 LiturgyLine
A Seasonal Liturgical Resource from the Archdiocese of Seattle Liturgy Office November, 2011 - Vol 2, Issue 5 |
|
|
| It's your Cathedral . . . | |
Each Sunday throughout the year, St. James Cathedral prays for the parishes and missions of the Archdiocese of Seattle, typically on a Sunday near their patronal feast day. Find out when your parish is being prayed for in 2012 by contacting Corinna Laughlin, We are always happy to arrange a visit, tour, or pilgrimage for parish groups large and small, young and old. Come and explore the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Seattle - it's your Cathedral! |
|
|
|
Pope Benedict XVI on the Roman Missal, Third Edition | |
"I welcome the news that the English translation of the Roman Missal will soon be ready for publication.... Through these  sacred texts and the actions that accompany them, Christ will be made present and active in the midst of his people.... A new task will then present itself ... the task of preparing for the reception of the new translation by clergy and lay faithful. Many will find it hard to adjust to unfamiliar texts after nearly forty years of continuous use of the previous translation. The change will need to be introduced with due sensitivity, and the opportunity for catechesis that it presents will need to be firmly grasped. I pray that in this way any risk of confusion or bewilderment will be averted, and the change will serve instead as a springboard for a renewal and a deepening of Eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world."
Luncheon of His Holiness with members and consultors of the Vox Clara Committee on Wednesday 28 April 2010.
View the complete address
|
| Advent Reflection | |
O shepherd of Israel, hear us,
Enthroned on the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse up your might and come to save us.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore;
look down from heaven and see;
Visit this vine and protect it,
the vine your right hand has planted.
From Psalm 80 (Revised Grail Translation)
Do you ever find yourself feeling this way? Somehow you just know in the silence of your heart that things in our world aren't in harmony with what could be. Do you find yourself pleading to God for intervention in affairs of your life and the world so that things will be placed back into good order? Those of us who serve the Church share a deep affection for the communities we serve. We just want our communities, workplaces, families and all relationships to sound like a well tuned choir. What we experience seems sometimes out of tune.
Like the psalmist it is good to plead in faith that "once again" God will look down from heaven and see people, who often choose to be out of sync with God's will, and "protect" his vine." Notice that the psalmist speaks in faith - once again!
As we begin Advent 2011, remember that God loves! May we wait and believe in that love. Believe that God's love is so extravagant that even as we experience the results of human weakness and selfish choices - God will come and save us. God's touch is the touch of the master artist who will transform darkness into light.
Let us pray,
Keep us alert, we pray, O Lord our God,
as we await the advent of Christ your Son,
so that, when he comes and knocks,
he may find us watchful in prayer
and exultant in his praise.
Collect from the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal
Monday of the First Week of Advent
Tony Varas
Archdiocese of Seattle Liturgy Office
|
|
|
|
| Liturgical Ministries Institute | |
 The Liturgical Ministries Institute (LMI) offers lay liturgical leaders an opportunity to learn more about the liturgy and more about the craft of nurturing the prayer of the assembly. Through the Institute, individuals may participate in a series of Saturday seminars. Participants may choose any of eight topics offered or attend all!
On January 7, a new series will begin in Seattle. If you haven't participated in one of our seminars, maybe this winter will be could be your chance? If you have already attended one, would you consider another?
To register, simply click on one of the dates and locations below. It will only take a few moments to reserve a place. The fee for each seminar is $30. You may mail a check in advance or bring your payment on the day of the seminar. What's most important is to reserve a place!
Maybe you would like to know a little more about each topic or who will be facilitating each seminar before you register? If so, check out the Liturgical Ministries Institute Website for a few more details about each course topic.
|
| Checklist for the First Sunday of Advent - What Happens on Day 1? | |
Celebrants
Given the many changes it would be a good idea to look at the prayers and prefaces by mid-November. Read through the prayers several times, preferably aloud, to get comfortable wih the rhythm of the new language. Take time to get to know the Eucharistic Prayers and to select the prayer you will use on the First Sunday of Advent. The Eucharistic Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions sometimes called the "Swiss Canon" are now included in the book, following the Order of Mass. Note that while the Children's Eucharistic Prayers are no longer in the Roman Missal (a separate supplement is being prepared) and they may still be used.
