Lake Chelan Catholics

Lake Chelan Catholics A Catholic community of believers in the saving graces of Jesus Christ in a fallen world.

A Catholic community of believers in the saving grace of Jesus Christ to assist all sinners in a fallen world become saints!

09/04/2026

🔥THE UNSEEN SPIRITUAL BATTLE DURING HOLY MASS: THE CONFLICT BETWEEN ANGELS AND DEMONS ✝️🇻🇦
________________
Most Catholics come to Mass thinking it is quiet, peaceful, and calm.
But spiritually, Mass is the most violent battlefield on earth,
not with guns or blood, but with angels and demons fighting for souls.

Let’s break it down simply, biblically, and powerfully.

✝️1. MASS IS WORSHIP, AND WORSHIP ALWAYS ATTRACTS WAR

From the moment God reveals Himself in Scripture, worship becomes a battleground.

In the Old Testament, when the Israelites worshipped, enemies appeared.
When they abandoned worship, darkness increased.

The devil hates nothing more than human beings giving glory to God.

So when Mass begins, hell does not sit quietly.

✝️2. ANGELS GATHER WHEN WORSHIP BEGINS

We do not see them, but Scripture reveals it clearly:

“You have come to Mount Zion… and to innumerable angels in festal gathering.”
(Hebrews 12:22)

At every Mass, angels fill the church:

Angels of adoration

Guardian angels of every person present

Angels who assist the priest at the altar

Angels who carry prayers to God

The Fathers of the Church taught this constantly.

St. John Chrysostom wrote:

“When the Mass is being celebrated, the sanctuary is full of countless angels.”

He meant it literally.

✝️3. BUT IF ANGELS GATHER… THE ENEMY REACTS

The devil cannot enter the sanctuary,
but he fights around the hearts and minds of the people:

Distractions

Sleepiness

Anger

Impatience

Wandering thoughts

Temptation to leave early

Temptation to ignore the homily

Temptation to reject grace

The devil knows:
One Holy Communion received well can destroy years of his work.

So he fights.

✝️4. THE OFFERTORY IS A SPIRITUAL TIPPING POINT

When gifts are placed on the altar, something invisible happens.

The angels take the prayers of the people
and present them before God.

Revelation says:

“The prayers of the saints rose like incense before God.”
(Revelation 8:4)

But notice: in the same passage, demons react violently,
because the offering of the saints weakens their influence.

The offertory is not just “preparation.”
It is warfare, where heaven receives what earth offers.

✝️5. THE CONSECRATION IS WHERE THE WAR PEAKS

The moment the priest says:

“This is My Body… This is My Blood,”

hell trembles.

Why?

Because the same sacrifice that defeated Satan on Calvary
is made present again, here, now.

Angels fall in adoration.
Demons fall back in terror.

They cannot enter the sanctuary.
They cannot touch the altar.
They cannot approach the Eucharist.

This is the moment the victory of Christ is renewed and applied to souls.

✝️6. COMMUNION IS WHEN THE BATTLE TOUCHES YOU DIRECTLY

When you walk to receive the Body of Christ, the angels prepare your heart.

But the enemy tries everything:

“You are not worthy.”

“Nothing is happening.”

“It’s just bread.”

“Why go?”

“Why kneel?”

Because he knows:

Every Communion weakens his grip.
Every Communion strengthens your soul.
Every Communion attacks the darkness.

✝️7. AFTER MASS, THE DEVIL DOES NOT GIVE UP

Mass ends with the words: “Go in peace.”

But this is not dismissal.
It is a deployment.

The Eucharist in your body becomes a weapon the enemy fears.

You carry Christ into:

Your home

Your workplace

Your struggles

Your temptations

No demon wants a person walking around with the Body of God inside them.

08/08/2026

SATURDAY IS OUR LADY’S DAY

In Catholic tradition, Saturday is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary ("Our Lady's Day") because she remained steadfast in faith on the first Holy Saturday after Christ's death.

