In parish ministry, we often have opportunities to celebrate a communal liturgy that is not the Mass. These may be small group meetings, a school gathering, or a workshop setting where the assembly wants to pray something more than just … Read More
Body and Blood of Christ In the Gospels, we often see Jesus put word and action together, where his action embodies his words. We see this most clearly in the Johannine Gospels whenever he said, “I am,” such as when … Read More
The 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time In one of the Facebook groups I participate in, a friend posed the question, “How do I get my parishioners to be more hospitable?” People offered suggestions like scheduling hospitality teams, training ushers, asking … Read More
In a previous post, we discussed the quest for sacred silence in the liturgy. In contemporary worship, the rubrics of the church call for times of sacred silence. And very often, this rubric is ignored because either parishioners are unaware … Read More
We have all seen signs like “Do not litter” or “Keep off the grass.” These signs exist because people are littering and walking on the grass. The church has a “sign” like these. In a variety of forms, it says, … Read More
When I was a kid, I belonged to a Boy Scout troop sponsored by my parish. One of my favorite events was Scout Sunday. All of us would get dressed up in our uniforms, and we would march into church … Read More
Most Holy Trinity With the Father and the Son taking “top billing,” the third Person of the Trinity sometimes gets left out from our liturgical focus, relegated to being imagined simply as a bird or confined only to Pentecost and … Read More
Pentecost How do you picture the Holy Spirit? We can imagine a haloed bird hovering or “tongues as of fire.” We can sense the Spirit as wind in its many forms: breath, breeze, gusts, air. But how do you describe … Read More
While I am sure it is not true at your parish, most Masses I participate in tend come apart at the communion rite. A liturgy can be going along just great, and then the wheels fall off the liturgical bus … Read More
Ascension This Ascension, let us focus less on where Christ went and more on what Christ did. Christ entered heaven’s sanctuary that we might “have confidence of entrance . . . by the new and living way he opened for … Read More
Seventh Sunday of Easter As we near Pentecost, some parishes may be preparing to incorporate various languages and cultural elements into the Mass. Many of these communities are already multicultural, so intercultural worship is a necessity for their unity. On … Read More
Recently, an article addressed to priests who improvise at Mass appeared in America magazine. I agree with a lot of the points the author made, but the article itself didn’t seem to offer much practical advice. The overall point was … Read More
Sixth Sunday of Easter Some parishes give the choir a “break” during the summer. Rest is important. Even God rested! But we might rethink this practice of giving music ministers a formal break from the Sunday Mass. One reason is … Read More
Following on a previous post, I want to look at how parish music leaders can help turn Ordinary Time liturgy into an extraordinary experience of worship. There are two essential keys to making this happen: Yearn for the assembly to … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Easter While everyone else is starting to look forward to summer, we’ve only come to the halfway point of Easter! Especially because Easter Sunday came so late this year, we might start to feel a bit like … Read More
As we approach summer and that long stretch of Ordinary Time Sundays in the liturgical calendar, we can take a fresh look at what “ordinary” worship should be like. In the liturgical calendar, “ordinary” refers to the order of the … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Easter At the 2016 national meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, Mark R. Francis, CSV, said in his keynote: “Liturgy in our multicultural church needs to help us get over the presumption that our particular … Read More
Third Sunday of Easter Eating is a small, good thing in a time like this” (Raymond Carver, “A Small, Good Thing,” Cathedral, 1983). This line in the final scene of Carver’s short story is the turning point toward reconciliation and … Read More
I have never been to Notre Dame in Paris. Still, my heart breaks for all of us. (Download this prayer in English and French here.) Une Prière pour Notre Dame en Paris A Prayer for Notre Dame in Paris … Read More
Many years ago, attended a regional theater matinée of Shakespeare’s Richard III. As I settled into my center seat, I heard a small commotion behind me. A bus-load of middle school students began filling in the back rows. Richard III … Read More
Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) In Easter, the newly baptized begin to experience the world and their faith through the lens of the sacraments they have celebrated. They hone this new perception in the Sunday Masses of the … Read More
Last month, I asked many of you to complete an online survey that included a question about your biggest challenge. Sixty-five people responded to the survey. Of those, twenty people (about 30%) listed communications issues as the thing that caused … Read More
As I write this, we are two days away from Opening Day. If you are a baseball fan, you immediately know that by “Opening Day,” I mean the day regular season Major League Baseball begins — usually during the first … Read More
Fifth Sunday of Lent We approach the summit of this annual ascent to the holy mountain of Easter. Let us, as music ministers, reflect on how we have served the people of God in this ministry of prayer and proclamation. … Read More
Fourth Sunday of Lent We come to the midway point of Lent on this Laetare (“rejoice”) Sunday. And what rejoicing do we have today in our readings! Having squandered all he had, the prodigal son finds a banquet prepared for … Read More
