St. Joseph - Conway

I wanted to see eagles so I headed west along the Arkansas River.  I was told a place called "Toad Suck" had a flock (it didn't and it sucked :p) which led me to St. Joseph in Conway.  I went to the 8 am Mass.

It was bound to happen sooner or later.  Some one was going to throw a wobbly over me being in their Church and then taking pictures.  Usually the wobbly starts after I start taking pictures, not when I walk in the door.  Usually the wobbly is diffused when I explain what I'm doing and that I won't take pictures during Mass (usually...bizarreness is an exception)

As usual with any church built after 1965, entrance doors to the church can be tricky to find.  I follow some people in and am in an old church where the side wall has been knocked down.  I'm standing there in a big gathering space of what used to be the nave of a church built in 1925.  A classic old baptismal font is in the center.  I see the old choir loft and the old windows.  There's glass doors leading to a much smaller church which is apparently a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel (at this point I'm not sure.) I'm standing there trying to determine what on Earth they have done to this church.  It looked so pretty from the outside..

A woman comes up to me and asks me in a not friendly tone if she can help me with anything.  I'm immediately on guard.  I respond I'm just looking.  She notices the camera (which is a dSLR with a decent size lens) and starts telling me I can't take pictures here, there, in there, over there and there.  I think she might have asked if I have permission.  (I can't remember because I'm paying attention to where she's pointing) I can try to take some over there after Mass but there's another Mass (in a tone that makes it sound like there's only 10 minutes between Masses).  She's wearing a sweatshirt, jeans and a tennis shoes so I figure she is just a nosy parishoner.  She has no name tag, cross necklace, nothing that would associate her with any kind of leadership role in this parish.  I take some pictures in the gathering space and take some pictures through the glass into the chapel (I didn't go in ;) ).

I go into the Church proper (a giant square), also known as the nave.  I'm in the way back and there's a good 5-6 feet between the wall and the back row of pews.  Some would consider this a vestibule.  I take a quick shot of the interior.  A man claiming to be an usher runs up to me and starts telling me I can't take pictures because I'm disturbing everyone.  (Because making a scene isn't disturbing...).  I roll my eyes and am like whatever.

Mass starts.  I'm aggravated because they have wrecked this church and there are no windows into the nave.  I'm also short on sleep and not feeling well.  The woman and the man start talking right behind me in that space between the wall and the pews.  I turn around and tsk at them ( a little louder than I should have I admit)  (Oh I just pour fuel onto fires...) The woman flies up to me, asks me what the problem is and I'm like you are disturbing my prayer.  (you know people don't like it when they get their justifications thrown back at them...) She announces that she is the sacristan and she can talk to the usher in the back because that's her job (gathering space all full up?  Sacristy all full up?  Secondary cry room?).  If I have a problem with it I can leave or find another pew.  (Tempted...so tempted...but I'm like what are they trying to hide?)  She then proceeds to ask me who I am and who I am with and if I have permission.  I'm Tina.  She's like who are you with.  Uh the Catholic Church?  No.  Who are you with?  Who's camera is that?  I'm with myself and it's my camera.  Are you with Arkansas Catholic?  Uh..no? (I don't know what that is...) You can't take pictures any more.  You can't take pictures in the sanctuary.  (Honey, I'm not in the sanctuary which makes me question your sacristan credentials.  I almost always stay out the sanctuary esp. if there is a Communion Rail.)    She and the usher proceed to stand behind me and watch me throughout the Mass.  (I feel special...)  Now I tend to want to take pictures before Mass because the lights are on and I'm not being rushed by people trying to lock up the Church.  And as I suspected the lights were turned off 5 minutes after Mass.  Also I like taking pictures before Mass so I can retake any bad shots after Mass.

