Category Archives: liturgy

March 24, 2013 · 5:01 pm

the simple beauty of palm sunday

palm sunday 1

Today is Palm Sunday. With the early Easter this year, we are still in the midst of winter. Each wee hint of spring mocks us. The grocery stores are well stocked with tulips, but we know another snow storm or two are probably around the corner. It´s been a long and brutal winter, and spring yearnings are deeper than usual.

Stepping into church this morning, we were welcomed by the most subtle of smells. The piles of fresh, green palms awaited us. I happily took the frond that was offered to me, and immediately lifted it up to my face, breathing in the greenness with delight.

There is a simplicity and beauty in the symbolism of Palm Sunday. After the sombre purples and bare branches of Lent, the red cloths and green palms are a welcomed burst of colour. Perhaps we appreciate them more because of their simplicity. They gently nudge the senses, without over-powering them.

Simplicity surrounded Our Lord as he made his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. His ride was a donkey. Waving palm branches welcomed him – green fronds plucked from nearby trees, nothing ornate or expensive.

What followed was a journey of accusations, humiliations, denials, torture, agony and death. The Hosanna moment was quickly forgotten, and the crowds turned on him. A crown of thorns and a cross for a throne became the ultimate paradox of glory, of true kingship fulfilled.

Pope leads Palm Sunday Mass, BBC

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December 8, 2012 · 2:31 pm

Attempt to resurrect pre-Vatican II Mass leaves church at crossroads | National Catholic Reporter

Attempt to resurrect pre-Vatican II Mass leaves church at crossroads | National Catholic Reporter.

NCR has just published one of the best articles I’ve read in a long time. Granted, my judgment is coloured by the fact that I completely agree with the reasoning of the author.

Fr. Ron Schmit, pastor of St. Anne Church in Byron, California, explores the deeper meaning and symbolism behind the “extraordinary form” of our liturgy; the pre-Vatican II, 1962 Latin Mass. He believes it goes beyond the fancy trappings of excessive liturgical garb and gestures. The way we celebrate our liturgy, which is the source and summit of our faith, reflects our ecclesiology and theology.

Pope Paul VI believed that a refusal to accept the liturgical changes of Vatican II was a rejection of the authority of the Council itself. Therefore, he refused to concede to Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and his followers who believed in the exclusive validity of the Tridentine rite. He once stated,

Never. This Mass … becomes the symbol of the condemnation of the council. I will not accept, under any circumstances, the condemnation of the council through a symbol. Should this exception to the liturgy of Vatican II have its way, the entire council would be shaken. And, as a consequence, the apostolic authority of the council would be shaken.

Vatican II renewed the focus on the Church as the people of God. Fr. Schmit describes the Tridentine Mass,

They are there to watch the priest say “his” Mass. The emphasis is hierarchical and legalistic (who has the power and how are they lawfully exercising that power). Rather than the risen Christ working through the whole people of God (lay and ordained), we have a powerful clergy ministering to a passive people. Instead of church as sacrament, we have church as a juridical hierarchy.

The attempt to resurrect and popularize the 1962 pre-Vatican II Mass has serious ramifications. Will we be a church that looks narrowly inward — where God is found only in piety and private devotion, or will we be a church as Vatican II defined it — a Spirit-filled people on fire with an urgent sense of mission? We are at a crossroads. The extraordinary form is incapable of activating us as the priestly people of God — the vision of Vatican II. Which path will we follow?

My struggle is with my desire to embrace diversity in our church. If I truly believe this, then there is room for all. We should have the freedom to reflect that diversity in the way we worship. But, whenever I see photos of bishops and priests parading in such grotesquely excessive garb, with servers kneeling all around them, I can’t help but feel both revulsion and sadness. A great sadness.

Fr. Schmit has provided the perfect words to my gut feelings. The Tridentine Mass may be legitimized, but it does not symbolize the church that I yearn for. It reflects all that angers and disappoints me –increased clericalism, a passive laity, exclusivity that flies in the face of our ecumenical efforts and a stress on pious actions, devotions and personal salvation. It is a church that focuses more on what goes on inside its four walls, than a church that is called in mission to go out into the world.

