Turning Toward Christ, TogetherGEORGE WEIGEL
As discussion of deepening the Church's liturgical reform unfolds, a lively conversation will likely revolve around be the question of "orientation" during Mass: Might priest and people face in the same direction, toward the Holy Trinity, during the celebration of the Eucharistic liturgy?
The Beginning of the Reformation's End?CHARLOTTE HAYS
On a recent evening, about 60 peopleex-Episcopalians, curious Catholics and a smattering of earnest Episcopal priests in clerical collarsgathered downtown for an unusual liturgy: It was Evensong and Benediction, sung according to the Book of Divine Worship, an Anglican Use liturgical book still being prepared in Rome.
Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for Lent 2011POPE BENEDICT XVI
The Lenten period, which leads us to the celebration of Holy Easter, is for the Church a most valuable and important liturgical time, in view of which I am pleased to offer a specific word in order that it may be lived with due diligence.
What Are the Eastern Rites?FR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS
The Second Vatican Council's Decree on the Catholic Eastern Churches emphasized, "The Catholic Church values highly the institutions of the Eastern Churches, their liturgical rites, ecclesiastical traditions and their ordering of Christian life. For in those churches, which are distinguished by their venerable antiquity, there is clearly evident the tradition which has come from the Apostles through the Fathers and which is part of the divinely revealed, undivided heritage of the Universal Church" (No. 1).
Activities for LentCOLEEN ROONEY
Pope Paul VI in 1969 reminded us in his introduction to the revised liturgical calendar that the season of Lent/Easter is a special time of the year and exerts much influence upon us which can lead to a deepening of our faith if we make use of it. The following are some activities that you may find helpful as you participative with your family (especially with young children) in observing these special 40 days.
Lead Us Not into TemptationSEAN INNERST
In this months installment of our liturgical Bible study, we come to the readings for the Lenten season. The 40 days of Lent are meant to replicate in the life of the Church the 40-day fast of Jesus recounted in the Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Lent. That reminds us of the operating principle of our Bible study: Jesus Christ is the central, inner meaning of the whole of salvation history.
From Plight to PraiseTIM GRAY
Israels immediate response to Gods mighty deeds was to sing a song of praise to God (cf. Ex. 15). This pattern from the Exodus, of plight to praise, characterizes the nature of Israels liturgical worship. Many of Israels sacred songs are either laments or songs of praise. But even the lament psalms anticipate praise, as the psalmist pours out his grief to the Lord so that he may be delivered and thus praise God.
Why Priests Wear BlackFR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS
Why do priests wear black? Where does the cassock come from?
The Significance of Easter FoodFR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS
Last Christmas, you explained some of the various Christmas customs. What about some of the different Easter customs, like Easter eggs, bread, etc.?
Cathedrals, Shrines and BasilicasFR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS
Is a basilica the same as a cathedral? What about a shrine? If not, what makes them different?
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