DECEMBER 2016 46/4 and dead. The spiritual union between have here a beautiful rationale for informed Christian sensibility. It need Christian people and those who have parishes to establish a columbarium in not be pantheistic. In the lives of many TRIUMPH OF LOVE IN DEATH passed through the veil of death offers or near their church. This laudable Catholics, Paradise places are deeply the bereaved comfort for themselves and practice is increasing and is an excellent significant. These are places where an opportunity to assist the deceased way to express the communion of saints they have experienced a deep sense of through prayer. We intercede for one and our interdependence in prayer. It God’s presence or calling and which, another in this life and beyond this life. captures the spirit of the churchyard of when remembered, lead them easily The liturgy encourages this in the twin old. On the other hand, it does not into prayer. In wishing to have their WRONG-FOOTED feasts of All Saints and All Souls. represent the reality of many of our large ashes sprinkled there they may express urban cemeteries and the endless walls thanksgiving for the gift of God’s Reflections such as this are theologically RULES sound and pastorally helpful in of niches at our public crematoriums. creation and also their hope for the accompanying the bereaved and in These are frequently vast, soulless and transformation, not only of their own anonymous places which hardly recognise strengthening the faithful as they bodily existence, but also that of the he people of our time stand confront death. the dignity of the children of God. natural world in the final resurrection. uneasily before the mystery of While loaded with personal All these things are outlined in an The Instruction then forbids the T death. They want to remember conservation of ashes in a domestic significance, this gesture need not Instruction To Rise with Christ issued by and venerate the person they love who situation and the practice of dividing simply express an individual whim, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the has died. They can tell stories and them among family members. Next, it Faith on 15 August 2016. still less withdraw the dead person eulogise. But what else can they do? forbids the scattering of a person’s ashes Notwithstanding this inspiring teaching, from their community and its memory. in the air, on land or at sea, citing the Christian funeral rites can support the the Congregation has managed to The significance of the person and of bereaved; the faith enshrined in the appearance of pantheism, naturalism the place where the ashes are scattered produce a statement which will offend liturgy can articulate for them the many for, half way through this short or nihilism. The presumption of bad will be held in the stories and mysterious shape of life after death. As document, its tone changes. The bee in faith in these practices is offensive to memories of those present at their the dead person leaves our arms – arms those who have carried them out with their bonnet is the issue of burial versus funerals. And the place associated that may have nursed them in age or cremation and the ‘correct’ way to treat the greatest love and respect for the with them may trigger memory in the illness – we commend him or her into the ashes after cremation. deceased. same way as would a graveyard. the arms of God’s love and mercy. God, The Congregation would have done well who cares for us in life, receives us and We cannot condone erroneous ideas This final remark presumes that the to concentrate on the principles of dispersal of the ashes is an integral part holds us in death. about death, the Instruction states, considering death as the definitive Christian hope and honouring the dead, of the Order of Christian Funerals. without descending to the practicalities The resurrection of Jesus is one of the annihilation of the person, or the Sometimes, when there is to be a of burial and cremation. These are fundamental planks of Christian belief. moment of fusion with Mother Nature cremation, the funeral liturgy in the Because of this, we know that Christ is shaped by local tradition and culturally or the universe, or as a stage in the church is followed by a Rite of Committal alive and present in the Church, in word determined. Alternative practice need cycle of regeneration, or as the at the hearse or at the crematorium. and sacrament. Our baptism makes it not compromise in any way the definitive liberation from the ‘prison’ When the ashes are ready, they are given personal. Each person is thus joined to principles which Christian burial is said of the body. This is the prelude to the to the family and, unless there is a parish the Body of Christ and follows Christ in to safeguard. treatment of cremation. Of course the columbarium, the Church has no further life and in death. Because of Christ, Instruction acknowledges that the In addition the Instruction shows an involvement. This is a mistake. Christian death has a positive meaning. Church has no doctrinal objections to alarming lack of historical perspective. We ought to forget about the As the liturgy says, Indeed for your cremation, but claims that burial shows In the Middle Ages most ordinary folk intermediate step of the crematorium faithful, Lord, life is changed not a greater esteem towards the deceased. were interred in mass graves. The and celebrate the Rite of Committal at a ended, and, when this earthly dwelling It envisages cremation may be chosen for bodies of royalty were frequently time prearranged with the family for the turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is sanitary, economic or social dismembered so that their head, heart disposition of the ashes – at a gravesite, made ready for them in heaven. considerations. Cold language! It and body could be interred in different in a columbarium or wherever. This places. The bodies of the saints were These graves in the old cemetery at Roermond (Netherlands) are a The Rite of Committal of a person’s wounds Catholics who have chosen rite, adapted to the circumstances, will powerful witness to the triumph of faith and love over ecclesiastical rules. likewise split apart, for to multiply the th earthly remains affirms that