Three weeks ago an Oblate I lived with in Fort Myers, Father Joseph Beattie, died suddenly at the Oblate house at Fort Myers Beach. Joe was seventy-two years old, and although he retired from teaching some years ago, he was still very active in coaching Cross Country and Track. He had already started his program for the new school year. Joe also spent a good amount of his time reading, and if he heard there were something new on the horizon he would quickly but quietly try to read up on the topic in order to be prepared.

Found among the things he had with him at the beach house was a pamphlet outlining upcoming changes in the liturgy. He appeared to have read most of the pamphlet before he died. The homilist for his funeral pointed out that Joe was as always prepared, but this time he would not have to worry about it - he could watch the rest of us muddle our way through the new translations. I began to consider that we indeed would have some liturgical challenges come the beginning of Advent 2011! Joe, please help us out!

A little more than a year from now, we will indeed be adjusting to new translations and many new prayers. This is part of a process that began about ten years ago. I am still tripping over some of the translations in the readings for the Liturgy of the Word. I can look right at the words in print - but my mind and my mouth are still programmed for what I have been hearing and reading for the last forty years!

I plan to use this space periodically to look at where we have been in this process - and to focus on where we will be going in the future. I hope that when these changes are upon us, we will find ourselves well prepared.

On another liturgical note, this past Friday we resumed the celebration of the Lord present in the Eucharist with exposition and adoration. This traditional First Friday devotion provides us with some wonderful quiet time when we can bring our selves and our cares before the Lord and ask his presence to help guide us on our way. This time, following the 9:00 AM mass and until 11:00AM, can bring us a sense of peace and serenity - especially as we realize we really are not forging our way alone!

Consider becoming part of this experience on the First Friday of the month. Indeed, it is well rooted in our Salesian tradition: Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist became stronger in the Church after the appearances of the Sacred Heart to Saint Margaret Mary of the Visitation Monastery of Paray-le-Monial. The Visitation Sisters are the community founded by 'our own' Saints Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal.

 Father Mark