Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:30 p.m.
We will have Anointing of the Sick on the first Wednesday of Advent. If you are in need of the sacrament at any other time, contact the Parish Office to schedule a time, office@stfrancisnixa.org
This Advent season, we would like to ask you to focus on the Nativity scene. Each day we will provide you with a reflection about things in this glorious sight. We hope you join us daily as we journey through Advent. Advent begins Sunday
Nov. 29th.
Meaningful Mass Monday | Step 11: The Homily
(Explaining Mass, one step at a time.)
From the earliest days of Christian Liturgy, the Word of God was not read on its own. It was accompanied by a homily, which explained the meaning of the scriptural readings and drew out the application for people’s lives. This tradition dates back even further, though, as rooted in ancient Jewish custom: "Ezra read clearly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read." (Nehemiah 8:8)
The homily is to be given only by an ordained minister: a deacon, priest, or bishop. The same is true for the reading of the Gospel at Mass. A layperson or religious brother or sister might have greater speaking abilities or more theological and spiritual points to offer on a given topic than a particular priest or deacon. But that is not the purpose of the homily at Mass. While a homily ideally would be thoughtful, clear, and engaging, it ultimately is not a matter of eloquence or insight.
The homily being given by an ordained minister is meant to be a sign, or guarantee, that the preaching is passing on the Church’s apostolic Faith and not merely the private thoughts and experiences of an individual.
Think about a homily that recently made you think about something differently or taught you something.
---------
Interested in learning more about our Catholic faith? Join us Tuesday nights for the Book Study Group (via Zoom) or Sundays for Adult Faith Formation (in person or at home). Contact office@stfrancisnixa.org for more information.
---------
Summary derived from "A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do In The Liturgy" by Edward Sri (available at Desales Catholic Bookstore in Springfield)
Excerpts from the English translation of Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation, (ICEL); excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL; the English translation of Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children © 1975, ICEL. All rights reserved.
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-734483. All rights reserved.
Catholic Kids Media - Christ the King! Cycle A
www.youtube.com
Christ the King! A fun Catholic reflection for kids based on the readings for The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, cycle A. Support ...
Share your gifts easily with our new online giving option through WeShare. This secure website allows you to give on a recurring or one-time basis with your credit and debit card.
Have you ever wanted to know why we say this or do that during the Mass? St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
844 S. Gregg Road
P.O. Box 1920
Nixa, MO 65714
(417) 725-1975
