Things Are Looking Up, I'd Say

I had a query from a reader regarding the liturgical options in Belleville itself. We agreed that we enjoyed the weekday Masses at the OLOS Shrine. The Sunday fare was not my reader's cup of tea.

I haven't any idea of the details that some faithful experience at many of the parishes, but I am quite aware of the newer more orthodox generation of priests serving our diocese--plus the reports readers send of the reverent, orthodox international priests we are blessed with. Many of the newer (usually younger) priests start off in Belleville itself, from what I've noticed these past 2 years. This seems to be, in my mind, a means by which a more orthodox atmosphere is likely in these parishes, as opposed to previously (or maybe other parishes). So, considering the presence of such clergy as well as what I know about the approach to liturgical music, I made the following general observations. Also, it does appear that most parishes rely on the OCP missals, which are dominated by modern musical junk, in my book. Still a parish can choose traditional hymns in that book.

I do not want them to be treated as some final judgments for or against any parish on or off this list. I am concentrating on Belleville as that is where our reader is located, plus a non-Belleville parish, which I know, that is in possible driving distance to the reader. I am offering theories that perhaps there are some improved liturgical environments or have overlooked some good things that have been present for some years.* My information is limited, so it's not meant to leave out anything. The point is to show readers we have a lot of good going on liturgically in our diocese, in the see at Belleville in particular. I'm going to leave out names of clergy to avoid mistakes or overlooking some one. The list is just as I walk through Belleville in my mind:

• Blessed Sacrament: I honestly have not been to this parish since my sister married in 1991 or so. Any input is welcome.
• Queen of Peace: My alma mater. I have not been here since probably 1980s. I was bummed to see in a recent photo the risen Christ crucifix replace the traditional one in the sanctuary. Any input is welcome.
• St. Augustine & St. Mary's: Theses parishes are served by the same priests, more recently ordained, an experienced priest at the helm. I have met some of them or at least heard them preach. I recommend these parishes. The music at St. Mary's I found to be of good quality as well. I have been to a mass at St A's many years ago; too long to have more of a viewpoint. St A's church building is round. St M is beautiful. Great Lenten Fish Fry tradition at StM. [UPDATE: Our reader reported lousy music at StM and noted the Risen Jesus on a cross in lieu of a crucifix.]
  
• St Peter's Cathedral. I have met the rector. He is orthodox, faithful, a Marian expert ( real expert with a degree). The younger PV has good homilies I am told. I heard a good homily by a deacon of the Cathedral at Sts Peter and Paul in Waterloo, where he and an international priest were pitching in as the pastor was ill. A schola was formed a year or two ago, which should promise some excellent sacred music for Mass at the Cathedral. Of course, one may also hear excellent and learned homilies by our bishop at the Cathedral as well. I attended an excellent Good Friday liturgy last year. Also, the rector has been known to thrown in a little Latin here and there. Theme on Year of St Paul as well at the Cathedral.
  
• St Teresa: I have been here a few times in the past 10 years. First off, St. Teresa's retains its reputation for excellent sacred music, primarily at the main Sunday Mass with the parish chior. This parish enjoys the service of newer clergy as well. Fr. Nick Junker who has commented here before serves this parish. Perpetual adoration is here.
  
• St Luke: I attended this parish once on a visit home. This parish is served by the clergy at St Teresa, but has lay administration--by a nun, I think. I understand that it has a rather progressive reputation. With that, I will leave any further input to others.
• St Henry: I was just now surprised to see indications that it remains a functioning parish, though the school is closed. I thought it was all closed. I haven't attended this parish in many, many years. I invite input.
• Holy Family, Cahokia: I added this to my discussion b/c my reader is on the western end of Bville. Cahokia may be a reasonable drive for some folks. First off we have the EF offered at the Log Church at 9 am on Sundays. Can't beat that for orthodoxy and tradition. Institute of Christ the King priests offer this Mass. Also, the pastor celebrates a what I call a "by the book" OF at the newer church. One will pray the confiteor and hear the Roman Canon here; bells for concecration as well. The guitar music is, well, while talented, often ill-suited to the Mass, in my view. This pastor also serves Sacred Heart in Dupo, FYI, where the small chior is more traditional.
• I will offer re: my own parish, not in Bville: There was very good liturgical music and Jesus-centered environment during Advent and Christmas season. The Masses for the Marian Feasts (Immaculate Conception, Mother of God) were quite good. We do have a talented music director and chior. [I think it's the long dry spell of ordinary time after Easter--6 months or more-- when things tend to get out of hand and focused less on Jesus.] I also challenged both kids to sit in the nave and hold it together better. They did great. [UPDATE: The minute I praise, I learn of annoyance. Huz came back from vigil mass. An extracurricular made-up ritual taking 10+ mins will be inserted into the Mass tomorrow. Sigh! And I've got a high energy kid with me. At least do it for an ancient ritual in the GIRMs!nUPDATE 2: Didn't take long, but still not necessary. I planned on boycott. Concerned about rejecting God. Hard to get out of, and kid could use the walk up movement.]
  

*All that said, some issues regarding the gestures of laity in the pews--or over-involvement in the sanctuary--are quite widespread in the Church. I also know that some folks experience liturgical dancing even though their pastor is "orthodox." I leave them aside overall right now. If you don't like holding hands, if you know when to bow in Creed, then follow you missal, fold your hands in prayer, show what we should do. Receive Our Lord on your tongue. We don't have to follow the modernisms. Also, altar girls are in use throughout the diocese. Only one way to avoid that--EF
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Also, there is more to a parish than the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, but it and other liturgical occasions are the center of parish life. I do not comment on the social or evangelical activities of any parish, as I just don't know. Readers are invited to offer input which might interest our inquiring reader.
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The conclusions that I'd like to leave you all with are:

• There is much positive to experience in liturgy in this diocese.
• We have quality sacred music in many parishes.
• We benefit from many newer vocations from priests who offer solid Catholic teaching from the pulpit and (presumably) follow the liturgy more closely.
• These positives affect the Catholic education our children receive in diocesan schools as well.

Gotta go....