Category Archives: Holy Week

If You Are …

Posted on 16 April 2022 by catholicsensibility

Do we see ourselves in the Scriptures of Holy Week? Or are these Gospel narratives spectator events? I noticed this litany of identifications from the saint our Orthodox sisters and brothers call Gregory the Theologian: If you are a Simon … Continue reading →

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Gather IV Review: Good Friday

Posted on 15 April 2022 by catholicsensibility

In the pages marked “Good Friday” in GIA’s newest edition of the Gather hymnal, we find seven entries specific to the day. As expected, “O Sacred Head” (549) and “Were You There” (554). I doubt you can have a serious … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Week, Liturgical Music | 3 Comments

Gather IV Review: Holy Thursday

Posted on 14 April 2022 by catholicsensibility

By continuing a review of GIA’s newest edition of the Gather hymnal, I wanted to offer a peek at songs listed by liturgical season. Numbered pieces 444 through 626 would be huge for a single post. So a little bit … Continue reading →

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The Armchair Liturgist Prays Triduum Hours in a Parish

Posted on 13 April 2022 by catholicsensibility

Hours from now till Easter evening: what to do? In my experience, my parishes have done morning prayer on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Usually at the same time as morning Mass. One or two people are often surprised it’s not … Continue reading →

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Saint Basil on Rupture

Posted on 12 April 2022 by catholicsensibility

Today’s Office of Readings offers a reflection from Saint Basil on Christ’s agency in our salvation. In prefacing my remarks on rupture, I want to be clear on some things. I am sure that Catholics, especially prelates, who apply their … Continue reading →

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Testimony

Posted on 9 April 2022 by catholicsensibility

The pastor preached a bit today on the centurion’s witness at Jesus’ death: The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” (Luke 23:47) The word for “innocent” can also be translated … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Week, Scripture | 3 Comments

Good Friday Update

Posted on 24 March 2022 by catholicsensibility

My archbishop has recommended an eleventh prayer on Good Friday: Let us pray for the people in Ukraine and in all war zones of the world, for those who have fled the dread of violence and have been deprived of … Continue reading →

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Prudence In The Cathedral

Posted on 5 April 2021 by catholicsensibility

I celebrated my first Chrism Mass in over two decades last week. Last time: my parish hosted a Tuesday morning liturgy. It was fun, and an honor. The core of the music ministry was my parish’s resurrection choir. Our guest … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Holy Week | 2 Comments

Scenes From Livestream Prep

Posted on 12 April 2020 by catholicsensibility

You can check: the up-to-eight persons are distanced. Before Holy Thursday: And Holy Saturday, about EV-minus-20 minutes: It looked pretty bright to me, but the video/streaming crew brought in big-time lighting. I can’t watch the replays–my one flaw as a … Continue reading →

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Freeing Souls

Posted on 11 April 2020 by catholicsensibility

So many things to like about this image from the 15th century master. As with all the Orthodox icons I’ve seen, a demon has been crushed under the door. Jesus reaches out a hand to someone. And in this image, … Continue reading →

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The Armchair Liturgist: Good Friday Communion This Year

Posted on 11 April 2020 by catholicsensibility

The question, as of late, has been more me to my boss, “How are you doing?” Yesterday, she beat me to the punch. I was quiet during our Good Friday walk-through, which is unusual for me. I certainly have opinions … Continue reading →

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Washing

Posted on 9 April 2020 by catholicsensibility

I miss the experience of washing feet. Not just this year. I served in a few parishes where my wife, daughter, and I shared the experience of washing and being washed. Other parishioners, too, obviously. Sometimes a few hundred at … Continue reading →

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Holy Saturday Confessions

Posted on 20 April 2019 by catholicsensibility

Some parishes offer a confessor’s time. Others do not. Sometimes the reasons for either are good. Or well-intentioned. For the record, a celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is not forbidden on Holy Saturday. I can’t honestly recall a parish … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Week, Rite of Penance | 6 Comments

Harrowing

Posted on 20 April 2019 by catholicsensibility

Why do we profess Jesus descending to the dead in the Apostle’s Creed? When I was a boy, I confess this seemed a bit strange. I didn’t give it much thought, though. The Bible gives a few hints (1 Peter … Continue reading →

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On Good Friday

Posted on 19 April 2019 by catholicsensibility

Good Friday quote from the 6th century from Saint Romanos the Melodist: Let us lay aside all tiresome arguments and attach ourselves to the one on the cross. If it seems right, let us all go along with Peter to … Continue reading →

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