Monthly Archives: August 2009

Why South African Bishops Jumped

Posted on 31 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

Bishop Edward Risi offers an explanation on why the South African bishops implemented the Order of Mass translation a few years ahead of every other English-speaking country: We produced the Pastoral Introduction to the Mass, a project that took us … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy | 1 Comment

RCIA 142-143: True Repentance

Posted on 31 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

The full experience of the Scrutinies, including the preparation and liturgical celebration is the catechesis for the newcomers’ future observance of the sacrament of Penance. 142. Because they are asking for the three sacraments of initiation, the elect must have … Continue reading →

Posted in post-conciliar liturgy documents, RCIA, Rites | Leave a comment

Nickless and dotCommonweal: Viable or Vital?

Posted on 29 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

A strange quote from dotCommonweal on Northwest Iowa’s Bishop Walter Nickless: The Catholic Church does not teach that government should directly provide health care … Any legislation that undermines the vitality of the private sector is suspect. The private sector … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 2 Comments

A Notable Funeral and Eulogy

Posted on 29 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

A high-profile funeral was celebrated today. I did not see any of it; Saturdays have developed into quite busy days, and today was no exception. As a liturgist, I’d like to offer a few comments on some aspects I’ve heard … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy | 24 Comments

Early Retirement

Posted on 28 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

This week I’ve been bothered by what I believe to be a faulted approach from some of the Catholic blogosphere in dealing with Senator Ted Kennedy’s death. It seems I have an opportunity to show my true colors upon hearing … Continue reading →

Posted in Church News | 2 Comments

The Forty-Three Percent Solution

Posted on 28 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

A long tradition at my parish is a late evening weeknight Mass. Last year, it consistently drew sixty to a hundred people, almost all Iowa State students. It goes back at least twenty years, so they tell me. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life | 2 Comments

RCIA 141: Scrutinies

Posted on 28 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

Chief among the RCIA rites of Lent are the three scrutinies.Let’s get the tale from the first of six descriptive sections in the rite: 141. The scrutinies, which are solemnly celebrated on Sundays and are reinforced by an exorcism, are … Continue reading →

Posted in post-conciliar liturgy documents, RCIA, Rites | 6 Comments

Using Stadium Culture

Posted on 28 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

Regarding my commentary on U2, Jim McK wonders: Do you feel the same way about liturgy taking over popular performance formats, as when a million people turn out as a stadium because a popular priest, ie the Pope, is celebrant? … Continue reading →

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De Mortuis and Assorted Commentary

Posted on 27 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

De mortuis nil nisi bonum. It’s a saying worth having not only in one’s vocabulary, but also in one’s orthopraxis. Those more concerned with orthodoxy, or their own brand of it, seem to be spending a lot of ink or … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, The Blogosphere | 7 Comments

Worship With U2

Posted on 27 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

I’ll confess right out that I have little patience for the direct application of popular music items to liturgy.  In the time it would take me to locate a rare exception, I could write a new song myself. One basic … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgical Music | 4 Comments

RCIA 139-140: “Intense Spiritual Preparation”

Posted on 27 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

The introductory sections for the Period of Purification and Enlightenment conclude: 139. This is a period of more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more in interior reflection than in catechetical instruction, and is intended to purify the minds and hearts of … Continue reading →

Posted in post-conciliar liturgy documents, RCIA, Rites | 1 Comment

Low Mass, Any Form, RIP

Posted on 26 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

In “Support Dropping” combox, Gavin wondered (D)oes Todd also support the banning of the Ordinary Form Low Mass as well? My short answer is yes. Though I see the query as a trick question of sorts. A clarification: The Roman … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy | 12 Comments

RCIA 138: Purification and Enlightenment

Posted on 25 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

Another post, another chapter. After exhausting the rituals of election and sending to election, we’ll return to 12 sections that detail the season of Lent, known to RCIA folks as the “Period of Purification and Enlightenment.” Three sections on these … Continue reading →

Posted in post-conciliar liturgy documents, RCIA, Rites | 2 Comments

Support Dropping

Posted on 25 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

It’s only two points in time, but over the past twenty-four years, support for the traditional Latin Mass has dropped 38%. The actual report from CARA is here. I know there are hopes that a revived traditionalism will invigorate Catholic … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy | 8 Comments

Open Letter, Or: How Much Higher Were Denver Premiums Hiked This Year?

Posted on 25 August 2009 by catholicsensibility

More from the front on the health insurance reform, though admittedly a small side-battle amongst the Hartfords of the world. I couldn’t resist penning a letter to the Archbishop of Denver, who comes down hard against abortion and floats up … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, The Blogosphere | Leave a comment