The Liturgy Corner is written by Carol Flood, Parish Liturgist
Jun 4 - The Feast of Pentecost - What does this mean for us?
The Holy Spirit draws us together in gladness on this 50th day of Easter, this sacred day of Pentecost. In fire and wind, the Spirit of the Lord descends with gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, and wonder. In turn, the disciples are sent to proclaim the good news of God's great love. Speaking in many languages, the disciples bring different peoples together to hear and celebrate God's great gifts.
We come from different cultures and families to proclaim together the great love that brings life from death in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During our liturgy, we will sing in different languages and proclaim God's word in different languages, celebrating the wondrous way God speaks in this community and to all peoples of the world. Scripture and music are in the special worship aide provided especially for this weekend.
We are all invited to celebrate on this special day by praying together and proclaiming the good news of this great gift of God's Spirit among us.
Dec 11 - Have You Noticed ..." Have you noticed that the route that the procession takes each week to reach the altar at the beginning of Mass has been different since the first Sunday of Advent? Each week the procession route is different because it represents our journey to the light, our light, Jesus Christ. Our journey is not one that is straight and narrow. Our journey is one that is full of twists and turns, bumps and holes with many surprises along the way. So, look for a different starting point this week and next week, and also, see where your journey takes you this Advent.
Dec 4 - Endurance, Reform & Action... Last week we were reminded to be prepared, to look to the light, and to live in the "now" in preparation of the coming of our Lord.
This week we are asked to live with endurance, to reform our lives in preparation of the coming of our Lord by taking action. Preparing for the Lord?s coming and fully accepting him requires a change in life-style. Taking the necessary action in order to reform our lives and by making a conscience effort to do so can be reflected by our outward example in the way in which we live our lives.
Look at the environment inside our church. Study the perimeter windows from the inside. They are covered in a grayish-winter white color, garnished by a large barren tree limb. What does this represent? What does the color gray represent in your life? What does the tree limb represent in your life? What will you do during this Advent season to take action and make the necessary changes in your life to prepare for our Lord?
Nov 13 - The Use of Silence During a Liturgy... We are invited to be silent at the following times during mass:
The Act of Penitence
After the Priest says, "Let us pray..."
After each scripture reading
After the Homily
After we have all received Holy Communion
We are invited to observe silence to remind us that, "is it often only in the stillness and the silence that we are able to hear God's voice," 1 Kings 19:12. This is a very important part of our prayer life. During our liturgies, with silence, spread out among the prayers, readings, songs, and actions of the Mass, we are better able to really hear, not just with our ears, but also with our hearts and our whole selves, what God is saying to us.
Oct 3 - DID YOU NOTICE...that we are using all precious metal vessels for our celebration of the Eucharist? This is due to the request of our Bishop, Thomas Olmsted, for all parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix to comply with the liturgical document Redemptionis Sacramentum and in continuation of the implementation of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) as of October 1, 2004. This particular practice, the use of the metal vessels, has been established to help us celebrate the Eucharist with continued reverence.
Oct 24 - Receiving Eucharist...A reminder according to the GIRM, (General Instruction of the Roman Missal), which was implemented by the Diocese of Phoenix in January of 2004... Please remember to show reverence before receiving both the Body and the Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A slight bow of the head before receiving is sufficient.
Oct 31 - Receiving a Blessing During Communion... If you are not Catholic or are not ready to receive the Eucharist during mass, you are welcome to receive a blessing. When receiving a blessing during communion, please approach the Priest, Deacon, or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist with your arms crossed in front of you with your hands reaching up toward your shoulders. This will help the minister to know that you are not receiving the Eucharist, but would like to receive a blessing.
For more information, please contact Carol Flood