We are indeed 21st century people. Two realities confront society today: extreme individualism and the divorce of faith from ordinary family and everyday life. Yet despite this bad news, the good news is that a great revolution is taking place in the hearts of many - a longing for belonging.
"In my Father's house there are many rooms." John 14:2
It can sometimes feel intimidating to enter a church you’re not familiar with. You might feel self-conscious when it seems that everybody but you knows what they’re doing. At St. John, nobody will be singled out or made to feel uncomfortable. You are our respected and welcome guest, and we hope you will feel as comfortable in our house as you would in that of a valued friend. Please don’t hesitate to ask our ushers or greeters at the door if you have any questions. We hope, as well, that the information below will give you a better understanding of the way we worship, and help you feel more at home when you join us.
The place of worship
As you enter St. John Church, you will notice a mixture of quiet reverence and joyful camaraderie in the few minutes prior to the beginning of mass. Most of our worshipers cherish that time to make a transition from the world outside into the spirit of God’s house. The architecture of St. John is designed to remind us of a tent. The pitch of highs and lows reminds us of a tent-dwelling. In the first chapter of St. John Gospel, our patron tells us that when the Son of God became flesh, he pitched his tent and made his dwelling with us!! So, our church building is a reminder that God lives with us, his people. The seating layout radiates from the altar - which is at the center and the focus of the liturgy -and reinforces our sense of community.
The Baptistry - If you use the main entrance of St. John Church you will probably observe people approach the baptistry, dip their fingers in the water and make the sign of the cross by touching their forehead, breastbone, left shoulder then right shoulder all the while saying or silently praying the words "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This gesture recalls our baptism and reminds us that we are born again of water and spirit. The bapistry at St. John is two-tiered and made of rainbow granite. The top tier is for the baptism of infants,while the bottom tier allows for the full emersion baptism of children and adults. Full emersion baptism recalls the ancient practice of the church for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Located at the other entrances of the church are holy water fonts from which worshipers also bless themselves as they enter the church.
The Tabernacle - This is where the Most Holy Eucharist (consecrated hosts) is reserved. The bronze tabernacle at St. John is surrounded by reamy glass with sunburst lead lines. It is mounted in the wall adjacent to the chapel sanctuary. Tabernacle doors allow access from the church side, as well as the chapel side of the wall.
The Cornerstone from the 1894 church - Because it is located in the alcove behind the altar, most parishioners are not aware of this special historic item. The stone is from the 1894 church, formerly located on Genesee Street.
The Ambo - This is the lecturn from which the lectors (lay ministers) proclaim the words of scripture and the priest reads the Gospel. The ambo at St. John has rainbow granite squares on it's front which are inscribed with the initials of Mark, Luke and Matthew and an eagle image depicting John, the fourth evangelist and our patron saint.
The Crucifix - The cross is central to our Christian faith. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the corpus (body) is still on the cross. Even though Jesus is risen, we keep his body on the cross so we don't forget and always remember the tremendous sacrifice He made for us. The corpus on the cross in St. John Church was hand carved and brought here from Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany by Father Donahoe and was originally on the cross in the 1951 church. The letters that are placed around the cross in our church recall the Good Friday account retold by our parton St. John. The top letters, INRI recall the inscription that Pilate had placed on the cross, (I) Jesus of Nazareth, Rex (King) of the (I) Jews; BVM, the Blessed Virgin Mary; SJN, St. John the Beloved Disciple and MM, Mary Magdalen.
The Pipe Organ circa 1926 - The original pipes of the organ were removed from St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Detroit, Michigan by the James A. Aebel II Organ Company of Ortonville, MI. They completely rebuilt and renovated it in 1993. The original console was replaced with a modern solid state electronic console that contains a 25 bank memory which stores various combinations for the convenience of the organist. It is a beautiful blend of oak and mahogany woods. Three interesting features of the organ are the harp stop taken from a theater organ in Ypsilanti, MI, an eight bell cymbelstern and a transposer. The organ was enlarged from its original thirty-four ranks to forty ranks, consisting of over 2,400 pipes.
The Stations of the Cross - Around the perimeter of the inside walls of the church are fourteen images marked by a cross. These images trace Jesus' journey from the trial before Pilate to His crucifixion and death on Calvary. Traditionally, pilgrims to Jerusalem would follow the route of Jesus' Passion (suffering) , stopping along the way to meditate on various events. The practice of praying the Stations of the Cross allows us to imitate those pilgrims and meditate on our Lord's Passion and death. You can pray the Stations with a group or by yourself. The normal procedure is to walk from station to station-as it were, walking the Passion with Jesus. At each station, stop and reflect on the aspect of the Passion represented on the particular image. A devotion text can be used to assist in meditation. Or you may meditate and pray in your own words. The Stations of the Cross in St. John Church were hand carved in Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany and were originally in the 1951 church.
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The Paschal or Easter Candle - On the surface of this large candle, five grains of incense have been incased as a symbol of Christ's wounds. It is blessed on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil and is symbolic of the Risen Savior, Light of the World. It is then used in the blessing of baptismal water and and remains during the Easter Season in the sanctuary, where it is lighted during liturgical services.