This all could have been avoided if she had introduced herself and I had put the camera in my backpack when I came in.  If she would have identified herself as Hi/Good Morning I'm Mary the Sacristan/Greeter/Founding Parish Member/Parish Gopher Welcome to St. Joseph.  You don't look familiar, are you new/visiting?  And then I would have given her my bit about going around taking pictures.  and it would have all worked out (at least that is what 20+ hours of training at work is telling me...)  I did apologize to Father after Mass.  He wanted me to apologize to her.  Yeah.  no.  Let's not fan the flames.  (I'm also sure part of the problem is that I don't belong to the socio-economic class of the parishoners...$50 for an all you can eat fish fry dinner..(no mention of alcohol...).  with raffle tickets to win guns..sweet Lord...the South...)

As the new Church is a square with an arch in the center, there's no choir loft.  The choir and organ were on the ambo side.  There was a small choir.
Opening:  When Jesus Comes to be Baptized
Offertory:  Come to the Water and Abba! Father (if necessary)
Communion:  Bread of Life and Let Us Break Bread Together (if necessary)
Closing:  Sing of the Lord's Goodness

Because it is the Feast of the Lord's Baptism, Father had us renew our Baptismal Promises (just the first 3...rejecting Satan and all that bad stuff and believing in God) and sprinkled us all with holy water.  (this was unexpected...pleasantly unexpected.  It's so refreshing when a Catholic church does something well...Catholic)

The homily was given by the Deacon.
Where has Jesus been all this time? The last time we hear from Jesus he is 12 and in the Temple.  We assume that for 18 years he has been in Nazareth being obedient, being a carpenter.  John is teaching repentance and baptizing.  When Jesus comes, John wants him to baptize him.  But Jesus insists on John baptizing him.  Why does Jesus want to be baptized?  Mom (Mary) wanted it.  (I'm having flashbacks to grade school....)  The Jewish recognize Baptism.  (Uh...) They recognize that it is not for them because they are the Chosen People and have no sin to wash away.  Jesus is baptized as a way to identify with the very people he was meant to save.  Pope Francis recently said to a group of priests that a shepherd should have the smell of his sheep (please not Axe...)  Today we know the Trinity is in full bloom.  The Jews recognize that they are looking at the Messiah.  The throne is the cross.  Jesus is our Savior and our Suffering Servant.  Our baptism cleansed us of original sin.  We are now part of the Body of Christ and receive the Holy Spirit.  We are anointed with the Chrism of Salvation.  Most of us were baptized as infants.  We didn't ask to be baptized.  Our parents chose that and are responsible for raising their children in the Faith.  During the Rite, we ask the parents and the godparents many times if they are sure and if they are going to take on the responsibility (Uhm...I need to check on mine...).  As parents, we have to know our Faith.  At Baptism, we begin our journey.  We die to self.  That sounds very Christianese...let me put it another way.  We are faithful to the Mission.  Deacon gave various examples.  He is amazed at the love of this parish (no I can't...it's just too easy...)

At the offertory, Father got out a big basket and all the children came up and donated.  Father used Eucharistic Prayer III and there were bells.  There was the Liturgy of Announcements and the Liturgy of Thanking.

One last thought.  Elizabeth Scalia mentions how Catholics "do not throw people away"  But sometimes we treat them so badly...

Pictures:  As you can imagine, these are not my best effort.

St. Joseph - Conway

This is the old entrance.

The next 6 pictures, the windows, are all found in the large gathering space.  Not in the Church Nave.

 

  

These were outside the doors to the restroom.  

That's why they are keystoned so badly.

 

It's not really blue...it's the mixed lighting.

My camera can't handle it.  

 Link:
St. Joseph - Conway

Holy Trinity - England

I hope everyone impacted by the recent snow-pocalypse is staying safe and warm.  That is what I love about the Catholic Church...as long as Father can get to the Church, there's going to be Mass.  That's what also miss about being within walking distance of Church as well.

This morning I went to Holy Trinity in England.  I nearly didn't make it because my GPS was confused and then I got lost.  (It's a gift.)  I nearly passed up the Church it was so tiny and uhm well...made by General Steel...(I'll give it a pass this time cause it is such a rural area...)

