Last night as we began to celebrate our Holy Thursday Mass, in the parking lot at St. James, it was really cold- sleet began to fall, and just as our lectors were taking their places, a gust of wind blew over our speakers, music and mic stands. Our holy oils, displayed for the Mass, were blown to the floor and smashed (don't worry! They were last year's oils, and due to be poured out to make room for our newly-blessed oils! The wind just took care of that for us), and Fr. Murray's glasses blew right off his head!
The decision was made to move indoors, and everyone who was snug in their warm cars was invited to come into the lower church hall, where the Mass would continue. Suddenly, people got out of their cars, and grabbed mic stands and speakers and books and speakers and lugged it all into the hall to be re-set.
Due to Covid, we're unable to do the grand processions that are usually associated with Holy Week. But last night, a beautiful procession happened despite our best plans.
It reminds me that we can survive, and even triumph over the craziest circumstances, when we set our eyes on Christ. It also reminded me you never can tell what you'll see at Mass at MQOA!
Join us tonight, outside at Immaculate Conception. We'll have some chairs out, but it's going to be COLD, and you can stay in your car for the evening's services; you'll be able to hear everything on your radio and we will bring Communion to you in your car. It's going to be beautiful, this I know.
And/or join us tomorrow at 4:00 PM at St. James parking lot at 4:00 PM for the great Vigil, or Sunday at 8:30 AM at St. James in English or 11:30 AM at Immaculate Conception in Spanish.
We wish you and yours a blessed Easter. Thank you for being part of what God is creating at MQOA!
-Margo