Liturgy of the Word reflect ancient traditions of the Church
The Liturgy of the Word after Vatican II followed the same ritual structure as the Mass prior to Vatican II. However, changes were made to conform the Liturgy of the Word to the most ancient traditions of the Church. Prior to Vatican II, we had a one-year cycle of readings; that is, the same...Read full story »
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Mass' Liturgy of the Word has deep roots
When we listen to the proclamation of God’s Word in the Liturgy of the Word, we take part in a structure of worship whose roots are found deep in Judaism. It was the form of worship also used in the synagogue during Jesus’ earthly life (see Luke 4:16) and practiced by the early Ch...Read full story »
Thursday, October 06, 2016
Tracing the Liturgy of the Word to Synagogue worship
A good example of Synagogue worship is found in Luke 4:16-20 – “Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the Sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll an...Read full story »
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Introductory Rites are appetizers for the Mass' two 'banquets'
Without demeaning the sacredness of the Introductory Rites of Mass, they may be likened to hors d’oeuvres served before a formal dinner allowing guests to mingle with one another. They tend to put everyone in a frame of mind for celebration. Hors d’oeuvres “whet...Read full story »
Thursday, September 01, 2016
Awareness of our actions during Mass can deepen our faith
Following the entrance song (and Incensation if used), the priest stands at the chair. Together with the whole assembly, he signs himself with the sign of the cross (GI 50). At our baptism, our foreheads were signed with the cross signifying that we now belong to Christ. Roman sla...Read full story »
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Using incense has become an expression of our faith
Now don’t start coughing when you read this article about incense! When I was a child, we used more incense than today. We probably didn’t have as many allergies then! We’ve probably all heard stories of incense, used in small chapels, which set off smoke alarms...Read full story »
Wednesday, August 03, 2016
Kissing the altar at the beginning of Mass has a fascinating origin
In addition to a profound bow to the altar by the Priest, Deacon, and other ministers upon arriving in the sanctuary, the Priest and Deacon also kiss the altar itself (GI 49). Many of us may be surprised (or shocked!) to learn that this ancient custom was borrowed from pagan rituals. People w...Read full story »
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Introductory Rites help prepare us for worship during Mass
The Introductory Rites (Entrance Song, Greeting, Penitential Act, Kyrie, Glory to God in the Highest, and Collect) precede the Liturgy of the Word. These Rites provide a beginning, an introduction and a preparation for our worship (GI46). The new Roman Missal of 2011 explains that R...Read full story »
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Mass introductory rites help create an atmosphere of faith
The new Roman Missal’s General Introduction explains that, “The Introductory Rites serve the purpose of ensuring that the gathering faithful establish communion and prepare themselves properly to listen to God’s Word and to celebrate the Eucharist” (46). The Church, fr...Read full story »
Friday, June 17, 2016
Eastern Church inspired the Latin Rite Mass
The Latin Rite Mass was inspired to a great degree by the customs of the Eastern Church. Before the Eastern Liturgy began, the vested priest would prepare the gifts of bread and wine – which symbolized the hidden life of Christ until the beginning of his public ministry with his baptism...Read full story »
Wednesday, June 01, 2016