Music:  I saw an organ...but no one was playing it.  I can't figure out if the music was pre-recorded or if it was one of those really smart playing organs.
Opening:  We Three Kings
Offertory:  The First Noel
Communion:  O Holy Night
Closing:  Go Tell It on the Mountain

Father explained that tomorrow was really Epiphany but that because it was such an important Solemnity the American Bishops moved it to the first Sunday after New Years' Day.  In some parts of the world, Epiphany is like our Christmas.

Father sang the first part and the last part of the Mass and some parts in between.  He's got to be way past retirement age but is still a trooper.

Homily:
Saw a star in the East, where were they from?  They came to worship the King.  Heard angels and followed the Star.  What star do we follow?  The Sun.  It gives us life.  The Son of God is our very special star (Sing with me...Jesus Christ...Superstar).  He gives us life as well.  Mary is a star.  In the book of Revelations she is clothed in gold and crowned with 12 stars.  The Scriptures are being fulfilled.  It must be the end times...few kings follow Jesus.  The riches of the sea...a sight to behold.  Father went snorkling and saw a barracuda.  Don't pet them.  (check!)  Wealth of nations.  We see that in our great Cathedrals.  That is what the Church is...the wealth of nations.  It is adoration of our King.  We don't give gold any more but we adore our King by helping the poor.  The treasures of the Church belong to all of us.  We are here to adore our King.  Nothing more important.  All the art is to help us adore.  He is present in the Tabernacle.  Politicians are liars if not with the Lord (Oh Father you were a hell-raiser in your youth weren't you?) We pray for their conversion.  Pope says we should pray for all the wicked and their conversion.

Father used Eucharistic Prayer I and there will bells.

Annnd!!! after Mass was breakfast!  Homemade Biscuits!  mmmmm  I'm starting to really like these tiny rural parishes....it was delicious.

Pictures:

Link:
Holy Trinity

Sacred Heart - Morrilton

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone has a good year :)  I hope everyone managed to get their plenary indulgence!  (Quick:  recite Veni Creator Spiritus and pray for the Pope's intentions.  Then get thee to Confession & Communion in 7 days)

In the past, I've gone to Mass at midnight on New Years.  I was unable to find one in Little Rock.

I attended the 9 am Mass at Sacred Heart in Morrilton.

The parish is over 100 years old and the current church was built in 1982.  If you use your imagination...it kind of resembles an upside down boat with a prism hull...It was very nicely decorated for Christmas.  I didn't see any of the netting that people are so fond of down here.

The music was accompanied by an organ and small choir.
Opening:  Immaculate Mary (everyone sang! contrast that with the Gloria, which only the choir sang...)
Offertory:  Tune:  O Sanctissima  Words:  Mary, Full of Grace
Communion:  Christ Be Our Light
Thanksgiving Hymn:  Away in the Manager (why?  Why?)
Closing:  Joy to the World

Homily:
Today's Feast Day has many meanings.  It's rather a grab bag.  It's the Octave of Christmas.  The Roman Catholic Church doesn't celebrate major feasts with just one day but with an octave (I'm curious as to why...)  It's also the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus.  His parents were devout, observant Jews and would have followed the customs and laws of the time.  It's the New Year.  Of course this is artificial, but it is a time to rededicate ourselves to discipleship.  It's the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.  The Roman Catholic Church does not pass up a chance to celebrate the true birth of Jesus (Frankly, the RCC doesn't pass up a chance to celebrate anything!  We are a partying kind of folk!)  This is because of all the heresies in the early Church about Jesus' birth.  We don't need to understand, we just need to believe. Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Peace.  I believe the primary cause of all the wars and suffering in today's world is the breakdown of personal relationships with Christ.  (Hold on, let me phone the Muslims and Jews and tell them...ooo we can blame the atheists! What about the poor heathens who don't know Jesus Christ as the Lord God and Savior???)  If we had a personal relationship with Christ, we would treat people better and there wouldn't be any wars (no...there wouldn't be any religious wars.  maybe.  There's still be wars over little things like oil, water, gold...hmmm although that does lead to an interesting thought experiment...if Hitler had had a personal relationship with Christ would he have been so uhm special...Maybe all he needed was a hug.... Did you know I hiked 8 miles today?)