the place cremation for themselves or their loved honour the faith of the bereaved, offer In the 19 Century, it was forbidden to bury a non-Catholic spouse in a which claims our mortal bodies becomes one. locations of the saint’s remains was to respect for the deceased person and help Catholic cemetery. This couple found a way to circumvent the rules and a sign of hope that also promises multiply the devotion. The Congregation states that ashes must to create a sacred place of memorial by affirm their love. resurrection. The way we treat a body in the very act of placing or dispersing the be laid to rest in a sacred place. This is Andrew Hamilton SJ, always a wise and Colonel J.W.C. van Gorcum married a noblewoman J.C.P.H. van Aefferden death affirms the dignity of the human defined as a cemetery or an area set balanced commentator, writes in Eureka ashes in the context of the liturgy. in 1842. He was Protestant and she was Catholic. After 38 years of happy person, and that is why care of the dead aside for this purpose and dedicated by Street (1 November 2016): Certainly, marriage, the colonel died and was buried against the wall in the is listed among the corporal works of Church authority. This will ensure that cremation is open to possibilities that Protestant cemetery. When his wife died in 1888, she asked that she not mercy. the dead are not excluded from the the Instruction does not envisage. be buried in the family tomb, but near her husband on the Catholic side of the wall. In death, they join hands as they did on their wedding day. Christian faith in the doctrine of the prayers of the Christian community and Sprinkling the ashes over the sea or a communion of saints further affirms a will prevent them from being forgotten place significant to the dead person, The monument is a prophetic witness to Christian unity by an inter- profound solidarity between the living after a generation. On the one hand, we for example, can be consistent with an Church family a century ahead of its time.

2 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 3 and dead. The spiritual union between have here a beautiful rationale for informed Christian sensibility. It need Christian people and those who have parishes to establish a columbarium in not be pantheistic. In the lives of many TRIUMPH OF LOVE IN DEATH passed through the veil of death offers or near their church. This laudable Catholics, Paradise places are deeply the bereaved comfort for themselves and practice is increasing and is an excellent significant. These are places where an opportunity to assist the deceased way to express the communion of saints they have experienced a deep sense of through prayer. We intercede for one and our interdependence in prayer. It God’s presence or calling and which, another in this life and beyond this life. captures the spirit of the churchyard of when remembered, lead them easily The liturgy encourages this in the twin old. On the other hand, it does not into prayer. In wishing to have their WRONG-FOOTED feasts of All Saints and All Souls. represent the reality of many of our large ashes sprinkled there they may express urban cemeteries and the endless walls thanksgiving for the gift of God’s Reflections such as this are theologically RULES sound and pastorally helpful in of niches at our public crematoriums. creation and also their hope for the accompanying the bereaved and in These are frequently vast, soulless and transformation, not only of their own anonymous places which hardly recognise strengthening the faithful as they bodily existence, but also that of the he people of our time stand confront death. the dignity of the children of God. natural world in the final resurrection. uneasily before the mystery of While loaded with personal All these things are outlined in an The Instruction then forbids the T death. They want to remember conservation of ashes in a domestic significance, this gesture need not Instruction To Rise with Christ issued by and venerate the person they love who situation and the practice of dividing simply express an individual whim, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the has died. They can tell stories and them among family members. Next, it Faith on 15 August 2016. still less withdraw the dead person eulogise. But what else can they do? forbids the scattering of a person’s ashes Notwithstanding this inspiring teaching, from their community and its memory. in the air, on land or at sea, citing the Christian funeral rites can support the the Congregation has managed to The significance of the person and of bereaved; the faith enshrined in the appearance of pantheism, naturalism the place where the ashes are scattered produce a statement which will offend liturgy can articulate for them the many for, half way through this short or nihilism. The presumption of bad will be held in the stories and mysterious shape of life after death. As document, its tone changes. The bee in faith in these practices is offensive to memories of those present at their the dead person leaves our arms – arms those who have carried them out with their bonnet is the issue of burial versus funerals. And the place associated that may have nursed them in age or cremation and the ‘correct’ way to treat the greatest love and respect for the with them may trigger memory in the illness – we commend him or her into the ashes after cremation. deceased. same way as would a graveyard. the arms of God’s love and mercy. God, The Congregation would have done well who cares for us in life, receives us and We cannot condone erroneous ideas This final remark presumes that the to concentrate on the principles of dispersal of the ashes is an integral part holds us in death. about death, the Instruction states, considering death as the definitive Christian hope and honouring the dead, of the Order of Christian Funerals. without descending to the practicalities The resurrection of Jesus is one of the annihilation of the person, or the Sometimes, when there is to be a of burial and cremation. These are fundamental planks of Christian belief. moment of fusion with Mother Nature cremation, the funeral liturgy in the Because of this, we know that Christ is shaped by local tradition and culturally or the universe, or