An newly ordained Episcopal priest offers his first Sunday, Rite I, service and communes the President of the United States. From Scribere Orare Est: How the President of the United States Showed Up for my First Sunday Mass

Today I celebrated my first Sunday mass.

My first mass ever was celebrated this past Wednesday at 7:15 AM. Bethany got up extra early to be there, as did the rector and a handful of others. It was deeply meaningful.

But today was my first Sunday mass. And, to make it even better, it was at the 8:00 AM, Rite I liturgy, a liturgy that has been a deeply meaningful part of my own spiritual journey. Our senior warden is a regular at the service and when I saw him yesterday he gave me some good advice. —First,— he said, —Wait a couple seconds after the end of the prelude before you begin. Second, take your time. Don’t rush. Let the service be as it should.— I heard, marked, and inwardly digested his advice, pondering them in my heart as I got ready this morning. I was a little nervous, but primarily excited.

As I was putting on my cassock in my office, I heard another priest come in from outside. I poked my head out the door. —Good Morning!— I called out to our Associate for Worship and Pastoral Care.

She smiled, —Good morning. How do you feel?—

—A little nervous,— I admitted.

—Well, have you heard the news?— she asked.

I was a little confused. I thought for a moment, wondering what the news could be, and then said, —No, I don’t think I have.—

She smiled broadly, —The President of the United States is going to be in the congregation.—

I sputtered, —The President, like George W. Bush??—

She smiled, —Yep…—