You might consider chanting the Collect and other prayers if you do not already do so. Tones for the Presidential Prayers are found in Appendix I of the Roman Missal, and the same appendix includes the Collect for the First Sunday of Advent, fully pointed for both the Solemn and the Simple Tones.
Finally, no matter how much preparation you have done in advance, there will be some who will be taken by surprise today! You might think about providing a special 'Q and A' table at hospitality following Mass, perhaps staffed by members of your liturgy committee or other parish leaders who are able to help answer questions.
Ushers and Greeters
Are you providing pew cards or worship aids? You might consider having the ushers and greeters hand these out as people enter for Mass during these first few weeks. This could be a helpful reminder that something's new and different!
Ushers and greeters could also check the pews after every Mass, to be sure that everything is in order before the next liturgy, and that all pew cards or Mass aids are where they need to be.
Sacristans and Altar Servers
Get to know the Roman Missal well in advance of November 26-27! While the book is generally in the same order as before, there are some changes. The "Proper of Seasons" is now called the "Proper of Time." The Solemn Blessings are no longer printed in the Proper of Time, but instead are brought together immediately following the Order of Mass which appears at the midpoint of the book. Some things that used to be included in the Order of Mass are now found in appendices, particularly the various invocations for the Penitential Act (now in Appendix VI), and the Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of Water (Appendix II). Just because these are in appendices doesn't mean they aren't meant to be used! Find them, and mark them with a ribbon in advance if the priest wishes to use them.
Sacristans and Masters of Ceremonies should note that most editions of the Roman Missal are large - it is about 200 pages longer than the Sacramentary! Have servers feel the weight and get used to handling the volume before Mass.
Musicians
Be sure the choirs are confident with new Mass settings and can sing their parts with gusto. Be sure that musicians are ready to respond with confidence "And with your spirit"! The musicians are not just musical leaders in the parish - they are liturgical ministers to whom the assembly will look for leadership in all the participatory elements of the Mass. Help them help the whole assembly to get comfortable with the new responses.
Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Though the changing texts don't impact readers and EM's in their ministry, enlist the help of these active ministers in leading the assembly with the new responses. If they are confident and comfortable with the responses, they will help the whole parish to enter into this new moment.
Ask all liturgical ministers to use the worship aid or pew card throughout the Mass. Even if they've already committed the new translation of the Nicene Creed to memory, they should hold the pew card as a model for others.
Everyone
Everyone, priest and people alike - regulars and visitors - will need to be patient during this transition time. It will take a while to get used to the new language. If we bear with one another, not kicking ourselves (or anyone else!) when mistakes are made, the introduction of the new Missal can be a time of growth as priest and people experience something new together. As one pastor said "We are giving permission to all of us not to be perfect right away."
Corinna Laughlin
Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission
|
| Advent - Question and Answer | |
Q: What special focus does the liturgy offer in the season of Advent?
A: The Advent season has a twofold purpose. It calls the Christian community to set aside preoccupations in order to prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus. It also calls us to a deeper awareness of Christ's second coming at the end of time. The readings and prayers of Advent nurture in us a sense of hope - hope for lasting peace and justice, hope for an end to war, starvation, suffering, and pain. Advent is a time of joyful expectation, as we prepare for the coming of God's Kingdom by praying and working for justice and peace in our world.
Q: What holy days of obligation occur in this season?
A: December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Q: What are the restrictions on celebrating special Masses during Advent, like weddings and funerals?
A: If a wedding is celebrated on a Sunday or Solemnity in Advent, the readings and prayers of the Advent liturgy take precedence, although one reading from the Rite of Marriage may be used. Funeral Masses are prohibited on the Sundays of Advent and on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, a funeral outside of Mass may be offered even on those days.
Q: What other liturgies are suited to the Advent Season?