Third Sunday of Lent Starting this Sunday, the church celebrates the first of three scrutinies for the elect—adults and children of catechetical age who will be baptized this Easter. These rites use the readings for year A even in years … Read More
Second Sunday of Lent In today’s readings, God’s presence is revealed within darkness. Only when night fell did the Lord appear to a terrified Abram to make the covenant with him and his descendants. From the very cloud that had … Read More
When I was about six or seven years old, my mother made a big bowl of popcorn and sat down on the couch with me and my two brothers. CBS was airing The Wizard of Oz, and we watched it … Read More
Everyone who shows up at Mass next Sunday will be looking for a good story. They may not say it that way. They may say they are looking for some quiet time with God; or as sense of community; or … Read More
First Sunday of Lent The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy describes Lent’s twofold nature: “[B]y recalling or preparing for baptism and by penance, it disposes the faithful, who more diligently hear the word of God and devote themselves to prayer, … Read More
Ash Wednesday In his last public address before dying from cancer in 1996, Joseph Cardinal Bernadin urged his flock in the Archdiocese of Chicago to live in unity with Christ and with one another, saying, “A dying person does not … Read More
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Col. 3:16). As a liturgical musician, I often … Read More
Some days… Some days I just want to go home and pull a blanket over my head. I care about liturgy — a lot. I believe liturgy changes us. And when we are changed, we can change the world. But … Read More
I think most of us would agree with the statement the liturgy requires humility — until it is required of us. I remember the first liturgy committee I formed after I was hired as a parish liturgist. The pastor had … Read More
The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Next Sunday, catechumens around the world who have been deemed ready for initiation will be sent to their local cathedral to give their names to their bishop and thus be chosen for baptism this … Read More
Yesterday someone from my homeowners association taped a flyer to my door listing 16 things we’re not supposed to flush down the drain, including bandage wrappings, car oil, paper towels, and toys. I assume the reason they did that is … Read More
The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Last week we talked about avoiding historicizing the Triduum. When we try too hard to reenact the past, showing what we believe it to have looked like in the Upper Room, in the garden … Read More
The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time As part of your preparation for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, be sure to read or reread the “Circular Letter Concerning the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feasts” (Paschale Solemnitatis), issued by the … Read More
The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time It’s less than four weeks to Lent, but don’t let that distract you from your long-term advance planning of this year’s Triduum because what you do during Lent can become part of your Triduum … Read More
The Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time It feels far away, but today marks ten weeks to Holy Week. If you haven’t already, now is the time to prepare for the Triduum. For the next several weeks, let’s look at a … Read More
The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Sometimes I hear liturgical ministers say something like, “I’m not doing anything at Mass today because I wasn’t scheduled.” I’ll even hear something similar from clergy if they’re not concelebrating or assisting at the … Read More
The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Members of the church are incorporated into an order, giving them particular rights and responsibilities. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes this incorporation as an ordinatio. We’re familiar with the English use … Read More
Readings for Christmas Day, Mass at Dawn The story of Christmas does not end with the angels’ song glorifying God. Here we see the shepherds’ response to the revelation given to them by that heavenly host. They “went in haste,” … Read More
The Fourth Sunday in Advent A popular late Advent custom among some Hispanic communities is Las Posadas, which means “the inns.” For nine evenings, starting on December 16, neighborhoods remember the journey of Mary, pregnant with Jesus, and Joseph as … Read More
The Third Sunday of Advent I was surprised to find reviews of my local church on Tripadvisor one day. The reviews read a lot like others for must-see tourist sites, but they also reiterated a truth: People won’t remember what … Read More
The Second Sunday of Advent In today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we hear: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day … Read More
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Because the Immaculate Conception falls on a Saturday this year, you’ll likely get some questions asking if it is still a holy day of obligation. So it’s a good time … Read More
The First Sunday of Advent It’s easy at Advent to become a bit overzealous with our rubrics around these four short weeks. Of course we should encourage one another to observe the distinct spirit of Advent and not let too … Read More
Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Good kings, rulers, and leaders testify to the truth. They speak the hard words no one else wants to say, and they see beyond the superficial and temporary to utter the profound … Read More
Readings for Thanksgiving Day On this day, many will gather with friends and family at table, and will want to mark that time with some form of meal blessing. Unless a family is already used to praying at home together, … Read More
