This new document explicitly seeks to clarify and reinforce existing canonical and liturgical (ritual) norms already in force. But the Congregation notes that in many regions cremation is markedly increasing, making a reiteration of the norms and their theological bases advisable.
Read moreAuthor: Bruce Morrill
Bruce Morrill, S.J., holds the Edward A. Malloy Chair of Catholic Studies at Vanderbilt University, where he is professor of Theological Studies in the Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion. He provides liturgical, pastoral, and educative ministries regularly at two Nashville parishes, as well as at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison. His latest book is The Essential Writings of Bernard Cooke: A Narrative Theology of Church, Sacrament, and Ministry (2016), while earlier monographs include Encountering Christ in the Eucharist (2012), Divine Worship and Human Healing (2009), and Anamnesis as Dangerous Memory (2000).
2016 CTSA Proceedings: Reports on Sacraments & Liturgy
The annual convention theme was “Justice and Mercy,” while a couple of the sessions addressed topics in sacramental and liturgical theology. Here are links to the newly e-published Proceedings.
Read moreWanted: Resources for Chanting the Psalter
This is a call out to Pray Tell participants for suggested resources for chanting the psalms daily. … My friend’s inquiry has left me “as lost as a Jesuit in Holy Week.”
Read moreReview of June Programs Related to Liturgy
A report on two conventions and one summer degree program of potential interest to Pray Tell readers: the annual meetings of the College Theology Society and Catholic Theological Society of America, plus the summer degree programs in liturgy and preaching offered by the School of Theology at Sewanee: The University of the South.
Read moreAn Autobiographical Review of J.B. Metz’s Influence on Liturgical Theology
For me, J. B. Metz’s Faith in History and Society provided the key conceptualization for why the Christian religion struggles in late-modern North Atlantic societies, as well as how in this context to think afresh the relationship between liturgy and ethics, “mysticism and politics.”
Read moreGood Table Manners?
“The fact that by the end of Vatican II the church’s dogmatic teaching treated the Mass in terms not of propitiatory sacrifice but of table—the one table of Christ, both Word and Body—cannot be overestimated in relation to the reform of the Mass that followed. The popular, practical import over the ensuing half-century in the United States is evident in the way the vast majority of the Catholic laity have developed a highly open, forgiving, and inclusive view of who is welcomed not only to take part as members of the liturgical assembly but also to join in Holy Communion.”
Read moreKinda Incensed Over Incense
I felt reduced to a mere spectator, watching the priest dignify the objects of bread and wine and candle–symbols of the risen crucified one, indeed–but seemingly blind to the dignity of the baptized assembled for the great offering of praise and thanksgiving.
Read moreBlessing Non-Communicants during Holy Communion
I am seeking information on the now widespread custom in U.S. Catholic parishes whereby people (adults and children) unable to receive the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood request and receive, instead, a blessing from the minister of holy communion.
Read moreSeeking “Sacred” Silence
The “opening prayer” is a silent prayer done by “all in silence with the priest” (per the Roman Missal), with the priest truly functioning as a presider by leading all in the silent prayer and concluding it with the Collect.
Read moreArs Praedicandi: Homily for a Ritual Mass for the Anointing of the Sick
The pastoral team at a local Nashville parish has asked me to give a series of adult education sessions this fall on healing and the Pastoral Care of the Sick, including suggested reading for the more engaged participants.
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