Where're the bells?

Oh deacons, our deacons, where are you? Why do you deprive us of your presence?

Obviously, it is not that difficult to get by in the liturgy without the deacons, but it is just different and a change without them. It is as different for us as it would be if in the parish (a parish which has no deacon and sees one only once every five years, if even that much) suddenly a deacon were to show up for Mass. To do the liturgy properly, allowing each to fulfill his proper role, it is very different, even difficult.

Well, this has been our experience this January. It was heightened this last Sunday when we had our usual Sunday Evening Holy Hour. Ordinarily, one of the deacons will expose, preside over Evening Prayer, and give benediction at the end. Then, after a short social, we conclude with Night Prayer, which I have described on this blog previously.

This last Sunday, however, without a deacon or other priest around, we "merely baptized" had to go it alone. So, simple exposition, no incense, no presiding over Evening Prayer, no minister sitting in the sanctuary, no homily, no bells, no benediction, no divine praises. We did manage to do a small social with pop and popcorn. But then came Night Prayer. No procession, no ministers in the sanctuary, no homily, no processing to the statue of Mary. All of the extras which enhance the solemnity of our worship of God were absent.

Deacons, hurry it up and come back!