1 /5 linda m: I grew up attending mass all of my life, throughout my young school days in city Parochial schools - St. Emerics, St. Brigids and also Catholic high school - looking forward to Sundays and even Holy Days of Obligation. Mathew 11:28 "Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you" were the words soaring above our altar at St. Emerics which have since been emblazoned in my heart. Over fifty years, I have been blessed with witnessing beautifully thought out sermons, inspiring & thought-provoking lessons that have often left me feeling renewed, refreshed and inspired and also part of a warm and loving community. Sadly, this past Ash Wednesday I was reminded why I no longer attend mass at St. Gabriels, going home with no such light imparted by the clergy there. As always the experience was dry, cold, no spirit of community, not a smile, no warmth of spirit coming through, not a welcome home to come to. I paraphrase the words that came home with me this Wednesday night ..."Repent, repent, repent. Dont come today for these ashes, you healthy Catholics, if you dont also plan to attend mass here or at St. Margarets this coming Sunday.." was the repeated theme. And of course the age old “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return” which even St. Patricks Cathedral uses, was instead the harsher “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel”. With such a non-welcoming theme, message and atmosphere I have been left with zero inspiration to attend again this Sunday, Father. When I think of the millions of Catholic parishioners across this country (and world) who no longer attend mass it truly saddens me. Love draws parishioners in Father, not cynical attitudes. Back to my welcoming Episcopalian home and community I go.
