Category Archives: The Armchair Liturgist

The Armchair Liturgist: Collecting For Ash Wednesday?

Posted on 17 February 2015 by

Discussion at PrayTell here about whether Mass is really necessary or good on tomorrow’s observance. But I ask you to consider something more pragmatic: should you take up a collection on Ash Wednesday?

Posted in The Armchair Liturgist | 2 Comments

The Armchair Liturgist: Inviting the General Intercession Response

Posted on 11 February 2015 by

At my parish, both resident and student parishioners are invited to write the Sunday prayers. This month, one of our writers asked me if we ever invite a response other than, “Lord, hear our prayer.” We don’t change the response … Continue reading →

Posted in The Armchair Liturgist | 4 Comments

The Armchair Liturgist Empties The Font … Maybe

Posted on 6 February 2015 by

In case you haven’t been paying attention, Ash Wednesday is less than two weeks away. Someone on PrayTell mentioned a practice of emptying the font during Lent–but keeping holy water in the sconces at the door. Wouldn’t work at my … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, The Armchair Liturgist | 2 Comments

The Armchair Liturgist: Sprinkling Rite Outside of Easter

Posted on 9 January 2015 by

PrayTell posted video of that Orthodox priest sprinkling with gusto. Will many Catholic parishes be sprinkling this Sunday, though without this much vigor? Sit in the purple chair and render judgment on the question: How often would your parish sprinkle instead … Continue reading →

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The Armchair Liturgist: Communicating With Lectors

Posted on 7 January 2015 by

This weekend’s feast gives a choice of readings. The 1998 Lectionary added options for years B and C. We’re in the former of those cycles, but the A readings are still a possibility. (Check the USCCB site for them.) This … Continue reading →

Posted in Scripture, The Armchair Liturgist | 1 Comment

The Armchair Liturgist: Christmas Liturgy Schedules

Posted on 22 December 2014 by

By now, the Christmas liturgy schedule at your parish should be set. We all recognize that, over the years, Catholics have drifted to an earlier observance. I noticed in my old Kansas City parish has cranked their Christmas Eve schedule … Continue reading →

Posted in Christmas, The Armchair Liturgist | 4 Comments

The Armchair Liturgist: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Posted on 2 December 2014 by

The text of this much-loved and much-expected song is derived from the Liturgy of the Hours for the final days of Advent. The “O Antiphons” are linked to the singing of the Magnificat at Evening Prayer. How did they become … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgical Music, The Armchair Liturgist | 2 Comments