This weekend we celebrate several exciting liturgies in the life of our parish. John Becerra, who has served faithfully as a deacon and pastoral associate at Mary Queen for several years, will be ordained a priest on Saturday, January 31, at 10:30am at Christ the King Cathedral. John has been a deacon for ten years and now transitions into a new phase of ministry through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. In this ordination, God’s grace is poured out upon him, transforming him so that he may act in persona Christi, particularly in the celebration of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Because this is a liturgy we experience only once every year or two, it is worth taking a closer look at some of its unique and powerful elements. READ MORE

The second most frequently used book at Mass is the Lectionary. These books contain the Scripture readings proclaimed at all Masses throughout the liturgical year. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Lectionary is organized into four volumes, arranged according to liturgical celebrations. READ MORE

If you were asked to name the most important book used at Mass, many would instinctively answer the Bible. That instinct is not wrong—but it is incomplete. Alongside the Lectionary and the Book of the Gospels sits another book that quietly shapes every Mass we celebrate: the Roman Missal. The Roman Missal is not a book of readings. Rather, it is the Church’s book of prayer for the Mass. Every presidential prayer, dialogue, acclamation, and instruction that frames our worship is drawn from its pages. When the priest says, “Let us pray,” when he chants the Collect, when the Eucharistic Prayer unfolds, when the Church gives voice to thanksgiving and petition—these words come from the Missal. In this sense, the Roman Missal is the Church praying out loud. READ MORE

Each weekend, well over 2,000 people attend Mass at our parish. This makes us not only one of the largest Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Lexington, but also one of the most-attended churches in our city. While our liturgies generally run smoothly, we are always adapting to ensure that our Masses remain accessible, prayerful, and participatory for such a large community. Our clergy play a vital role in this work, but there are only six of them. The vast majority of what makes Mass possible comes from our lay (non-clergy) volunteers. On a typical weekend, approximately 25 people serve in roles such as sacristans, greeters, lectors, ushers, facilitators, musicians, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion—among many others. Week after week, I am deeply impressed by the care, integrity, and reverence these individuals bring to our liturgies. I am inspired by their faithfulness, their sacrifice, and their love for Christ and His people. As we begin this new year, we want to both equip and celebrate our volunteer ministers. SEE MORE