Saint Alphonsus Liguori strongly promoted honoring Mary on Saturdays through specific acts of devotion, fasting, and charity.

St. Bernard noted that Mary kept the flame of faith alive on Saturday while the Apostles wavered.The Church set aside Saturdays to honor her unique role and maternal care.

St. Alphonsus Liguori's Recommended Saturday Practices:

⚜️ Fasting: Abstaining from certain foods or fasting on bread and water as a special homage.
⚜️ Almsgiving: Giving to the poor and needy on Saturdays in honor of the Divine Mother.
⚜️ Daily Prayers: Reciting the Rosary, the Angelus three times a day, and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.
⚜️ Habits: Wearing the Brown Scapular and saying three Hail Marys morning and evening to avoid sin.

08/06/2026

5 THINGS EVERY CATHOLIC SHOULD DO TODAY FOR THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Peter, James, and John climbed a mountain with Jesus.
They expected an ordinary day.
Instead, they witnessed one of the greatest moments in the Gospel.
Jesus' face shone like the sun.
His clothes became dazzling white.
Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him.

Then the voice of the Father declared:
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." (Matthew 17:5)

Today, the Church celebrates this glorious mystery, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

But how should Catholics celebrate this beautiful feast?

Here are five meaningful things every Catholic should do today.

First, Attend Holy Mass If You Can.
The greatest way to celebrate any feast of the Lord is by participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Even if today is not a Holy Day of Obligation where you live, attending Mass is a beautiful way to honor Christ revealed in glory.

Second, Read the Gospel of the Transfiguration.
Spend a few minutes prayerfully reading one of the Gospel accounts of the Transfiguration.
Reflect on what the Father said:
"Listen to Him."
Ask yourself whether you are truly listening to Christ in your daily life.

Third, Spend Time in Eucharistic Adoration.
The Transfiguration revealed Christ's hidden glory.
In the Eucharist, that same Lord is truly present, though His glory remains hidden under the appearance of bread.
If possible, visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament today and spend time in silent prayer.

Fourth, Ask God to Transform Your Heart.
The Transfiguration was not only about Jesus revealing His glory.
It also reminds us that God desires to transform us.
Pray for the grace to become more patient, forgiving, humble, and faithful each day.

Fifth, Share the Joy of This Feast.
Many Catholics are unaware that today is such an important feast.
Share today's Gospel, invite someone to Mass, pray with your family, or teach someone why the Church celebrates the Transfiguration.
One simple act of evangelization can lead another soul closer to Christ.

Finally, the Feast of the Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus is truly the beloved Son of God. His divine glory, revealed on Mount Tabor, strengthens our hope that one day those who remain faithful will also share in His heavenly glory. Today is an invitation not only to admire Christ's light but to allow Him to transform our own hearts.

In simple words, how should Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration today?
Attend Holy Mass if possible.
Read the Gospel of the Transfiguration.
Spend time before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Pray for personal transformation.
Share the joy of today's feast with others.

Above all, remember the Father's words:
"This is my beloved Son... listen to Him."

Now you know.

SOURCES

Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation):
Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36
2 Peter 1:16-18

Catechism of the Catholic Church §§554-556

Roman Missal (Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord)

Š Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

08/03/2026

✝️ 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦

The Our Father is the prayer our Lord Jesus Christ taught us. During Holy Mass, the Church invites the faithful to pray it with reverence and unity as we prepare to receive Holy Communion.

✝️ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘

• Stand reverently with the rest of the congregation.

• Face the altar, where the Eucharistic Sacrifice is being celebrated.

• Pray attentively and from the heart.

• Maintain a posture of respect and recollection.

✝️ 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦?

The Roman Missal does not instruct the faithful to hold hands during the Our Father.

While some people choose to do so as a personal custom, it is not a required part of the Mass, and no one should feel pressured to participate.

✝️ 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦?

The orans posture (hands extended in prayer) is the posture assigned to the priest during the Our Father.