A: It is traditional to celebrate the sacrament of penance during the Advent Season, in preparation for the great feast of Christmas. Many parishes offer a communal penance service, with a shared Liturgy of the Word including homily and intercessions, followed by individual confessions. The Rite of Penance includes special texts and prayers specifically for use during the Advent season (see Appendix II, nos. 20-24). More and more parishes are discovering the riches of the Liturgy of the Hours. Called "the prayer of the Church," the Liturgy of the Hours is prayed daily by bishops, priests, deacons and religious throughout the world. As its name suggests, the Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies time with brief liturgies, consisting of psalms, readings, and prayers, throughout the day. Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are the most important of the offices. Through the Liturgy of the Hours, the faithful come to treasure the psalms, which nourished the prayer of Jesus and Mary, and continue to nourish our daily prayer today. The Second Vatican Council envisioned that every parish would pray the Divine Office to the best of their ability, especially the Office of Vespers on Sundays and great feasts (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 100). The Office of Morning Prayer might be prayed before or after an early morning Mass on Sundays or even on weekdays. The Office of Evening Prayer (Vespers) could be prayed on Sunday afternoon, or before an evening Mass.
Q: What is the Advent wreath and how should it be used in the parish?
A: When a parish decides to use an Advent Wreath, the blessing of the wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before. The rite is found in the Book of Blessings, nos. 1509-1540. The Advent wreath may be blessed by a priest or, in his absence, a deacon or lay minister. Following the prayer of blessing, the first candle is lighted. On the following Sundays, the blessing is not repeated, and the candles are lit either before Mass begins or immediately before the opening prayer of the Mass; no additional rites or prayers are used.
Q: Is it true that we can use blue vestments during Advent?
A: No, blue vestments are not permitted. The liturgical color for the season of Advent is violet. While bluer hues of violet may be used during Advent, with redder hues reserved to the Lenten season, blue is not an authorized color for vesture in the United States. Rose-colored vestments are designated for the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (with violet as an option).
|
| A few reminders about the Christmas season |
- The Christmas season extends from Evening Prayer I of Christmas through the Baptism of the Lord, Monday, 9 January, 2012.
- The Mass of the Vigil of Christmas is celebrated in the evening of 24 December.
- On Christmas Day there are three traditional Masses celebrated (at Midnight, at Dawn, and during the Day-there are various options for readings check the Lectionary #13-16)
- During the Creed, at the words "and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man," -all genuflect on one knee if they are recited, and on both knees if they are sung.
- The nativity scene is a marvelous tradition which originated with St. Francis of Assisi, who prepared the first creche in 1223. The Book of Blessings includes a note on the placement of the nativity scene. "A place should be chosen that is suitable for prayer and devotion and is easily accessible by the faithful" (1544), but the nativity scene should not be placed in the sanctuary. The Book of Blessings includes texts for the Blessing of a Manger Scene (Chapter 48, Nos. 1541-1569). The blessing usually takes place on Christmas Eve. The blessing may be given during a short Liturgy of the Word, during a carol service, or during the Vigil Mass of Christmas.
|
| Music resources for the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal | |
With the introduction of newly translated sung Mass texts there was a need for new and revised musical settings. Responding to that need, composers and publishers have provided communities with music to sing the Mass. The U.S. Bishops are urging that every community include the chants of the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal as one Mass setting that is well known to the people. Downloadable MP3 files are available free click here.
To assist musicians, the National Association of Pastoral Musicians has compiled a directory of published Mass settings. The directory lists 79 settings offered by 7 different publishers. Parish communities should be able to find a few settings (revised or new) that meet the needs of their community from this very extensive list of published works. There is a wide variety of styles ranging from those that will be well supported by organ accompaniments to those that favor the small "contemporary" ensembles. Many are adaptable so that the same setting could be used by the instrumentation and voices available. All the settings in the directory have been approved for liturgical use by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for the Liturgy.
A few pastoral musicians have asked about composing a setting for their community. For those pastoral musicians, it is important to note that the General Instruction of the Roman Missal states in paragraph number 393:
Bearing in mind the important place that singing has in a celebration as a necessary or integral part of the Liturgy, all musical settings of the texts for the people's responses and acclamations in the Order of Mass and for special rites that occur in the course of the liturgical year must be submitted to the Secretariat for the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for review and approval prior to publication.
