Saturday Mass

It is four-thirty and we haven't left the boundaries of Saint Louis Park yet. I express my anxiety to Kris. She parrots back my usual line to her: "Don't worry, we'll get there on time." I am anxious as I am the substitute reader and want to review the readings as well as take some pictures before mass. We arrive at a quarter to five and easily park in the spot of our choosing.

We enter through the inconspicuous door in the Northeast corner of the parking lot. We come up the stairs (past the elevator) and through the big doors and we are greeted by tonight's hosts, Kas and Dorothy. Dorothy greets church goers

Dorothy was moving too fast greeting chuchgoers for my camera that night. Between Dorothy and Kas, there is over 100 years of attending St Joan of Arc. I check my readings and say hello to people.

Father George is our priest tonight. He comments that he thought the rain would get the parish members out of the gardens and into church. He compares gardens in Spring to Easter. We show a sign of our faith and greet each other. We sing and it was time for the readings. As a special reading we have the St Joan of Arc Mission Statement:

Church of St. Joan of Arc
Mission Statement

St. Joan of Arc is a joyful Christian community
which celebrates the loving Word of God
in worship and in action.

We transcend traditional boundaries and draw those
who seek spiritual growth and social justice.

We welcome diverse ideas and encourage reflection
on the message of the Gospel.

We are committed to the equality
of all our members and strive to ensure
their full participation
through liturgy, education, and service.

By these means we seek to empower all
who come to grow in wisdom and bring to reality
the promise of Christ.

Our musician tonight is Steve Kremer. Among the great songs he leads us in is one where we sing: "I say Yes My Lord!" You can feel the energy and sincerety in the church as people say yes to God.

Father George explains about being described as sheep. After the homily (sermon), we gather around the altar to celebrate the Eucharist. During the passing of the Peace, we share smiles, hugs and handshakes. We hold hands as we pray the Lord's prayer. Parents take turns entertaining the younger children. Tonight it was Noah and Katrina, but other nights there are more babies. Fathers George and Jim are generous with their attention to children and sometimes older children light candles on special occasions.

People visit on their way out as the "all in one" hosts Dorothy and Kas clean up.

I am once again renewed and glad for my community. The fretting about getting to church on time is a distant memory.