WHERE DID EVERYONE GO AND WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?
ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE: We went to the Easter Vigil. Former MHTer Terry Ruttger has been a parishioner at STA for several years and she invited us to go with her. Ellen Reicho was also along. We did cross paths with former MHTers Dick and Mary Enz.
The worship space at STA was very different from what we were used to. There were no pews and the sturdy wooden chairs were arranged in a 360 (like an oval or circle). I liked being able to see the faces of everyone present as opposed to only seeing the backs of heads as in a traditional church. I also like how the presider and altar servers were among the people. The logistics of the lectors, the choir and the altar seemed strange but I think this is something that takes a little time to get used to as will the layout, dynamics and culture of any church.
The music selection was traditional "Easter" music and the choir did a very nice performance. There was a drum and some percussion that gave the music a little bit of a contemporary sound. Mary Enz sings with the choir even though they are not registered parishioners at this time. She said she likes their sound and that they have a very good leader. It looked like there were about 20-25 members in the choir.
The liturgy was good. Very similar to MHT's Easter Vigil with the bonfire at the entrance, everyone lighting candles, moving from darkness to light and several readings. There were three baptisms and they have a large font that the candidates walk into. Fr Harry Tasto gave a good sermon and he personally greeted us after Mass. He seems like a very friendly, warm and welcoming pastor. There was a wine and cheese reception after Mass in the gathering space. Fr. Harry donned a sports jacket and mingled with the congregation. He seemed very comfortable around parishioners and looked as though he was having an enjoyable time. He was still standing around chatting when we left.
I liked the Gathering Space. It forced everyone to walk through the reception before leaving. Even though a few people introduced themselves to us and chatted for awhile, I still felt like an outsider. It takes time and involvement to feel like you belong, no matter which church is chosen.
We went to an Easter Vigil over in St. Paul. I really missed the MHT music that night. You don't know what you have until it is gone.
ReplyDeleteWe went to St Edwards in Bloomington because the girls missed Fr Brian. It is a very large congregation and was overflowing for Easter. The girls didn't quite know what to make of the sea of people! Their choir complete with costumes, bell ringers and mini-orchestra, still didn't capture the magic of MHT's. But it was a lovely service with the usual current event story line from Fr Brian. I would bet that the parishioners had never heard the priest say "totally awesome" at an Easter service! Fr Brian was surprised to see us but was glad we were "slumming it". Had a nice conversation with Deacon Jim. Sounds like they are doing well - just a little tired. I am sure that they are putting in lots of extra hours. Deacon Jim was very excited that they have a very active Social Justice program.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jane and all! Mary and I attended at OLG of course.
ReplyDeleteWhat took me by surprise was your description of the STA Easter, and the fact that Fr Harry Tasto is the pastor! He was the priest at our wedding while he was still at St Tim's in Blaine. St Tim's has the semicircle design and (more after we left) the altar was in the focal point of the semi-circle, but is large enough that there is pew seating rather than chairs. We will continue to attend OLG as long as Mary is on the parish council, and perhaps then we will do some "roaming". I called the Archdiocese today to ask if there will be a deconsecration of the MHT worship space. I will post a comment when I learn anything about it.
We were really "roamin'" during Holy Week. We went to my godchild's First Eucharist at a Lutheran church, went to St. John's in Hopkins, and then to Christ the King on Easter. The Easter service was full, and we stood in the doorway/lobby of the church. Fr. Korogi spoke about the recent discussion held between the diocese and students at a local Catholic high school (sorry, I'm forgetting which school). He thought it was good that the students are thinking and questioning the current issues. The congregation applauded after the homily.
ReplyDeleteLast weekend we went to St. Margaret Mary and witnessed a baptism. We saw the Burkes, Pat O'Brien, and Mike McMonagle there.
This is "Scooter Joe" again. I had asked Fr. Schwartz at the fish fry what might be done or if a deconsecration of the MHT site was to be done. He directed me to the Archdiocese. I talked and e-mailed the Archdiocese, and guess wnat? They directed me to Fr. Bob! If I hear anything else, I will pass it along. I thought deconsecration would be an automatic and very important part of the merger process. Evidently it is not????
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