Father used the Apostles' Creed (Very popular down here) and made up the intentions.  I have to say he did a better job than some of the pre-written ones I've heard.  He also used Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation 1.  There were also bells at the Consecration.

Pictures:

Sacred Heart 

View From Back Pew!

 

 I'm guessing these are from the original church.

Above the main Doors

Station VIII

Rather different depiction of the Sacred Heart.

 Link:
Sacred Heart

St. Anne - North Little Rock

I had wanted to go out far today for Mass but Noah floated by yesterday and it was a grey, depressing day, so I stayed close to home.  And discovered I need 4 new tires (apparently...I've worn out my tires visiting churches....)

I headed up to North Little Rock and St. Anne.  It's another church that is right on the outskirts of the Air Force base.  It looked pretty decent sized on the outside, but it was tiny on the inside.  It really had the feel of a church hall more than a church.  They were trying but it just felt cramped and basementy.

Music was provided by a cantor playing guitar.  In a strange twist, it sounded like most of the parishoners were singing.  I kid you not.  Men, not the cantor or the priest, singing in church.  It's so rare that I'm remarking on it.  And on that note, the responses were said by everyone and rather loudly.
Opening:  Ready the Way...Ready the Way of the Lord (Thinks this is a Taize prayer...and Cantor went over it before Mass with everyone, even though they sang it last week...see new music can happen!)
Offertory:  Here I Am Lord
Communion:  Taste and See
Closing:  O Come O Come Emmanuel

Father gave us a mini homily before the Penitential Rite.  Basically we should not be afraid and be obedient to the Faith.

When the First Reading came, Father explained the Reading before the Reading.  Strangely he didn't do it for the 2nd Reading or the Gospel.

Homily:
There are two phrases in today's Readings that stand out:  Do Not Be Afraid and Bring About the Obedience of Faith.  In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph is followed.  He is visited by an angel 4 times.  Joseph gets up and does what the angel says.  The angels come in times of crises.  Every time an angel comes, the angel says "Be not afraid."  Joseph does what the angel says.  Fear is very powerful but natural.  It is healthy when it gets you into action.  But it can be paralyzing and can push us into denial. All those fears.  Be not afraid.  I am with you.  It is why we have small church groups for support.  We have to get up.  At the beginning and end of Romans, Paul reminds us to be Obedient to Faith.  What do we believe in?  It must be acted upon.  Christ is present among us.  God is present to us in our lives. We must be the Love of God in the world.  Not as slaves but as beloved.  Trust in God.  Ahaz is afraid and decides that he must ally with his pagan neighbors.  But the problem with that is that the pagan stuff will creep in.  Ahaz represents us when we do the opposite of what God wants.  There is a pornography problem.  (I'm up!  I'm awake!) Pornography distorts our sexual gifts.  We need to wake up. We can stop our old habits.   (I'm a little confused as to how pornography relates to the readings but hey, I'll cut Father some slack for mentioning it and for tackling such a topic.)  Ask the Lord to make us like Joseph and to recognize the Ahaz in ourselves.

At the petitions, the last petition invited us to name people we should pray for.  Father used Eucharistic Prayer III and there were bells.  At the end of Mass, Father invited people who were visiting to stand up and introduce themselves.  (Don't worry...I blended into a wall.) Then it was birthday time.

Pictures:

Glitter makes everything better

View From the Back Pew!

What is with all the netting ribbon?  (Stuff wrapped on poles)

It's the go to decorating item.

Links:
St. Anne

Special Note:  I'll be in St. Louis for Christmas :) so no post for Christmas.  It is up in the air about Dec. 29 as I'll be driving back.  Jan 1. for sure!

St. John the Baptist Latin Mass Community

Gaudete!

