I didn't write last week. I was in New Orleans for the International Catholic Stewardship Council Conference, then home just in time for 20 seminarians to arrive at our house, then at the Dome with 50,000 faithful for the Sheen Beatification, then giving a talk on the Mass to 40 parishioners Saturday night, then leading our first teen youth group meeting of the year Sunday evening.
It was a lot. It was also exactly what the Church looks like when she's growing into what she actually is.
I wrote about the whole week here: A Week in the Church
Blessed Fulton Sheen
Now that we can call him Blessed, I put together some of his best quotes on the Mass - with some reflection on each.
I wore my Holy Hour stole to Sheen's beatification - the one I wear every Sunday evening at our parish's hour of adoration. They asked us to wear white. Mine was gold. But I figured a man who spent 60 years before the Blessed Sacrament would understand.
Five Things Blessed Fulton Sheen Taught Us About the Mass
Meanwhile, in France
While we were at the Dome, Pope Leo was drawing 800,000 to the Champs-Élysées for Mass. His words to them:
"Seeing you gathered here, heirs to France's long and beautiful history of faith, I say to you: Drink from the source that is the pierced heart of Jesus. You thirst for God, for life, for truth, for unity, for peace, for communion, and for happiness."
Church bells rang across France for seven minutes when he arrived. The first papal visit in 18 years. Something is happening.
Happy Birthday, Joseph
Our third son Joseph Michael turns 17 today.
He made my morning when he stopped by the chapel for his blessing before heading to school. We love you to the moon and back, buddy - and we're proud of your faith, your love and concern for others, and your hard work.
This Weekend
I preach this weekend. The readings are about the vineyard - the vineyard of the Church, and the vineyard of our souls.
The parable of the two sons: one says "I will not" but later goes; the other says "Yes, sir" but never shows up. Which one did the father's will?
After a week of watching people actually show up - seminarians driving from New Orleans, 50,000 in St. Louis, 800,000 in Paris, 40 parishioners on a Saturday night, teenagers on a Sunday - I have a lot to draw on.
A Tale of Two Fathers
The first printed preview copies of my book arrived last Friday.
I've sent them to a few priests and bishops I wanted to let read it first. I also sold a handful at the "Re-Learn the Mass" dinner on Saturday night.
It's a Catholic business fable in the Lencioni tradition - a story about what happens when a parish stops expecting God to show up, and what it costs a pastor and a father to start expecting again.
This isn't the final copy, but if you want one, I'm happy to sell a preview for $10. The final will be available mid-November at $15.
Just reply to this email if you're interested.
"I Love You Even If We Disagree"
As partisan rhetoric continues into the midterm elections, the Phil 4:4 shirts are still available.
For friends local to our area, the discount code 62040 makes shipping free - and I'll hand-deliver.
From Domus
October begins tomorrow. The month opens with St. Thérèse of Lisieux and closes with All Saints.
& Altar has prayers for each day - morning, evening, and everything in between.
Two Lamps
Issue 22 comes out Friday. It's hard to believe I've been at this for 22 weeks!
Short fiction braiding the lives of two saints across centuries. Read it at TwoLamps.org →
Lux Perpetua
The Living Thread and The Lost Crown continue.
A serial novel in two tracks - mystery, memory, and the weight of what we inherit. Read it at LuxPerpetua.net →
Final Word
"The Mass is the greatest event in the history of mankind; the only Holy Act which keeps the wrath of God from a sinful world, because it holds the Cross between heaven and earth."
Blessed Fulton Sheen knew. Now we get to call him Blessed.
Until next week -
Dcn. Michael