I've bought thousands of cigarettes in the last ten years and haven't enjoyed a single one. Even though I still buy for my spouse I haven't burned tobacco since I quit - not until yesterday anyway.
I mentioned Saturday that I was going to try something different. Yesterday at mass I burned tobacco in church. I didn't sneak a butt in the bathroom but actually lit it in the church. I wasn't at one of those new churches with all the ads we receive in the mail, this was a Catholic parish and I burned the tobacco as part of the worship service.
I rushed to the Congregation of the Great Spirit at 10th and Lapham for a 9:30 mass time. I left late, the freeway was closed and my detour took me too far south, but I made it. After risking a ticket I came to learn that, at least when it comes to prayer, Native Americans rely on "Indian time" and mass just doesn't start until everyone gets there.
The Congregation uses a combination of Native American and traditional Catholic ceremonies, and while I recognized many songs and prayers, I also experienced things I could never imagine in a church.
All four new visitors were properly introduced and a song was sung for us. A one minute sharing of peace at my parish was a ten minute socialization here (I think I shook hands with or hugged most of the members there, some more than once).
The first week of Advent and no wreath! There indeed were four candles though, one for each direction. The first candle lit, east, represents spring and new life, and a baby lit the candle. Next week will be south, summer, youth. After that will be west, autumn, adulthood and middle age. And last will be north, winter, old age. A circle of life, continuously spiralling toward heaven.
The tobacco ceremony cleanses the body and soul with smoke and also symbolizes the fellowship of the peace pipe. Some people burned tobacco in a fire by the altar as I did, while others took it outside saying a short prayer.
related storyMass ended with a song for travellers who gathered around the ceremonial drum on the altar. After mass I joined my new friends for food and fellowship in the basement and I enjoyed some of the best venison stew and fry bread.
In two weeks, 12/17, there will be a special Solstice Mass at 2:00 p.m. with Bishop Sklba attending. I could be talked into it!
Slideshow*********added 12/9 ***************
Two upcoming events related to the
Congregation of the Great Spirit:
A nationally televised special filmed at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist which includes the Congregation participating in a drum ceremony, among many other musical groups and cultures. It airs on Channel 12 at 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve.
Also, there will be a New Year's Eve Powwow at the Federal Courthouse, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave. in Milw. Sunday 12/31. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the Grand Entry is at 7:00.
