Pastor's Corner September 6, 2026

Dear folks:

So, I'll be going over with you the reasons why I choose different options of the many that the Novus Ordo Mass allows. 

The main thing that governs my decision is what has come before. The option that is closest to what the Traditional Latin Mass had is what I am usually looking for. The idea is that if it was good enough for some 1500 years of Saints, it is going to be good for us! 

The option that I have gotten the most questions about since arriving at Saint Patrick's has been about a rather small detail: using both water and wine to purify the sacred vessels after Holy Communion. 

As those who have dealt with wine know, it is very sticky. Using wine first means it sticks to the bread and wine that have been turned into the Body and Blood of Jesus. Thus, the consecrated elements are pulled away from the metal of the sacred vessels and are more easily consumed, leaving no particles behind. 

Where we have the sign of the bread or wine, we have the reality of Jesus there. We show our faith in the Holy Eucharist when we take every reasonable precaution to capture all particles. That is one of the reasons why I recommend receiving on the tongue rather than taking in the hand. It makes it far easier to ensure all particles are reverenced. 

God bless!