Here are a couple of articles that have some answers to the question that came up last night.
I found this very encouraging....
Both of these articles reference a CARA report. There isn't a lot of information out there, but this appears to be solid.
http://the-american-catholic.com/2010/05/21/booming-traditional-relgious-orders/
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/where-the-nuns-are-2010/
Obviously, many orders ARE shrinking, but as Rick said, we are seeing a swing of the pendulum with the more traditional orders.
Once again, the support of parents, clergy, and the larger Church, in encouraging girls to consider the religious life as an option is going to be crucial.
Road To Emmaus
Our Hearts Burn Within Us
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 12th...
Session 3-
July 12th
p. 60-90
-People at Mass- What different roles do the people play? How are we called to participate?
-The Books- Before the readings from the Sacred books, the Roman Missal and The Book of the Gospels, how can we best prepare our hearts for the Word to take root?
- The Church Calendar- How familiar are we with the Liturgical Year?
The reading for this week was rather simple and the topics for discussion were very straightforward, so we went a bit far afield in our discussion.
We talked about the different roles that the laity can be called to, within the Mass. Some of these are Lector, Cantor, Choir, Eucharistic Minister, Acolyte, altar server, usher, etc. Several of these were represented in the group, and we talked about how they were called, how it has touched them, and we are now praying for one of our number who is discerning the call to the Diaconate!
Several of the sections in this session were covered already, either on the first evening, by Father Henry, or as we have discussed the other chapters.
We talked for some time about youth and the need for some kind of active ministry that reaches out to those that have left the Religious Ed. program and still need a connection, especially after High School.
We discussed the Liturgical calendar and how we are able to feel the familiarity and flow of the seasons.
More to come when I get the notes....
July 12th
p. 60-90
-People at Mass- What different roles do the people play? How are we called to participate?
-The Books- Before the readings from the Sacred books, the Roman Missal and The Book of the Gospels, how can we best prepare our hearts for the Word to take root?
- The Church Calendar- How familiar are we with the Liturgical Year?
The reading for this week was rather simple and the topics for discussion were very straightforward, so we went a bit far afield in our discussion.
We talked about the different roles that the laity can be called to, within the Mass. Some of these are Lector, Cantor, Choir, Eucharistic Minister, Acolyte, altar server, usher, etc. Several of these were represented in the group, and we talked about how they were called, how it has touched them, and we are now praying for one of our number who is discerning the call to the Diaconate!
Several of the sections in this session were covered already, either on the first evening, by Father Henry, or as we have discussed the other chapters.
We talked for some time about youth and the need for some kind of active ministry that reaches out to those that have left the Religious Ed. program and still need a connection, especially after High School.
We discussed the Liturgical calendar and how we are able to feel the familiarity and flow of the seasons.
More to come when I get the notes....
Friday, July 8, 2011
A Few More Important Items....
Here are some things that we find within the church that it might be helpful to know a little more about.
Father Henry graciously provided me with more information.
The Tabernacle-
The Tabernacle in our church is behind the altar. Tabernacle is Latin for "Small Inn" where the Blessed Sacrament is stored.
The Altar- This is the Altar of Sacrifice. We are blessed to have such a beautiful altar in our Church!
Read HERE for some very interesting information about The Altar in The Church.
The Pulpit -
The podium on the left side of the church as you face the Altar (the "Gospel side"), from where the Gospel is read (and which is reserved for clergy). Not all churches have both a lectern (see below) and a pulpit; some just have one single speaker's podium called an ambo. Note that the Gospel side of the church is also informally referred to as the "Mary side" of the church, because it is there a statue of her is often placed.
The Presidential Chair- This is reserved for the Bishop, but it is usually occupied by the priest.
The Nave and the Sanctuary- Represent the throne of God and the communion of Saints. Our floor plan is a bit different, but the main point is that all within the Nave are directed to the Throne of God in the Sanctuary.
The linens that are on the altar are:
The Altar Cloth-
The use of altar-cloths goes back to the early centuries of the Church. St. Optatus of Mileve says that in the fourth century every Christian knew that during the celebration of the Mysteries the altar is covered with a cloth (bk. VI). Later it became a law, which, according to Gavantus, was promulgated by Boniface III in the seventh century. The custom of using three altar-cloths began probably in the ninth century, but at present it is of strict obligation for the licit celebration of Mass (Rubr. Gen. Miss., tit. xx: De Defectibus, tit. x, 1). The reason of this prescription of the Church is that if the Precious Blood should by accident be spilt it might be absorbed by the altar-cloths before it reached the altar-stone.