The Bell - Located in the tower of St. John Church was cast in 1894 and is inscribed in Latin Majorem Dei Gloriam which means " All for the greater glory of God."
Mass - This is the common name for the Eucharistic liturgy of the Catholic Church. Also referred to as Eucharist, Celebration of the Liturgy, Eucharistic celebration, Sacrifice of the Mass or Lord’s Supper, “Celebrating Mass,” “Concelebrating Mass,” “Celebrating the Liturgy,” or “Celebrating the Eucharist.”
Vestments - Vestments are the uniform of the priest when he is "on duty," while he is exercising the functions of his ministry and using the sacred powers which he received at his ordination.
The Church ordinarily permits the use of four colors in the sacred vestments -- white, red, green, and violet... Gold may be used as a substitute for white, red or green. Each of these colors has its own meaning.
When are these colors used? When the Church wishes to denote purity, innocence or glory, she uses white. White is the color of the resurrection and so is used in masses for the dead. Red is the color of fire and of blood; it is used in Masses of the Holy Ghost, such as on Pentecost, to remind us of the tongues of fire -- and on the feasts of all saints who shed their blood for their faith. Red is also used on Good Friday and Palm Sunday. The purple or violet is expressive of penance; it is used during Lent and Advent (except on saints' days), and also on the sorrowful festival of the Holy Innocents. Green is the color which denotes the growth and increase of our holy Church, symbolic of hope; and is used during Ordinary Time, on days that are not saints' days.
Sacred Vessels
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The Chalice - This is a cup made of gold or silver, or if of silver, the interior must be of gold. It holds the wine for the Holy Sacrifice, and is a striking figure of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Purificator - This is a linen cloth used for wiping the chalice, and the fingers and mouth of the celebrant after Communion. It is spread over the cup of the chalice at the beginning and end of
The Paten - This is a plate of gold or silver upon which the large bread for consecration rests until the Offertory.
The Pall - This is a square pocket-shaped piece of linen with a cardboard inserted in order to stiffen it. It is placed over the chalice to prevent dust or other matter falling into it.
The Chalice Veil - This is the cloth which covers the chalice until the Offertory, and again after the Communion. It also is made of the same material and color as the vestments.
Burse and Corporal - The Burse is a square container for the corporal when the latter is not in use. It is made of the same material and color as the vestments. The Corporal is a square piece of linen. In size and appearance it resembles a small napkin. It is spread out on the altar, and the chalice is placed upon it. During the Mass the Sacred Host rests for a time on the Corporal.
The Liturgy: The public prayer of the Church
Note: The following terms are listed in their sequence of the Mass.
Entrance Procession
Priest, deacon, altar servers, lectors, enter the church or designated place for celebration of the liturgy.
Entrance Song/Music
The song/music which takes place during the entrance procession.
Veneration of the Altar
The revering of the altar with a kiss and the optional use of incense.
Greeting
The celebrant greets all pre-sent at the liturgy, expressing the presence of the Lord to the assembled community.
Penitential Rite
A general acknowledgment of sinfulness by the entire assembly, accompanied by requests for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Gloria
Ancient hymn of praise in which the Church glorifies God. It is used on all Sundays (outside of Advent and Lent), and at solemn celebrations. The text originates from the Christmas narrative in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:14).
Opening Prayer
This prayer by the celebrant expresses the general theme of the celebration.
Liturgy of the Word
That section of the celebration where readings from the Scriptures are proclaimed and reflected upon. On Sundays and major feasts, there are three readings:
- Old Testament selection
- New Testament selection (from the Epistles)
- The Gospel reading
Responsorial Psalm
Between the first and second readings, a psalm is spoken or sung by the entire assembly. The response is repeated after each verse. If sung, a cantor or choir sings the verses of the psalm.
Alleluia Acclamation
This acclamation of praise to God follows the second reading and prepares the assembly for the Gospel.
Homily
The homily (sermon) is a reflection by the celebrant or other minister on the Scripture readings and on the application of the texts in the daily lives of the assembled community.
Profession of Faith
The assembly together recalls and proclaims the fundamental teachings of the Roman Catholic faith. The Profession of Faith, also referred to as the Creed, is used on all Sundays and Holy Days.
General Intercessions
Prayer of intercession for all of humankind; for the Church, civil authorities, those with various needs, for all peoples, and for the salvation of the world. The celebrant invites all to pray, another minister proclaims the prayers of petition and the assembly responds by asking God to hear and to grant their requests.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
The section of the celebration when the gifts of bread and wine are prepared and the Eucharistic Prayer is proclaimed by the celebrant, and the Blessed Sacrament is distributed to the assembly.
Blessed Sacrament
The Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ, whether at the Mass or reserved in a special place in the Church.
Preparation of the Gifts
The time in the Mass when the bread and wine to be used in the celebration are brought to the celebrant, usually by representatives of the faithful.
Offertory Song
Music used during the presentation of gifts to the celebrant and as the altar is prepared for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Incense
Incense (material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned) is used as a symbol of the Church’s offering; the rising smoke represents the prayers of the assembly rising to God.