The Church does not direct the congregation to imitate this gesture. The faithful are free to pray reverently without extending their hands.

✝️ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥

The most important thing is not what our hands are doing but that our hearts are united with Christ as we pray the words He Himself gave us.

Let us pray the Our Father with faith, humility, and devotion as children of our Heavenly Father.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name..." (Matthew 6:9)

Ignatius Catholicum ✍️✝️

07/07/2026

Cardinal Sarah the many abuses of the liturgy that are far too common.
“In recent decades,”
he observed, “we have seen many liturgical celebrations where people, personalities and human achievements have been too prominent, almost to the exclusion of God.”

One such abuse he mentioned was when
priests “step aside to allow extraordinary ministers distribute Holy Communion” which for many priests
was thought to be a way of allowing lay people to participate in the Mass
in a substantial way.
Rather, said Cardinal Sarah, “This is wrong, it is a denial of the priestly ministry as well as a clericalisation of the laity … When this happens it is a sign that formation has gone very wrong, and that it needs
to be corrected.”

“I am an African,”
Cardinal Sarah said.
“Let me say clearly:
the liturgy is not the
place to promote my culture.
Rather, it is the place where my culture is baptised,
where my culture is
taken up into the divine.”

Sarah suggested that
the Fathers of the
Second Vatican Council intended liturgical reform
to bring more of the faithful
to the Mass, yet for the most part the effort has failed,
as he said, “My brothers and sisters, where are the
faithful of whom the
Council Fathers spoke?”

The cardinal continued:
“Many of the faithful are now unfaithful: they do not come to the liturgy at all.
To use the words of
St John Paul II:
many Christians are living in a state of ‘silent apostasy;’
they ‘live as if God
does not exist’
(Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in Europa,
28 June 2003, 9).
Where is the unity the Council hoped to achieve? We have not yet reached it. Have we made real progress in calling the whole of mankind into the household of the Church?
I do not think so.
And yet we have done very much to the liturgy!”

Ad Orientem beginning this Advent
“And so, dear Fathers,
I ask you to implement this practice
(ad orientem worship) wherever possible, with prudence and with the necessary catechesis, certainly, but also with a pastor’s confidence that this is something good for the Church, something good for our people.
Your own pastoral judgement will determine how and when this is possible, but perhaps beginning this on the first Sunday of Advent this year, when we attend ‘the Lord who will come’ and ‘who will not delay’
( Introit, Mass of Wednesday of the first week of Advent) may be a very good time to do this.
Dear Fathers, we should listen again to the lament
of God proclaimed by the prophet Jeremiah:
“they have turned
their back to me”
(2:27).
Let us turn again towards the Lord!”

The Greater Use of Latin
“We must get the right balance between the vernacular languages and the use of Latin in the liturgy. The Council never intended that the Roman rite be exclusively celebrated in the vernacular. But it did intend to allow its increased use, particularly for the readings. Today it should be possible, especially with modern means of printing, to facilitate comprehension by all when Latin is used, perhaps for the liturgy of the Eucharist, and of course this is particularly appropriate at international gatherings where the local vernacular is not understood by many. And naturally, when the vernacular is used, it must be a faithful translation of the original Latin, as Pope Francis recently affirmed to me.”

Kneeling for Communion
“So too kneeling at the consecration
(unless I am sick)
is essential.
In the West this is an act of bodily adoration that humbles us before our Lord and God.
It is itself an act of prayer. Where kneeling and genuflection have disappeared from the liturgy, they need to be restored, in particular for our reception of our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion.
Dear Fathers, where possible and with the pastoral prudence of which I spoke earlier, form your people in this beautiful act of worship and love.
Let us kneel in adoration and love before the Eucharistic Lord once again!”

Silence within the Liturgy
“We must ensure that adoration is at the heart of our liturgical celebrations. Too often we do not move from celebration to adoration, but if we do not do that I worry that we may not have always participated in the liturgy fully, internally…If
I am never silent,
if the liturgy gives me no space for silent prayer and contemplation,
how can I adore Christ,
how can I connect with him in my heart and soul?
Silence is very important, and not only before and
after the liturgy.”

