Liturgy Corner

Easter, Easter Triduum, Feast Days, Holy Week, Liturgical Seasons, Liturgical Symbols

Light in Darkness

Carmel Bulletin, 12 April 2021 At the inauguration of US President Joe Biden in January, poet Amanda Gorman's recitation began with a question: When day comes we ask ourselves,where can we find light in this never-ending shade? Throughout our human existence, the struggle between light and darkness, between good and evil, has been constant.  While … Continue reading Light in Darkness

Feast Days, Lent, Liturgical Symbols

Changes to our Ash Wednesday Ritual

Carmel Bulletin, 14 February 2021 We are all used to the Ash Wednesday ritual. With a thumb dipped in ashes, a cross is marked on our foreheads, with the call: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”, or the blunt reminder: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. This Wednesday, we will again … Continue reading Changes to our Ash Wednesday Ritual

Celebrating Mass, Scripture

Sunday of the Word of God

In 2019, Pope Francis invited the Church throughout the world each year to observe a Sunday of the Word of God, to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the word of God.” (Apostolic Letter Aperuit Illis, no. 3). It fulfils a proposal that he made at the end of the Holy Year … Continue reading Sunday of the Word of God

Liturgical Music

The Music of David Haas

Although parishioners often don't know who has written the music they sing at Mass, for many years we have sung a number of hymns by American composer, David Haas. Like many parishes in the English-speaking world, our repertoire has included several songs by the prolific writer. Earlier this year, media reports surfaced of allegations of … Continue reading The Music of David Haas

Celebrating Mass, Eucharist, The Body and Blood of Christ

Three Things About the Eucharist We’ve Learnt from COVID-19

This weekend, the Church in Australia celebrates the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It takes on particular significance this year, given that our weekly celebration of the Eucharist has been put on hold due to coronavirus restrictions. Reflecting on this experience gives us an opportunity to more deeply appreciate what … Continue reading Three Things About the Eucharist We’ve Learnt from COVID-19