Lord, have mercy

During a recent Sunday evening liturgy, the presider's tone grabbed my attention.
 

For all the times when our hearts do not celebrate 
Christ's joy.

Oh my gosh, I thought, recalling my reaction to my son's first speeding ticket a few days prior. Not that my reaction should have been joy-filled, but rather that fretting and worrying about it for days did no good. My mood was less than joyful. And what about my response to my grandmother's rankiness? When you're 85 with heart trouble and osteoporosis, you're entitled to occasional moodiness. I could get my own personal anti-joy litany going here.
 

Lord have mercy.

I glanced around, imagining the thousands of minor transgressions in the filled church.
 

For moments of weakness in actions, thoughts and words.

Got me there. It had been a particularly hectic week and my thoughts were so cluttered that my words often weren't as kind as they could have been. It wasn't my actions but my inaction that was 
the problem.
 

Christ have mercy.

I noticed the girl in front of me. Her head bowed and stayed that way for a few moments.
 

For the strength to follow the Lord our God.

Yup, I sure need that. Seems distractions are everywhere, pulling us in a variety of directions that challenge our faith in both small and big ways. Strength. That's what I need.
 

Lord have mercy.

Once again, my eyes wandered, praying that this moment would be a refreshing start to a new week for all of us.
 

We seek God's mercy and forgiveness as he guides us to everlasting life.

Sure can't argue with that one, I thought. Lord, help me be more merciful and forgiving to those in your world.
 

Amen.

Simple, sweet and to the point. Many things in liturgy are that way. I can remember my mother poking us as children, "Girls, pay attention. Mass is important. You won't get anything out of it unless you participate." Our reaction was to feign interest for a few minutes, but as far as getting anything out of it, I'm not so sure.

Many members of our assemblies recognize both the importance and beauty of our liturgical celebrations. Others, however, for whatever reason, go through the motions with little understanding or reflection. Whether we're tuned in or not depends on many factors:
 

• how well the liturgy is planned
• how well the liturgy meets the assembly's needs
• what's going on in the parishioners' lives
• environmental distractions
• the liturgical season or weekly readings

• Prepare readers to truly proclaim the word, not merely read words on a page. This way we send a message beyond church walls. Parents, kids, business leaders and teachers might just remember a meaningful verse sometime during the week.
• Create meaningful and fresh prayers of the faithful that truly represent "the faithful's prayers." Because every parishioner's prayers cannot be mentioned at every liturgy, consider introducing a book in which parishioners can write their petitions . Display the book at Mass each week.
• Select and practice music that reflects the day's Scripture messages. Don't give up if your assembly's voices are not those of a choir of angels. Encourage participation with music practice a few moments before Mass. Select parish songs for the liturgical seasons. If you sing songs by Christian recording artists, consider making their tapes and CD's available in your gift shop or at church festivals or bazaars.
• Use bulletin and pulpit announcements to encourage participation of new communion ministers, ushers and lectors. Introduce these ministers so parishioners see that they are real people and not necessarily polished public speakers. Schedule training classes to inform and motivate. Invite those already in ministry to bring new volunteers.
• Remember your assembly when writing prayers such as the penitential rite. Memories are created when prayer touches a personal chord.
• Rely on your instincts. As long as you know your parish, you'll do what best serves their needs. That way perhaps you won't have so many parents poking their children with the admonition, "Pay attention."

Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett is a professional writer whose church ministries have included both lay and staff positions over the past 15 years. She worked with Paula Hagen to develop three Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) books. She lives and works in Chandler, Ariz., with her husband and two children. Her e-mail address is viclj@worldnett.att.net.
 
 

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