Fr Elmo Jeyarasa

Tamil Catholic Chaplain in UK

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

Let us worship the Lord by offering our bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Let us do not model ourselves on the behaviour of the world around us, but let our behaviour change, modelled by our new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God.

[Archdiocese of Southwark @RC_Southwark]

In his annual Christmas message, Archbishop John Wilson calls for us to welcome Christ and His gift of peace into our hearts.

Christ is our Saviour. He comes to us with the gift of peace. Let's pray the world embraces this gift.

https://t.co/eMJLcPnZC5

[Catholic Answers @catholiccom]

Priest names 13 simple ways the laity can make Mass more reverent

We all want a more reverent Mass. But how often do we in the pews reflect on how WE can make that happen? Fr. Jerry Pokorsky suggests:

1. Arrive on time.
We all run late at times, but when we consistently run late, we have a problem. The mandatory count of Mass attendees recently revealed that over 30 percent of the people come late to Mass, usually skipping the Penitential Rite (“I confess” and “Lord have mercy”). From a statistical perspective, the high rate suggests habit.

Reasons vary, of course. We have become so familiar with the Mass that we’ve grown casual about it. None of us would habitually come late to movie theaters.

The whole Mass is the perfect worship of God. Arrive in time to invoke the Holy Spirit to help you participate worthily. Coming on time is sometimes all we can manage, but arriving on time is to be late.

2. Genuflect before entering the pew.
If in doubt, observe the youngsters. Sometimes the best an oldster with creaky bones can do is to bow respectfully.

3. Maintain reverent silence and subdued speech.
Upon entering a church, greeting family and friends with discretion is customary. We smile, say good morning under our breath, and so on. There is always room for such courtesies. But there is a problem when we hear a crescendo of chit-chatting, oblivious to the tabernacle and people praying.

4. Vocalize the responses in rhythm.
During Mass, we vocalize a conversation with God. With every ritual, maintaining attention is difficult. So it helps when we correctly and humbly respond (e.g., “And with your spirit”). If our lips are closed when we’re supposed to vocalize prayer, the silence indicates that our minds are probably distracted.

5. Listen attentively during the readings.
You can check your text messages and clip your fingernails later. (We’ve seen it all!)

6. Think about the structure of the Mass.
It takes a lifetime to understand the splendor of the Mass. We prepare for Holy Communion by confessing our sins, glorifying God, and listening to his word. We affirm our faith in the Creed, beg God for favors, and offer him bread and wine, the work of our hands. We enter into the re-presentation of the cross and the Resurrection, and we receive his body, blood, soul, and divinity. He blesses us and sends us into the world to continue his work of redemption.

7. Control your kids.
Every parent knows that controlling a riotous baby is tricky. There is a difference between a child chirping and a temper tantrum. Know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to run.

8. Focus on the consecration.
The consecration of the Mass is the central sacred event. The ringing of the bells wakes us from our slumber and reminds us to pay attention to our Lord’s return, his real presence under the appearances of bread and wine, and his holy cross of sacrifice.

9. Recite the Lord’s Prayer with devotion.
Jesus speaks to us directly and personally during the Our Father. We place his words on our lips. The Lord’s Prayer is the perfect prayer because Jesus crafted it.

10. Before Communion, focus on the words of John the Baptist.
When the priest raises the host and directs us to “behold the Lamb of God,” all activity should stop. Gaze upon the host with devotion. Do not use the sacred moment as a distraction to rush to the lavatories. Even the ushers bend a knee.

11. Approach Communion with reverence.
The priest works hard during the distribution of Communion as you pray. Give him his space. As a priest makes a special delivery in the congregation, respectfully hold your position. There is no need to beat him as if you’re outracing traffic on the Interstate. Be polite.

12. Receive Communion with devotion, and stay in your lane.
The rail provides an efficient way to distribute Communion . . . but you must play your part. Stay in your lane with good posture. You know the options: kneel or stand, receive on the hand or the tongue. Communion on the tongue while kneeling is the best option, if possible. But sometimes it’s not possible.

When receiving on the tongue, moisten your tongue, tilt your head, and close your eyes. Open eyes often cause you to lunge for the host. The priest values his fingers and hygiene.

When receiving on the hand, be graceful. Please don’t clutch or grab.

In both cases, be polite. Keep your elbows off the table, just as your mother taught you. Do not extend into the lane of the priest with your hands and arms.

13. Say “amen” as if you mean it.
When we receive Holy Communion, by responding “amen,” we not only acknowledge our reception of Jesus, but renew our baptismal promises and our belief in all that the Church teaches: Creed, commandments, sacraments, and prayer. Every “amen” we make throughout the Mass also assents to the recited prayers. Use vocal cords unless you’re hoarse.

In the meantime, expect priests to celebrate Mass with devotion and do their part as good examples. Indulge their quirks and failures as they indulge yours—up to a point. (If they’re messing with the Mass, clobber them . . . metaphorically.)

“Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”

[Archdiocese of Southwark @RC_Southwark]

In your kindness please pray for the late Francis Kemsley, Carmelite Brother and former Prior of Aylesford, who died on Sunday 8th October 2023. A leading light in the community, he will be greatly missed.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory. @GBCarmelites

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

@RC_Southwark @GBCarmelites We learn with his demise with great shock. Fr Francis is an always Very kind and welcoming priest. When we visit Aylesford Shrine as a Tamil Catholic Community, we always felt at home due to his presence and support. May Good Lord grant him eternal rest. We truly miss him.

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

Let’s guard our words we speak it may serve to Satan as darnel of his kingdom
Let’s seek diligence of the HSpirit before we talk or speak

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

The one who received the seed in thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this world and the lure of riches choke the word and so he produces nothing.

[Archdiocese of Southwark @RC_Southwark]

@RC_Southwark offers warm congratulations to The Reverend Dr Robert Billing, who has been appointed the new Rector of the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham in Norfolk, succeeding #BishopPhilipMoger, who is now an Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark.
He will serve for a five-year term and will take up his new responsibilities from 1 September 2023.
Fr Billing is a priest of the Diocese of Lancaster and served as Bishop's Secretary to three successive bishops over a period of 13 years.
Fr Billing expressed his surprise and joy at his appointment: "My appointment to serve as the new Rector of the Catholic National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham comes as a big surprise. Of course, it is also a huge joy and honour”.

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

We have started nine days of novena as a preparation to the great feast of Pentecost. This time, we focus on praying as families. We feel the need of returning to the roots. Four of our centres have started this great ministry.

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

Volunteers from patrol committee have come forward with cheerful hearts to prepare, visit and pray with needed families. Thank you to the Holy Spirit, Giver of life and Spirit of truth.

[Cardinal Nichols @CardinalNichols]

On this Solemnity of the Ascension, I was pleased to welcome our new Nuncio, Archbishop Maury Buendía before he presented his credentials to King Charles III.

This evening at 5.30pm, I will celebrate a Mass of welcome for him with many of my brother Bishops at @WestminsterCath.

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

May Tamil Feast of OL of Walsingham 2023: Tamils gathered in a great number to celebrate their faith in God and to pay great devotion to OBM

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

Mass for Migrants at St Antony’s Forest Gate

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

@WalsinghamEN Thank you looking forward to join in worship

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

Attending Animating Parish Seniors Conference - Thursday 20th April 2023

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

@vfsglobalcare Hello, I would like to book an appointment in London. Your website doesn’t let me in. Can you please guide me

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

@vfsglobalcare Hello

[Fr Elmo Jeyarasa @elmonesan]

@vfsglobalcare