The Corporal- Represents the shroud, Swaddling Clothes
The Blessed Sacrament always rests on the corporal. The Corporal (from the Latin corpus, "body") is a square white linen cloth, now usually somewhat smaller than the breadth of an altar, upon which the chalice and paten, and also the ciborium containing the smaller hosts for the Communion of the laity, are placed during the celebration of the Eucharist (Mass).
Purificator-
A small piece of white linen, marked with a cross in the center, used by the priest in the celebration of Mass. It is folded in three layers and used by the priest to purify his fingers and the chalice and paten after Holy Communion.
Pall-
A square of cardboard that goes on top of the chalice, to keep out foreign matter.
Chalice-
Paten-
The paten is used to carry the hosts. In ancient times the paten held the bread offerings collected from the faithful.
It must be gold or gold plated and shallow. It may be engraved on the outside but must be perfectly smooth on the inside.
Father Henry graciously provided me with more information.
The Tabernacle in our church is behind the altar. Tabernacle is Latin for "Small Inn" where the Blessed Sacrament is stored.
The sanctuary lamp will burn at all times signifying that Christ is present.
Read HERE for some very interesting information about The Altar in The Church.
The podium on the left side of the church as you face the Altar (the "Gospel side"), from where the Gospel is read (and which is reserved for clergy). Not all churches have both a lectern (see below) and a pulpit; some just have one single speaker's podium called an ambo. Note that the Gospel side of the church is also informally referred to as the "Mary side" of the church, because it is there a statue of her is often placed.
The Presidential Chair- This is reserved for the Bishop, but it is usually occupied by the priest.
The Nave and the Sanctuary- Represent the throne of God and the communion of Saints. Our floor plan is a bit different, but the main point is that all within the Nave are directed to the Throne of God in the Sanctuary.
The linens that are on the altar are:
The use of altar-cloths goes back to the early centuries of the Church. St. Optatus of Mileve says that in the fourth century every Christian knew that during the celebration of the Mysteries the altar is covered with a cloth (bk. VI). Later it became a law, which, according to Gavantus, was promulgated by Boniface III in the seventh century. The custom of using three altar-cloths began probably in the ninth century, but at present it is of strict obligation for the licit celebration of Mass (Rubr. Gen. Miss., tit. xx: De Defectibus, tit. x, 1). The reason of this prescription of the Church is that if the Precious Blood should by accident be spilt it might be absorbed by the altar-cloths before it reached the altar-stone.
The Blessed Sacrament always rests on the corporal. The Corporal (from the Latin corpus, "body") is a square white linen cloth, now usually somewhat smaller than the breadth of an altar, upon which the chalice and paten, and also the ciborium containing the smaller hosts for the Communion of the laity, are placed during the celebration of the Eucharist (Mass).
Purificator-
A small piece of white linen, marked with a cross in the center, used by the priest in the celebration of Mass. It is folded in three layers and used by the priest to purify his fingers and the chalice and paten after Holy Communion.
Pall-
A square of cardboard that goes on top of the chalice, to keep out foreign matter.
Chalice-
Used to hold the wine consecrated at Mass. During the Roman empire, the chalice was the cup of the household and was often made of precious metal and Gemstones.
It must be consecrated and may not be handled by anyone except the priest himself unless special permission is given by him to religious brothers and others qualified to tend to the sacristy. It must either be made of gold or silver with a gold plated interior.
The paten is used to carry the hosts. In ancient times the paten held the bread offerings collected from the faithful.
It must be gold or gold plated and shallow. It may be engraved on the outside but must be perfectly smooth on the inside.
Ciborium-
Ciborium means "food container" in Latin. It is where the consecrated hosts are kept in the tabernacle.
The Cruets-The small bottles used to hold the water or wine.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
July 5th....The Mass is What Catholics DO!
We had such a fruitful discussion about the first few chapters.
I will be posting more as I get the notes from Judy, but I just want to say "Thanks" to all of you who joined the group tonight. I am learning so much!
This group is really on fire for the Faith!
Judy sent me the transcript and I am going to try to get the spirit of the evening here.
Several people were touched by the way the history of the Church has come together...
For instance, the way some Hebrew traditions have come down through the ages, the way Scripture has been preserved, and so much in the Old Testament was inspired to support the New Testament.
