Pope Francis, in his 2016 annual meeting of the pontifical academies, called for local parishes to be “oases of beauty, peace, acceptance.” This is consistent with the Church being “Mother of us all” (Gal 4:26) — a place where all can be fed … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – June 2020
June 24, 2020 by Book Reviews
At Mass with Jesus on Calvary: Reflections on the Prayers of the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist By Fr. Gene Martens, SJ. Reviewed by Fr. James Swetnam, SJ. (skip to review) Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of … [Read more...]
Eight Ways to Love the Sacred Liturgy
May 19, 2019 by Fr. William Dillard
I think it is true that there is no single experience in the life of the human person that has a more profound impact upon one’s faith than the Eucharistic liturgy. The realization of what is being accomplished there cannot be u … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – April 2019
April 20, 2019 by Book Reviews
Reflections on the Sacred Liturgy, Vol. I: Lent & Holy Week By Fr. Thomas Hoisington. Reviewed by Stephanie A. Mann. (skip to review) Off the Hook: God, Love, Dating, and Marriage in a Hookup World By Timothy P. O’Malley. Reviewed b … [Read more...]
Questions Answered
July 31, 2018 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Question: Jesus says: “Judge not.” (Mt. 7:1) When are we allowed to judge? Answer: The issue of judgement is an important moral problem. Judgement is an act of the virtue of justice. Since justice involves establishing equity between one … [Read more...]
Blessed Are Those
The Holy Mass as the Heavenly Wedding Banquet of the Lamb
October 19, 2017 by Marcus Benedict Peter
Amongst the many images of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Catholic Christians are used to constantly thinking of the Mass as sacrifice, fellowship, and fraternal meal, yet few evoke such an intimate sense as that of a wedding feast. … [Read more...]
The Sacred Liturgy as a Monument or Witness of Tradition
September 9, 2017 by Aaron D. Henderson
The Catholic who wishes to think with the Church, (sentire cum Ecclesia, as the expression goes), to take part in her life, and to grow in communion with her, must be attentive to her Tradition. For the faithful must hold fast to that which … [Read more...]
Temporary Sacred Architecture
Reflections for the Celebration of Mass Outside of a Church
November 21, 2016 by Brandon Harvey
Whether it is a youth conference, rally, weekend retreat, or service project, numerous occasions arise each year in which Catholic communities celebrate Mass, and other liturgies, in a place other than a church. The preparation for these … [Read more...]
Sacred Liturgy: Great Mystery, Great Mercy
Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick Lecture, Kenrick Glennon Seminary, St Louis, MO, October 8, 2015
November 16, 2015 by Bishop Peter J. Elliott
Reflecting on the state of divine worship in the Church, I believe that this is a good time for Catholics of the Roman Rite, a very good time. Fifty years after the Second Vatican Council initiated a liturgical reform in the Constitution on … [Read more...]
Summer Reading for June 2015
May 31, 2015 by Book Reviews
Our Father, Who Art on Earth: The Lord’s Prayer for Believers and Unbelievers. Jose Tolentino Mendonca, with a Foreword by Enzo Bianchi. (Mahwah, New Jersey/New York: Paulist Press, 2012) 114 pages; $14.95. (Reviewed by Brandon H … [Read more...]
Fall Reading for October 2014
October 29, 2014 by Book Reviews
History of the Catholic Church: From the Apostolic Age to the Third Millennium. James F. Hitchcock (Ignatius Press: San Francisco, 2012) 584 pages. (Reviewed by Fr. Brian Van Hove, SJ) The Word Made Love: The Dialogical Theology of … [Read more...]
The Need for Liturgy Within Parish Catechetical Programs
November 11, 2013 by Brandon Harvey
Some pastors have experienced people who register in the parish, and go to Mass for a short period of time, but leave once they get what they want: their wedding at their dream church, parish assistance with tuition, renting parish … [Read more...]
Orthodoxy and Doxology
August 25, 2013 by Deacon W. Patrick Cunningham
Orthodoxy is both right praise and right teaching. Orthodox understanding of, and adoration of, the Blessed Trinity is the most critical component of our unity in Christ. St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (1:12) reminds us that in C … [Read more...]
Cantor, Psalmist, and Cleric: The Pastoral Care and Responsibilities of the Soloist Musician
January 25, 2013 by Deacon W. Patrick Cunningham
Next to the ministry of priests and deacons, the ministries in parish music—particularly music for Mass—are the most visible in many Catholic communities. With the advent of the new Missal, ... music ministries have the opportunity to beco … [Read more...]
Roman Missal 3.0: Updates Installed
January 6, 2013 by Fr. David M. Friel
As a revision, the Roman Missal 3.0 has, as its obvious intention, to be an improvement upon that which came before ... the highlights that follow will serve as fledgling insights into the treasures we have received. The last time I put … [Read more...]
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