Monthly Archives: November 2008

Snacking on the Word: 1 Peter 4:7-8

Posted on 30 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

It’s not in the Sunday readings this year, nor does it appear in our Isaiah-saturated daily Lectionary, but this passage from Peter’s first letter fits well with the early days of Advent: The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, … Continue reading →

Posted in Scripture | 1 Comment

Making An Advent Wreath

Posted on 29 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

We did it this year. For years my new parish had evergreen-decorated candle stands (about eight feet high) and used those with the usual three violet, one rose candle. There was interest in a “real” wreath this year, so after … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life | Leave a comment

PCS 121: Litany of Anointing

Posted on 28 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

This litany begins the liturgy of anointing. The rite offers the option of adapting or shortening if pastoral need is judged: My brothers and sisters, in our prayer of faith let us appeal to God for our brother/sister N. Come and strengthen … Continue reading →

Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, post-conciliar liturgy documents, Rites | 1 Comment

Apple Salad

Posted on 28 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

After Mass yesterday morning, we were off to visit family for the holiday meal. My brother’s mother-in-law, an old family friend and adoptive “grandma” of the young miss, hosted. The main Thanksgiving fare was already spoken for in the food … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, My Family | 4 Comments

PCS 119-120: Liturgy of the Word, Anointing

Posted on 28 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

We continue our survey of the 1983 rite, Pastoral Care of the Sick, covering the Church’s sacramental outreach to those who are seriously ill or dying. Just to give you a heads-up on structure, we have about a dozen more … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving 2008

Posted on 27 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

It’s a good holiday, today. We name it for a quality of which pretty much everybody can use a little more. I see Zenit has an interview piece up extolling the emotional plusses of gratitude. I like the Scriptural, too. … Continue reading →

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A Thanksgiving Lectionary Cycle

Posted on 26 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

Every missal and missalette publisher contributes their suggestions to the choice of readings for tomorrow’s American holiday. Some priests and liturgists vary from those offerings, and some readings pop up year after year. The Lectionary offers options for Masses of … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy | 1 Comment

Coraline is Cool

Posted on 26 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

The young miss needed a 150-page book for a book report. And she needed it quick, so we were off to the library Monday to find a tome, not made into a movie, at least 150 pages, and not lame. … Continue reading →

Posted in On My Bookshelf, science fiction | 1 Comment

PCS 117-118: Instruction and Mercy

Posted on 26 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

After the ritual greeting (PCS 115) and the optional sprinkling rite (116), the priest quotes the letter of James in an “instruction” to the sick and those present: My dear friends, we are gathered here in the name of our … Continue reading →

Posted in Pastoral Care of the Sick, post-conciliar liturgy documents, Rites | 4 Comments

The Weigel Verdict: Stupid

Posted on 25 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

Count George Weigel as the latest member of the Bishop Trautman Club. His assessment of Election Day: “tribal” Catholics are stupid. Maybe we’re too stupid to realize that FOCA might well be DOA. This kind of pro-life cred will flush … Continue reading →

Posted in Church News, Politics | 5 Comments

“The Beatles Are Just Alright With Me”

Posted on 25 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

The Vatican media organ, L’Osservatore Romano, observed the feast of Saint Cecilia, virgin, martyr, and patron of music by observing that the Beatles are okay with them. I wonder if the favorite John Lennon quote hit home with anybody: Christianity will go. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 8 Comments

PCS 115-116 Introductory Rites for Anointing

Posted on 25 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

 Outside of Mass, anointing of the sick begins with a ritual greeting 115. The priest greets the sick person and others present. One of the greetings in no 81 may be used. A reverent setting for the Eucharist should be … Continue reading →

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Snacking on the Word: Tobit 1:6-8

Posted on 25 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

From one of my favorite books, the title character’s description of good Jewish generosity. Not one, but three tithes: I, for my part, would often make the pilgrimage alone to Jerusalem for the festivals, as is prescribed for all Israel … Continue reading →

Posted in Scripture | 1 Comment

Interfaith Dialogue, A Point

Posted on 24 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

The young miss was running late this morning, so on the drive to school I heard NPR’s spot on Pope Benedict’s letter to an Italian conservative author casting doubt, supposedly, on interfaith dialogue. The NYT has a cryptic summary, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Church News, Ministry, Nostra Aetate | 6 Comments

Peace Out

Posted on 23 November 2008 by catholicsensibility

Not out, exactly, but peace moved. The AP picks up the story. Pope Benedict is reportedly consulting bishops before making a final decision on moving the Rite of Peace, probably to the end of the Liturgy of the Word. Some progressives have … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy | 15 Comments