Washing of Hands
An expression of the desire for inward purification. The celebrant washes his hands in symbolic cleansing to prepare himself just as the gifts have been prepared as an offering to the Lord.
Prayer Over the Gifts
The prayer by the celebrant asking that the gifts to be offered be made holy and acceptable in the eyes of the Lord.
Eucharistic Prayer
This is the center and high point of the celebration, the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. During the Eucharistic Prayer, the Church believes that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Preface Dialogue
The introductory dialogue between the celebrant and assembly in which all are invited to join in prayer and thanksgiving to God. The Holy, Holy, Holy is the response of the community to the preface and a continuation of the general theme of praise and thanks. Also called the Sanctus.
Consecration
The prayer and blessing during which the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Intercessions
A series of prayers for the Church, the world, the Pope, clergy and laity, and the dead.
Amen
Also called the Great Amen. It is the acclamation by the people expressing their agreement with all that has been said and done in the Eucharistic prayer.
Lord ’s Prayer (“Our Father…”
The prayer of petition for both daily food (which for Christians means also the Eucharistic bread) and the forgiveness of sins.
Doxology
The response of the people acclaiming the sovereignty of God.
Sign of Peace
Before sharing the Body of Christ the members of the assembly are invited to express their love and peace with one another, usually in the form of a handshake or hug.
Breaking of the Bread
The celebrant recreates gestures of Christ at the Last Supper when He broke the bread to give to His disciples. The action signifies that in communion the many are made one in the one Bread of Life which is Christ.
Lamb of God (“Agnus Dei ”)
An invocation during the breaking of the bread in which the assembly petitions God for mercy and peace.
Holy Communion
After saying a preparatory prayer, the celebrant (or other designated ministers) gives communion (the consecrated bread and wine) to himself and the other ministers at the altar, and then communion is distributed to the congregation.
Communion Song
The music that is used as the consecrated bread and wine – the Body and Blood of Christ – is distributed to the faithful.
Prayer After Communion
The final prayer by the celebrant in which he petitions that the Sacrament be beneficial for all.
Concluding Rite
The brief rite which consists of the celebrant’s greeting to all present, final blessing and dismissal; followed by a concluding song and concluding procession.
With kindest of thoughts, we explain why Holy Communion is reserved to Catholics. There are two reasons, which we hope you will understand, knowing our good will. Catholics believe that Our Lord Jesus Christ, following His words at the Last Supper and repeated at every Mass, is truly present as God and Man in the host and cup which are given as Communion. Because it is so sacred in that fact, we think it not proper to offer it to those who, in their honest belief, do not hold that Christ is truly and wholly present in Communion. The second reason is that the reception of Communion is a bond of unity among Catholics. It is a sign of their identity as Catholics. We know that good people wish all of us to be clear in our religious affiliation. During the distribution of communion, non-catholics, in lieu of receiving Holy Communion, are invited to join the procession to receive a blessing from the priest or eucharistic minister. The desire of the part of a non-catholic to receive a blessing is indicated by the crossing of arms across the chest.
The Missal the "Prayer Book" of the Church
During the mass you might see people following along using a small book. This book is called a missal, and helps worshipers participate more fully at Mass. It includes the order of the Mass, readings, eucharistic prayers and other pastoral helps. Some people review the day's reading before attending mass, which helps them better understand the message of the scripture.
Over a three-year cycle, the church reads through the letters and gospels and a portion of the Hebrew Scriptures. During the Sundays of Ordinary Time, the letters and gospels are read in order, each Sunday continuing near the place where the previous Sunday’s readings ended. During Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter, the readings are those which are traditional and appropriate to those seasons. If you were to attend Mass every day for three years, you would hear about 85% of the scriptures.
The Church Year
The Liturgical Calendar begins every year on First Sunday of Advent and runs through to the Solemnity of Christ the King, both occur during November.
In each cycle of the Liturgical Calendar, you will find six Seasons:
(1) Advent
(2) Christmas
(3) Lent
(4) Triduum
(5) Easter and
(6) Ordinary Time
During the year, in addition to the Sunday worship, the Church also celebrates Solemnities, Feasts, and Memorials which may be on any day of the week. These occur during the year to commemorate special events or persons that are highly revered by the Catholic Church.
As a non-Catholic, how can I participate in Mass?
If you accept the significance of Catholic customs during Mass, then there is no reason for you to refrain from those acts. You are more than welcome to engage in many of the church activities. You may make the sign of the cross using the Holy Water, kneel or bow to the tabernacle before entering the pews or kneel during communion. You are encouraged to participate in the singing, praying and the offering the sign of peace. However, Holy Communion and Confession are reserved for Catholics.
Where do I go from here?
To church, we hope! As you experience worship at St. John, please feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. Fr. Andrew, our pastor, will be happy to schedule time to visit with you. We trust and pray that, as worship becomes more familiar to you, the experience of being with God and your family in Christ at St. John will open the doors of the kingdom of God to you. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic you are encouraged to contact our Director of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation), Elaine Ouellette at 658-4776 ext 272 or email her at eouellette@stjohndavison.org
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