Thursday, April 24, 2008

Night to Remember

The Boy had track practice that night. Unfortunately, the end of practice coincided with the beginning of a special Mass scheduled at our parish. Fortunately, however, the Captain's work schedule, which has been somewhat hellish unpredictable lately at least allowed me the chance to keep this hectic schedule without all six Arklings in tow.

But as I screeched the wheels of the Ark on yet another trip across town, my momentum was fading fast. "You'll be late to the Mass," I told myself. "The Boy will be in track clothes and sneakers--and let's not forget what a teenage boy smells like after sports practice."

"Perhaps you shouldn't go?" I thought to myself, prompting a lightning round of pros and cons for attending. And just as The Boy collapsed into the passenger seat pawing around for his post-game snack, I remembered the words of the mom who organized the Mass. The Mass of Angels happens once each year, she said, please take an hour out of your busy schedules to join us in celebrating the lives of our angel children. Suddenly, being a few minutes late didn't matter. As I pulled into the church parking lot, my decision was reaffirmed by the few other late arrivals (also with sports-attired children) for the door.

Once inside, we lighted the remaining candles--just enough for each of the families for whom we were to pray--and carried them into the church with us, where the names of the children were already being read. Between each group of names a chorus of voices, some timid and tearful, others strong and supportive sang the refrain, "All you holy, little children, pray for us." And as I glanced from up from the litany of names, I saw the young man in his dirty track clothes standing next to me. With a heart both heavy and light all at once, I was glad we had come.

It was only an hour--out of the entire year--but in that one hour I remembered just why it is that the remaining hours should be so cherished.

9 comments:

Barb Szyszkiewicz said...

You know, I am all for "dress the kids nicely for church" and "get there on time" but as you have explained, sometimes that can't always happen. I'm glad that you and your son had the opportunity to attend such an important Mass together. It's a precious time.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful mass. I'm glad your son was there beside you, instead of being on the list of names.

Will you remind us again next year? I didn't see your post in time to send you my daughter's name.

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

Lorri,

I will absolutely announce it again. It's always this time of the year. And I'll remember to post the announcement earlier, too.

God Bless,
Jane

Stina said...

Thank you for going.

Anne said...

What a beautiful Mass your parish has! How blessed you are! Thank you for posting it for all of us to keep in prayer.

Blessings,
Anne

Anonymous said...

Jane...thank you for going to mass Jane...you have been such a great support for me this year. I know baby Kelly is looking over us and our families.
anne marie

Margaret in Minnesota said...

Thank you for attending, Jane, with all my heart. I know very well those temptations to not assist at Mass...or should I say, the excuses and the doubt...and I am so happy that you just did it! Thank you again, for your prayers and for the remembrance of our four little ones.

Life in Fitzville said...

Beautiful post... beautiful reminder.

Life in Fitzville said...

Beautiful post... beautiful reminder.