Category Archives: Parish Life

The Armchair Liturgist: Candlemas

Posted on 29 January 2023 by catholicsensibility

Over the years occasional comments on the last outpost of the Christmas season. It’s only every five, six, or eleven years it lands on a Sunday to replace green with white. This year, it’s a mid-week observance. Sit in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Parish Life, The Armchair Liturgist | 1 Comment

Considering Themed Masses

Posted on 28 October 2022 by catholicsensibility

I noticed PrayTell blogger Fr Neil Xavier O’Donoghue pondering “Days of Prayer” here. From the essay, this lead-off: Last Sunday was observed as Mission Sunday. Yet this is not, strictly speaking, a liturgical observance. I have often seen observances such … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life | 1 Comment

Digital Downloads

Posted on 7 September 2022 by catholicsensibility

More and more, liturgy publishers are promoting the downloading of music from the web. It’s happened a few times: I’ve needed a few extra copies of something for rehearsal. Pay, click, boom: copies are ready. After some years, I see … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgical Music, Parish Life | Leave a comment

Chosen Race

Posted on 23 August 2022 by catholicsensibility

At a recent rehearsal, one of my singers commented on this lyric from one of our songs: For we who are a chosen race are holy, yet still seek … What is the message for an all-white choir to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgical Music, Liturgy, Parish Life | 1 Comment

The Armchair Liturgist: Praying For Nearby Parishes

Posted on 2 January 2022 by catholicsensibility

Before commencing the Eucharistic Prayer this morning, the pastor mentioned one of our neighboring parishes–the one in my town of residence. Pray for them on their patronal feast, he asked. Years ago, I made sure the parish school observed school … Continue reading →

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The Armchair Liturgist: Mass Intentions Aligned With The Liturgical Year

Posted on 31 December 2021 by catholicsensibility

One of my duties at my new parish is to monitor the parish bulletin. One of those sub-tasks is to check the publication of Mass intentions. I noticed that during Christian Unity Week, the pastor has listed a prayer for … Continue reading →

Posted in Parish Life, The Armchair Liturgist | 1 Comment

Early Sunday, First Snow

Posted on 14 November 2021 by catholicsensibility

From my church’s front window.

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Times Change

Posted on 7 November 2021 by catholicsensibility

I showed up 80 minutes before morning Mass today. Just in case, you know? People came on time, as it happened. About an hour later. Lots of them. One of our highest attendance marks, coming out of the pandemic. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Parish Life | 1 Comment

Podcasting The Psalms

Posted on 28 August 2021 by catholicsensibility

They gave me the keys to the parish podcast this summer. What do I know? Basic Scripture stuff. The Psalms. Last week’s on the 34th was my best, I think. I haven’t done voice audio for years–it goes back to … Continue reading →

Posted in Parish Life, Scripture | Leave a comment

Today’s Rite of Committal

Posted on 24 July 2021 by catholicsensibility

I have followed in the footsteps of many fine lay ministers in parishes. I’ve always strived to honor their service, their memory, and their initiatives. My newest parish is the first where I have come after my predecessor has died. … Continue reading →

Posted in Order of Christian Funerals, Parish Life | Leave a comment

Handing Off

Posted on 16 May 2021 by catholicsensibility

Over at Where Peter Is, a small back-and-forth on the worth of a parish mission in response to a comment of mine: From your wife’s last point, it sounds like you need a good old parish mission! That will not … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Ministry, Parish Life | Leave a comment

Desk

Posted on 13 May 2021 by catholicsensibility

My wife has gotten into Marie Kondo, who is apparently a big thing. At home, where we have squeezed a house, then a large apartment into a smaller apartment, perhaps it has saved me from leaping over boxes and stuff … Continue reading →

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What Inspires?

Posted on 5 January 2021 by catholicsensibility

A social media friend posted a question: what books would his friends recommend for Catholic teens? I saw a lot of good stuff. I saw good books that would likely be misfires. The answers rather showed people who read or … Continue reading →

Posted in evangelization, Parish Life, spirituality | 1 Comment

Crucifix

Posted on 14 November 2020 by catholicsensibility

While I was unable to be here long enough for the dedication rite, I was blessed to witness and important installation, one that already inspires reflection. Left, the truck has arrived, and below, I captured an image without zoom that … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Parish Life | 2 Comments

A Missing Dedication

Posted on 12 November 2020 by catholicsensibility

With my departure from the wonderful Pac NW, one thing I will miss is my parish’s dedication of a renovated church. As marvelous as the dedication of a church is, I will miss my friends a bit more. Earlier this … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Parish Life | 1 Comment