Monthly Archives: December 2011

Christmas and Silence

Posted on 24 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

(This is Neil) For Christmas, I wanted to briefly comment on a pastoral letter by the Bishop of Aberdeen, Hugh Gilbert, OSB, on silence (ht: Fr. Z). “We live in a noisy world,” the Bishop begins. Christmas is no exception – … Continue reading →

Posted in Neil | 7 Comments

The Glory of the Father

Posted on 24 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Parish Life, Scripture | 3 Comments

Infrequent Sacramental Encounters Good?

Posted on 23 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

A few weeks back Liam sent me this quote from a NLM guest contributor, Maurizio Bettoja: In the first place, there is the fact that communion is evidently a particularly important and exceptional rite. Communion as practiced today is essentially … Continue reading →

Posted in Liam, Liturgy | 3 Comments

GDC 88-89: “The baptismal catechumenate: structure and progression”

Posted on 23 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

Nothing really new for those involved in RCIA, or those who followed our analysis of it here on this site. The emphasis of the GDC is on a careful progression for those initiated into the Church: 88. Faith, moved by … Continue reading →

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GIRM 86-87: Singing During Communion

Posted on 23 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

Singing during Communion takes up two sections, the first of which is the universal guidance for the whole Church: 86. While the Priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion Chant is begun, its purpose being to express the spiritual union … Continue reading →

Posted in GIRM, post-conciliar liturgy documents | 9 Comments

Putting the Romance Into Christmas

Posted on 22 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

Perhaps it is a matter of being a middle-aged guy, and have something dawn on me for the first time. Or maybe it’s the relentless barrage of 21st century Christmas movies on cable. But I’m having a hard time thinking … Continue reading →

Posted in film | 5 Comments

Funeral Lectionary: Acts 10:34-43

Posted on 22 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

(This is Neil) A recent article on the funeral sermon in Liturgy by the theologian Todd E. Johnson reminds us that “What is being proclaimed is God’s action.” The funeral sermon proclaims that God is active here and now, amidst … Continue reading →

Posted in Neil, Order of Christian Funerals, Scripture | 2 Comments

GIRM 84-85: Communion

Posted on 21 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

GIRM 84-89 addresses the Reception of Communion, and also what takes place immediately afterward: 84. The Priest prepares himself by a prayer, said quietly, so that he may fruitfully receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The faithful do the … Continue reading →

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GDC 87b: Three More Observations

Posted on 21 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

Let’s pick up where we left off yesterday with the final three observations on the fundamental tasks of catechesis: – To fulfil its tasks, catechesis avails of two principal means: transmission of the Gospel message and experience of the Christian … Continue reading →

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Our Avoidance of Peace

Posted on 21 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

Very interesting discussion on the Rite of Peace at Mass below. I don’t intend to short-circuit it, but to branch off and explore a bit more in depth than I might in a comment box. The first mention of Peace … Continue reading →

Posted in GIRM, Liturgy, Peace, spirituality | 5 Comments

GDC 87a: Six Observations, Part 1

Posted on 20 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

It’s always interesting when a Roman Congregation gets off the legislative and prescriptive tack and makes some frank assessments. I always wonder who came up with these ideas: an individual or the whole committee? In a section titled, “Observations on … Continue reading →

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GIRM 83: The Fraction of the Bread

Posted on 20 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

After the Peace, the Fraction Rite, accompanied by the Agnus Dei: 83. The Priest breaks the Eucharistic Bread, with the assistance, if the case requires, of the Deacon or a concelebrant. The gesture of breaking bread done by Christ at … Continue reading →

Posted in GIRM, post-conciliar liturgy documents | 2 Comments

Pew Cards By Request

Posted on 19 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

A reader sent me this link from two parishes back east. What do you think? To obtain a pew card is quite easy: simply visit the Parish Office during office hours, or call either office and and leave a message with your … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life | 7 Comments

Calling Doctor Hildegard

Posted on 19 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

This news was welcome to read. I saw it referenced at the Anchoress’s pad as well as the Chant Café. The Holy Father: She brought a woman’s insight to the mysteries of the faith. In her many works she contemplated … Continue reading →

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GDC 86b: Missionary Initiation

Posted on 19 December 2011 by catholicsensibility

Let’s finish up with GDC 86 as it takes a deeper look at the “missionary dimension” of catechesis. We’ve already read that the Church views part of its catechetical mission to be an infusion of an evangelical spirit within all believers, and … Continue reading →

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