Why do we begin the school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit? My answer is simple: education is the work of the Holy Spirit. Through the inspiration and aid of the Holy Spirit, we are able to learn, teach and inspire others in school. Every one is given the power to participate inContinue reading “Why Do Catholic Schools Begin the School Year With The Mass of the Holy Spirit?”
Tag Archives: mass
What Questions to Ask in Choosing Liturgical Songs
There is a knock on the door of my office. Two campus ministers want me to check the list of songs for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. TJ Sunga, our campus minister, hands me the list of songs. I scan the list thoroughly. I have to be sure that each song fulfils its “ministerialContinue reading “What Questions to Ask in Choosing Liturgical Songs”
How to Choose Songs for the Mass
Christmas is notorious for inappropriate song choices for mass. In the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice in the University of the Philippines, we were aghast when a choir sang, “Silver Bells” for communion, or “We, Three Kings” during the Season of Advent. In a remote island in Quezon Province, a Jesuit volunteer said that theContinue reading “How to Choose Songs for the Mass”
How to Prepare for Mass
We sometimes forget what is pretty obvious. But sometimes what is common sense, may not be common after all. So this post is a friendly reminder just in case we come to worship routinely. 1. Plan when to attend mass. Just as we schedule events in our calendars, affixing the date and time for massContinue reading “How to Prepare for Mass”
Why We Sing at Mass
Is worship participation influenced by economic status? In my years of experience, the poor sing and participate more than the affluent. There is no statistics that would prove this, but having said masses in congregations raging from the rural and urban destitute to the high-brow, a priest cannot help but wonder. It is easier toContinue reading “Why We Sing at Mass”
What Do We Get When We Attend Mass Regularly?
16 March 2010 Tuesday of the 4th Week of LentEzekiel 47, 1-12; Psalm 46; John 5, 1-16 Why do we regularly come to church every Sunday? Why should we attend mass when we know that we will eventually fall again, only to return the next Sunday? Is this a futile routine that pious people do?Continue reading “What Do We Get When We Attend Mass Regularly?”
Christmas Midnight Mass
ika-24 ng Disyembre 2009 Christmas VigilIsaiah 62, 1-5; Psalm 89; Acts 13, 16-25; Matthew 1, 1-25Note: This article appears in Sambuhay for tonight’s midnight liturgy. Sambuhay is a publication of the Society of St. Paul. Sorry I don’t have time for an English translation. But the homily in the previous post can be used alsoContinue reading “Christmas Midnight Mass”
At the End of UP’s Centennial Celebrations
17 December 2008. Dawn Mass at the End of UP’s Centennial CelebrationsGenesis 49, 2, 8-10; Psalm 72; Matthew 1, 1-17 Note: This homily is intended for the community of the University of the Philippines at the end of the Centennial Celebrations. President Dr. Emerlinda Roman will be present. But the points apply to a generalContinue reading “At the End of UP’s Centennial Celebrations”
As Kingfishers Catch Fire 