As my priestly ordination is fast approaching, the rector has been teaching me to say mass. I must say that I find it quite enjoyable. Timing all of the complex manual acts, and navigating the American Missal has its difficulties. Also, careful attention must be paid to the singing and proper reading of the prayers. In short, getting everything "perfect" takes dedication and concentration. With enough patience and practice, though, I should be able to offer the Holy Sacrifice in a beautiful and reverent manner one day when I am finally ordained. The Holy Mass is re-presentation to God of the one sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world. It is first and foremost an offering to God. Thus, it should be said with the greatest dignity and solemnity.
At today's session, the rector went through the mass and let me stop him and ask questions along the way. Towards the end, though, we realized that the dominical words had been said by him over the host which was upon the corporal. Had it been consecrated? We briefly discussed personal intention vs. the intention of the Church, and related topics (which was fun in and of itself). But since we were running out of time he decided to simply consume the host. Better to just play it safe. Maybe next time we will use something else instead of a priest's host to practice with!