Sadly I had to go to work today.  But as Father said in Confession this morning, there is no excuse (short of death perhaps) to miss Mass.  Ever.  I didn't want to deprive you of snark for a 3rd week, I went to the earliest Mass in the Diocese of Little Rock, that was at 7 am (not at all that early...).  Thankfully it was only 30 minutes away from both job and apartment.

Apparently the only people having 7 am Mass is the FSSP's Latin Mass Community.  They use St. Patrick's Church.  I'm guessing this diocese hasn't had waves of church closings leaving vacant churches for the FSSP to totally take over.

St. Patrick I think was built in the early 1950s.  It's modern but tastefully modern.  The stained glass windows are of saints and are of more traditional designs instead of chunky abstract representational windows.

As expected Father wore rose vestments.

I'm not so sure I like the low Mass.  I still have no idea what's going on and it makes it way easier for me to zone out.  

It seems most homilies have two things in common here in Little Rock 1.  They all start with announcements (which I guess is better than at the end.) and 2.  They seem to be longer than in St. Louis.

Father started off his homily by reading the Epistle and Gospel in English.  Then the announcements.  In July 2007, Beverly Sills died.  She is quoted as saying "Man plans, God laughs."  She often said she was not happy but she was cheerful.  She had troubles but was cheerful...  So what does an opera singer and a Jew have to do with us?  (oh dear...that was a PC fail)  Today is Gaudete Sunday.  It is the first word in the Preface.  That word often defines the Mass and if the word is meaningful enough, the day.  Beverly's life defined joy.  The key is to be cheerful as no one is really happy.  It's measured in degrees.  We can only be completely happy in heaven (Houston, we have a problem.)  Cheer is a disposition.  It's a good habit. (Cheerful people make me suspicious...) It predisposes us to the gift of happiness.  Joy can occur in the midst of sorrow.  Happiness is the satisfaction of desire.  We can never be truly happy here as our desires can never be satisfied (such a ray of sunshine there Father)  A sign of happiness is the eruption of joy (yeah...I'm not going there...)  It is an intense response and we are not capable of sustaining it (snork...I'm so like a teenager here).  Our desires, provided that they are intrinsic and well ordered and well formed, are good.  It is Union with God that gives happiness.  A Greek philosopher remarked that short is the joy from guilty pleasures (which is why I need many pieces of chocolate).  A young priest on the internet discussed how God's salvation is at work among us everyday.  It is the mixture of the perfect and the imperfect.  ...the sparkling wine of joy... (I totally lost what he was saying he was going so fast, but that was a cool phrase) Happiness needs sadness.  Joy needs sorrow.   St. Teresa said joy is prayer, joy is love.  Joy is a net of love.  Let us cast our net and see what we catch.

St. Patrick - North Little Rock

View from the Back Pew

 

Both in the Old Baptistry

I think that's St. Gerald maybe?  I'm not sure..

The Good Shepherd and the Child Jesus in the Temple

 

St. Joseph

St. Jude

I think...

St. Michael the Archangel

St. Patrick

Either he or St. Gregory was also in the Choir Loft.

St. Peter

St. Theresa 

(Honestly I never know which one is which...)

St. Anne

In the Choir Loft.

Sparkly!

Apparently I live in a mission diocese.  I expected that would involve 

desert, palm trees, tropics, outhouses...not ...well, here.

Although that's pretty cool...I can say I've been to the Missions :P

Welcome to the South -- Ice-Aggedon

On Friday, it sleeted.  All day.  Like to the tune of 2-3 inches.  I know when I looked at my car, it was a good 2 inches thick.  It took me 45 minutes to get it to driving condition.

When I went to the grocery store on Thursday night, there was no bread, no eggs, and ground meat.  They were calling for the power to be out for 4-7 days...

To make a long story short, this is not St. Louis.  There isn't a parish within walking distance or even within 5 miles.  My apartment complex has not put out anything.  The roads are full of ice patches.

I'm staying home.  Where it's safe.  No Mass today.  I really really wanted to go to...I'm stuck in a 606 sq ft apartment...

Immaculate Heart of Mary - Walnut Ridge

Third and final church of the day :D  Again, my excuse!