August 14th, 2022

twentieth Sunday in ordinary time

by Fr. Boniface Endorf, O.P.

Dear St. Joseph Parish Family,

 Tomorrow is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (into heaven). Normally, on this solemnity there is an obligation for all Catholics to attend Mass; however, because it falls on a Monday this year there is no obligation. Therefore, our only Mass that day will be our 12:10pm daily Mass. The Catholic Center will have Mass at 5:15pm on Monday.

Mass tidbit:

 The Mass has its own proper music; however, it’s rare to hear that music. At St. Joseph’s we do use the proper music of the Mass with our traditional choir (at the 5:30 Vigil Mass and the 11:30 Sunday Mass). The proper music for the beginning of Mass is called the Introit and there is a proper Introit text and music for every Sunday and Feast Day. It’s set to Gregorian chant, the traditional music of the Church that goes back to late Roman Empire and Medieval period. Under the modern Roman Rite, the Introit can be replaced with a hymn, which is almost always done in America. At our traditional music Masses, however, we sing a hymn during the procession and chant the Introit while the altar is being incensed. When hearing the Introit we’re hearing what the Church has sung for over a thousand years. We can hear our union with the Church across many centuries. Let us be grateful for the wonderful patrimony handed on to us!

 God Bless,

Fr. Boniface