In earliest times Mass was said in Greek, and then St Francis changed the Mass to Latin. English is now the "new Latin" and since it is a world wide language, it is the one that needs the most precise translation. Up to now the English translations have not been done well.
The Bible was translated to Latin in the 4th century.
Back in the "Latin days", the altar boys had to learn the Latin so that they could respond.
The Mass in English was simplified for the people, but maybe it was simplified too much. Maybe if there had been more Catechises to help the people understand what was really going on, the reverence wouldn't have been lost.
The understanding of what the Mass is about will be enhanced.
One thing that is a really beautiful thought, is that the Sanctuary is the Throne of God, and the Nave is the Communion of Saints.
The discussion around how to receive Communion was quite lively!
Of course you must be in a state of Grace, you must have been to Confession since your last mortal sin, you must believe that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ, and you must fast for one hour before Communion.
There was discussion about the word "Obligation". We are obliged to go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, but it is a sweet obligation! We want to be with Our Lord!
I will be posting more as I get the notes from Judy, but I just want to say "Thanks" to all of you who joined the group tonight. I am learning so much!
This group is really on fire for the Faith!
Judy sent me the transcript and I am going to try to get the spirit of the evening here.
Several people were touched by the way the history of the Church has come together...
For instance, the way some Hebrew traditions have come down through the ages, the way Scripture has been preserved, and so much in the Old Testament was inspired to support the New Testament.
In earliest times Mass was said in Greek, and then St Francis changed the Mass to Latin. English is now the "new Latin" and since it is a world wide language, it is the one that needs the most precise translation. Up to now the English translations have not been done well.
The Bible was translated to Latin in the 4th century.
Back in the "Latin days", the altar boys had to learn the Latin so that they could respond.
The Mass in English was simplified for the people, but maybe it was simplified too much. Maybe if there had been more Catechises to help the people understand what was really going on, the reverence wouldn't have been lost.
The understanding of what the Mass is about will be enhanced.
One thing that is a really beautiful thought, is that the Sanctuary is the Throne of God, and the Nave is the Communion of Saints.
The discussion around how to receive Communion was quite lively!
Of course you must be in a state of Grace, you must have been to Confession since your last mortal sin, you must believe that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ, and you must fast for one hour before Communion.
There was discussion about the word "Obligation". We are obliged to go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, but it is a sweet obligation! We want to be with Our Lord!
Ecclesia de Eucharistia- Pope John Paul II
As promised I checked into the question of whether Catholics may receive Communion at Protestant services. (I assume that this includes all non-Catholic services)
In April 2003, Pope John Paul II released the fourteenth encyclical of his pontificate, Ecclesia de Eucharistia. It focuses “on the Eucharist in its relationship to the Church.”
The importance of the topic for all Catholics, the Pope explains, is that “the Church draws her life from the Eucharist . . . The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.’ ‘For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church’s entire spiritual wealth: Christ himself’” (EDE 1; cf. Lumen Gentium 11; Presbyterorum Ordinis, 5). He emphasizes that “the Eucharist, as Christ’s saving presence in the community of the faithful and its spiritual food, is the most precious possession that the Church can have in her journey through history” (EDE 9).
Yet today correct doctrine and practice regarding the Eucharist is threatened. While noting positive signs of eucharistic faith and love in the Church, he acknowledges that “unfortunately, alongside these lights, there are also shadows” (10), which are his reason for writing.
PROTESTANT SERVICES
The blurring of the fact that a validly ordained priest is needed to celebrate the Eucharist has led some, out of a well-meaning but misguided sense of ecumenism, to treat Eucharists as valid among Protestant groups, which lack the sacrament of holy orders.Against this the Pope argues: “The Catholic faithful, therefore, while respecting the religious convictions of these separated brethren, must refrain from receiving the communion distributed in their celebrations, so as not to condone an ambiguity about the nature of the Eucharist and, consequently, to fail in their duty to bear clear witness to the truth. This would result in slowing the progress being made toward full visible unity” (30).
“Catholics may not receive communion in those communities that lack a valid sacrament of orders” (46).
In the same way, the Pope stresses, Catholics cannot satisfy their Sunday obligation by attending Protestant services: “It is unthinkable to substitute for Sunday Mass ecumenical celebrations of the word or services of common prayer with Christians from the aforementioned ecclesial communities, or even participation in their own liturgical services. Such celebrations and services, however praiseworthy in certain situations, prepare for the goal of full communion, including eucharistic communion, but they cannot replace it” (30).