It is shameful when our worship becomes a source of battle within our faith community. I am not proud of adding to the battle by taking a stand. I still believe that if a community, as a whole, desires to worship in Latin with all the bells and whistles, then they have the right to do so. If a diocese offers the option of a Tridentine Mass for those so inclined, fine and good. I would never stand on the church steps with a banner denouncing it.

The Mass in the “extraordinary form” may answer a need for a certain population in our church. I just hope it remains within that population and isn’t imposed on those of us who happily identify ourselves as Vatican II Catholics.

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August 20, 2012 · 11:22 am

sharing experiences of attending mass on vacation

Anthony Lehmann, a friend of this blog shared the following ‘holy leisure’ experience of Mass attendance during his family’s summer vacation. Sadly, it was not a very holy experience…

My wife, my 16 year old daughter and two of her friends and myself spent 8 days in Colorado, close to Rocky Mountain National Park. We attended mass in Grandby, Colorado August 12. We sensed this would be different as we entered the front row pew where a woman was wearing a long mantilla.There were four altar boys(no girls found among them) in their black cassock and white surplus. Another sign perhaps to turn and flee before it was too late? The young priest chanted many prayers in English. The Holy, Holy, the Acclamation, Great Amen and Lamb of God were all sung in Latin. Clearly he embraced the New Roman Missal in a big way….read more

Hubby and I didn’t always agree on Sunday Mass attendance during our holidays. I cringed at the extra effort of searching for a church, getting our rag-tag crew of five kids looking decent, and trying to keep them quiet in unfamiliar surroundings. (Why couldn’t ushers do a flight attendant style of announcement at the beginning of mass….the nearest exists are here, here, and here…?!) After a lot of grumbling and complaining, I gave in to my faithful husband. Sometimes the experience was worth the effort. Sometimes not. If nothing else, we tried to model to the children that this is ‘what we do’ as Catholics.

Today, sans enfants, we still don’t always agree an Mass attendance during holidays. Thankfully, my man continues to try and keep me on the straight and narrow. (A tough job, but someone has to do it.)

Attending Mass during travels gives us an opportunity to experience different liturgies, homilies and parish styles. If the travels take us far from home, the cultural diversity can be a wonderful experience. My favorite ‘travel Masses’ were in Hawai’i and Kenya.

A priest friend loves attending Mass during his frequent travels, and relishes the opportunity to pray with the community from the pews.

As young adults, we often spent weekend retreats at a secluded cabin on the lake owned by our friends the Marianist brothers. Hubby has fond memories of paddling in a canoe to a tiny, remote community with one of the priests to assist him in Mass. There was no need to dress up in Sunday best.

I can relate to Anthony’s story. You never know what you will find when you walk through unfamiliar church doors. Sometimes, a wonderful surprise awaits you; a warm and welcoming community, glorious singing and a nourishing homily. Sometimes it can be a ho-hum, boring experience. But, it is one thing when a Mass is simply not spiritually uplifting. It is another when the experience leaves you angry.

I would love to hear your own vacation Mass stories. What church experiences have you had on your recent travels?

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August 16, 2012 · 9:35 pm

how obligated are you by obligation?

On August 15, Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption, commemorating our belief that Mary was assumed into heaven body and soul. A friend of mine was grumbling that it was a holy day of obligation in the USA. Her grumbling was not about the feast itself, but about the obligatory aspect. At a time when many of us are frustrated with doctrine-spouting and rules-waving leaders, being told when and how to pray can leave us feeling less than spiritual.

The Code of Canon Law states the following (Canon 1246)

  1. Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church. Also to be observed are the day of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension and the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Mary Mother of God and her Immaculate Conception and Assumption, Saint Joseph, the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, and finally, All Saints.
  2. However, the conference of bishops can abolish certain holy days of obligation or transfer them to a Sunday with prior approval of the Apostolic See.

Here is an online calendar showing the present Holy Days of Obligation in the USA, Canada, England and Wales, Australia and Ireland. We Canadians are the most lax, with only two obligatory days outside of Sunday; Christmas and January 1st, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Of course, sometimes these fall on a Sunday rendering the extra obligation moot.

