Mass is ended. Now what do we do? Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Mass is Ended The Mass is ended, and life begins. So the Mass is ended. Now what do we do?  Having received Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, we go out into the world to bring Christ to all we meet, […]Read more

After Holy Communion, do this! Today’s Lenten Lesson: Thanksgiving After Communion There’s lots of great features on the Relevant Radio App, but this one is my favorite and I use it every day. Once you’ve downloaded the Relevant Radio App, click on the drop down menu on the right hand side (it’s in the upper […]Read more

How do you receive Holy Communion? Today’s Lenten Lesson: How to Receive Holy Communion Do you know how to receive Holy Communion? When Our Lady appeared to Adele Brise at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Wisconsin, her message was simple, clear and direct.  “Teach the children what they need to know […]Read more

We say the words of an unbaptized centurion? Today’s Lenten Lesson: Behold the Lamb of God The most powerful personal prayer at Mass was written by a guy who wasn’t even baptized. It’s true. It’s the “Lord, I am not worthy” prayer and it was an unbaptized Roman centurion who made it up. Right before […]Read more

Remember ‘secret’ prayers? This is the best one! Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Best ‘Secret’ Prayer Remember those ‘secret’ prayers?  This is my favorite. After the faithful sing or recite the “Lamb of God, Grant us Peace,” pay close attention to what the priest celebrant is doing. He bows his head, folds his hands, and prays […]Read more

This means “Lamb of God” Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Agnus Dei Most of what is in the Mass can be found in the Bible. It’s true, almost every word in the Mass can be traced back to the Bible – like the “Lamb of God” prayer right before Holy Communion. In Latin we call it […]Read more

How does peace begin? Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Sign of Peace St. Mother Teresa said, “Peace begins with a smile.” Do you smile when you offer someone a sign of Christ’s peace?  I sure hope so.  It helps. There is a lot going on during the “Communion Rite” at this point in the Mass. But […]Read more

There are seven petitions in this prayer Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Lord’s Prayer Do you know why the Our Father is called the Lord’s Prayer? The Our Father is called the “Lord’s Prayer” because it was given to us by Jesus Christ, Our Lord.  He composed it. That’s why we stand up to pray it […]Read more

It’s the same in multiple languages Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Eucharistic Prayer (7) Amen Do you remember that Amen song from the movie Lilies of the Field? It is such a simple word: Amen. And it seems to be exactly the same in English, German, French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew. That’s because it […]Read more

Do you know what the Doxology is? Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Eucharistic Prayer (6) Eucharistic Doxology Do you know what the Doxology is? No matter which Eucharistic Prayer we use (1, 2, 3, 4 or the various Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation or Masses for Children) they all end the same with the “Eucharistic Doxology.” A […]Read more

Did you know the dead are actually alive? Today’s Lenten Lesson: Lesson 30: The Eucharistic Prayer (5) Memento of the Dead Did you know that the dead are actually alive? At every Mass, the Church prays for the living and the dead. Just because a person has died does not mean he is no longer […]Read more

Who doesn’t like bells? Today’s Lenten Lesson: The Eucharistic Prayer (4) Bells Do you like to hear the bells at Mass? I love bells, don’t you? Bells are permitted at Mass, but not mandatory. Still, I think they add something beautiful to the experience. When I was chaplain at Northridge Prep school for boys, the […]Read more