Vidimus stellam eius in oriente, et venimus adorare Dominum.
Last Wednesday (December 18, 2013), the Rorate Solemn High Mass in the Dominican Rite was celebrated at Star of the Sea Church for the very first time. The celebrant was Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., assisted once again by the friars from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (Berkeley, CA) and St. Dominic’s Church (Benicia, CA). Star of the Sea was the 2nd church in the entire state of California (the other one was St. Stephen the Martyr in Sacramento) to have offered this kind of Mass!! Many thanks to the Dominican Friars for their assistance in making this possible! Below are some photos taken by Jay Balza and Anna Guerra (more pictures can be viewed at our photo gallery) and a YouTube video of the entire mass.
*How to find Canyon Carmel, which has no street number: from Canyon U.S. Post Office (99 Pinehurst Road), go north about one half mile to “John McCosker Ranch Road” on right (easy to miss); take this mostly gravel private road up to the right turn onto “Old Home Ranch Road,” which is signed for “Carmel.” It ends in the parking lot of the monastery.
These prayers are adapted for home use with the head of the family (V.) leading the prayers and other family members (R.) giving the responses. The family may gather together in the principal room of the house. These prayers might be used on Sundays before the main meal or before Sunday night prayers or on any appropriate day or at any time.
V. By the sign of the cross deliver us from our enemies.
R. For you are our God.
Together: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
V. Peace be unto this home.
R. And unto all who dwell herein.
Then holy water is used to sprinkle those present and the principal room of the house. All the rooms may be sprinkled if time permits.
V. Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean.
R. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
V. Be merciful to me, O God.
R. For great is thy goodness.
R. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
V. Hear us, holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God! And deign to send thy holy angel from heaven to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who dwell in this home. Through Christ our Lord.
Together: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Even though it has been over forty years since the reform of the Church calendar, there is still some misunderstanding about the feasts the Church celebrates after Christmas. This was the part of the calendar that was changed the most. Since our parish also provides the Traditional Latin Mass with the traditional calendar it is important to make some clarifications on what is being celebrated on each Sunday and weekday. The Traditional Latin Masses will follow the traditional Catholic calendar as it was before the reform of 1970. For us that means the Monday through Friday daily Masses at 7:30 a.m. and the Sunday Masses at 11:00 a.m. as well as the First Friday Mass at 6:30 p.m. and other special occasions. Whereas our ordinary form Masses will follow the calendar according to the reforms established in 1970 and after.
Luke 2, 14: Gloria in altissimis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus voluntatis; Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.
John 1, 14: Et Verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis; And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
To you and all your loved ones, I extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. If you are visiting us during this holy season I offer you a cordial welcome and hope that you will return soon. For those who are looking for a church home I assure you that our doors and hearts are always open. We are here to help you in your spiritual journey. Christmas is a good time to begin a year round participation in the sacred mysteries of our faith and to become active in the church.
Just like the shepherds at the first Christmas we are encouraged by the message of the angels: “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For, this day, is born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David (Luke 2,10-11).” Our hearts cannot hold the joy we experience again this Christmas. With the angels we must sing out as they did: “Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke 2, 14).” Let us all go to Bethlehem and worship Him. Come let us adore Him!