A Word from Your Pastor September 25

Dear Parishioners:

Last weekend we had a lively visit from Fr. Jim Wehner, Rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum, here to assist while Fr. Bill Faustner was away for vacation. Although I did not hear his homily myself, I heard from a number of parishioners as I met them at the door after Mass that they found Fr. Wehner very easy to hear (just like Fr. Bill, who has no need of a microphone to get his message through). There was much the same reaction last summer to the presence of our Seminarian Intern Vince Nguyen.

I do hope that every member of the parish really got the message that I have been preaching and that Vince Nguyen shouted in word and action, and that Fr. Wehner repeated as an extra announcement: our Parish is due to make a return on the Church’s investment of priestly service among us. Fr. Wehner suggested that “all unmarried men over the age of 18 can sign up for the Seminary in the vestibule after Mass.” This may overstate the call just a bit, but it makes the point that we need to be supportive of the reality of vocational discernment. It was gratifying to see many stop to greet Fr. Wehner and I made it a point to introduce him to some of our high school students who are looking toward their College prospects.

The Pontifical College Josephinum is a real option to be considered. Some may have heard that a former religion teacher at Watterson, Shane Ball, is at the “P.C.J.” for Pre-Theology, and his position at the high school has been taken by Deacon Byron Phillips, who is on staff at the Josephinum as well. In other words, real people we know make this kind of a decision to “check it out.”

The Tuesday Morning Bible Study was speaking on the topic of Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life and St. Timothy Parish this week as well. We have come up with just two names of members of our parish who have responded to the call to Consecrated Life: Brother David Henley who is a member of Glenmary Missioners, and Tom Rea, who became a Deacon. Do you know either of these former parishioners or their families? Do you know of any others who have taken vows or been ordained who have roots in our Parish? We want to be sure to invite them to take part in our Jubilee and to assist in the effort to remind us all of our Call to Holiness in every Vocation.

Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.

But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen. (I Timothy 6:11-16)

The Call that comes from God is addressed to every human being. We who are Christian and Catholic have the privilege of having heard the Gospel and of being pledged to a witness of its truth and its power. Through Baptism and Confirmation, we have made “the noble confession” of our Faith. It is now our responsibility to hold onto what we have received and to do all we can to share the Gift of New Life in Christ with others.

Many have stood as witnesses for us: our godparents and sponsors, our parents and all who have walked the way of Faith before us. We are to serve as witnesses for others and to bring them to a knowledge of the truth.

St. Paul charges St. Timothy as a “man of God” and holds out before him and us the example of Jesus Christ. What we have learned from Christ we are to put into practice and to pass on to those who have yet to hear it.

In giving Timothy the charge, Paul is drawn into a hymn of praise to the God Who has made Himself known in Christ. When we respond to God’s Call and live our Noble Profession of Faith before the world, we too are caught up in an experience of this glory.
“To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.”

Reflections on the Liturgy:


The document that guides the Church in the Latin Rite in the celebration of the Liturgy is called “Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani,” the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This has been published in three editions. The new Roman Missal which will be promulgated in English this November finds its norms in this Instruction. It will be helpful to offer a few notes on the principles guiding the celebration of the Liturgy as they are given in the G.I.R.M.

The G.I.R.M. is available online on the US Bishops’ website.

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/roman-missal/general-instruction-of-the-roman-missal/

Accommodation to New Conditions (Continued and Conclued)

14. Moved by the same desire and pastoral concern, the Second Vatican Council was able to give renewed consideration to what was established by Trent on Communion under both kinds. And indeed, since no one today calls into doubt in any way the doctrinal principles on the complete efficacy of Eucharistic Communion under the species of bread alone, the Council thus gave permission for the reception of Communion under both kinds on some occasions, because this clearer form of the sacramental sign offers a particular opportunity of deepening the understanding of the mystery in which the faithful take part. [Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 55.

15. In this manner the Church, while remaining faithful to her office as teacher of truth safeguarding "things old," that is, the deposit of tradition, fulfills at the same time another duty, that of examining and prudently bringing forth "things new" (cf. Mt 13:52).