I struggled with the issue of Sunday obligations for many years. As children, we were taught that missing Mass on a Sunday was a mortal sin. If we did, we could not receive Communion until we went to Confession. This was a heavy burden on a wee soul. I could not understand how my missing Mass put me on the same boat to hell as a murderer. The teaching haunted me. It took many years before I could miss Mass without horrible scruples and guilt. (Google ‘missing mass and mortal sin’ and you’ll see that the question still exists for many.)

Today, like my friend, I resent the power and authority that often lies behind the word obligation. I cringe at the homilist who identifies the faithful Catholic as merely one who warms up the pew on a Sunday. I dread attending Mass in a parish where I know I will leave feeling depressed and angry rather than spiritually uplifted. Sometimes, when I’m in a bad head-space, it’s better for me to stay home, praying a lectio divina with the readings. On those days, I trust that God understands.

Perhaps going to church has become more of an obligation because we have lost the deeper meaning of Sundays and Feast Days. We no longer live in a culture where the spirit of the Sabbath is honoured; where work is laid aside for holy leisure time with God and family. We squeeze church time into our busy weekend. Feast Days are no longer communal celebrations, a much needed holy-day from labour. Gone are the actual feasts and festive traditions. Dragging ourselves into a half-empty church and sitting through a listless liturgy to fulfill our guilty consciences is not the same as filling the streets with processions and revelry.

How can we go beyond obligation, and return to a spirit of communal worship and celebration?

(Day of obligation or not, Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, sent out this warm greeting to all Christians celebrating the Assumption.)

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July 18, 2012 · 8:53 pm

liturgical finery – how much is too much?

Hello friends! As I thought, the summer days are flying by and blog posts are not being written. But, I found this piece on the NCR site and thought is was too good not to share. The YouTube video features Cardinal Raymond L. Burke speaking passionately about the beauty and sense of transcendence found in the Tridentine mass and its accompanying liturgical garb.

I am a big believer that our Catholic Church is large enough to accommodate a host of liturgical traditions. Diversity is a gift that offers options. We are enriched and nourished in different ways. So, choice is good.

But if I have a choice, this is not one I would make. I’ve always been a believer in elegant simplicity. Less is more. Over the top, excessive finery just looks tacky. It is a pathetic shout to the world that seems to scream, ‘look what I can afford!’

In my opinion, these lads in their heavy lace and gold-laden frocks do not look God-y….just gawdy!

Check it out….The Call of Beauty

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April 5, 2012 · 5:00 am

holy thursday foot washing

(This post was first published on April 21, 2011)

The Holy Thursday liturgy is rich with symbols and rituals. We commemorate the Passover meal, which was to be the last supper before Jesus`s death. Several themes are present: the institution of the Eucharist, the institution of the ordained priesthood, and the call to humble service. Which theme is highlighted and how the liturgy is celebrated can tell a lot about the theological leanings of the pastor and parish.

Here is one view from the pew…

Let us celebrate the Eucharist as the great sacrament of unity – a unity that transcends place and time. Holy Communion is healing food for us sinners. It is a source of energy on our spiritual journey. It should not be used as a tool of power or division.

In this scandal-ridden time of sadness and confusion, many of us are struggling with the exclusive and hierarchical nature of ordination. If Holy Thursday is a time to commemorate the institution of the priesthood, then we need to prayerfully ponder the meaning of priesthood for today.

The symbolic ritual of foot washing is too often a well-orchestrated spectacle. Many of us in the pews are immersed in the reality and messiness of service. We wash and care for our loved ones, from the wee babes to our elders. We teach and nurse. We serve and protect. We save and heal. We do this daily, without solemn processions and choirs singing. And, when we do, we aren`t surrounded by ministers and assistants carrying beautiful jugs, basins and fluffy white towels.

Rituals only have meaning if they are a sign of a deeper reality. Our church and our world are in need of true servant leaders. We are in need of men and women willing, like Jesus, to humbly bend before the feet of those they are called to serve.

