Explain please. nt

There's a lot of difference between a pastoral letter from American

RC bishops and a proclamation from the Pope.

It's easy for Americana to disagree with American bishops, and many often do.

However, the Pope's words, which are not tailored for an American audience - indeed, the American RC is just a minority of the whole of the RCC- hold a lot more sway.

Agree that there are certain skills to effective lectoring.

Pre-reading should be a must, except on the battlefield! I don't know that pre-reading has to be for an hour, but preparation does improve the product.
Proper enunciation and timing, and voice volume are all parts of a reading well-delivered.
Proper pronunciation of people and place names is important.
I understand why at times children and young people are selected for readings, but, most of the time, those readings are ineffective.
Alas, we are all imperfect and not-so-good readings will happen.

"coming to face the reality of death" - Ain't it the truth! LOL

Not too easy or pleasant for any of us.

I've come to believe we need to have a "mission" in our lives. Sort of like a business mission statement. Our reason for living, that which keeps us going day after day, year after year, despite that knowledge of the "reality of death."
I've identified mine; it has to do with family, and I'm glad for it.

Thanks for sharing the Lachrimosa.

You're putting your time and talent to good use.

Churches are always looking for volunteers for the various ministries and more and more depend on them to function in all the ways necessary in today's world.

I do wonder about your name, though. It sounds as though you've had a sadness, or do you cry easily?

My living habits don't lend themselves to being scheduled on a regular basis.

I have lectored on various occasions, most recently on retreats.

I distributed communion once, when the Social Service Committee on which I was serving was highlighted that Sunday and committee members were asked to distribute communion. I was uncomfortable physically doing this. I think basically I prefer being part of a group and not the object of any possible attention.

Also, I'm now a senior, with vision and balance irregularities.
I enjoy singing in the pews, and do join in with hymns, etc.

I did visit a mission church up in the hills of Baja.

I don't know if it was San Ignacio, because I don't remember much of a town around it.
Spouse and I were on a cruise that stopped in Loreto, I believe, and a trip way up into the hills/mountains was offered, to this mission, still active, I believe.

I remember more the primitive but clean toilets more than the church - shame on me, but it's all part of the experience.

Large wooden blocks - for stacking, throwing, and later assembling a fort, etc.

No colors or letters on them.
The Vermont Country Store (catalogue) has a nice selection of Fisher-Price toys, though pricey, but, if it's what you want and no one else has them, sometimes you have to pay the long price. Of course, there's always Ebay and thrift shops.
They showed about 8 or 10 Fisher-Price toys, including the milk bottles and the Clock, likely also the xylophone.

I might add - a visit to a grocery store also has a social aspect

for me as well, even though that is not the main purpose of my going to the grocery store.
But I do run into friends and acquaintances whom I may not have seen in a while, even years.
And for that reason, I don't mind grocery shopping at all.

The social aspect is a side benefit.

I attend Mass regularly anyway, for a sense of satisfying the spiritual side of my life, to be reminded once a week of the words and example set by Jesus of Nazareth, to hear the exhortation of the homilist to live a a meaningful life.
A coffee house means nothing to me. I wouldn't know a soul there. Not at all interested in pricey cups of coffee.