I have mentioned to a few of our extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist that getting used to a new pastor is like getting used to a new dance partner: you may find him inadvertently stepping on your toes. Undoubtedly, they and you have noticed some changes in the way we are conducting our ministries at Mass. Undoubtedly you have also noticed that we are still working out some of the kinks.

            One of the responsibilities of a pastor is to encourage and guide the celebration of the Eucharist, and even to “supervise” its authentic celebration according to the mind of the universal Church (Code of Canon Law, c. 532). That has inspired me to carefully review the official teachings concerning the Mass, and, hoping for the cooperation of our staff and ministries, to implement them as best I can. I have found Pope John Paul II’s words from Ecclesia de Eucharistia especially compelling: 

All of this makes clear the great responsibility which belongs to priests in particular for the celebration of the Eucharist. It is their responsibility to preside at the Eucharist in persona Christi and to provide a witness to and a service of communion not only for the community directly taking part in the celebration, but also for the universal Church, which is a part of every Eucharist. . . I consider it my duty, therefore to appeal urgently that the liturgical norms for the celebration of the Eucharist be observed with great fidelity. These norms are a concrete expression of the authentically ecclesial nature of the Eucharist; this is their deepest meaning. Liturgy is never anyone's private property, be it of the celebrant or of the community in which the mysteries are celebrated. The Apostle Paul had to address fiery words to the community of Corinth because of grave shortcomings in their celebration of the Eucharist resulting in divisions (schismata) and the emergence of factions (haireseis) (cf. 1 Cor 11:17-34). Our time, too, calls for a renewed awareness and appreciation of liturgical norms as a reflection of, and a witness to, the one universal Church made present in every celebration of the Eucharist. Priests who faithfully celebrate Mass according to the liturgical norms, and communities which conform to those norms, quietly but eloquently demonstrate their love for the Church. . . No one is permitted to undervalue the mystery entrusted to our hands: it is too great for anyone to feel free to treat it lightly and with disregard for its sacredness and its universality.

            I know that the priests and people of St. Philip’s have always loved the Lord and his Church, and have faithfully celebrated the sacraments long before I ever arrived. You will continue to do so after I am gone. But to me, at this time, is given the benefit and duty of leading the waltz on this particular round. And so I do so willingly and deliberately.

            In general, the changes you notice demonstrate two principles: first, that we all receive the Eucharist (before we share it) from Christ, the head and shepherd of the Church (in whose person the priest acts); and second, that the servants of the Church (priests, deacons, and liturgical ministers) have ordered, specific and distinct roles to play in the liturgy that ought to be honored without confusion. The minor adjustments we have made, in my judgment, effect these principles in conformity with the General Instruction on the Roman Missal, which prescribes how we ought to celebrate the Mass.

            I know that following someone else’s lead, especially when that person is new, means that we might experience some minor “ouches” as we step on one another’s toes. Be assured, however, that soon we will be giving Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers room for improvement.