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March 22, 2012 · 4:21 pm

how are you doing with the new roman missal?

The above picture was posted on Facebook shortly after the New Roman Missal was introduced. It still makes me smile, and elicits a chuckle from all who see it. (I apologize for not giving credit to the original artist.) Hubby and I mimicked the hand-pumping seriousness of this little guy when we remembered the right response. Being a quick study, hubby’s track record was much better than mine. I’m still blurting out the occasional and also with you.

I still can’t wrap my mind and tongue around the Lord, I am not worthy. I’m sorry, but under my roof just sounds strange and clunky. And chalice instead of cup during the consecration prayer is still distracting; images of the holy-grail dance in my head.

The daily Collects (opening prayer) continue to elicit my sympathy for the priests who have to pronounce them. Here is today’s…

We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son…

I’ve read many books on the art of writing. The most valuable rule that I have learned is this. Keep your sentences simple. Do not use five words if you can say the same thing with two. Cut, cut, and cut some more! Sentences like the one above are crying out for an editor’s red marker.

The New Roman Missal has been with us for four months now. I am still not comfortable with it. I doubt that I ever will be. I’m still angered by the way it was imposed on us. The pamphlets and music sheets in the pews remind me of the financial burden it placed on parishes. I miss the well-loved mass arrangements that are suddenly banned. I feel sad about the whole mess. But that is me. And, I do tend to hold grudges.

How are you and your parish doing with the New Roman Missal? Has it become a welcome addition to your liturgy or a source of discomfort? Is the newness slowly dissipating with practice? Do you love it, hate it, or just not think about it? I’d love to hear from you.

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January 3, 2012 · 8:50 pm

new roman missal – one month later

It`s over a month since the new translation of the Roman Missal was introduced into all English-speaking dioceses around the world. Has it made any difference in our liturgical worship? Has it, as promised, sent our prayers mystically soaring on Latin-gilded wings? Have our devotions become more meaningful thanks to the theological richness of phrases from bygone days? These are still the early days, but here are some thoughts from my wee corner of the world…

First of all, I appreciated the low-key approach of my parish to the Missal. There was no hoopla, or long lectures rationalizing the translation. We just did it; with expected stumbles along the way. But then came Christmas, when pews are overflowing with visitors.

The new translation added to the unease felt by some of our sisters and brothers who join us for special feast days and celebrations of life`s passages.  Eager responses to familiar prayers were cut short as mistakes were realized. Folks fumbled through pamphlets. Some gave up and followed the prayers in silence. One young person summed it up this way, “I`m an intelligent person. Coming to Mass made me feel stupid. I don`t know what I`m supposed to say anymore!” This saddened me. We`re supposed to promote a spirit of welcome and hospitality within our worshipping community. Will this new language deepen separations and build walls between those who are “in” and those who are “out”?

And, it’s not only the occasional church goers that are feeling stupid. I attend Mass regularly and I`m still responding with a warm and friendly “And also with you”! The feeling of stupidity is quickly followed by either an embarrassed giggle, or anger and frustration. And then I have to struggle to regain a prayerful mind-set. So much for deepening my sense of devotion!

I use the Canadian Living with Christ missalette for praying the daily scripture readings. The difference in wording of the Collect,(previously known as the Opening Prayer), reflects the style of language in the new translation.  On the page, it stands in sharp contrast to the clean simplicity of our NRSV Lectionary. Here is a sentence from today’s Collect,

O God, who in the blessed child-bearing of the holy Virgin Mary kept the flesh of your Son free from the sentence incurred by the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have been taken up into this new creation, may be freed from the ancient taint of sin.

Difficult words to read. Even more difficult to speak out loud in a smooth and flowing manner.

I’m trying my hardest to give this Missal a chance. Will I ever get used to hearing “chalice” rather than “cup”? Will I remember to invite Jesus “under my roof”? Can I eventually embrace the renewed focus on our abject sinfulness with the requisite beating of the breast? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear of your experiences with the New Roman Missal one month later…

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December 9, 2011 · 10:06 am

rejoice, it`s gaudate sunday!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5) Entrance Antiphon for the Third Sunday of Advent.