Accordingly, a part of the new Missal directs the prayers of the Church in a more open way to the needs of our times, which is above all true of the Ritual Masses and the Masses for Various Needs, in which tradition and new elements are appropriately harmonized. Thus, while many expressions, drawn from the Church's most ancient tradition and familiar through the many editions of the Roman Missal, have remained unchanged, many other expressions have been accommodated to today's needs and circumstances. Still others, such as the prayers for the Church, the laity, the sanctification of human work, the community of all peoples, and certain needs proper to our era, have been newly composed, drawing on the thoughts and often the very phrasing of the recent documents of the Council.

Moreover, on account of the same attitude toward the new state of the present world, it seemed that in the use of texts from the most ancient tradition, so revered a treasure would in no way be harmed if some phrases were changed so that the style of language would be more in accord with the language of modern theology and would truly reflect the current discipline of the Church. Thus, not a few expressions bearing on the evaluation and use of the earthly goods of the earth have been changed, as have also not a few allusions to a certain form of outward penance belonging to past ages of the Church.

Finally, in this manner the liturgical norms of the Council of Trent have certainly been completed and perfected in many respects by those of the Second Vatican Council, which has brought to realization the efforts of the last four hundred years to bring the faithful closer to the Sacred Liturgy especially in recent times, and above all the zeal for the Liturgy promoted by Saint Pius X and his successors.

The General Instruction makes clear two central points: First, the Liturgy we celebrate is the Liturgy of the Church that is available to the People of God in every time and place. There is unity, continuity, and coherence of the Liturgy as it is celebrated in our time with the very same Liturgy celebrated in other times and cultures. The Councils of the Church do not invent a new reality. Secondly, each age in the life of the Church has its own shape and the Liturgy, as a divine reality expressed through human forms, can freely adapt itself to the time under the guidance of the Church.

Offering the Faithful the opportunity to eat and drink of the Eucharist under the form of bread and wine, is a fuller sign of a sharing that is permissible in our time. Deeper insight into the goodness of Creation and an awareness of modern ways of expression are also given consideration in the way prayers are formulated. This has truly been the custom of the Church and of the People of God from the earliest days.

Tradition is not merely a repetition of the past, but rather it is a forward movement of handing on the Faith with a real understanding. “Everything that is received is received according to the mode of the receiver.” Passing on the Faith means being able to express it and experience in forms that fit those who are today coming to know the truth of Christ and the Salvation He won for us through His Holy Sacrifice. The Sacred Liturgy is the most powerful moment of union with Christ our Savior this side of Eternity.

This completes our reading of the Introduction of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

A Word from Your Pastor September 18

Dear Parishioners:

Last weekend, I was away for a family wedding. It took me to the middle of Pennsylvania, and the return trip allowed for me to make a stop on September 11 at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. As it turned out, I was there just as the President and his retinue were departing. I waited with many other Americans who chose to be there that day as the invited guests streamed out, wondering when we would be able to enter the grounds. Suddenly, we saw three helicopters lift up and depart and the guards stepped aside to allow us to go in.







Site of the Crash of Flight 93, Memorial Wall and Bells, Shanksville, PA

It was truly a moving experience to see the signs of honor given to those who lost their lives. An amazing number of media personnel were still on the grounds getting their pictures and giving their wrap-ups to what had gone on before. Americans of all backgrounds were also on the scene to show that we remember the sacrifice of those who have gone ahead of us.

This past week, we saw a gathering of St. Timothy Women for a potluck. As an honorary (dues-paying) member, I was able to stop in as things were wrapping up. It was clear that everyone had a good time. Although for several years now we have not had an active “Women’s Club” as such, it is clear that all the members are very active and involved. We owe a debt of gratitude to the women of St. Timothy Parish who keep us in business and who make sure that all that used to happen under the umbrella of the Women’s Club still happens. I am sure that the Holy Spirit will tap on someone’s shoulder to take up the task of leadership when the time is right. In the meantime, we thank those who led in the past and we invite those who are feeling the Spirit’s tug to take the risk of stepping forward. Remember, it was a woman who got us all started by her Yes to God when the angel asked her to be the mother of the Messiah.


Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.

Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.

Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. (I Timothy 6:7-10)

Radix malorum est cupiditas is a famous expression, here translated “the love of money is the root of all evils.” St. Paul gives his practical advice to St. Timothy and his coworkers not to set store on the material things of this world. Our current economic woes are the result of a failure to follow this advice at every level of society.

When we put God first in our lives and seek to live a rich interior spiritual life, then the attachments of this world are not as alluring as they used to be. When we see our material possessions as means to a higher end, then they lose their hold on us. Contentment with what we have when our basic needs are met is a real sign of our understanding who we are. Having St. Timothy as our patron, we ought to heed St. Paul’s advice.

