| Reading I Is 60:1-6 |
Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 |
| Reading II Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 |
Gospel Mt 2:1-12 |
I
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M.
Form C of the penitential rite.
The homily started with an observation that a television program advertised on local buses dealt with the legend of King Arthur and is titled "Did the greatest king who ever live really live?" The priest then pondered the historical accuracy of the legends surrounding the Magi, noting that much of what we claim to know of them-- including their very names-- is not mentioned in the Bible. He concluded that many of us are seekers like the Magi, and we can find other seekers all around us-- our coworkers, those in school with us, and our neighbors.
We recited the Creed, in which the priest omitted the obscenity "men" in "for us men and our salvation." Then the reader led the recitation of the intentions of the Prayer of the Faithful from the ambo. A collection was taken using long-handled metal baskets; notable is that this collection started in the rear and proceeded towards the front of the church. Two people presented the gifts, and an usher approached from the side to present the large wicker basket containing the proceeds of the collection. The priest blessed the gifts at the altar but then gave a ciborium to the server and shook his head. The server took it from the sanctuary and shortly afterward returned with a similar ciborium, after which the server assisted the priest in washing his hands. The priest began the Orate Fratres prayer, and everyone stood just before the response. Then the server removed the ciborium and took it back to the sacristy; he returned shortly afterward with another (the same?) ciborium. The chalice and ciboriums were of metal, although two smaller serving chalices were of glass.
The priest offered the second Eucharistic Prayer.
three extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
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I .
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In Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Mass is offered at Holy Family Church on West Center Street. There and everywhere, you can almost always find a Catholic Mass.
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