Before Mass started I smiled to myself, knowing that Father Peter finds the noise and the fidgeting at the children’s Mass ‘challenging.’
Today, Father kept us a little longer as we had to complete the parish census forms. A good idea, because he wanted them back straight after Mass. Helpers were stationed in the narthex with collection baskets at the ready. So, to the tune of baby squalls and very restless toddlers, we dutifully filled in the forms before we left the building to the rousing sound of percussion instruments being played as accompaniment to the hymn by those very same toddlers and children. (I attended the 9:30 this morning, always packed to the the rafters.)
I love Father’s homilies and always come away with something to think about, and this morning as I left Mass I asked if he would mind me taking notes during his homilies, because my memory is just not co-operating. I always wish that I did have a pen and paper at the ready, because I know there will be something I’ll want to share and never remember what it is. I will be suitably armed with pen and paper from now on.
Father spoke about faith today as I’m sure all priests did, and his message to the parents of the children who are about to start the Holy Communion course was about prayer. Teach them ‘arrow prayers’. Prayers that are sharp and to the point. Such as the prayer that reminds us of St. Thomas, ‘My Lord and my God.’ This we say as the body of Christ is held up for veneration after the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of or Lord Jesus Christ.
The other one he mentioned, ‘Lord increase my faith today.’ He made reference to St. Augustine for this one one…I forget the link he made with St Augustine(hence the need for pen and paper!) Both of these little ‘arrow prayers’ are pretty powerful in themselves as they serve to increase our faith and worship our God as all-powerful at the same time.
1catholicsalmon 
Anne D'Silva
/ October 6, 2013I too enjoyed Father Peter’s sermon last night. I liked the part where he talked about eating whole grain mustard and getting a tiny seed stuck in your tooth and no matter how small, it’s taste is so powerful just like our acts of faith, small they may be but very powerful.
1catholicsalmon
/ October 6, 2013A really good analogy. Thanks for posting.
hippopotamus
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1catholicsalmon
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