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The First Session
Fr Paul Henry opened our journey to Emmaus, last night, with an orientation talk, as an overview of what we will be discussing. He made some really great points that we will want to remember.
Originally, the Mass was known as "The Breaking of the Bread"
Mary was present and heard the words of consecration, that her Son gave us, repeated by Peter or John.
"This is my Body...." Imagine what she must have felt!
The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of the Christian life.
Here is part 1 of the Encyclical by our Holy Father Pope John Paul II :
ENCYCLICAL LETTER
ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIAOF HIS HOLINESS
POPE JOHN PAUL IITO THE BISHOPS
PRIESTS AND DEACONS
MEN AND WOMEN
IN THE CONSECRATED LIFE
AND ALL THE LAY FAITHFUL
ON THE EUCHARIST
IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH
ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIAOF HIS HOLINESS
POPE JOHN PAUL IITO THE BISHOPS
PRIESTS AND DEACONS
MEN AND WOMEN
IN THE CONSECRATED LIFE
AND ALL THE LAY FAITHFUL
ON THE EUCHARIST
IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH
INTRODUCTION
1. The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the Church. In a variety of ways she joyfully experiences the constant fulfilment of the promise: “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20), but in the Holy Eucharist, through the changing of bread and wine into the body and blood of the Lord, she rejoices in this presence with unique intensity. Ever since Pentecost, when the Church, the People of the New Covenant, began her pilgrim journey towards her heavenly homeland, the Divine Sacrament has continued to mark the passing of her days, filling them with confident hope.
The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is “the source and summit of the Christian life”.1 “For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth: Christ himself, our passover and living bread. Through his own flesh, now made living and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, he offers life to men”.2 Consequently the gaze of the Church is constantly turned to her Lord, present in the Sacrament of the Altar, in which she discovers the full manifestation of his boundless love.
Father also discussed the roles of bishop, priest and deacon.
The Bishop is directly in line with the Apostles, he is the chief liturgist, and teacher of his diocese.
The priest serves in the person of Christ, and the deacon serves as a permanent member of the clergy.
The Journey to Emmaus really began at the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist.
"He broke the Bread, and gave it to them...." The Apostles would have recognized this, only three days later, when he broke bread with them and they "knew Him".
A Sacrament is a sign that points to a deeper reality. Christ is the ultimate Sacrament, and the Church is the physical sign of His presence.
By the 4th century the Roman Rite of the Mass was established in it's current form.
The Bible was codified for the Mass. The cannon was established in order to be used for the Mass, and the books that were chosen were chosen for their importance in the Cannon of the Church. All the writings that are included were finished by the year 100.
The four Gospels were made equal to the Old Testament.
The Mass was said first in Greek, then in Latin, and after the Second Vatican council was approved in English. English is the "new Latin" so the translation must be authentic, hence the upcoming changes.
The Word is proclaimed from the Pulpit.
The Old Testament, including the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Homily are the Liturgy of the Word.
When we proclaim the Mystery of Faith, the priest begins by looking at the Host and speaking to Him.
Then we respond to Him as well. These proclamations should be in the second person, as we speak to Christ.
Some of the roles of the people during the Mass....
Ushers....
Cantors...
Servers or Acolytes (who are installed as ordinary ministers)....
Lectors....
Father also talked about the garb of those at the altar.
The Alb- A tunic which is what the Apostles would have worn. It is white, to represent Baptism. It reminds us that we have one foot in the 1st century, and one in the present.
The Stole- Which the Deacon wears diagonally and the priest wears across the neck. The stole reminds us of the Jewish prayer shawl and the Roman stola.
The Deacon wears a Dalmatic, which is like an apron, representing service.
The Chasuble is like a poncho. The apostles wore these when they went out to preach. The word means "Little House" and they were sometimes used as tents when they had to sleep outside.
One very interesting item is the Bishop's "Mitre", which means "hinge" and is shaped like one, bringing together the Old and the New Testaments.
There are many more interesting things that we will explore as we go along on this journey.
What a wonderful gift we have been given in the Mass!!
Scripture....
Luke 24:13-35
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Road to Emmaus
13 And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was [a]about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. 16 But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. 17 And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You [b]the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. 22 But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary for the [c]Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 Then beginning [d]with Moses and [e]with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 28 And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. 29 But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day [f]is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. 30 When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from [g]their sight. 32 They said to one another, “[h]Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was [i]explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 They began to relate [j]their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
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