A Pillarless View

It has been three months since I arrived at the Church of the Holy Spirit. How time flies! It is easy to get to know the parishioners who are all so friendly and welcoming. Your “pillarless” church enables me to have a good view of the congregation during Mass although those on the upper level are a little far off.

The Church runs many programmes but the best programme is the Mass according to Pope Benedict XVI. The Mass is indeed the high point of all celebrations and I am convinced that all involved have to prepare for this most important celebration although it takes place everyday, otherwise we may fall into routine.

I was most happy to be assigned as Spiritual Director of the various Liturgical Ministries and some changes that I suggested have been accepted and implemented. I have observed a great sense of openness and maturity and a desire for authentic liturgical practice among those involved in the Liturgy. This augurs well for more prayerful and beautiful Liturgical Celebrations in this parish and many souls can be touched.

The Altar Servers must be commended for the way they have taken to change. All 30 of them are in black shoes and come for at least one weekday Mass. Well-trained Altar Servers can have a certain impact on the congregation through their attention and devotion during Mass. The Altar Servers are also preparing themselves for more formation and will understand the Mass even more. Let us hope some of them become priests!

The other area I am assigned to is that of Faith Formation. This includes Children and Teen Catechetics and RCIA/RCIY. The new RCIA journey will be starting soon and I look forward to being involved. Through the RCIA, non-Catholics are introduced to the faith and sponsors, as they journey with their catechumens, discover what holiness of life really is. Other Catholics who join in can deepen their faith.

Church of the Holy Spirit is in an excellent location as far as public transport and food are concerned. I hope many will come to worship here and enjoy the many more facilities in this large building that are waiting to be used.

Fr Gerard Weerakoon