After some years
of being out in a parish-based ministry many altar servers of our diocese and
other dioceses, who are so in-love with the Church and the liturgy, are being
halt by some people who do not like changes and doing what is right in accord
with the liturgical norms.
“I know what is
right because I’m older.” This
scratched and non-sense statement is the favorite of those people who, as they
feel it, know what they’re doing. They “know” because they are “old” or they
already grew roots in the sacristy or in the parish. This kind of competency will
not be honored especially for those who underwent formal formation or
education. This statement is an escape to reality that some people (older or
younger) who are more credible will take over their position in the parish, and
that they will be set neglected.
"I came from this
parish and I want to serve and to help." Help or escape from cases or the past? Love your own parish, love where
you were born or planted. Some who love to help other parish will only add
problems, which he is an expert, or make a new one and put an ad of “I know this
because I came from...” In the book “The Death of the Liturgist,” this case is
not helpful unless the one who presented help to the parish priest is an
educated or well-formed liturgical minister.
Why does parish
priests and other lay leaders are so in love with suspending or removing people
who are righteous? It can be envy or pride or maybe, financial matters, I
suppose? Firm principles in the liturgy and trust to competent people are
essential for the growth of a parish.
If a parish
community has a way to make funds for constructions and other projects, why not
invest in formation or send someone to a formal education? It is not an
expense, it is an investment. Never hinder someone who volunteers to study to
help. Never support someone who says he knows something by reading only books.
Education is the best solution, and the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
supports that, even other Church norms and the Pope.
For those who are
so in-love with the Church and the liturgy: Study! Saint Josemaria said: “An
hour of study, for a modern apostle, is an hour of prayer.” “If you are to
serve God with your mind, to study is a grave obligation for you.” “Study in
earnest. If you are to be salt and light, you need knowledge, ability.” Don’t
only read books! You cannot assure its orthodoxy. “Books: don't buy them
without advice from a Christian who is learned and prudent. It's so easy to buy
something useless or harmful. How often a man thinks he is carrying a book
under his arm, and it turns out to be a load of rubbish!” Much more, study (especially
in formal and orthodox institutes or school) with pastoral experience and
on-going study and formation is a must for those who wish to serve well Holy
Mother Church.
To do what is
right is a noble act. To believe someone who is right, because he knows it by
study, that it is a holy act. To believe someone who do what is right according
to the Church’s norms is an act of fidelity, and applying what is in the norms
is orthodoxy.
