The makeshift congregation packed into the church. Hands clasped in broken hallelujahs. Consecration of this community. Guidelines for the faithful, faithful for tonight. At least for now we can be one. Trascendental divinity, like a silent wind flowing through Public servants to ourselves. We are the Church. Sewn in the fields of the faithful. Strewn through life like an empty chalice. Filled with Merlot. Hear us Father for we have sinned. Glory to you. Buffet Catholics asking for salvation. Forgiveness sandwiched between the bread and pasta salad. Repentant. Offering up prayers for the ******. Quick to judgment. With the ferocity of Charlemagne. Partial acceptance into our open hands, You made a valiant effort. Sign of the cross with water blessed. Genuflect. Kneeling on the pews, praying for peace. External. Internal. Oh! My children! God will have mercy. Part of the flock for once Maybe twice A year. Not even staying for the full length. The faint smell of frankincense. We offer you this gift. Ceremonies steeped in tradition. Rosebeads hung from the wrist of regulars. This mass is being said in memory of… We offer up these prayers for… The meek will inherit the Earth. If we leave anything. Cynics questioning. We’ve found hope in a paperback on a bookshelf. Who is our shepherd?