"Come Home, to Mass"

In late 2008, while waiting in anticipation of a diocesan decision regarding the future of their parish community, a small group met at one of their homes, to discuss pertinent issues and concerns as an intentional faith community. This was a diverse group of friends, which included faith formation teachers, retired folks, parents of over 20 young children, past and present members of pastoral councils, former clergy members. This spiritual group was familiar with - and sensitive to - service, education, living and raising their families as witnesses to Christ's example.

This meeting was emotional. Friends discussed openly challenges they had faced, were facing, and that lie ahead in their church. Tears were shed; fears were shared. After an opening prayer, the hosts shared that their invitation and actions were driven by a growing terror that they felt when contemplating the loss of a rich, remarkable community of action, one that worked so hard and together to walk in Christ's steps. At the root of this fear were considerations for their children: they and other parents present shared the tremendous trouble they had fathoming a life without their children being exposed to - and continuing the comfort felt amongst - this community.

This gathering led to more. The number who attended grew in the weeks and months ahead. Word spread by mouth, and by email. With the utmost reverence, e-mail invitations were entitled "Called to be Pizza and Wings."

Those who attended gathered closely and communicated often amidst the uncertainty. The meetings were described as wonderful, constructive, positive and enjoyable evenings that provided support, bolstered faith, fostered engagement and enhanced hope at a time all of these were needed. The nights were emotional, spiritual, and filled with friends. All left feeling more "on the same page" with each other than they had known; enriched; closer to each other and to God. Each meeting closed with prayers and the stated desire that the gatherings continue. Expressed was hope of spiritual and communal continuity, notwithstanding fears of the imminent decision by our church to either merge or close worship sites.  

The group often invited guest speakers to these sessions, and they would research and discuss a range of ideas, including: readings from the old and new testaments; issues affecting the church; how to better serve those in need, as did Christ; steps taken by other small faith communities around the world to address various crisis facing the faithful; etc. During one gathering in September 2009, a member of Spiritus Christi in Rochester [New York] came, and told an inspirational success story of his church. One striking part of his discussion was of a weeknight mass newly instituted in their predecessor parish in the mid-1990s. At that time, the parish was by all accounts considered ‘almost dead’ by their mother diocese given low attendance and collections. This new weeknight mass brought the faith community together, and became the genesis of a liturgical, spiritual and community revival that none in the parish could have ever imagined. 

This story moved Michael Clarke: it stirred an idea he had been thinking of, for years. Michael was blessed with uncles, aunts, cousins and a brother in the clergy. His uncle, Rev. Cornelius Blaney, was a true giant and influence in the lives of him and his two brothers. Fr. Con used to take a train from Brooklyn to Long Island for a visit every Wednesday, when Michael was a child. Michael’s mother would make her brother, Fr. Con, his favorite roast beef dinner, to celebrate the gathering and mark the weekly occasion. Michael described his experience, walking into the house from the school bus as a young child, smelling the wonderful roast cooking in the kitchen, realizing then that it was the day of his uncle’s visitation, and running excitedly through his house to find Fr. Con to welcome him. After Michael’s dad got home, there would be a beautiful mass in the Clarke’s living room [“I recall feeling liberated: no kneeling, no standing. Mass felt conversational: interactive and natural.  I just loved it.”]. Once mass ended, the family walked a few feet east into the dining room, to continue the conversational and interactive communion with one another, still in Christ’s presence. Michael told the “Called to be Pizza and Wings” friends that since buying his first home six years earlier, he wanted Sue and their children to feel that same closeness, that sharing - seamless - between God and family, at their home. Other members of the group fondly discussed memories of past home liturgies. A few weeks later, Michael and Susan invited a priest to their home, and spread the word. The gathering was breathtaking to many who attended. Shared was a tremendous sense of spirituality, relief and faith in prayer.  Searching for what was needed, peeling back many layers of challenges the group was going through, they found - in its simplest form - peace through this intimate sharing of the Eucharist. 

“Come Home, To Mass” had thus begun. 

“Come Home, To Mass” is the genesis of The Ministries: an engaged, intentional faith community with a unique goal to support both the chosen parishes of their members, and to provide services to those in need. The intimate “Come Home, To Mass” gatherings continue to supplement the parish worship of those who attend.  They are at various homes, and facilitated by a wide variety of folks:  priests, ministers, guest speakers, and members of the group. The interactive openness is unique, and refreshing. The presence of the Spirit is unmistakable.  

To this day, the gatherings continue in homes throughout the Capitol region. They are rich in their simplicity.  Friends come, and bring their families. Infants crawl from leg to leg while bread is broken; dogs have howled while psalms were sung. All are truly welcome to share. Importantly, all feel welcome. “Come Home, To Mass” has grown into a unique and wonderful way to move forward this simple form of meeting in faith, as a community. 

These beautiful gatherings have taken place in several counties throughout upstate New York.  Some in the group have come to refer to themselves as “roaming catholics.” 

The Ministries welcome you to join us at these gatherings.  For more information, please email CHTM@theministries.org. You may also view The Ministries schedule.

[These gatherings are not affiliated with either the Roman Catholic Diocese or church or any particular parish. They are intentional opportunities for friends to meet, share, discuss and study the Word in action. Indeed, these meetings foster The Ministries' goals of encouraging action, engagement, the liturgy and faith.]