I didn't exactly go to a guitar Mass today for Thanksgiving, because there were no actual guitars there.
It was a beautiful church full of statues, paintings, and biblical stained-glass scenes, but after some delay with technical issues, the boomer priest was able to use his iPhone and Bluetooth speakers to start Mass with a John Michael Talbot song (performed by JMT himself), which came with its own guitar accompaniment and backup singers.
The priest said, "Peace be with you."
We said, "And with your spirit."
He said, "Thank you."
I always like seeing people in the front rows turning around to flash the rest of the congregation with a high-waving hippie peace sign. ✌️
My wife and I had been asked to bring up the gifts. I wasn't expecting that, so I ended up agreeing to it. But when the time came, another family was already doing it. I was relieved that there was a miscommunication among the ushers.
The pre-homily warm up was a humorous poem written about an exploding Thanksgiving turkey. The priest wanted to read it to us right before the homily, he said, "to lighten the mood."
The lady lector and lady distributor were a nice touch, too.
It was a treat to hear several more songs during Mass that sounded like I was in Catholic gift shop.
After our final blessing we were warned not to eat too much turkey.
There's nothing I can complain about, though, because all that matters is having a valid sacrament.
Right?
I was grateful for at least that, and for all the graces we do receive.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.