Readings for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Bad news sells. Just turn on the TV, scroll through your social media feed, or check the show times for the latest dystopian, nature striking back, zombie apocalypse blockbuster. One recent media … Read More
I don’t think we can understand liturgy until we understand that it is a storytelling process. And then we have to understand the story liturgy tells and what the story does. Why understanding liturgy as “story” is so important It … Read More
Readings for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time I used to work for a bishop who took great pride in his homilies. He would type them out then mark the places where he planned to pause and the phrases he … Read More
Readings for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. How clearly Jesus distills the law. Yet, every so often our behavior might teach that love of God and neighbor don’t actually have to … Read More
Solemnity of All Saints / The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Death is never easy to face, so we avoid it. We keep aging at bay with creams and dyes and never talk of preparing for death. … Read More
Readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time On back to back Sundays, we hear Jesus ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” Last week, James and John sought glory; this week, Bartimaeus seeks healing. The same … Read More
Friendship is such a precious gift. When one finds a good friend, we find a pathway to God. I had written this blessing as a birthday gift for a good friend a while back. May it be a gift for … Read More
Readings for the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time James and John get put in a bad light because of their request in today’s Gospel. How dare they seek glory by asking for places at Jesus’s side! However, Saint John Chrysostom, … Read More
Where were you when you got your first iPhone (or iPhone knock-off)? In 2007, Steve Jobs forever changed how we think about phones. At that moment, three kinds of people engaged with the new phone. Techies The techies got out … Read More
Readings for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Rules can be hard to follow. On the other hand, they sometimes are too easy to break. We’ve all encountered a coordinator who goes absolutely “by the book” with no leeway for … Read More
Readings for the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time I hate to admit it, but I am a bit of a hoarder. I’m nowhere near the level of hoarding you see on reality shows where the health department and dump trucks … Read More
Readings for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Before they are baptized, an adult celebrates the ephphatha rite. In it, the presider touches the person’s ears and lips and says, “Be opened that you may profess the faith you hear, … Read More
One of my biggest gripes is the use (or misuse) of the “teaching Mass.” To me, it feels like preparing a feast for your beloved — perhaps for a significant anniversary or to celebrate a big promotion — and then … Read More
Sarah, a lifelong Catholic, was feeling a little awkward and confused. She had invited her friend, Julie, to go to Mass with her. Now they were having coffee after the liturgy, and Julie had asked why Catholics did all that … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Each of us probably has a story behind our name. On this solemnity, we hear the wondrous backstory of the naming of John the Baptist. I know it’s … Read More
Readings for Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Year B Blood is such a visceral thing. Seeing it out in the open usually means something is wrong. Blood simply is not meant to be outside of … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Year B About Liturgy Homilists often dread preparing the homily for this Sunday’s solemnity because it is so easy to get caught up in trying to explain either a mathematical conundrum … Read More
When a pastor or other staff person leaves a parish, it is often a time of sadness, but also an opportunity to send them with our prayers and God’s blessings into whatever new community or ministry God is calling them. … Read More
Readings for Pentecost Sunday, Mass during the day, Year B I would like to suggest that today’s popular image of Pentecost as the “birthday of the church” is not helpful. The problem comes when we start to associate the symbols … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of the Ascension, Year B About Liturgy Why do some places celebrate Ascension on Thursday while others move it to the following Sunday? The Synoptic Gospels give us the tradition of placing the Ascension forty days … Read More
Mark Twain once wrote, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” In liturgy, if you are trying to get lightening to strike, … Read More
Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship knows that loving another person is as much about daily reconciling as it is about feeling love. Perhaps that is why Jesus today … Read More
In my first year of college, just 15 years after the close of Vatican II, I volunteered to be a communion minister at our campus ministry center. I had served as a communion minister in high school, but only at … Read More
The first time I realized that the Church has something to say about the dignity of work was when I first read Lumen Gentium, Gaudium et Spes and Pope John Paul II’s Laborem Exercens. Those documents helped me see that … Read More
Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B About Liturgy We know well that to be disciples we are to be witnesses for Christ. Yet we are also called to be witnesses for one another, speaking on behalf of … Read More
This is an excellent summary of why we do not have eulogies in Catholic funerals. The speaker is Fr. Bill Burke, Director of the National Liturgy Office of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
