Smoky Liturgies

Please see Canterbury Tales article Feel the Power of the Botafumeiro!

Simply put: More incense, less nonsense.

The Saint Song

Thanks to Crossed the Tiber

Time for Some Campaignin'

Tony Snow - Rest in Peace

I will not repeat the many admirable qualities about Tony Snow. Instead I will let you hear from him. On April 12, 2007 Tony gave a commencement address at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for Catholic University. Please find this address here.

Two Horses

Found in the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity's Newsletter

My dear friend is always sending me items in her church bulletin. This one I really like.

Two Horses

Just up the road for my home is a field with two horses in it. If you stop your car, you will notice that one horse is blind. If you stand nearly and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Attached to the smaller horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.The blind horse will listen for the bell and walk slowly to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn, it stops occa-sionally and looks back making sure the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way--good friends are like that, you may not always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. Be kinder than necessary, every-one you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

A Biginner's Guide to the Catholic Mass (humor)

With a H/T to Postscripts from the Catholic Spitfire Grill

A Beginner's Guide to the Catholic Mass (humor)

A good friend sent me these and they made me giggle. If accidentally got here looking for something serious, try this post here.

AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.

BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.

CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync.

HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.

HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.

RECESSIONAL HYMN: Sung at the conclusion of the Mass, often more quietly, since most of the people have already left.

INCENSE: Holy Smoke!

JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.

JONAH: The original "Jaws" story.

JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.

KYRIE ELEISON: The only Greek words that most Catholics can recognize besides gyros and baklava. (For all non-Catholics [and non-Greeks], it means 'Lord, have mercy.')

MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.

MANGER: Where Mary gave birth to Jesus because Joseph wasn't overed by an HMO. (The Bible's way of showing us that holiday travel has always been rough)PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.

PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.

RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.

RELICS: People who have been go ing to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.

TEN COMMANDMENTS: A more important Top Ten List than any given by David Letterman.