Reflections on the Liturgy:

The document that guides the Church in the Latin Rite in the celebration of the Liturgy is called “Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani,” the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This has been published in three editions. The new Roman Missal which will be promulgated in English this November finds its norms in this Instruction. It will be helpful to offer a few notes on the principles guiding the celebration of the Liturgy as they are given in the G.I.R.M.

The G.I.R.M. is available online on the US Bishops’ website.

http://old.usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

Accommodation to New Conditions (Continued)

12. Therefore, when the Second Vatican Council convened in order to accommodate the Church to the requirements of her proper apostolic office precisely in these times, it examined thoroughly, as had Trent, the instructive and pastoral character of the Sacred Liturgy. [Cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 33.] Since no Catholic would now deny the lawfulness and efficacy of a sacred rite celebrated in Latin, the Council was also able to grant that "the use of the vernacular language may frequently be of great advantage to the people" and gave the faculty for its use. [Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 36.]

The enthusiasm in response to this measure has been so great everywhere that it has led, under the leadership of the Bishops and the Apostolic See itself, to permission for all liturgical celebrations in which the people participate to be in the vernacular, for the sake of a better comprehension of the mystery being celebrated.

13. Indeed, since the use of the vernacular in the Sacred Liturgy may certainly be considered an important means for presenting more clearly the catechesis regarding the mystery that is inherent in the celebration itself, the Second Vatican Council also ordered that certain prescriptions of the Council of Trent that had not been followed everywhere be brought to fruition, such as the homily to be given on Sundays and holy days [Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 52.] and the faculty to interject certain explanations during the sacred rites themselves. [Cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 35:3.]

Above all, the Second Vatican Council, which urged "that more perfect form of participation in the Mass by which the faithful, after the priest's Communion, receive the Lord's Body from the same Sacrifice," [Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 55.] called for another desire of the Fathers of Trent to be realized, namely that for the sake of a fuller participation in the holy Eucharist "the faithful present at each Mass should communicate not only by spiritual desire but also by sacramental reception of the Eucharist." [Ecumenical Council of Trent, Session 22, Doctrina de ss. Missae sacrificio, 17 September 1562, chapter 6]

The call of the Second Vatican Council for the People of God to have a greater awareness of the meaning of the Liturgy and to participate more fully has led to some changes that in an earlier age would have been misunderstood. When others are calling basic tenets of the Faith into question, it is natural to “batten down the hatches.” Hearing the Spirit’s call to the Church to be truly universal, changes now very familiar to us all were made involving the language used in the Liturgy and the People’s participation in the Sacraments more fully.

Prayers in English (our vernacular) and regular reception of Holy Communion are now commonplace for us. The call of the Spirit now is to renew our sense of awe and wonder and to deepen our understanding of the Liturgy. Changes necessary to bring this about are under the guidance and direction of the same Church that has led us through the centuries in other forms and expressions of the same Faith. We have to put our trust in the Spirit to draw us more profoundly into the Mystery we celebrate.

A Word from Your Pastor September 11

Dear Parishioners:

The Tenth Anniversary of “9-11” is a significant moment. Do you remember where you were when you heard the news about what was going on September 11, 2001? I recall vividly. The Secretary in the Parish Office at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Newark told me to turn on the television to see what had just happened: an airplane was going right into one of the Twin Towers in New York City. It became obvious very quickly that something of major import was in prospect. I realized that the only thing possible was to call the People to prayer.

I walked over to the Parish School to alert them as to the news, and an aide met me in the parking lot. I passed on to her that I wanted the School to assemble in the church, and we would have some time of Adoration and Prayer together. I sent out an invitation to the parishioners by e-mail and then went to get things arranged in the church. A parishioner who came in told me that the second tower had just collapsed.

The School Children came in and took their places. I exposed the Blessed Sacrament in the Monstrance and knelt down in front of our Eucharistic Lord. Then I started to lead the children in praying a Rosary. I realized that I was so full of emotion that I needed assistance in leading the prayer, and so I invited one grade at a time to join me in the first part of the Our Father’s, Hail Mary’s and Glory Be’s.

The voices of the children lifted me up and helped me to compose myself in that moment. I had the presence of mind just to say a few words of comfort to those in the church and I invited the children to remind their families that God is With Us. No matter what happens, God will be with us to help us to get through it.

