How to Prepare for Mass - Message from Father Nagel
Set up a space in your Home for Mass and Prayer!
Please consider setting up a special place in your home for Mass and Prayer. Perhaps you will want to use your TV or a laptop for the live stream Mass Sunday. Then you can place candles on each side along with a bible, rosary, crucifix, sacred statues and other sacramentals. Also, consider using chairs from the kitchen or dining table so you are in a posture of reverence.
Click Here for Live Feed of Mass
Click Here for Live Feed of Rosary
Click Here for Virtual Narthex
Please consider setting up a special place in your home for Mass and Prayer. Perhaps you will want to use your TV or a laptop for the live stream Mass Sunday. Then you can place candles on each side along with a bible, rosary, crucifix, sacred statues and other sacramentals. Also, consider using chairs from the kitchen or dining table so you are in a posture of reverence.
Click Here for Live Feed of Mass
Click Here for Live Feed of Rosary
Click Here for Virtual Narthex
Preparing for Sunday Mass!
Since this will be a whole new experience, you will want to think about your “new normal.” I recommend that you get dressed up, just like you are heading to Mass at St. John’s.
If you have children, talk to them about what is happening and why you are having Mass at home. Be sure to remind them that while this is a good thing to do in the face of the churches being closed, we really look forward to the day when we get to go back to St. John’s! Encourage children to participate and be engaged. MagnifiKid is available at the following link: https://us.magnificat.net/home/magnifikid
We will start the live stream 10 minutes early so you can prepare with silent prayer. Once you are connected, light the candles, genuflect towards the altar shown on screen at St. John’s and use the holy water to do the sign of the cross, just as if you are entering the church.
Since you will have the readings ahead of time, you could also read them in advance and pray with them before Mass.
Think about who or what you would like to offer your Mass for this day.
Since this will be a whole new experience, you will want to think about your “new normal.” I recommend that you get dressed up, just like you are heading to Mass at St. John’s.
If you have children, talk to them about what is happening and why you are having Mass at home. Be sure to remind them that while this is a good thing to do in the face of the churches being closed, we really look forward to the day when we get to go back to St. John’s! Encourage children to participate and be engaged. MagnifiKid is available at the following link: https://us.magnificat.net/home/magnifikid
We will start the live stream 10 minutes early so you can prepare with silent prayer. Once you are connected, light the candles, genuflect towards the altar shown on screen at St. John’s and use the holy water to do the sign of the cross, just as if you are entering the church.
Since you will have the readings ahead of time, you could also read them in advance and pray with them before Mass.
Think about who or what you would like to offer your Mass for this day.
During Sunday Mass!
I encourage everyone to do as much as what is normal during Mass…. full, active and conscious participation! Use the proper postures at the proper times (stand, sit, kneel) respond where appropriate and sing! Be aware that you are in communion with many others from our parish and from all Mass times. You are also in communion with all the angels and saints!
Be aware as well, that we are now in solidarity with much of the world that is also suffering through this pandemic as well as the multitudes of the faithful who are rarely able to attend Mass due to persecution (Ex. North Korea), lack of Priests (Ex. Nepal) or remote living (Ex. Haiti).
At the time of communion, pray the Spiritual Communion prayer which can be found in your worship aid.
I encourage everyone to do as much as what is normal during Mass…. full, active and conscious participation! Use the proper postures at the proper times (stand, sit, kneel) respond where appropriate and sing! Be aware that you are in communion with many others from our parish and from all Mass times. You are also in communion with all the angels and saints!
Be aware as well, that we are now in solidarity with much of the world that is also suffering through this pandemic as well as the multitudes of the faithful who are rarely able to attend Mass due to persecution (Ex. North Korea), lack of Priests (Ex. Nepal) or remote living (Ex. Haiti).
At the time of communion, pray the Spiritual Communion prayer which can be found in your worship aid.
After Mass is Completed – Join Virtual Narthex!
Immediately after Mass, take a minute or two of silent prayer and reflect and give thanks to God for the Mass. Please plug into our newly forming small groups after the Mass. We will call this Virtual Narthex! This is a great way to stay connected as Church as well as support one another during these challenging times. I strongly encourage you to join us in these small groups for Virtual Narthex encounter. Feel free to let the Spirit move and open up further topics as well. You can learn more here and get connected via Zoom: http://www.stjohnsindy.org/sunday-small-groups.html
Immediately after Mass, take a minute or two of silent prayer and reflect and give thanks to God for the Mass. Please plug into our newly forming small groups after the Mass. We will call this Virtual Narthex! This is a great way to stay connected as Church as well as support one another during these challenging times. I strongly encourage you to join us in these small groups for Virtual Narthex encounter. Feel free to let the Spirit move and open up further topics as well. You can learn more here and get connected via Zoom: http://www.stjohnsindy.org/sunday-small-groups.html
Learn about other outreach and/or resources for you and your family during the Coronavirus Outbreak. Click Here.