We Are All Learning

Sometimes when you implement something new at Mass, it isn't just the people in the pews who have to get used to the changes.

My little munchkin choir sang for the third time today. Our numbers are still on the barbershop quartet end of things, but they are getting more confident and actually sound very good. After two weeks of different presiders, we ended up with the pastor as our presider today. He checked with me about what he should do and I explained the process to him, and he assured me he would do everything according to our plan.

He did, and my little choir sang the "Our Father," but when it came time for his part, he forgot the words to the "Libera Nos". He stumbled, stuttered, and then admitted, "I forget. I need the book," and returned to the altar. Everyone around me, and especially the choir members, had a good little giggle. I assumed the confusion was over for the presider as he returned to the gathered children while my choir finished singing the remainder of the "Our Father".

I assumed incorrectly.

Just as he was to introduce the Sign of Peace, the presider mumbled, "I forget again," and off he went back to the altar amidst more giggling to read the introduction before my choir launched into their Peace song.

After the Mass, I told him it was cute, but next time he should have an altar server hold the sacramentary for him. He said he was just confused, and agreed to try my suggestion to avoid more awkwardness next time.