Don't drop the chalice!

Sorry for being a day late, only yesterday evening I was a little busy helping a friend who has just moved house, so by the time that I finally got home I practically dropped straight to sleep!

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Easter Day, and therefore makes it just one week now until my confirmation.

Mass yesterday was slightly different to normal. At the start Bishop Damien blessed the Palm crosses and then we all took turns to approach him and receive one. Traditionally there would be some form of procession, but as our church is small the layout does not really permit this, so instead our procession was a spiritual one, this in no way reduces the meaning of it.

There was no sermon, as the service itself includes several additions to the standard mass service, including the reading of the Passion of Christ, which I found to be quite moving indeed, not by how Bishop Damien read it (although he is a pleasure to listen to), but by the actual words...in my opinion a very powerful piece of scripture.

We were also joined by another visitor, who joined us a little way into the service. I believe that I am right in saying that he was from the Society of Pius X. After the service he stayed for tea, introduced himself and explained that he was visiting a few churches in the area seeking some help towards a homeless project. He was not after money, instead just somewhere that the project could meet every so often, provide refreshments (such as soup) and offer facilities to chat, etc.

Bishop Damien and Jennifer were able to offer some suggestions to him, as to places that may be available and suitable. He commented on how impressed he was with our mass and said that he would keep in touch and visit again in the future. I pray that he is able to find a suitable place for the project.

After tea and coffee and a short break it was time for the confirmation class. This week it was 2in1, as last week's was cancelled. The first part was about living life as an apostle, and as usual, I found it interesting. The second part was about the confirmation service itself.

We discussed what will happen....if all goes according to plan! The Bishop explained that he would slap our faces, he seemed rather pleased with this prospect!!!! He also told us about the importance and significance of the host and wine. He explained that when consecrated that they are the most important things within the church and how importnat it is to take great care of them.

With this in mind he explained to us how we should receive communion, and how we should take great care not to spill the body or blood of Christ. He also explained what should happen should any incidents occur at any time that we are receiving communion...hence the blog title for this posting! I have to say I am a little nervous about next week, i don't want to make any mistakes.

Well, that's about all for today...I'll post again on Wednesday. Bye for now.