Five minutes later a woman approached us and asked if we would be willing to bring up the Offertory gifts (unconsecrated communion wafers and wine). The process is a standard part of Mass, but every church does it a little differently. I told the woman we were visiting and weren't familiar with their process, but she said she would cue us and we agreed to do the task.
As the ushers were beginning their collection process the woman motioned to us to join her in the foyer between the two building sections by the baptismal font. She gave us each a small squirt of hand sanitizer, then handed me the covered container of wafers and Tony the carafe of wine. We waited until the priest moved in front of the altar, then walked up the aisle and handed the items off. In exchange we received a nice blessing.
At the end of the Mass the priest thanked everyone who had participated in the ceremony, including the musicians and the servers. Somehow he had learned that we were visitors, and included that fact when he thanked us. Several of the people seated close to us turned around and smiled. Both actions made me feel very welcomed.
Five years ago today: Wonders All Around
I think it's odd that they would put visitors to work.
ReplyDeleteThe task is considered more of an honor than a chore.
DeleteInteresting mass
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience, as it should be. I am having a bit of disconnect with some of the members of our church who aren't friendly and outgoing to visitors, yet they want more people to come to our church! Including visitors in the worship service is a good way to make connections.
ReplyDeleteI'm becoming very cognizant of how often my regular church relies on the same group of people to do everything.
DeleteHow good you accepted. The offertory gifts were a fine vehicle.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteI don't know anything about Catholic ceremony but glad you didn't trip or anything on the way up.
ReplyDeleteThat makes two of us :-)
DeleteI've never seen Mass! That was funny they'd put you to work!
ReplyDeleteAs I told Mike, it's a privilege to do the job, not work.
DeleteA warm welcome is exactly what everyone should get in any house of worship, no matter why you're there.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteThat's nice that you were able to participate in the mass and were made to feel welcome!
ReplyDeleteA welcoming church.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.