as a stage in the church is followed by a Rite of Committal alive and present in the Church, in word determined. Alternative practice need cycle of regeneration, or as the at the hearse or at the crematorium. and sacrament. Our baptism makes it not compromise in any way the definitive liberation from the ‘prison’ When the ashes are ready, they are given personal. Each person is thus joined to principles which Christian burial is said of the body. This is the prelude to the to the family and, unless there is a parish the Body of Christ and follows Christ in to safeguard. treatment of cremation. Of course the columbarium, the Church has no further life and in death. Because of Christ, Instruction acknowledges that the In addition the Instruction shows an involvement. This is a mistake. Christian death has a positive meaning. Church has no doctrinal objections to alarming lack of historical perspective. We ought to forget about the As the liturgy says, Indeed for your cremation, but claims that burial shows In the Middle Ages most ordinary folk intermediate step of the crematorium faithful, Lord, life is changed not a greater esteem towards the deceased. were interred in mass graves. The and celebrate the Rite of Committal at a ended, and, when this earthly dwelling It envisages cremation may be chosen for bodies of royalty were frequently time prearranged with the family for the turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is sanitary, economic or social dismembered so that their head, heart disposition of the ashes – at a gravesite, made ready for them in heaven. considerations. Cold language! It and body could be interred in different in a columbarium or wherever. This places. The bodies of the saints were These graves in the old cemetery at Roermond (Netherlands) are a The Rite of Committal of a person’s wounds Catholics who have chosen rite, adapted to the circumstances, will powerful witness to the triumph of faith and love over ecclesiastical rules. likewise split apart, for to multiply the th earthly remains affirms that the place cremation for themselves or their loved honour the faith of the bereaved, offer In the 19 Century, it was forbidden to bury a non-Catholic spouse in a which claims our mortal bodies becomes one. locations of the saint’s remains was to respect for the deceased person and help Catholic cemetery. This couple found a way to circumvent the rules and a sign of hope that also promises multiply the devotion. The Congregation states that ashes must to create a sacred place of memorial by affirm their love. resurrection. The way we treat a body in the very act of placing or dispersing the be laid to rest in a sacred place. This is Andrew Hamilton SJ, always a wise and Colonel J.W.C. van Gorcum married a noblewoman J.C.P.H. van Aefferden death affirms the dignity of the human defined as a cemetery or an area set balanced commentator, writes in Eureka ashes in the context of the liturgy. in 1842. He was Protestant and she was Catholic. After 38 years of happy person, and that is why care of the dead aside for this purpose and dedicated by Street (1 November 2016): Certainly, marriage, the colonel died and was buried against the wall in the is listed among the corporal works of Church authority. This will ensure that cremation is open to possibilities that Protestant cemetery. When his wife died in 1888, she asked that she not mercy. the dead are not excluded from the the Instruction does not envisage. be buried in the family tomb, but near her husband on the Catholic side of the wall. In death, they join hands as they did on their wedding day. Christian faith in the doctrine of the prayers of the Christian community and Sprinkling the ashes over the sea or a communion of saints further affirms a will prevent them from being forgotten place significant to the dead person, The monument is a prophetic witness to Christian unity by an inter- profound solidarity between the living after a generation. On the one hand, we for example, can be consistent with an Church family a century ahead of its time.

2 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 3

MUTUAL LEARNING  There are other Eastern practices which have a great deal of merit but which have not had a great deal of What are some key learnings to be taken from the influence in Roman Catholic parishes. For example, the by Brian J Kelty Eastern Churches for the benefit of the Roman Catholic UKRAINIAN EASTERN WORSHIP East almost always uses the gifts consecrated during the Church’s liturgical life? Here I must use the language of liturgy for Communion; any remainder is then Rite because I am going to speak of the liturgy. My consumed at the proskomide table (table of the gifts). DIVERSITY main point of reference will be the Byzantine Rite in its In addition, the remaining unconsecrated bread (called Ukrainian usage (though a great deal of what I write Key Learnings for the West Some history of the development the antidoron) is distributed to all. could also be said of the Eastern Orthodox Churches). of the early Church might help to Let me offer some instances of liturgical cross-  The Byzantine Rite does not have a fixed approach to clarify how and why the Church fertilisation. They are perhaps most obvious when one rubrics of any kind. This is why there is such a variation became so diverse in practice. was ordained to the priesthood in the Ukrainian remembers the way the Roman Catholic Mass was in the way the liturgy is celebrated in various Eastern The idea that earliest Christianity inherited a blueprint in Catholic Church by Bishop Peter Stasiuk CSSR nearly churches. It is more a question of custom: this is our which the Mass was laid out has been discredited. In celebrated before the reforms of Vatican II. nine years ago. By then I was a married man and had tradition (nasha traditsia), our way of praying acting I 1981, Allan Bouley OSB wrote in his landmark study,  In the Byzantine Rite, the Little Entrance is a taught pastoral theology both in the United States and at and singing the liturgy. From Freedom to Formula: the Evolution of the procession in which the Gospel book is taken from the home in Australia for about twenty years. My Eucharistic Prayer from Oral Improvisation to Written altar and ceremonially carried through the deacon’s introduction to Eastern liturgy was through the medium Texts: Even at Vatican Council II there were some (side) door to the royal doors in the centre of the of a coffee table book entitled, The Eucharistic Liturgies council fathers who still believed that the Roman iconostasis and then returned to its place on the altar. of the Eastern Churches. The black and white photos Canon had been written by St Peter and the apostles, a Thus this procession, often accompanied by candles illustrated in detail the ritual practices of twelve so ‘fact’ they had been taught in the seminary… At the and incense, ends where it began. This ritual called ‘Rites’. It was published by Liturgical Press in same time, liturgiologists and other students of the highlighting the book of the Gospels has influenced the 1963, and even then there was an aura of the exotic liturgy recognised that prayer at the Church’s Eucharist present Roman Catholic veneration of the Scriptures, about the practices depicted in photograph and print. was improvised during the earliest centuries of her which are positioned on the lectern and often honoured When I read the book in the sixties the Roman Catholic existence. with incense and candles. Church was in the early stages of the process of Set formulas for the Eucharistic Prayer (or anaphora)  In the Byzantine Rite, the practice of several priests implementing the liturgical reforms mandated by the were a gradual development, not an original text which concelebrating the liturgy is typical of monastic or Second Vatican Council. The majority of the bishops was handed over by the apostles. The various prayer cathedral usage. In fact it occurs in any church where attending the Council had very little or no experience of formulae for recitation at the eucharistic celebration more than one priest is present. In the Roman Catholic any liturgy other than that of the Latin Rite, still were made mandatory by the great administrative Church, with the exception of priestly ordinations, this celebrated in the Latin language. There were, of course, centres of the Christian Church, namely: Alexandria, practice was unknown before the Vatican Council. a few bishops from the East noticeable by the different Antioch, Constantinople and Rome; such a list ought  robes and headgear they wore. It was also the practice also to include Armenia and Edessa. Gradually these The proclamation of the Gospel at the ambo was It may be surprising to learn that some Eastern liturgists at Vatican II to celebrate Mass or the Divine Liturgy centres developed the liturgical Rites we know today: taken up by the Roman Rite when the readings began to have written with clear admiration for the liturgical using a different liturgical Rite each day. Latin bishops, be proclaimed from a lectern facing the people. reforms of the Catholic Church, raising the possibility of who previously had been more or less oblivious to the  The ALEXANDRIAN family includes the Coptic  The Byzantine tradition at present uses only two mutual exchange. Ukrainian Orthodox liturgist existence of the Eastern Catholic Churches, were now (Egyptian) Rite and the Ethiopian Rite with its unique anaphoras (Eucharistic Prayers). The most commonly Nicholas Denysenko gives the example of Robert Taft in immersed in the world of other liturgical traditions. use of drums, sistra and indigenous music. used is the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, while the his 2015 book, Liturgical Reform after Vatican II: The This consciousness of other Catholics meant that some  The EAST SYRIAN family includes the Chaldean Rite Liturgy of St Basil is used on ten fixed days throughout Impact on Eastern Orthodoxy: eastern practices began to attract the attention of the originally practised in Persia, and the Malabar Rite in the course of the year. Both emphasise the role of the Kerala Robert Taft also attends to Catholic exchange with drafters of liturgical reform in the Latin Church. At the Holy Spirit and use an apophatic theology (that is, Orthodox. Taft demonstrates that Catholic time of the Second Vatican Council attitudes had moved  The WEST SYRIAN family includes the Syrian, Maronite saying what God is not, rather than trying to say what engagement with ‘ressourcement’ theology orientated so far that the Council in its Decree on Eastern Churches and Malankara Rites and derives from the ancient liturgy God is). These prayers have influenced the new Catholic theologians towards Eastern sources. Taft admitted: these Churches are of equal rank, so that of Antioch. Eucharistic Prayers and their expanded theology in the states that the West discovered forms and ideas in the none of them is superior to the others because of its  The ARMENIAN liturgy was based on a Syriac form of Roman liturgy. It may be suggested that the situation East that illuminated Western deficiencies: ‘the West Rite. Subsequently, in 1995, John Paul II wrote his the liturgy of Antioch has been reversed to the point that now the Roman has tended to define Eastern liturgy in terms of what it Apostolic Letter, Orientale Lumen, to mark the Missal offers such a rich diversity of prayers and perceives itself as lacking’. Taft then identifies four centenary of Leo XIII’s Orientalium Dignitas. This was  The BYZANTINE Rite is a hybrid (just as is the Roman variations that one may be initially overwhelmed. Some areas of theological wealth (more or less) preserved in a watershed moment which marked the beginning of a Rite) which emerged as a synthesis of Palestinian and Byzantine churches are making serious attempts to the East that enchanted the West: a balance of high change of direction in relations between Eastern and Constantinopolitan Rites. reclaim the usage of the Liturgy of St James in order to Christology and the human kenotic Christ; radical Western Christianity. From this point, an awareness of Reference to any Church as a Rite is inadequate. The offer a richer fare to the worshipping community. Trinitarianism; a sense of the holiness, transcendence the significance of Eastern traditions for the whole Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in its 1997  In Byzantine Churches, Holy Communion is nearly and unknowability of God (apophatic theology in the Church