Sacred Liturgical Music
“Before I conclude, please permit me to mention some other small ways which can also contribute to a more faithful implementation of Sacrosanctum Concilium. One is that we must sing the liturgy, we must sing the liturgical texts, respecting the liturgical traditions of the Church and rejoicing in the treasury of sacred music that is ours, most especially that music proper to the Roman rite, Gregorian chant.
We must sing sacred liturgical music not merely religious music, or worse, profane songs.”

Cardinal Sarah appealed:

“I want to make an appeal to all priests… I believe that it is very important that we return as soon as possible to a common orientation, of priests and the faithful turned together in the same direction
—Eastwards or at least towards the apse
—to the Lord who comes, in those parts of the liturgical rites when we are addressing God… I think it is a very important step in ensuring that in our celebrations the Lord is truly at the centre.

And so, dear Fathers,
I ask you to implement this practice wherever possible, with prudence and with the necessary catechesis, certainly, but also with a pastor’s confidence that this is something good for the Church, something good for our people.”

Sunday, July 3, 2016 at
St. Mary of Pine Bluff
– Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
(Fr. Z) offers the Novus Ordo Mass facing east
(ad orientem)

05/18/2026

Is it okay to applaud at Mass?

Whether it be for the priest after a homily, for a musician, or even for the choir after the liturgy concludes, is this okay? And what about after weddings, confirmations, or baptisms?

Many have opinions, but over the years, various popes and religious leaders have expressed their thoughts on the matter.

In his book "The Spirit of the Liturgy," Pope Benedict XVI (then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) wrote:
“Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment. Such attraction fades quickly – it cannot compete in the market of leisure pursuits, incorporating as it increasingly does various forms of religious titillation.”
Other popes have also contributed to the subject, including Pope Saint John XXIII and Pope Saint Pius X.

As the faithful waited for Pope Saint John XXIII’s arrival at a church outside of Rome, he said,
“I am very glad to have come here. But if I must express a wish, it is that in church you not shout out, that you not clap your hands, and that you not greet even the Pope, because ‘templum Dei, templum Dei.’ (‘The temple of God is the temple of God’)."
Pope Saint Pius X said,
“It is not fitting that the servant should be applauded in his Master’s house.”
Former Catholic Answers chaplain Father Vincent Serpa, O.P., also provided his opinion on an episode of Catholic Answers.
“Is it appropriate to applaud for the choir after Mass? Is this an approved practice?” the caller asks.

Father Serpa said,

“Absolutely not. It’s most inappropriate, and it’s the responsibility of the pastor to make sure that the congregation understands this. The choir is not singing as a matter of entertaining anybody. They’re singing to worship God. We don’t clap for prayer. We pray.”
“Again, that is not an option. If we were someplace else, it would be a different matter," he continues. "But liturgy is liturgy. It’s the worship of God, and it needs to be done in an appropriate way as the Church sees fit. It’s good that they appreciate the choir, but they can thank them outside. Applause is not appropriate at that time.”
“There are times when that’s called for, as in the ordination ceremony, when you are asked to give the response to the worthiness of the candidate for ordination. But this isn’t that. This is something else," Father Vincent adds. "You don’t clap at the end of Mass because you had a good time. That’s not what it’s about.”
However, while the popes, priests, and the faithful provide their input on applauding at Mass, there is no official Church teaching on the subject.

Many Church leaders, however—including Cardinal Francis Arinze—stress that we come to Mass to adore God, not to applaud human efforts or treat the liturgy as entertainment.

Cardinal Arinze, as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, said:
“…when we come to Mass, we don’t come to clap. We don’t come to watch people, to admire people. We want to adore God, to thank Him, to ask Him pardon for our sins, and to ask Him for what we need.”
Furthermore, some argue that limited exceptions can be fitting at the very conclusion of certain joyful celebrations, such as weddings or baptisms, to express gratitude for God’s gifts and the community of faith.