You won’t find his feast day on your liturgical calendar, but four days after tax day in the U.S. is always a great day to remember this apocryphal saint. And to paraphrase what we say about good stories, all saint … Read More
Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B One unfortunate outcome of connecting the image of the Good Shepherd from today’s Gospel so heavily to priesthood is that the Fourth Sunday of Easter has at times been overshadowed by … Read More
One of my first jobs after college was in campus ministry. The Newman House was an actual house just off campus. It was also the residence for the priest-director. The most memorable feature of the house was its red door. … Read More
Readings for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year B About Liturgy Let us continue our mystagogical reflection on the symbols of Easter. We see in today’s gospel the risen Christ ask for something to eat, and he eats what is … Read More
Why do people go to Mass? Why do you go to Mass? If you ask people — or yourself — that question, you will likely hear that people are in church to receive comfort, to be with friends, to receive … Read More
Readings for the Second Sunday of Easter, Year B We’ll never know if Thomas put his finger into Jesus’s nail marks or touched the open wound at his side. John’s gospel today never says he did, although many artists have … Read More
Prayer When You Have Nothing Left to Give Lord, I have nothing left to give. I’m exhausted and worn out. Yet so many still ask for more. Grant me that last ounce of strength that sustained you on the cross … Read More
As liturgists, we can sometimes fall into the sin of rubricism disguised as reverence. However, we cannot follow the Gospel by becoming legalists, nitpicking the rules and measuring piety by the number of rubrics followed. Rather, we only truly obey … Read More
Readings for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B At the height of public protest in the United States against a travel ban that seemed to be targeting Muslim countries, the Lectionary readings that Sunday spoke of justice, mercy, … Read More
Readings for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B A note: Several events converged this week that have caused me to add a note to the commentary for this Sunday’s readings. First, I received in the mail the poster … Read More
The Gathering Song is one of the most important pieces of music of the Mass. This is because it sets the whole tone for the liturgy in a similar way that the overture sets the mood for an opera or … Read More
I was invited to give the reflection at Morning Prayer for the Diocese of Reno annual diocesan conference last Saturday, January 6, 2018. It’s always a wonderful gathering with excellent speakers and an enthusiastic assembly. Monique Jacobs and her team always … Read More
Stare at a Christmas tree sometime. Or step back from your front door and take another look at your Christmas wreath. Once you get past the initial thought of “yet another Christmas season,” what do you see? Do you see … Read More
As we enter into the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, right on the heels of the shortest Advent possible, here are two offerings that might sustain you if you find yourself weary and depleted from all you do … Read More
Reflecting on the Gospel and Living the Paschal Mystery To ponder and pray: Christmas is a season for traditions. We return to familiar rituals of our childhood. We renew the bonds of friendship through customs of gathering and greeting. And … Read More
Dear friends in Christ, Christmas is always a beautiful time to be with the people we love both at home and in our church communities, and I pray that these upcoming days of Christmas are filled with peace and grace … Read More
About Liturgy The gradual nature of seasons: Our secular calendar marks the days one season ends and another begins. Yet in our daily life, that line is not as sharply defined. Fall colors gradually turn to winter cold as, day by … Read More
Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B If you’re a parish minister, today will probably be a marathon for you. With the Fourth Sunday of Advent falling on the same day as Christmas Eve, many of us will … Read More
About Liturgy Liturgy doesn’t lie: In today’s gospel, John the Baptist testifies to the light “so that all might believe through him.” In other words, he was to tell the truth about the light. At the midway point of Advent, today’s … Read More
Readings for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B Leave it to Pope Francis to give us an authoritative papal document with the colorful word “sourpuss” in its official English translation. He wrote the original text of Evangelii Gaudium (“Joy … Read More
Advent has a twofold character: [I]t is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds … Read More
About Liturgy Roaring like a lion: Have you ever seen an ambo, gospel book, or another item in your church decorated with four winged creatures? Take a closer look. You’ll probably find a human, a lion, a bull, and an eagle. … Read More
Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year B After Hurricane Katrina ravaged the cities along the Louisiana coastline, a Christian church wanted to bring comfort to the people living there. The parishioners saw homes lost to flooding and people … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Beyond our focus on Mary and her sinless nature from the moment of her conception, on this day, I also like to remember her parents, Joachim and Anne. It’s as much their … Read More
About Liturgy What matters most: Despite our expectation that Advent is a quieter time, this first Sunday of the new liturgical year is a flurry of activity in parishes. We switch out old missalettes, worship aids, and liturgical calendars. The environment … Read More