developed even more intensely. liturgy); and holistic liturgy. publication Eastern Catholics in Australia spoke on the always received under the species of both bread and The Apostolic Letter states: …conversion is required of matter as follows: wine. Communion of the Sick would be a likely What is to be learned from this? Liturgical interchange the Latin Church, that she may respect and fully We have been accustomed to speaking of the Latin exception. The present Roman practice of regularly between East and West is possible. Robert Taft recently appreciate the dignity of Eastern Christians, and (Roman or Western) Rite or the Eastern Rites to offering both species to the faithful derives from the recalled what he observed as a young Jesuit at the time accept gratefully the spiritual treasures of which the designate these different Churches. However, the Eastern usage, even though their preferred option of of the Second Vatican Council: The process was a Eastern Catholic Churches are bearers, to the benefit of Church’s contemporary legislation as contained in the using a communion spoon has not been adopted. fruitful influence in which both East and West the entire Catholic communion; that she may show influenced each other mutually. Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons of the  Related to the form of Communion, a most noticeable concretely, far more than in the past, how much she Eastern Churches makes it clear that we ought to speak Eastern practice is the use of leavened bread. It is fairly esteems and admires the Christian East and how  Very Rev Dr Brian J Kelty is Episcopal Vicar for not of the Latin or Maronite or Melkite or Ukrainian fixed for now, even though there has been a chequered essential she considers its contribution to the full Evangelisation and the Administrator of the Ukrainian Rites, but of the Latin Church, the Maronite Church, the history of change. realisation of the Church’s universality (21). Melkite Church and the Ukrainian Church. Catholic Cathedral in North Melbourne.

4 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 5

MUTUAL LEARNING  There are other Eastern practices which have a great deal of merit but which have not had a great deal of What are some key learnings to be taken from the influence in Roman Catholic parishes. For example, the by Brian J Kelty Eastern Churches for the benefit of the Roman Catholic UKRAINIAN EASTERN WORSHIP East almost always uses the gifts consecrated during the Church’s liturgical life? Here I must use the language of liturgy for Communion; any remainder is then Rite because I am going to speak of the liturgy. My consumed at the proskomide table (table of the gifts). DIVERSITY main point of reference will be the Byzantine Rite in its In addition, the remaining unconsecrated bread (called Ukrainian usage (though a great deal of what I write Key Learnings for the West Some history of the development the antidoron) is distributed to all. could also be said of the Eastern Orthodox Churches). of the early Church might help to Let me offer some instances of liturgical cross-  The Byzantine Rite does not have a fixed approach to clarify how and why the Church fertilisation. They are perhaps most obvious when one rubrics of any kind. This is why there is such a variation became so diverse in practice. was ordained to the priesthood in the Ukrainian remembers the way the Roman Catholic Mass was in the way the liturgy is celebrated in various Eastern The idea that earliest Christianity inherited a blueprint in Catholic Church by Bishop Peter Stasiuk CSSR nearly churches. It is more a question of custom: this is our which the Mass was laid out has been discredited. In celebrated before the reforms of Vatican II. nine years ago. By then I was a married man and had tradition (nasha traditsia), our way of praying acting I 1981, Allan Bouley OSB wrote in his landmark study,  In the Byzantine Rite, the Little Entrance is a taught pastoral theology both in the United States and at and singing the liturgy. From Freedom to Formula: the Evolution of the procession in which the Gospel book is taken from the home in Australia for about twenty years. My Eucharistic Prayer from Oral Improvisation to Written altar and ceremonially carried through the deacon’s introduction to Eastern liturgy was through the medium Texts: Even at Vatican Council II there were some (side) door to the royal doors in the centre of the of a coffee table book entitled, The Eucharistic Liturgies council fathers who still believed that the Roman iconostasis and then returned to its place on the altar. of the Eastern Churches. The black and white photos Canon had been written by St Peter and the apostles, a Thus this procession, often accompanied by candles illustrated in detail the ritual practices of twelve so ‘fact’ they had been taught in the seminary… At the and incense, ends where it began. This ritual called ‘Rites’. It was published by Liturgical Press in same time, liturgiologists and other students of the highlighting the book of the Gospels has influenced the 1963, and even then there was an aura of the exotic liturgy recognised that prayer at the Church’s Eucharist present Roman Catholic veneration of the Scriptures, about the practices depicted in photograph and print. was improvised during the earliest centuries of her which are positioned on the lectern and often honoured When I read the book in the sixties the Roman Catholic existence. with incense and candles. Church was in the early stages of the process of Set formulas for the Eucharistic Prayer (or anaphora)  In the Byzantine Rite, the practice of several priests implementing the liturgical reforms mandated by the were a gradual development, not an original text which concelebrating the liturgy is typical of monastic or Second Vatican Council. The majority of the bishops was handed over by the apostles. The various prayer cathedral usage. In fact it occurs in any church where attending the Council had very little or no experience of formulae for recitation at the eucharistic celebration more than one priest is present. In the Roman Catholic any liturgy other than that of the Latin Rite, still were made mandatory by the great administrative Church, with the exception of priestly ordinations, this