in English or Spanish!) The mission takes place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. (There are occasional variations of a Sunday evening start and/or a Thursday evening finish, and everything in between!). I also preach at daily Mass, especially for those folks who can't come in the evening. My approach is based on the importance and meaning of our baptism and what it calls us to do. The services always include scripture, preaching and some liturgical action. Most parishes will involve the local music talent, but if necessary, I can do it all a capella.
The first night of the mission is focused on baptism and includes a procession to blessed water to make the Sign of the Cross as a reminder of baptism (most folks don't think of this when they walk into a church and look for the holy water font!). The second night dwells on the importance of forgiveness as a baptismal challenge and features a special “examination of conscience” followed by the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The third night focuses on healing and reaching out to one's neighbor, and features the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and a special “anointing for mission” as a concluding rite. I developed this program over a period of years when I first began doing parish missions in the early 1990's. It seems to have a positive impact.
There are “adventures,” of course! Different rectories, beds, pastors, deacons, pets, staff folks, musicians, church layouts, travels, food and drink – all of this can combine to create its own “asceticism of the road!” (This is probably why full time itinerant preaching is not popular with my Dominican brothers and sisters.) But I enjoy it and hope to continue with it as long as possible. Having just turned 69, I will have to be somewhat more prudent about my energies! If you'd like to witness one of my parish missions (2009, first week of Lent), you can go to <http://video.rbwords.com/>. Please pray that I will complete my long schedule in reasonably good shape! IT'S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
It Has Been Said
R.B.WORDS
VOLUME 25, NUMBER 2, FEBRUARY 2012
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT - I have begun my “busy season!” Lent is the time that parishes like to schedule “Lenten Missions,” which is one of my major ministries as an itinerant preacher. This year, beginning February 11th, I have eight straight “missions,” in Louisiana (2), Texas (5) and California (1). I finish up in the middle of Holy Week. I think if Lent had ten weeks, I could fill all of them!
Usually I arrive at a parish on a Saturday afternoon and preach at all the weekend Masses. (This could be in English or Spanish!) The mission takes place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. (There are occasional variations of a Sunday evening start and/or a Thursday evening finish, and everything in between!). I also preach at daily Mass, especially for those folks who can't come in the evening. My approach is based on the importance and meaning of our baptism and what it calls us to do. The services always include scripture, preaching and some liturgical action. Most parishes will involve the local music talent, but if necessary, I can do it all a capella.
The first night of the mission is focused on baptism and includes a procession to blessed water to make the Sign of the Cross as a reminder of baptism (most folks don't think of this when they walk into a church and look for the holy water font!). The second night dwells on the importance of forgiveness as a baptismal challenge and features a special “examination of conscience” followed by the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The third night focuses on healing and reaching out to one's neighbor, and features the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and a special “anointing for mission” as a concluding rite. I developed this program over a period of years when I first began doing parish missions in the early 1990's. It seems to have a positive impact.
There are “adventures,” of course! Different rectories, beds, pastors, deacons, pets, staff folks, musicians, church layouts, travels, food and drink – all of this can combine to create its own “asceticism of the road!” (This is probably why full time itinerant preaching is not popular with my Dominican brothers and sisters.) But I enjoy it and hope to continue with it as long as possible. Having just turned 69, I will have to be somewhat more prudent about my energies! If you'd like to witness one of my parish missions (2009, first week of Lent), you can go to <http://video.rbwords.com/>. Please pray that I will complete my long schedule in reasonably good shape! IT'S SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
SCHEDULES AND EVENTS - February marked two events – one expected, the other not expected. The “expected” one was my turning 69 on February 25. In my mind, despite what the AARP, airlines and others say, I won't consider myself truly to be a “senior citizen” till I turn 70 in 2013! So, I have one more year of “late middle age” to enjoy!
The unexpected event was my election as Prior of Holy Rosary Priory in Houston where I have been resident since February of last year. When my name was mentioned as a possibility, I asked the brothers to spare me because my preaching ministry means I am on the road a lot. I was spared in a first election, but our provincial superior had other plans for the man elected, so the brothers decided that I was not going to get another “bye.” I am now the Prior of Holy Rosary Priory for the next three years. I have some very good help and I have delegated a lot, but the proverbial “buck” does stop at my desk when it comes to Dominican life in this house. Please pray for me that I may fulfill the demands of this responsibility with serenity, wisdom and charity. (I've been a prior twice before over in San Antonio, but every house is different.)
I have already mentioned the parish missions. I've completed three of the eight – Brazoria, TX, Spring, TX and Opelousas, LA. The next five are in Iota, LA, Texarkana, TX, Longview, TX (English and Spanish – please pray!), San Diego, CA, and Wallis, TX – big and small, rich and poor! I finish up in Holy Week and all my commitments after that until Advent (as of now) are retreats of various kinds. So March is all parish mission time.
“We should never miss out on an opportunity of preaching. It is not only for the sake of our hearers. I believe that no one can constantly preach the word of God without being transformed by the word they preach.”
from “The Ministry of Preaching” in A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH, by Fr. Damian Byrne, O.P., former Master of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans)