If you are ever fortunate to visit Rome, you will no doubt visit many churches. There was one church in Rome (perhaps it still is so) where visitors were politely reminded on repeat through the PA system, “Shhh… silenzio. Shhh… silenzio, per favore” (silence please). Elijah on Mount Horeb (detail) by late parishioner Bill Casey. … Continue reading Silenzio, per favore
Liturgy Corner
Earlier in Lent, I was asked if we usually kept blessed water in the baptismal font during the season. It’s not a surprising question. In the past, some people would suggest that parishes remove holy water from the church during Lent, even replacing it with sand or ashes. This idea can be motivated by a … Continue reading Lent is about Baptism
Last Sunday, we celebrated the first scrutiny with our five elect - those in our parish preparing to be initiated into the Catholic Church at Easter. These scrutinies continue this and next weekend. The scrutinies are a central ritual of this final period of purification and enlightenment prior to baptism. The Gospels of these Sundays … Continue reading Approaching the Font of Life
Starting at the Mass of the Supper of the Lord on Holy Thursday, we will return to offering Communion from the chalice. This will be a return to what was common practice within our parish before COVID-19 restrictions were first put in place. Some parishioners will have received Communion from the chalice before restrictions were … Continue reading Must I receive Communion from the chalice?
Starting at the Mass of the Supper of the Lord on Holy Thursday, we will return to offering Communion from the chalice. This will be a return to what was common practice within our parish before COVID-19 restrictions were first put in place. While Communion from the chalice was historically withdrawn from the assembly for … Continue reading Why we are Restoring Communion from the Chalice
Liturgy 