In general, however, the faithful are encouraged to offer silent prayer or personal thanks afterward, preserving the sacred silence and reverence that allow the mystery of the Eucharist to resonate more deeply.

What do you think? Is it okay to applaud at Mass?

https://ow.ly/5fam50Z0UAj

04/28/2026

WHY IS IT WRONG FOR WOMEN TO SERVE ON THE ALTAR AT HOLY MASS?

This is something you begin to notice if you pay attention over time.

In many modern parishes, once women take on roles like lector or Eucharistic minister, men often step back.

The shift is subtle, but the effect is real, and boys lose a visible path toward serving at the altar with reverence and purpose.

Why does that happen?

Fr. Dwight Longenecker addresses this directly. He explains that having boys serve at the altar reinforces the Church’s understanding of the priesthood and helps foster vocations.

When boys are present in that role, they are not just helping at Mass, they are being formed, watching closely, and sometimes beginning to consider a calling they might not have otherwise (see article below).

In a culture already struggling with confusion about roles and identity, removing clear distinctions within the liturgy does not clarify anything, it adds to the uncertainty.

04/12/2026

✝️ WHY THE CHURCH RINGS BELLS AT THE MOST DANGEROUS MOMENT OF MASS😳🤔
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There is a moment at Mass when everything changes.

The church may look calm.
People are kneeling.
The priest is speaking softly.

But in the spiritual world, this is the most intense moment of battle.

And that is why the Church rings bells.

✝️ THIS IS NOT FOR DECORATION

The bells are not there for tradition alone.
They are not there for beauty.
They are not there “just because.”

The Church rings bells at the exact moment bread and w**e cease to exist
and become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

This moment is called the Consecration.

And it is dangerous, not for us,
but for the enemy.

✝️ WHAT MAKES THIS MOMENT SO DANGEROUS?

Because Calvary returns.

Not symbolically.
Not imaginatively.

Really. Mystically. Sacramentally.

At that altar:

the sacrifice of the Cross is made present,
Christ stands again as Victim and Priest,
and the victory over sin and death is renewed.

This is the very moment Satan lost everything.

So when it returns, he trembles.

✝️ WHY BELLS?

In ancient times, bells were used for three serious reasons:

1. To announce the presence of someone greater
2. To warn of danger
3. To call attention to what must not be missed

At the Consecration, all three happen at once.

The bells announce:

“THE LORD IS HERE.”

They warn:

“THIS IS HOLY GROUND.”

They call your soul:

“LOOK. BELIEVE. ADORE.”

✝️ WHO ARE THE BELLS REALLY FOR?

They are not for God.
He is already present.

They are not for the priest.
He already knows.

They are for you.

Because human beings are distracted.
Because minds wander.
Because hearts drift.

The Church says, in effect:

“Wake up.
Heaven is touching earth now.”

✝️ WHAT IS HAPPENING WHILE THE BELLS RING?

As the bells sound:

- Angels surround the altar
- Christ becomes truly present
- The sacrifice of the Cross unfolds
- Grace pours out invisibly

And the enemy cannot endure this moment.

The Eucharist is not only nourishment,
it is Christ victorious.

That is why demons flee during Consecration.
That is why saints knelt in tears.
That is why silence follows.

✝️ THIS IS ALSO WHY THE CHURCH GOES QUIET AFTERWARDS

Notice this.

After the bells ring,
the church often falls into deep silence.

Why?

Because awe replaces noise.
Because heaven has drawn near.
Because words become insufficient.

The bells speak once,
then the soul listens.

✝️ FINAL THOUGHT

When you hear the bell at Mass,
do not rush the moment.

Bow your head.
Still your heart.
Fix your eyes on the altar.

Because at that instant,
the most dangerous moment for darkness
becomes the most powerful moment for grace.

The bells ring because Christ has won again.

And heaven wants you to notice.


__________________

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Chelan, WA
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