Mass at St. Rita's is really special and there are times when I wish time could slow down so I could sitand soak it all in like a sponge. It was one of those times for the Ephphany Mass. The statues of three kings were moved from across the church to the nativity scene. Our tiniest altar boy gravely lit the candles that he could reach and Fr. Bear did the rest. One of our old A team altar boys was home from college and it was great seeing him.Two old women who've never spoken to me in four years shocked me by wishing Rocky and me a happy New Year. One of our ushers, whom I've never even seen smile before gave Rocky a cheerful nod. Around me in the pews people were praying or silently reading the bulletin. The organist played with gusto. I really should've gone up to the choir loft to thank him for his work last year. There was a hushed anticipation in the air. The cantor sang sweetly. The lector was.... different but her reading was ineresting. The homily was like a shaft of light in the darkness. Fr. Bear announced that the Thursday Tridentine Mass will be a high solemn one, I can't wait. People stayed after Mass to pray and look at the creche. Rocky and Fr. Eagle sighed over the hapless Redskins.