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Contents © 2005
by Jim Holman.
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ROAMIN' CATHOLIC
January 2005

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SAN RAFAEL MISSION

Reverent Enough

Readers of the Faith have suggested that the "Roamin' Catholic" does not tell the whole story of liturgical life in Northern California -- that there are beautiful and reverent liturgies one can attend. Based on a tip as to where I could find such a reverent celebration of the Mass, on November 14, 2004, I attended Mass at the Mission San Rafael Arcangel, located in Saint Rafael.

The church interior was traditional in design, at least in the placement of the tabernacle, which was located on the Church's high altar directly in front of the baptismal font, which stood between the high altar and the altar table. The choir, accompanied by organ and piano, assembled directly in front of the font. The altar table was located on a slightly raised platform nearer the congregation. Our gathering hymn was a rendition of the "Litany of Saints," by John D. Becker, accompanied by organ. The saints were invoked in English by a cantoress, followed by a monotonic, "pray for us."

Two altar boys, wearing alb and cincture, led the way -- first the crucifer, then a candle-bearer, followed by a lectoress holding a multi-colored lectionary above her head. A green-clad Father Manuel Estrada, an associate pastor, came last.

We recited a troped Kyrie in English. The organ-accompanied Gloria was not familiar to me. Father then prayed that we all are able to recognize God's presence.

The first reading was from the prophet Malachi 4:1,2, "For behold, the day comes, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." The piano-accompanied psalm response was sung by a woman with arms raised, and nodding as if to encourage us.

The second reading was 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12: "If any one will not work, let him not eat."

Before Father read the gospel reading from Luke about the destruction of the temple, the two candle-bearing altar servers led a procession around the altar platform, while Father held the lectionary above his head.

Due to the echo in the church and perhaps the priest's accent, I had trouble deciphering Father Estrada's words during the homily. I heard enough to know it was about a journalist uncovering the Al Qaeda plot, that the Old Testament doesn't tell the whole story, and that not all Muslims are terrorists. The priest finished up by declaring that Muslims worship the same God Catholics do.

After a long pause to reflect on the sermon, we recited the Creed.

During the prayer of the Faithful, the signal to respond was simply, "we pray." We prayed that the "Church would be vigilant and ready to meet the Son of Man when He comes in Glory; that all nations look to God as their model -- ruling the world with justice and sanctity." We prayed that those who "died in the peace of Christ" may "join with the heavenly choirs in giving glory to God."

I didn't recognize this first offertory song, which wasn't listed in the music handout. The choir sang it slowly and somberly. Some of the repeated words I could pick out were, "You lift me up when I am in trouble." The piano then seamlessly segued into the second offertory song, "Now is the Time," by Tom Kendzia, the melody of which I thought starts out strikingly similar to that of the oldie but goody, "Downtown." The verse seemed to end with a rhythm-and-blues cadence, bringing to mind the tune, "Tracks of my Tears," by Smokey Robinson.

The candle-bearing altar boys left the sanctuary down the center-aisle to retrieve the gift-bearers. A flat, uncovered dish held the unleavened bread, and a clear conish-shaped bottle resembling a salad dressing shaker contained the red wine.

Light organ music played in the background during the preface to the Eucharistic prayer. The organ took the foreground with a dignified intro to the Holy, Holy. The sopranos sang a celestial counterpoint on the "hosannas."

All knelt for the Eucharistic prayer. Father's face was eclipsed as he raised the over-sized Host at the consecration.

For the recited Our Father, the priest held one of the altar boy's hands and was imitated by the rest of the congregation. Father broke the giant Host into small pieces, as the organ very softly introduced a slow and introspective "Lamb of God," which finished with a well-executed soprano harmony.

The altar boys remained seated as the nine lay Eucharistic ministers and the priest distributed communion. The choir sang, "Be Not Afraid."

The crucifer and candle-bearer led the recessional, as the choir and organ played the traditional Shaker hymn, "How Can We Keep From Singin'." The organist then played "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" as the congregation burst into chatter. But at least there was no clapping.

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