celebrated in the Latin language. There were, of course, centres of the Christian Church, namely: Alexandria, practice was unknown before the Vatican Council. a few bishops from the East noticeable by the different Antioch, Constantinople and Rome; such a list ought  robes and headgear they wore. It was also the practice also to include Armenia and Edessa. Gradually these The proclamation of the Gospel at the ambo was It may be surprising to learn that some Eastern liturgists at Vatican II to celebrate Mass or the Divine Liturgy centres developed the liturgical Rites we know today: taken up by the Roman Rite when the readings began to have written with clear admiration for the liturgical using a different liturgical Rite each day. Latin bishops, be proclaimed from a lectern facing the people. reforms of the Catholic Church, raising the possibility of who previously had been more or less oblivious to the  The ALEXANDRIAN family includes the Coptic  The Byzantine tradition at present uses only two mutual exchange. Ukrainian Orthodox liturgist existence of the Eastern Catholic Churches, were now (Egyptian) Rite and the Ethiopian Rite with its unique anaphoras (Eucharistic Prayers). The most commonly Nicholas Denysenko gives the example of Robert Taft in immersed in the world of other liturgical traditions. use of drums, sistra and indigenous music. used is the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, while the his 2015 book, Liturgical Reform after Vatican II: The This consciousness of other Catholics meant that some  The EAST SYRIAN family includes the Chaldean Rite Liturgy of St Basil is used on ten fixed days throughout Impact on Eastern Orthodoxy: eastern practices began to attract the attention of the originally practised in Persia, and the Malabar Rite in the course of the year. Both emphasise the role of the Kerala Robert Taft also attends to Catholic exchange with drafters of liturgical reform in the Latin Church. At the Holy Spirit and use an apophatic theology (that is, Orthodox. Taft demonstrates that Catholic time of the Second Vatican Council attitudes had moved  The WEST SYRIAN family includes the Syrian, Maronite saying what God is not, rather than trying to say what engagement with ‘ressourcement’ theology orientated so far that the Council in its Decree on Eastern Churches and Malankara Rites and derives from the ancient liturgy God is). These prayers have influenced the new Catholic theologians towards Eastern sources. Taft admitted: these Churches are of equal rank, so that of Antioch. Eucharistic Prayers and their expanded theology in the states that the West discovered forms and ideas in the none of them is superior to the others because of its  The ARMENIAN liturgy was based on a Syriac form of Roman liturgy. It may be suggested that the situation East that illuminated Western deficiencies: ‘the West Rite. Subsequently, in 1995, John Paul II wrote his the liturgy of Antioch has been reversed to the point that now the Roman has tended to define Eastern liturgy in terms of what it Apostolic Letter, Orientale Lumen, to mark the Missal offers such a rich diversity of prayers and perceives itself as lacking’. Taft then identifies four centenary of Leo XIII’s Orientalium Dignitas. This was  The BYZANTINE Rite is a hybrid (just as is the Roman variations that one may be initially overwhelmed. Some areas of theological wealth (more or less) preserved in a watershed moment which marked the beginning of a Rite) which emerged as a synthesis of Palestinian and Byzantine churches are making serious attempts to the East that enchanted the West: a balance of high change of direction in relations between Eastern and Constantinopolitan Rites. reclaim the usage of the Liturgy of St James in order to Christology and the human kenotic Christ; radical Western Christianity. From this point, an awareness of Reference to any Church as a Rite is inadequate. The offer a richer fare to the worshipping community. Trinitarianism; a sense of the holiness, transcendence the significance of Eastern traditions for the whole Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in its 1997  In Byzantine Churches, Holy Communion is nearly and unknowability of God (apophatic theology in the Church developed even more intensely. liturgy); and holistic liturgy. publication Eastern Catholics in Australia spoke on the always received under the species of both bread and The Apostolic Letter states: …conversion is required of matter as follows: wine. Communion of the Sick would be a likely What is to be learned from this? Liturgical interchange the Latin Church, that she may respect and fully We have been accustomed to speaking of the Latin exception. The present Roman practice of regularly between East and West is possible. Robert Taft recently appreciate the dignity of Eastern Christians, and (Roman or Western) Rite or the Eastern Rites to offering both species to the faithful derives from the recalled what he observed as a young Jesuit at the time accept gratefully the spiritual treasures of which the designate these different Churches. However, the Eastern usage, even though their preferred option of of the Second Vatican Council: The process was a Eastern Catholic Churches are bearers, to the benefit of Church’s contemporary legislation as contained in the using a communion spoon has not been adopted. fruitful influence in which both East and West the entire Catholic communion; that she may show influenced each other mutually. Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons of the  Related to the form of Communion, a most noticeable concretely, far more than in the past, how much she Eastern Churches makes it clear that we ought to speak Eastern practice is the use of leavened bread. It is fairly esteems and admires the Christian East and how  Very Rev Dr Brian J Kelty is Episcopal Vicar for not of the Latin or Maronite or Melkite or Ukrainian fixed for now, even though there has been a chequered essential she considers its contribution to the full Evangelisation and the Administrator of the Ukrainian Rites, but of the Latin Church, the Maronite Church, the history of change. realisation of the Church’s universality (21). Melkite Church and the Ukrainian Church. Catholic Cathedral in North Melbourne.