As the day unfolded, I had to drive to visitations for two priests of the Diocese of Columbus who had died. At one point, I saw a lot of cars lined up by a gas station and I wondered what that was all about. It began to dawn on me just what kind of panic we could have. We all remember how some gas stations began to raise their prices right away. In the weeks following, the churches were full and we all talked about the fact that our world had changed forever.

Unfortunately, it seems, we have found our way back to a “normal” that did not hold onto some of the promise of those early days after “9-11.” God is being removed from public discourse, even at “Ground Zero.” We have a responsibility not to let this happen among us. Today of all days, pray for our Nation and for our World.

As we welcome Bishop Robert Muhiirwa of the Diocese of Fort Portal in Uganda, we acknowledge our solidarity with our fellow Christians in Africa and throughout the world. May our response be generous both materially and spiritually as we join in the effort to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation.

Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.

Those who are under the yoke of slavery must regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and our teaching may not suffer abuse. Those whose masters are believers must not take advantage of them because they are brothers but must give better service because those who will profit from their work are believers and are beloved.

Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain. (I Timothy 6:1- 6)

Our world has always been rather dysfunctional. The society in which we live has major flaws that are beyond our capacity to fix. This was so in ages past and will ever be so. And yet, the Church has an instinct for taking the first steps toward a healing of the breach between who we are now and who we ought to be.

St. Paul writes in many of his letters in ways that are somewhat surprising to us. Here, it is clear that he is not calling into question the social construct of his day which included slavery as part of its approach to human relationships. He accepted the “institution” of slavery, but at the same time encouraged both slaves and masters to behave in accord with the Gospel. This points to a falsehood that seems to underlie many modern approaches to religion. There are some who say that they will not commit to a particular church or denomination because they find all are hypocritical and fail to live the principles they teach. The right response to this is an admission that we are imperfect and caught up in the effects of sin, along with an invitation to be part of the solution rather than opting out.

Some slaves were freed in ages past by masters who came to accept them as brothers and sister in Christ. Eventually, this led to a realization that slavery is incompatible with human dignity. It took centuries for this to take root in society. Religion bears fruit when it is lived sincerely in spite of circumstances.

Reflections on the Liturgy:

The document that guides the Church in the Latin Rite in the celebration of the Liturgy is called “Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani,” the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This has been published in three editions. The new Roman Missal which will be promulgated in English this November finds its norms in this Instruction. It will be helpful to offer a few notes on the principles guiding the celebration of the Liturgy as they are given in the G.I.R.M.

The G.I.R.M. is available online on the US Bishops’ website.

http://old.usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

Accommodation to New Conditions

10. The new Missal, therefore, while bearing witness to the Roman Church's rule of prayer (lex orandi), also safeguards the deposit of faith handed down by the more recent Councils, and marks in its own right a step of great importance in liturgical tradition.

Indeed, when the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council reaffirmed the dogmatic pronouncements of the Council of Trent, they spoke at a far different time in world history, so that they were able to bring forward proposals and measures of a pastoral nature that could not have even been foreseen four centuries earlier.

11. The Council of Trent already recognized the great catechetical value contained in the celebration of Mass but was unable to bring out all its consequences in regard to actual practice. In fact, many were pressing for permission to use the vernacular in celebrating the Eucharistic Sacrifice; but the Council, weighing the conditions of that age, considered it a duty to answer this request with a reaffirmation of the Church's traditional teaching, according to which the Eucharistic Sacrifice is, first and foremost, the action of Christ himself, and therefore that its proper efficacy is unaffected by the manner in which the faithful take part in it. The Council for this reason stated in firm but measured words:, "Although the Mass contains much instruction for people of faith, nevertheless it did not seem expedient to the Fathers that it be celebrated everywhere in the vernacular." [Ecumenical Council of Trent, Session 22, Doctrina de ss. Missae sacrificio, 17 September 1562, chapter 8]

The Council accordingly anathematized anyone maintaining that "the rite of the Roman Church, in which part of the Canon and the words of consecration are spoken in a low voice, is to be condemned, or that the Mass must be celebrated only in the vernacular." [Doctrina de ss. Missae sacrificio, chapter 9]

