A Note From Our Parochial Vicar: May 31, 2026

One of my seminary professors told me something I will never forget: “Matter matters.” What did he mean? God is not a detached reality, but knows that we live in a physical world. He did create it after all! And He desires to share Himself, to communicate on our level through what we experience, so as to be led to greater and more beautiful truths. That is why our sacraments, our religious items, our postures and movements at mass are all important. The visible communicates the invisible.

Imagine for a moment trying to tell someone that you love them without sharing a hug, a thank you, a gift, a kiss or any other action. Imagine trying to tell them they just needed to know and accept it. That’s crazy to think about, right!?! It’s no different with God. Is there an unseen spiritual reality that we need to grow into? Yes! But God meets us primarily in the sacraments and we in turn, express our faith in prayer and action. All actions take on an outward form that uniquely express our faith.

One of the ways this reality is expressed is the way we enter Mass. When you enter, do you immediately acknowledge God’s Holy Presence? This is why we genuflect before getting into the pew, when crossing in front of the altar and as we depart the Church. Of course, if mobility is an issue, a profound bow will suffice.

The way we express out faith, even if it seems routine, makes it real and concrete. I invite you to consider how you live out your faith in regards to postures. Do I come up to communion with hands folded, reverently reminding myself and all others that this is the most precious gift in the world, Jesus in the Eucharist? Do I remember to make the sign of the cross in public before I bless my food? All of it matters. Why? Because Matter matters!

God bless,

Fr. Ben