Monthly Archives: February 2012

GIRM 306-308: Wrapping Up Altar Decor

Posted on 26 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

No peripherals for altar decor; only what is needed: 306. For only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the altar table: namely, from the beginning of the celebration until the proclamation of the … Continue reading →

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Funeral Lectionary: Wisdom 3:1-9

Posted on 25 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

One of the more frequent Old Testament selections in the funeral Lectionary is this one: But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,   and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of … Continue reading →

Posted in Order of Christian Funerals, Scripture | 14 Comments

Daily Mass Ambo

Posted on 25 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

Here is my parish’s daily Mass ambo. It’s a bit worse for wear, and a few parishioners and I have been either repairing it or chatting about a replacement for the past few years. If we do opt to replace, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Liturgy, Parish Life | Leave a comment

Dance Comes For The Evangelicals

Posted on 25 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

I have a cousin who teaches at a Bible College that prohibits dancing. I have a vague memory of discussing this with her about a generation ago. She personally had no problem with dancing, but as a faculty member she … Continue reading →

Posted in Church News, The Blogosphere | 2 Comments

GDC 158: Community, person and catechesis

Posted on 25 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

A footnote on the title of this section refers to Part V, Chapter 1, (numbered sections 217-232) which, at the rate we’re going, we’ll hit in another seven weeks. This is a very interesting section. It continues to suggest that … Continue reading →

Posted in General Directory for Catechesis, post-conciliar catechetical documents | Leave a comment

GIRM 305: Decorating the Altar

Posted on 25 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

Let’s chat about how the altar can and should be decorated: 305. Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar. During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character … Continue reading →

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GDC 157: The activity and creativity of the catechized

Posted on 24 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

This section recounts section 75 from the 1971 General Catechetical Directory, starting with that great liturgical term, “active participation”: 157. The active participation of all the catechized in their formative process is completely in harmony, not only with genuine human … Continue reading →

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GIRM 304: Altar Cloths

Posted on 24 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

Let’s have a discussion on altar cloths: 304. Out of reverence for the celebration of the memorial of the Lord and for the banquet in which the Body and Blood of the Lord are offered, there should be, on an … Continue reading →

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Fasting and Numbers

Posted on 23 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

Saint Jerome once said: When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting. It was a busy day at the parish, bigger than any other Sunday of the year, even Parent’s Weekend. But I did take time to … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Parish Life | 1 Comment

Smile For A March Conjunction

Posted on 23 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

Do you know the definition of a conjunction? Two or more planets appearing close to a planetbound observer. Twelve conjunctions will occur this calendar year, though half involve a planet you will need binoculars to observe. A good home project … Continue reading →

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GDC 156: The role of the catechist

Posted on 23 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

The footnote on the title of this section tells us it was derived from 1971’s General Catechetical Directory, number 71. We’ll also get a more in-depth look later in the GDC in Part V, Chapters 1 and 2 (sections 230 … Continue reading →

Posted in General Directory for Catechesis, post-conciliar catechetical documents | 2 Comments

GIRM 302-303: Relics and Multiple Altars

Posted on 23 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

GIRM shoulders the issue of relics: 302. The practice of the deposition of relics of Saints, even those not Martyrs, under the altar to be dedicated is fittingly retained. However, care should be taken to ensure the authenticity of such … Continue reading →

Posted in GIRM, post-conciliar liturgy documents | 4 Comments

An Ash Wednesday Poll

Posted on 22 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

If you’ve tried to clean your thumb after distributing ashes, you know what I’m talking about. Share your preferred method in the poll: Just to warn you: some clergy are positively gaga on the lemon. I worked for a guy … Continue reading →

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To Remember, With Great Relief

Posted on 22 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

Thomas Merton on this day in 1950: And yet Ash Wednesday is full of joy. In a minute we will sing None and go barefoot to get ashes on our heads to remember, with great relief, that we are dust. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Saints, spirituality | 2 Comments

Snacking on the Word: Why Should They Say?

Posted on 22 February 2012 by catholicsensibility

Why should they say among the peoples, “Where is their God?” Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people. (Joel 2:17d-18) It’s got to be the most bitter question a non-believer can … Continue reading →

Posted in Scripture, spirituality | 2 Comments