WCR Letters to the Editor

Red Deer weekday Mass is popular

Our Bible study (from both St. Mary's and Sacred Heart) grew from about 12 to 20, then branched out into three groups, and one of these grew to 20 and had to split again!

Now I expected both these groups to be made up of mainly the older generation, and what a pleasant surprise to see so many young parents (moms and dads) with youngsters at Mass on a daily basis, and attending Bible study and prayer groups too.

I often read about saints, recently your article about the soldier, and those from another generation who took time out for daily Mass before school or work. Those who did count those as fond memories.

Frankly, I'm jealous. I wonder what response we would get if we had a 6:30 a.m. Mass.

I envy those who are out jogging or walking dogs at 6:30 a.m., because honestly, I sleep in to the last possible moment, even to get the kids off to school.

But I envy their discipline. I would benefit from it. And faith requires discipline and sacrifice. Making it to Mass early on days which I work would only benefit me all the more . . . and those with whom I work.

Sometimes I attend both 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Masses on the same Sunday. I was stunned to see how many others were doing the same - servers, readers, acolytes and particularly the music ministers.

In the music ministry I was so busy being nervous and listening for cues, that's all I thought about. I grew up reciting the prayers and responses at Mass. Now I pray them and I'm blessed by them. And now I know why they attend twice.

The call to a deeper and committed faith is catching on! We have reason to celebrate.

Perhaps we're ready to resurrect early Mass.

Mary Pringle
Red Deer

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