Although on the one hand it prohibited the use of the vernacular in the Mass, nevertheless, on the other hand, the Council did direct pastors of souls to put appropriate catechesis in its place: "Lest Christ's flock go hungry . . . the Holy Synod commands pastors and all others having the care of souls to give frequent instructions during the celebration of Mass, either personally or through others, concerning what is read at Mass; among other things, they should include some explanation of the mystery of this most holy Sacrifice, especially on Sundays and holy days." [Doctrina de ss. Missae sacrificio, chapter 8]

The celebration of the Mass in the common language of the people, that is, in the language that most understood, was the norm for the first several hundred years after Christ. First in Hebrew or Aramaic, then in Greek, the Mass was celebrated for many centuries in Latin in the West. Many branches of the Church in the East celebrated in the language of the people. Latin was for a time known by everyone, then only by the learned and by clerics. The challenge at the time of the Council of Trent was the notion that the Mass had no effect if it were not completely understood. In our time, the change to the vernacular, that is the common language, was permitted gradually at first and then with remarkable speed after the Second Vatican Council. It has become clear that participation in and understanding of the Mass in enhanced by this renewed custom.

However, it must be noted that something of the solemnity and awe that were part of the Mass in Latin have been lost. The Church in our day is seeking to regain this while not losing any of the advantage of the use of the common language. We all need to know some of the Latin prayers, just as we still use some of the Hebrew/Aramaic and the Greek. Amen, Alleluia, Marana tha, and Kyrie Eleison, ought to have Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Pater Noster and Agnus Dei right beside them in common grasp of our tradition of Liturgy. Our manner of prayer in English ought to have a solemnity that is different from the everyday usage, so that we may be caught up in prayer and raised to new heights in our relationship with God and His Church. It is to be hoped that our move to a new English version of the Mass will help us in this challenge.

A Word from Your Pastor September 4

Dear Parishioners:

Labor Day weekend reminds us all of the importance of work in human life. We live now in times when many people are out of work due to the changes in the structure of society and the fluctuations of the economy. In centuries past, people lived “hand to mouth” because they depended on the weather and the success of crops to feed family and to supply needs. Now we find that many are one paycheck away from disaster or in debt beyond their means on account of their situation of employment or the unavailability of jobs in their areas of training where they live.

Another major difficulty for our time is the fact that we have been taught to identify with our work field so closely that we have hardly discovered any identity beyond our job. The first question we ask after “What’s your name?” is “What do you do?” expecting the answer to give us information to know who a person is. When someone is out of work or when retirement comes, many go through a great struggle of identity.

The Church has some rich teachings concerning human labor. Many documents of the Church in the area of Social Justice address this aspect of our lives. Pope John Paul II in particular called upon his own experience as one who worked at a stone quarry and offered many reflections on the value of work. Pope Paul VI also spoke with real concern for those who work for a living as he made his pilgrimage to Nazareth and considered the life of Joseph with Jesus and Mary. St. Paul speaks of his experience of working with his hands as a tentmaker. May 1 is observed as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker in order to emphasize the importance of labor.

The central approach made by the Church is to point to the dignity of the human person. Work is meant to be an expression of human creativity and involvement in the enterprise of building up a world of peace and harmony. If we look at things from this perspective, we see that we are not what we do, but rather what we do is a reflection of who we are. Our work, whatever the field may be, is intended to flow from our person. This is not simply a matter of likes and dislikes or even of skills. It is something deeper. You can be who you are no matter what you happen to do. The challenge is to find a kind of work that allows you to cultivate who you are at the deepest level.

For those who are “between jobs,” you may consider this time as an unplanned “retreat” allowed by God so you may renew your awareness of your personal dignity and worth. I invite you while you are doing your search to take the opportunity to deepen your spiritual life and your connection with the Lord. Come to daily Mass (9 a.m. Monday through Friday at St. Timothy Church). Stop in for an hour of adoration on Wednesdays. Read your Bible. Take up some spiritual reading or develop a daily devotion such as the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Volunteer with an organization that assists other in some way.

For those who find your present job unsatisfying, take a chance and reflect on a kind of work that allows you to put more of yourself and your Faith into it. Discover whether the Lord has another kind of work for you right where you are. Do you realize that your real “work” is to serve as a witness to the Gospel? Are there hearts and souls open to you among your co-workers? Can you invite others to learn more about the Catholic Faith by what you say and do where you are working?

Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.

