Category Archives: post-conciliar liturgy documents

We finish off the look at select elements of the structure of the eucharistic celebration. Let’s call it quits on this topic with the dismissal: “Ite, missa est.” Pope Benedict XVI picks up on the great need in the 21st … Continue reading →

The distribution and reception of the Eucharist 50. Another moment of the celebration needing to be mentioned is the distribution and reception of Holy Communion. I ask everyone, especially ordained ministers and those who, after adequate preparation and in cases … Continue reading →

One of the reasons I think The sign of peace is an authentic impulse of the Holy Spirit is that so many Catholics are troubled by it. We don’t want to admit we are more people than individuals. We don’t want to … Continue reading →

For a few decades now, one of the points of discussion of The Eucharistic Prayer has involved the choice of which one to pray. In the past decade, perhaps the complaint about the translation. I find the latter objection less convincing. If … Continue reading →

We continue with Pope Benedict’s 2007 examination of key points in The structure of the eucharistic Celebration, turning in this post to The presentation of the gifts. This wouldn’t seem to be an area of deep concern. I think most liturgists and … Continue reading →

Clergy, take note: The homily. I see a lot to unpack here. First, we need to get better at them: 46. Given the importance of the word of God, the quality of homilies needs to be improved. The Catholic view … Continue reading →

What can we say about The liturgy of the word? Or what can Pope Benedict XVI say? Remember this section and the six that follow are not theological treatises on what the Missal and the GIRM spend many more words. The … Continue reading →

Catholics speak of two liturgies, but Pope Benedict rightfully identifies them as united, not separate as he references The intrinsic unity of the liturgical action 44. First of all, there is a need to reflect on the inherent unity of the … Continue reading →

Here through section 51 Pope Benedict XVI examines topics in The structure of the Eucharistic celebration. The overall headings will be familiar. The issues touched upon will be familiar for the most part. Many of them have been flashpoints over the … Continue reading →

A favorite topic, fairly well-related to the previous one on art, Liturgical song 42. In the ars celebrandi, liturgical song has a pre-eminent place. (Cf. GIRM 39-41; Sacrosanctum Concilium, 112-118) Saint Augustine rightly says in a famous sermon that “the new … Continue reading →

Over the years I’ve engaged a number of artists to contribute to liturgy. Most often, there has been money for a commission, and always, a willingness to work within the Church’s parameters. I might add this has been especially true … Continue reading →

Respect for the liturgical books and the richness of signs 40. Emphasizing the importance of the ars celebrandi also leads to an appreciation of the value of the liturgical norms. (Cf. Propositio 25) The ars celebrandi should foster a sense of the sacred and … Continue reading →

The Bishop, celebrant par excellence 39. While it is true that the whole People of God participates in the eucharistic liturgy, a correct ars celebrandi necessarily entails a specific responsibility on the part of those who have received the sacrament … Continue reading →

Ars celebrandi 38. In the course of the Synod, there was frequent insistence on the need to avoid any antithesis between the ars celebrandi, the art of proper celebration, and the full, active and fruitful participation of all the faithful. … Continue reading →

The Eucharist and the risen Christ 37. Since the eucharistic liturgy is essentially an actio Dei which draws us into Christ through the Holy Spirit, its basic structure is not something within our power to change, nor can it be … Continue reading →