-Dorothy Holm

Part 1: What the assembly does to prepare for the Liturgy as they enter church.

As we approach the entrance to the church ushers greet us warmly.  We are encouraged to return their greeting.  The purpose of the greeting is not to merely welcome us to our home but initiate the merging of ourselves with the assembled community.

Next we usually dip our fingers into the holy water fonts & make the sign of the cross.  At St. Bede's we are particularly blest. Our church is filled with many signs and symbols.  Here each font (stoup) tells a different story, a different message.  Some are symbols of one of the persons of the Blessed Trinity, some a scripture verse or story.  (More detailed descriptions are available at the annual church tour of the signs and symbols of St. Bede's and is coming to our web site soon).  We sign ourselves with the holy water as a reminder of our Baptism and the lifestyle that should be reflected because of that sacrament. 

Then we enter the church.  As we look around we notice that the predominant color or type of flowers reflect the season, as do the cloths on the furnishings in the sacristy.  The sun may be filtering through the stain glass windows and their artist ensured that they too have a story to tell us if we but take the time to notice.   We are in the church about ten minutes before mass begins as there is much for us to do.  As we sit down we look around at those around us to gather them into our prayers-what needs do they have, what needs of others do we bring to this assembly.  Silently we name them.  What do we bring with us:  what happened this week that we want to offer thanksgiving, what joy or happiness did I experience that I want to express my appreciation; what do I need to forgive or need forgiveness, where do I need God's wisdom and strength to face in the coming week; 

The lector comes to the lectern from the assembly.  The lector is responding in one of the many ministries available to live out the commitment of their baptism.  They are a part of the gathered assembly and to signify their role in the assembly they return to their seat when their particular action is complete.  The lector announces the Week of the Mass and then invites us to take some time to center on our God.  All are silent as we consider where God has touched our lives during the week.