Publication includes printing in a people's participation aid, projection at Mass or distribution electronically on the internet. To obtain approval send a printed copy with cover letter requesting approval to: Secretariat of Divine Worship, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 3211 Fourth St NE, Washington, DC 20017. For questions call: 202.541.3060
|
| Opportunity for Pastoral Musicians |
National Association of Pastoral Musicians
Seattle Chapter
The local chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians integrates its work with the efforts of the Music Committee of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission to compliment the educational efforts of the Commission. Each year the local Chapter hosts three opportunities for Pastoral Musicians. Mark your calendars now and forward these dates to others that might be interested.
St. Cecilia Sing! - Bring Your Own Group
Friday, November 18 - 7:30 PM
Christ Our Hope Catholic Church
1902 2nd Ave (2nd and Stewart)
Seattle 98101
This annual gathering of pastoral musicians is a real favorite. If you've never participated, this year is your chance. It's a simple but fun evening. Choirs and liturgical ensembles from the region come together to celebrate the art of musical liturgy by sharing their favorite music. During the evening singers also unite voices to fill the church with song and be the "Church in Song" by singing a combined musical selection! Learn More and reserve a place.
Choral Reading Session
presented by Vince Amborsetti, International Liturgy Publications
Friday, January 20 - 7:00 PM
St. Ignatius Chapel, Seattle University 901 12th Ave Seattle 98122 Founder and composer of International Liturgy Publications (ILP) will lead a reading session of choral and other music for liturgical celebrations. ILP is the publisher of the St. Augustine Hymnal, a new resource which includes favorite music from the major music publishers (OCP, GIA, WLP) as well as many new selections! For more information please email Susie Fujita, Chapter Director or call her at 253.564.5185.
Clergy-Pastoral Musician Annual Dinner
 with the Most Reverend J. Peter SartainFriday, May 18 - 6:30 PM
Isaac Orr Conference Center, Chancery
910 Marion Street
Seattle 98104
Save this date! This annual tradition brings together Clergy and Pastoral musician for an evening celebrating the art of musical liturgy. This year, the local chapter is honored to welcome Archbishop Sartain as the speaker for the evening. Ask your pastor to save this date now. Formal invitations are mailed to pastors in the spring.
|
| Christian Initiation |
Advent, as a season of preparation for the Comings of Christ, invites us to await Christmas in joyful hope. Immersed in its spirit and giving Advent its due, we guide our catechumens and candidates to  develop hearts open for quiet anticipation readied for a fruitful celebration of Christmas when it comes. RCIA has no prescriptions for Advent. But the RCIA provides a minor exorcism (RCIA 94.E) which is specifically intended for use in the Advent season. It may be used in connection with an anointing with the oil of catechumens (RCIA 102-103) as part of an Advent prayer for the catechumens. They may be blessed and anointed following the homily at Mass or during an Advent gathering of catechumens. To prepare for Christmas by way of a rich Advent is of great spiritual value for those seeking the sacraments of the Church. We can enrich their preparation by helping them to discover the solemnities, saints, and customs that fill Advent, that we may all be prepared to receive Christ when he comes. - Encourage the catechumens and candidates for full communion to discover the following: Marian celebrations: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8); Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12)
- Saints with Advent connection: St. Nicholas (December 6); St. Juan Diego (December 9); St. Lucy (December 13)
- Customs that count the time: The Advent wreath; religious-themed Advent calendars; Novenas: e.g. Simbang Gabi; Las Posadas, Novena written by St. Alphonsus Ligouri.
Recommended Resources: Sourcebook for Sundays, Seasons, and Weekdays, Liturgy Training Publications, an annual resource which includes sections on the RCIA for each season of the year.
Sandy Dresbeck
Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission
|
| Christian Initiation Committee - Voice of the Parish RCIA Leadership | |
The Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission mandated by Vatican II and established by the Archbishop seeks to serve the parish grassroots leadership through its deanery committees. One such committee is the Christian Initiation Committee (CIC). With sacramental policies to implement, as well as needed guidance and support of the RCIA process, an action-oriented committee was formed. It is the intent of the commission and the Liturgy Office that "delegates representing the deaneries" comprise the membership. The work of the CIC is directed by the Archdiocesan Liturgy Director and the deanery delegates.
