Author: Melissa

A few years ago, I attended a Church service at one of our neighbouring Churches, (not Catholic). Upon arrival, I was welcomed at the door, handed a hymn book and ushered to a seat in the Church. Unfortunately for the congregation, I had scored a seat in the midst of their choir and so felt obliged to join in their singing. But as everyone in the Church participated in the singing with great gusto, I do not think it would have mattered where I sat that day. What struck me about the gathering, though small in number, was the sense of welcome and hospitality I had experienced from that little community.

As Catholics, we seem to believe that our coming together is more about “me and God” than about celebrating as people united in faith. Time and again, I get a sense that when Catholics gather it is simply to pray and meet God, and to avoid any connection we may have with the people around us. Even in Europe, such was my experience of visiting Churches over there. Time and again, I would simply sit in the Church, and was totally ignored. No one came to find out about this stranger in their midst. After Mass I simply went back to my accommodation.

Somehow as Catholics it is important for us to learn from our non-Catholic brothers and sisters who welcome with great enthusiasm and make you feel welcome. Hospitality is not the role of just those who are rostered to stand at the door and hand our newsletters, great job that these people do, but it is the role and ministry of all of us who gather.

To be effective in celebrating God’s love as a Community of faith, first of all we need to BECOME A COMMUNITY. To endeavour to welcome one another and enable people to feel that they are important, that they are welcomed, that they belong.

So, when you gather at Mass next time, look out for people that you may not know, and introduce yourselves. They may be visiting from overseas, and your sense of welcome may just make a difference in their lives, and give them something to take back home to their own Community. Welcome and hospitality begins with us. If people feel at home in our midst they may even come back, because someone noticed them. So please, let us make welcome and hospitality the first priority of our ministry and of our Community of faith.

– Fr. John Conway

Last Sunday night, I had the opportunity, or misfortune of watching Australian Idol. I was struck by some of the comments of the judges to the contestants, the positive ones, not the criticisms. In the midst of picking on their attire, they had also advised the singers to bring their performance to life. That the song they had sung was their only chance to show their wares and it was important to endeavour to sell their product. Whilst the readers within our Church liturgies are not performers before an audience, it is still important that whoever undertakes this important ministry endeavours to bring the Word to life. Each reader is proclaiming the Word of God, and each test of Scripture has its own life and its own energy. Through the voice of the reader, it comes to life for the Community.

It is important to remember that the Word that is proclaimed is not simply a shopping list to be run through as quickly as possible, but rather the Word of God being proclaimed by one reader and being heard by many listeners. With that in mind, allow the Word to resonate with its hearers. Allow times for pause and for silence, spend some quiet time after the Reading, and before the Psalm is proclaimed or the Gospel is welcomed. Like a great banquet, it is important to savour each course before rushing onto the next. The entrée well prepared and well presented, can be enjoyed without haste. Then allow time for the Second Reading to be digested before entering into the Good News proclamation.

When these parts of the Mass are sung, it is important that the music ministry endeavour to allow that same space before rushing into the Psalm and Gospel acclamation. It will not add much more to the Mass and may even allow people to sit with the Word, and perhaps hear the voice of God proclaimed so well by this member of our Community. It was through the voice of God that our world was created. By allowing God to speak once again through the minister of God’s Word, our God can make a difference in our lives as well. So break open the Word, and allow people time to listen.

– Fr. John Conway

Lately I have been listening to this Nashville based singer/songwriter, Beth Nielsen Chapman.

She sings about simple everyday feelings – the concerns of a mother watching her children growing up, love of a wife for her husband, compassion for a sick friend, childhood nostalgia when driving down an old familiar street.

A gentle and melodious voice and beautiful songs.

Her music is streamed on Soundpedia.

Luke 20:27-38

The Sadducees try to ridicule Jesus by “catching him out” on a technical point. Jesus responds by raising the issue to a whole new level. The resurrection is not dependent on earthly factors such as birth and marriage since it is the fulfilment of life itself. Our God is the God of the living, who love is stronger than death.

– Fr. John Conway