August 2006 - House Mass Month

'Greet also the church in their house..." Rom 16:5

Early Christians gathered very often in family homes for the breaking of bread and for fellowship (see especially Acts 2: 46-47). St Paul often included in his letters greetings to the church in various homes. So this month we invite parishes to imitate the early church and locate all weekday Masses in people's homes rather than in the parish church building. This will inevitably require some forethought: 

• Draw up a rota of volunteers willing to host Mass on each weekday - aim to use a different home each day in different areas of the parish.
  
• Help hosts to work out how to accommodate all those who might wish to attend - the good weather should enable back gardens to be used. Lack of space should not be a deterrent.
  
• Limit refreshments afterwards to drinks and biscuits so that no-one is burdened by hospitality. 
  
• Use the parish records to send invitations to all parishioners living nearby but also make sure no-one feels excluded simply because they aren't on the doorstep.
  
• Arrange transport for anyone who needs it.

House masses might involve a lot more logistical planning than parish masses but they can be a positive stimulus to extending and deepening relationships in the parish community - with each other and with God.

Scripture References for August

Acts 2. 46 & 47        Luke 14. 13 & 14        Mark 2. 1 & 2

1 Cor 16:19        Col 4:15        Phm 1:2