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Happy October To All
Our Readers.
This month marks the
20th anniversary for as editor of the McCarty Metro. It has
been a fun 20 years, and the Metro has seen many changes over that
time. From typing it out on a hand-me-down computer from by brother
Jerry, to the current format. I couldn't do any of it without my
brothers Mike and Jerry and my wife Margaret. Thanks also to Jim and
Bob who takes care of our "online" presence. A final thank
you to all who continue to read and support this website.
Speaking of
anniversaries, Margaret and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in
September. We booked a weekend at the Island House Hotel on Mackinac
Island. We had beautiful weather, and had a wonderful time. I am so
happy that Margaret said "I DO" 27 years ago. It's you and
me forever, baby. I love you.
This past month,
Margaret and I also had a "Meet The Baby" party to introduce
our grandchild
Alexa to our family and friends. I had a great time, and
was happy to see everyone. Margaret, Chris, Amanda, and I would like
to thank all who were able to come and spend time with us.
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It has been a while
since I welcomed some new subscribers, so I would like to take this
time to introduce Robby, Pat, Cory, Bernie, Roger, Chris, Mike, Ric,
Carolyn, Kathy, Mike, Lara, Dino, Bev and Dan to our site. Welcome
to the family.
Autumn is my favorite
season, and Halloween has been my favorite holiday. The cool, crisp
evenings, the leaves falling, the start of football, and getting dressed
up in scary costumes brings a lot of great childhood memories for me back
to life. I hope everyone enjoys this transitional season and receives all
of God's blessings.
Over the years, for my
final thought, I have always written something special, shared an
inspirational or funny story, or imparted some life lessons I have picked
up in my travels. This past month, I received a special story from my
oldest brother Mike and would like to share that with you. No matter how
beautiful your place of worship is, may you always find the peace of
Christ with you there.
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A HOLY PLACE
By Mike McCarty
I went to Mass this morning at a different church. This church had no stained windows, no pews, no organ, no choir, no ornate altar, no statues.
This church was a room. A gathering room with metal chairs arranged in loose rows facing the altar -- a nondescript kitchen counter draped with a white cloth. In front of a refrigerator and cupboards.
Many parishioners were already in their seats, waiting for the Mass to begin, when we walked in. Some prayed with hands folded, some kibitzed, some fingered rosaries. As the room began to fill, an elderly gentleman made sure all the altar trappings were ready – a worship book, a chalice, two candles and a small cross.
A gregarious man approached the gentleman at the altar and said, “It’s post time, Father.” So, the elderly gent disappeared, and returned in priestly robes. He took his place behind the altar as another aged man – in a far corner of the room – began playing spiritual music on an accordion. The church service was under way.
I went to Mass this morning, and wheeled walkers were parked in a row in front of the altar and against a side wall. And they were sprinkled throughout the congregation, whose members did not stand or kneel during this service. Only the priest stood. He took a seat only when a woman rose to read from The Bible.
When it was time for communion, there were no lines, no ushers. Everyone stayed put, and the elderly priest took the chalice of hosts to the people. As he moved around the room – at one point, nearly tripping over a walker – he said the holy words that went with the bread, and he made sure not to miss a single worshipper. I heard:
“Body of Christ.” “Body of Christ. “Body of Christ.” “Did I get you?” “Body of Christ.” “Body of Christ.” “Did I get you?” “Body of Christ.”
Earlier, in his sermon, the elderly priest talked about courage. The courage to lovingly help others find Christ. Courage was lined in the worshippers’ wrinkled hands and faces. Their creases also were filled with a lifetime of adversity, love, loss, triumph, tears and smiles. The worshippers were older than the priest. Most were women. And odds are the people in this holy space will see God a lot sooner than I will.
I went to Mass this morning at Villa Bella, a retirement home in Clinton Township near Detroit. My wife went, too. We were visiting Mom. And her truly faith-filled community. In a church that’s as reverent as St. Peter’s Cathedral.
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Thanks Mike.... And
to all of our McCarty Metro readers....
Have a great
October, and a wonderfully spooky Halloween.
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Look forward to receiving our
monthly mailer, plus advance notice of all the latest news, podcasts, and special events.
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