Catholics love their liturgical symbols and colors. Green for ordinary time. White for solemnities like Christmas and Easter. Red to signify both the blood of martyrs and the Holy Spirit. Purple for the penitential time of Lent; with a subtle change in tone to violet for Advent. And, tucked in the back of many parish vestment closets is a joy-filled rose number. Okay, it’s pink!

The liturgical pink makes an appearance but twice a year, on Gaudate and Laetare Sundays; the Third Sunday in Advent and the Fourth Sunday in Lent. They both signify a time to focus on joy in the midst of penance and waiting. (Gaudate means rejoice.)

Many parishes no longer have rose-coloured vestments. Liturgical garments aren’t cheap, and you don’t get much mileage out of these. Some priests don’t feel comfortable wearing them, even if they are available. A dear friend of ours loved celebrating mass at our local Benedictine monastery. But, he dreaded being there for Gaudate Sunday, knowing the Sisters would insist he wore the rose! (I’m still not sure if the insistence came from liturgical correctness or from a desire to tease their beloved friend.)

All kidding aside, it is always good to take time to intentionally focus on joy. As we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, we will be reminded that the coming of the Lord is near. We look with joy to celebrating the birth of Jesus, and to his second coming. The readings are filled with calls to rejoice, exult and be glad.

The anticipation of young ones at this time of year fills homes with excitement. Even not so young ones look forward to family and friends gathering during this holy season. Some of our children are in the midst of exams, and are yearning for that precious moment when the pen is put down and the last exam is completed. Celebrating Christmas with the first grand-baby and niece has increased the joy and anticipation for us all this year.

As the shopping days count-down, the burden of preparations rears its ugly head. And with it, the threat of the annual, panic-induced melt-down. (I’ve never been one of those organized souls who has everything bought and wrapped weeks before the holiday. We’re starting our shopping this weekend!)

My mantra this weekend will be joy, joy, joy!!! And not with teeth-clenched, sarcastic over-tones, but hopefully with a heart-filled with gratitude for the message of this season. Our God became one of us, with a promise that peace and justice will eventually reign over all.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near.

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November 30, 2011 · 9:40 am

inclusive language in the lectionary

Today`s gospel reading is the story of Jesus inviting Peter and Andrew to be `fishers of men`. I use our Canadian Living With Christ  missalette for the daily readings. Our Canadian lectionary uses the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. But I misplaced November`s issue and have been reading the online versions from the USA. Today`s gospel reading reminded me of the differences in language between the Bibles that are used for our lectionaries. On January 24th, I posted a reflection on fishers of men, or people?  on the issue of inclusive language in our liturgy.

The NRSV translation had to go  through some revisions before getting official recognition from the Vatican. The process is explained on the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) web-site. 

“The Lectionary is the result of important cooperation between members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and officials of the Holy See. While most of the Lectionary text has not been altered, changes have been made so that the Word proclaimed in our churches will be clearer or more accurate. “

A Back-grounder on the Canadian Lectionary  (link is available on the same page) states

The Commission also wanted to be faithful to the wish of the Second Vatican Council that it would be preferable to have a version of Sacred Scripture which all Christians could use in common. To do this would be in keeping with the opening paragraph of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy which saw as one of the principal goals of liturgical renewal “to nurture whatever can contribute to the unity of all who believe in Christ” (Vatican Council II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 1).
With these criteria in mind (suitability for public proclamation, fidelity to the original Scriptural text, possibility of ecumenical use), the Commission recommended the adoption of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible as the basis of the Canadian Lectionary. (emphases mine)

The principle used for inclusive language was

When the original language was clearly intended to include both males and females, the translation was to be inclusive; when the original language was clearly meant to be gender specific, this was to be respected in the translation.

Cooperation and collaboration between our Bishops conference and the officials at the Vatican. A desire for opening doors for ecumenical unity. A respectful use of inclusive language while remaining faithful to the integrity of scriptural scholarship. And an acknowledgement that the language used must be suitable for public proclamation.

We did the Lectionary right.

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