The CIC holds six meetings each year. Three meetings are with the parish RCIA/teams of each respective deanery. At the other three meetings the delegates meet with the Archdiocesan Liturgy Director and the Commission liaison. The meetings on the Diocesan level are meant to 1) bring the voice of the parish leaders to the Archdiocese for assistance and support; 2) discuss needs and concerns on sacramental policies, ongoing implementation of the RCIA as intended by the Church in its document and text "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults." The Rites of Election and the Chrism Mass are also evaluated. A variety of educational opportunities for parish leaders are brought to the meeting to build consensus around a particular educational event. In February of 2010, the RCIA retreat and reflection event was held at St. Patrick Parish in Tacoma. The day's study retreat was on the vision of Vatican II for the RCIA.
It is the hope of the Liturgical Commission and the Office that parish leaders and their RCIA team involve themselves in the RCIA deanery meetings so that their voices might be heard on their concerns for this ministry. If you have not yet met your respective deanery delegates, we are listing the names of the delegates and the deanery they represent. To contact your representative click on their name. It is our hope that you will contact your deanery delegate for information on the next gathering in your deanery of the RCIA parish leadership.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is an evangelizing ministry opening the doors of the Catholic Church to all who seek to be part of her Community. Jesus commanded us to go forth and to make disciples of all people baptizing them "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." We are blessed to have been called to this ministry.
Carolyn Lassek
Archdiocese of Seattle Liturgy Office
Christian Initiation Committee
Carolyn Lassek, Chair
Zoltan Abraham, Eastside
Robbie Alba-Estrada, Southern
Carol Ann Andrews, Northern
Carmella Barger, Snohomish
Diane Boggs, Southern
Mary Lou Colasurdo, South Seattle
Kelly Gardner, Pierce
Deacon Bill Hamlin, Olympic
Val Keller, North Seattle
Dotti Sterbick, Pierce
Deacon Loren Lane, South Sound
Esther Lucero-Miner, Hispanic Community
Deb Lyon, South King
Luciann MacDonald, Snohomish
Holly Manthey, South King
Twi MacDonell, Northern
Patrick Middleton, Olympic
Carol Robel, South Sound
Joann Tobin, South Seattle
Sandy Dresbeck, Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission
Anne Frederick, Ex Officio
Mickey Main, Ex Officio
|
| Year of Faith |
Pope Benedict XVI has declared a Year of Faith, beginning on October 11, 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council.
I have decided to announce a Year of Faith. It will begin on 11 October 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and it will end on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King, on 24 November 2013. The starting date of 11 October 2012 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a text promulgated by my Predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, with a view to illustrating for all the faithful the power and beauty of the faith. This document, an authentic fruit of the Second Vatican Council, was requested by the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in 1985 as an instrument at the service of catechesis and it was produced in collaboration with all the bishops of the Catholic Church... The Year of Faith, from this perspective, is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one Savior of the world. In the mystery of his death and resurrection, God has revealed in its fullness the Love that saves and calls us to conversion of life through the forgiveness of sins (cf. Acts 5:31). For Saint Paul, this Love ushers us into a new life: "We were buried ... with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Rom 6:4). Through faith, this new life shapes the whole of human existence according to the radical new reality of the resurrection. From Porta Fidei, the Holy Father's motu proprio for the indiction of the Year of Faith
What better way to observe the fiftieth anniversary of opening of the Council than by being renewed in our faith - and being empowered to share our faith with those who do not yet believe? We will be hearing much more about the Year of Faith in the months to come.
|
| Celebrating the Incarnation |
May you experience
the festive celebration
of the gift of Christ the Savior.
We remember and celebrate
that God continues to love
so deeply that he became one of us
so that we might live!
From the Staff of the Liturgy Office
Carolyn, Tony, Jennifer, Teresa, Lenneah
and
The Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