4 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 5

time where we, as fully initiated often neglected. The rite does not members of the Church, need to be envisage a defined time period and TURNING SEEKERS INTO DISCIPLES vulnerable. This is the time to tell predetermined topics to be personal stories about how I was covered each week at the end of  The second principle is that initiation takes place lost... about the times I failed ... and which all catechumens will be by Clare Schwantes within the community. Nick warned against building the life-changing realisation that ready to complete their initiation. community only between the catechumens and the God loves me anyway. God fixes On the contrary, the pathway for hen Nick Wagner was 19 years old and living RCIA team, because after their baptism this little me. God saves me. This is the time individuals may look very different. to rejoice with our catechumens in in his home town of St Louis, Missouri, his community ends. Refer, rather, to the wider parish An unbaptised person who has the inexhaustible mercy of God priest asked him to attend a diocesan meeting community in which the catechumens will continue to been married to a Catholic for W who sees us at our worst and loves to learn about a new program called ‘RCIA’. That participate after they are fully initiated. years and accompanied them to us still. meeting changed his life. Nick became convinced that, A practical strategy to encourage this integration with weekly Mass will not need the if the catechumenate process were to be conducted as the parish community is to establish a register of parish  The fourth principle is that the same level of catechesis as a brand the new rite envisaged, it would change the Church. families who would be willing to invite a catechumen goal is conversion to Jesus new enquirer, although they will Over the past 25 years, Nick has been a leader in for dinner. The requirements are simple: prepare Christ. Pope Francis has insisted that catechesis must need to take part in all the rituals leading up to baptism. liturgical and catechetical ministries, has authored dinner, welcome the catechumen and enjoy some nice go beyond the simple realm of scholastics, and must Conversely, someone who was baptised as an infant but several books, and is the director and founder of the conversation. Nick described the sense of wonder and instead enable people to encounter Christ, living and had no further involvement in the life of the Church will enormously popular website Team RCIA.com. In excitement he had experienced on seeing a real koala working in his Church. It is through the example of the need to receive full catechetical instruction but not the Australia recently, we were fortunate to welcome Nick for the first time. He likened this to the excitement of parish community that catechumens are drawn to the rites leading up to baptism. It is therefore important to to present a series of seminars across several states, catechumens when they are invited in to see some real faith they see being lived in their midst. Yet it is distinguish between the Ritual Path and the Catechetical culminating with a keynote address at the National RCIA Catholics in their natural habitat and observe what sort unhelpful for a sponsor or catechist to worry about not Path, and to adapt each for the individual person. Conference in Perth from 6 - 9 October. being worthy enough to walk with a catechumen - this of people they are! These dinners are also energising One of the benefits of attending workshops is the incorrectly transfers the focus onto one’s ego. Rather, To begin his Brisbane seminar, entitled Turning Seekers and life-giving for the parishioners as they share their sharing of ideas that happens during group discussions. conversion must be recognised as the work of the Holy into Disciples, Nick asked participants how they would stories with catechumens who are yearning for that faith A particular ritual that stimulated some interesting (and Spirit moving in the lives of the catechumens. tell others about Jesus without the usual tools, such as a which can so easily be taken for granted. even heated!) discussion at the Brisbane seminars was Bible and catechetical resources, at their disposal.  The third principle states that the faithful join the Pope Francis reminds us that we do not need any the dismissal of catechumens before the Liturgy of the Suggestions flowed freely: we would tell our personal catechumens in reflecting on the paschal mystery. particular qualifications to be an evangelising disciple of Eucharist. In some parishes catechumens are never and generational faith stories, describe community The challenge here is to explain the ‘paschal mystery’ in Christ. He insists that anyone who has truly dismissed during Mass, while in other places the organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, demonstrate a way that seekers will understand with an emphasis on experienced God’s saving love doesn’t need any catechumens, sponsors and RCIA team all depart at the different forms of prayer, point to examples of good the saving nature of Jesus’ death and resurrection. First, training to go out and proclaim that love. The Samaritan dismissal leaving half the church empty! deeds and loving forgiveness. It quickly became woman at the well only had one brief conversation with catechumens should come to know the gospel stories Nick confessed to being a bit bored during his very first apparent that each of the suggestions fell under one of Jesus and she brought the whole town back! (John 4:1- which reveal the love and forgiveness of Jesus. The RCIA workshop... until the priest started talking about the 4 pillars of Christian Initiation: Word, Community, 42). next layer is to explore our own life stories and identify the dismissal. He was raised in the deeply Catholic Worship and Witness (RCIA 75). episodes of death and resurrection.  