Saturday, January 1, 2011

A Special Treat

Powdered sugar donuts with vanilla filling for breakfast this morning
Our real treat was showing up last night for what was the regularly scheduled Friday evening Mass with the hope that Fr. D. would actually be saying the Mass for the Solemnity and having our hopes realized! I can't tell you how frustrating it was yesterday to try to find a Mass for today, fully understanding that the obligation was abrogated but wanting to attend a Mass in honor of the Solemnity anyway! There was nothing scheduled. Nothing to be found in the area. No vigil, no Saturday morning Mass scheduled. We knew the Cistercians would be up at 6 AM for their regular community Mass but that really isn't a realistic option for a family who lives 45 minutes away. So we planned to go to the Friday evening Mass knowing full well that Father could choose to celebrate it as a daily Mass but hoping it would be the Solemnity vigil.

It was!

We shouldn't have doubted, I know, but it's hard when so many times, the lack of obligation tends to bring with it the lack of opportunity. This priest though, is a true gem! When we asked him before Mass if he was going to be celebrating the Mass of the Solemnity, he simply replied, "Of course!" And he even told us he was planning on an "unscheduled" 9AM Mass on the day! God love Fr. D!

Happy Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and Happy New Year!!!
 

10 comments:

  1. We were happy to find an 11:30 p.m. Mass last night. I think we would have been able to go to a regular Saturday Mass, but being there at midnight is better.

    It's too bad the bishops think we can't handle going to Mass those few extra days per year.

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  2. I'm so grateful for our priest who is always so determined to bring the celebration of feasts and sacraments to his flock. We had a Mass honoring the holy day last night, this morning, and then on to our normally scheduled Sunday vigil tonight as well. I feel so blessed to have Fr. Bradley as our pastor. So glad you were able to celebrate it as well!

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  3. I'm glad you were able to find the Mass you wanted and wish you a very Happy New Year.

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  4. I am so glad to hear that it ended up being a Mass for the Solemnity! What a blessing! Happy New Year and Happy Feast of Mary, Mother of God!!

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  5. You know Sara, I understand if the bishops want to remove the pain of sin associated with not fulfilling an obligation to attend Mass. What I don't get is ignoring the voluntary aspect. Why can't they abrogate the obligation if they deem it necessary, but in the same breath encourage those who can attend to try to attend, along with encouraging priests to offer enough Masses as to reasonably accommodate those who want to attend?

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  6. Charlotte, what a treat indeed. For some reason our parish isn't even offering the usual Sat morning Mass today so attending Mass isn't an option at all for us.

    "Why can't they abrogate the obligation if they deem it necessary, but in the same breath encourage those who can attend to try to attend, along with encouraging priests to offer enough Masses as to reasonably accommodate those who want to attend?" Oh I so agree!!

    And those donuts look awesome too.

    Happy New Year and Blessed Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God!

    Many prayers that you and your family will have a very blessed year full of grace and peace.

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  7. Charlotte,

    Thank you so much for the beautiful coloring page you provided for this Solemnity. My children and I had the pleasure of using it today. I linked back to you on my blog.

    God bless and Happy New Year!

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  8. Mater Dei had three Holy Masses this morning. I can't imagine not going to Holy Mass on this wonderful feast day and the last day of the Octave of Christmas! Thanks for all the great posts in 2010. Looking forward to next year as well!

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  9. What a treat for the Solemnity mass. Did you make those donuts?

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  10. Robina,
    Those were courtesy of Mr. Dunkin down the street! ;)

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