September at Christ Church

A Note from Fr. Will

One hundred years ago Fr. Robertson wrote in “The Reminder” about the first twenty years of Christ Church: “It is the practice of the Catholic faith that has marked this parish for persecution, belittling, and yet for joy, triumph and an influence which we feel only Jesus knows in its fullness.” Christ Church was able to keep going because of its practice of the Catholic faith and its joy in that faith. I do not see any reason why we should not find ourselves in that very same situation yet again: rejoicing in the practice of our faith. Since I first came to Christ Church nearly one year ago, part of my brief has been to help build us up in that faith by bringing things old and new out of the storehouse. To that end, I want to try a few things in the weeks to come.

You will notice some additions to the liturgy on Sunday morning. Many of these changes will be small but some will be larger. These larger additions will bring our liturgy more into line with the long tradition of Catholic worship in our church and will help emphasize the faith as we have received it. We will remind ourselves of our belief in the efficacy of our sacraments and in the real presence of Christ. None of these changes will be made without specific teaching and explanation.

Daily mass has long been a source of spiritual nourishment, devotion, and strength in our tradition and in this parish. We can begin to build our own devotion by celebrating more often. Beginning on September 8, we will have morning prayer followed by mass at 9 am on Monday through Thursday. It would be wonderful if anyone would like to volunteer to lead Morning Prayer on days when I am away in order to continue regular worship in the church.

Finally, one of the surest signs of joy and of deep prayer is singing. We will, therefore, return to chanting and singing as much of the liturgy as we are able.

All of this will only serve its purpose if it leads us to know Jesus in his fullness as indeed he knows us. I ask for your prayers and I assure you of mine.