Readings for the First Sunday of Advent, Year B Maybe you’ve seen the Internet meme of Jesus at a closed door ready to knock. The caption says: “Jesus is coming. Look busy!” No matter what we do, it’s hard to … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Year A I see them, Lord, every morning, standing on the same street corner. They hold their tattered signs— “will work for food”— with every bit of … Read More
Readings for Thanksgiving Day, USA There are three things that happen at every good meal. First, there is communion in all its aspects, not just eating food but also reconciling with those we don’t get along with or would rather … Read More
Readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A “Don’t give your oil away.” A wise woman said that to me many years ago when I was discerning a vocation as a lay woman in the church. At the … Read More
Readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A One need not be ordained to participate in clericalism. You can find it in any liturgical minister who sees themselves as set apart for their own benefit. However, to be … Read More
Readings for the Solemnity of All Saints Readings for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) These dual feasts of All Saints and All Souls give us an opportunity to reflect on symbols of liminality. One such symbol … Read More
God, bless all the people we will meet. Let our visit with them be a pleasant treat. Whatever the costumes we wear tonight, may we all be clothed with Christ’s light. Protect us from danger and the devil’s ways, that … Read More
It can become quite easy for liturgists to fall prey to the sin of idolatry, making the things of the liturgy—rules and rubrics, symbols and actions, all the things of the senses—greater than the work of the Holy Spirit. Don’t … Read More
Readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Recently, I was on a shuttle bus at the airport, going from terminal to terminal. As the shuttle driver drove, he announced the names of the airlines at the upcoming … Read More
Readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A One of the last documents to be promulgated from Vatican II is Gaudium et spes, the Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. Today’s Gospel might be a good … Read More
Readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Some might be tempted to use the longer version of today’s Gospel to talk about “proper” dress in church. I know that some church leaders have been lauded for making … Read More
Readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A You reap what you sow. We see that clearly in the Gospel today. The violence and greed of the tenants blinded them to the foolishness of their plan. How could … Read More
The most recent events in Las Vegas involving gun violence have put the spotlight on not only lawmakers but also on people of goodwill who genuinely want to offer prayers and thoughts for those affected by such overwhelming tragedy. As … Read More
I have to admit, God, that sometimes it’s hard to even call your name. On days like this I can’t help but think that if you had been there, we wouldn’t be here— —here in a world where so much … Read More
Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Like many of you, I have spent most of my adult life doing something for the church—choosing and rehearsing music for Mass, preparing liturgies and liturgical ministers, teaching and writing … Read More
Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A In today’s Gospel, one aspect of the landowner’s generosity is often overlooked. Not only did he give all the workers a just wage; he also gave everyone, even those who … Read More
Readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A It has been almost a year since Pope Francis closed the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in December, 2016. Perhaps we might take stock to see if anything about the … Read More
Readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A As immediate, remote, and anonymous communication has become so easy to do in our culture, something has shifted in us for the worse. Just read the comments on many Catholic … Read More
God of our waking and our sleeping, in every age, you have spoken to your prophets in dreams and visions and have promised that our sons and daughters shall prophesy through your Spirit. Through the dreams of young Joseph, you … Read More
Readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Take up your cross and follow me. We may have heard these words many times, and we might easily say yes to this invitation. In reality, these words aren’t calling … Read More
Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Have you ever met someone who responds to questions of faith with answers that sound like they come from a textbook? They may have a deep personal faith, but they … Read More
I am saddened that some who love the liturgy and love the church and care deeply about the injustice that plagues our world today still believe liturgy has no connection to justice. Some of them say things like, “Liturgy is … Read More
Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A The healing given to the Canaanite woman’s daughter is certainly a key focus for today. Yet we have clues in the first reading and responsorial psalm that draw our attention … Read More
Before you schedule the “Ave Maria” or plan to pray the Hail Mary during Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption (or any Marian feast day), read the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments’ document called … Read More
If you ever feel that your parish Mass isn’t reverent enough, a good way to assess what’s wrong is to see if you’re observing the prescribed silences. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal, #45, says there should be silence: … Read More
A plea in light of Charlottesville, Virginia, and the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Dear bishops, priests, and deacons, and any who will be preaching this Sunday, I know you’ve worked hard already on your homily for … Read More