The prayer offered at the Democratic Convention by the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, in a perhaps odd way, put me in mind of some of the things that get said in the debate over the orientation of the priest in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Read moreCategory: Presiding
A “Service of Lament” with Bishop Johnston of Kansas City
How does one preside over a special liturgy of penitence in response to clergy sexual abuse when one is a local bishop?
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 moreThe Curse of Clericalism
Nothing remarkable there; indeed, the sort of things that liturgists have talked about both informally and formally during the past 50 years.
Read moreViewpoint: Some Items That Caught My Attention Recently
I cannot write in this column about everything that comes across my desk. Even if I could, not everything would fill a complete column, but some things deserve a mention.
Read moreFrancis the Liturgist
Most liturgists praised the Eucharists celebrated by the pope for being so well planned and executed. The thousands of people present were certainly moved by the experience.
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 moreProlixity: Tending to Speak or Write at Excessive Length
A basic dictum of ritual theory holds that there is a time for speaking and a time for silence—or at least a time that should pass without spoken words.
Read morePastoral Difficulties with Recently Ordained Priests
Training of priests must be “a work of art, not a police action. We must form their hearts. Otherwise we are creating little monsters.” – Pope Francis
Read moreJanuary 7: A Convergence of Feasts
Liturgy was preceded by a few carols, the choir usually sang well, and after liturgy, the choir would gather at the rectory for two hours of caroling and festive foods prepared by my grandmother and mother. We agreed that “Ukrainian” Christmas was the “religious” observance of the holiday.
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