Stop drinking only water, but have a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

Some people's sins are public, preceding them to judgment; but other people are followed by their sins. Similarly, good works are also public; and even those that are not cannot remain hidden. (I Timothy 5:23-25)

Many people tend to think of the Bible as a book of rules and regulations that have little to do with the real world. Inevitably, these are folks who have not read much Scripture for themselves. On the contrary, the Scriptures show that God knows the full truth concerning His People, and God’s ministers also know the people they serve. In the present text, we see that St. Paul knows his friend Timothy well. The advice to have a little wine is a reminder to Timothy that the good health of the minister is something that benefits his people. A bit of wine in moderation is helpful to health. This text gives us the reason why our Patron Timothy is the patron saint for stomach disorders and illnesses.

Sin is the lot of every human being except Christ Himself and His Blessed Mother. Paul knows that sin is part of the human condition. Public sins and private sins alike take their toll on us and have an effect on our approach to Eternity. But leave it to Paul to point out at the same time that good works, both public and hidden, are worthy of our attention because they will make a difference in our approach to the Kingdom. “Blessed are those who die in the Lord, for their good works go with them.” (Revelation 14:13)

Reflections on the Liturgy:

The document that guides the Church in the Latin Rite in the celebration of the Liturgy is called “Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani,” the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. This has been published in three editions. The new Roman Missal which will be promulgated in English this November finds its norms in this Instruction. It will be helpful to offer a few notes on the principles guiding the celebration of the Liturgy as they are given in the G.I.R.M.

The G.I.R.M. is available online on the US Bishops’ website.

http://old.usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.shtml

A Witness to Unbroken Tradition (continued)

8. Today, on the other hand, countless learned studies have shed light on the "norm of the holy Fathers" which the revisers of the Missal of Saint Pius V followed. For following the publication first of the Sacramentary known as the Gregorian in 1571, critical editions of other ancient Roman and Ambrosian Sacramentaries were published, often in book form, as were ancient Hispanic and Gallican liturgical books which brought to light numerous prayers of no slight spiritual excellence that had previously been unknown.

In a similar fashion, traditions dating back to the first centuries, before the formation of the rites of East and West, are better known today because of the discovery of so many liturgical documents.

Moreover, continuing progress in the study of the holy Fathers has also shed light upon the theology of the mystery of the Eucharist through the teachings of such illustrious Fathers of Christian antiquity as Saint Irenaeus, Saint Ambrose, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, and Saint John Chrysostom.

9. For this reason, the "norm of the holy Fathers" requires not only the preservation of what our immediate forebears have passed on to us, but also an understanding and a more profound study of the Church's entire past and of all the ways in which her one and only faith has been set forth in the quite diverse human and social forms prevailing in the Semitic, Greek, and Latin areas. Moreover, this broader view allows us to see how the Holy Spirit endows the People of God with a marvelous fidelity in preserving the unalterable deposit of faith, even amid a very great variety of prayers and rites.

The Church is the Church of all ages. At times, we can become rather narrow in our vision, seeing only what is in our own experience. The Liturgy we have is meant to encompass the richness of human response to our relationship with God, and the Church consciously appropriates all that is helpful in opening hearts to worship. Saints and liturgies of the past offer us a treasury of resources that lead us to a deeper understanding of the Mystery we celebrate. The human cultures that thrive today also have something to contribute to our “dialogue” with God, Who is the Creator of all and the source of all that is to be found in human nature. Body, mind and spirit, heart and soul, we are called to offer ourselves to God in union with the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The “great variety of prayers and rites” come from the One Spirit and the “unalterable deposit of Faith” is expressed through them under the guidance of the Church and her Liturgy.

ROSARY PRAYER GARDEN

The garden work is complete with the mosaic installation having been finished last Monday afternoon. All are invited to visit the garden and to enjoy a quiet moment after Mass and/or say to a prayer at other times.

The Garden Club thanks all those who contributed to building the prayer garden. Without their generous and enthusiastic support, both large and small, it would not have been possible to build the structure which we were able accomplish. A long-awaited dream has been fulfilled and thanks to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Many folks have been asking to buy bricks for the garden. There will be an announcement board display in the vestibule with an application form within the next few weeks. If you would like to have your memorial brick installed before the dedication of the garden by Bishop Campbell in November please complete and send in the request by the deadline indicated.

Our thanks are extended to Tony Kanakkanatt for his hard work and for his diligence and zeal for this project. It will be a sign to generations yet to come of the Faith of our first half century as a parish.