The fifth principle is that the RCIA is an adult town of St Louis where leaving before the end of Mass This is precisely the challenge that the early apostles Nick told the story of how he had been estranged from process. It recognises that catechumens come to us was unthinkable, and here was an official Church rite were faced with: how would they spread the message of his brother for 15 years. Neither of them had made any already gifted and with wisdom of their own to share. stipulating that people be sent out in the middle of Jesus with only themselves as the tools? The power of attempt to speak to the other during that time, and Nick In order to assist adult seekers to develop a meaningful Mass! personal stories, building community, worshipping faith formation plan, Nick and his wife Diana devised a certainly had no desire to change that situation. When Nick suggested that the dismissal be used as a teachable together and active witness cannot be disputed - in one series of 5 questions to be discussed informally over his priest asked if he would be willing to preach one moment in the liturgy; the challenge is to ensure that it day 3000 people were baptised when they listened to several sessions at the local cafe or in the parish hall. Sunday at Mass, Nick agreed, but had a moment of teaches what the rite intends. Firstly, the dismissal Peter’s testimony! 1) Where have you been? regret when the priest told him that the Sunday he had reminds the faithful that they are members of the Body 2) Where are you now? The vibrant evangelising activity of the early Church been assigned was the Feast of the Holy Family. Nick of Christ who have a specific role in celebrating the 3) Where do you want to get to? bears very little resemblance to some modern RCIA felt an understandable reluctance. He decided to focus liturgy of the Eucharist – this reinforces the 4) How do you plan to get there? ‘programs’ delivered by 1 or 2 catechists in a parish, on an image of the Holy Family which was on the wall transformative power of baptism. For catechumens, the 5) How will you know you’ve arrived? consisting of a series of lectures and a structured of the church and he analysed the image for the dismissal is not intended to be a time for catechesis, but presentation of theological principles to be covered congregation. Towards the end he told the After each meeting the catechumen writes a page in rather an opportunity to reflect on what they have just within a set timeframe. In contrast, Nick Wagner congregation that his family didn’t look like that – his response to the questions discussed, and brings it along heard. It also enhances their joyful anticipation of the presented the vision of the RCIA as an immersion family was broken. He couldn’t promise he would to the next session. From these responses, RCIA team day when they will be dismissed at the end of Mass as process, an apprenticeship in the Christian life, which is phone his brother or try to reconcile with him.... but he leaders can match catechumens to suitable activities in fully initiated Catholics. interwoven with the life of the parish community and did promise that he would pray for the desire to the parish within the constraints of their family and When it comes to forming catechumens, the priority is which leads to a deep conversion. reconcile. He prayed for many months, hoping for a work schedules. change of heart. Eventually he decided to phone his always the conversion of hearts to Christ in order to Drawing on the wisdom of the early Church brother, but after he announced, Hi Greg, it’s Nick..., his So what about children of catechetical age who are create life-long disciples who have encountered Jesus communities, the rite itself provides 6 key principles of brother immediately hung up. This wasn’t part of the initiated into the Christian faith? While the catechetical living in their midst. In this way, the RCIA is also a the catechumenate (RCIA 4-5): plan! It took four persistent attempts before his brother formation they receive will be proportionate to their catalyst for parish renewal. The parish community  The first principle is that initiation is a gradual stayed on the phone. This marked the beginning of age, the overall goal is the same... that they experience a witnesses to its faith, incorporates the catechumens into process. Catechumens are in the process of falling in their reconciliation and today Nick and his brother Greg sense of conversion and a giving of their minds and community life and celebrates the liturgical rites with love with Jesus and the Christian lifestyle which are very close. hearts to God. Indeed, often this comes more easily to a them. Inescapably, the RCIA is a journey of renewed happens for each person in their own time. Setting up a child than it does to an adult. conversion for all, leading them closer to the God they I found myself engulfed by the ultimate ‘aha!’ moment proclaim. pre-determined program with a defined endpoint as the puzzle pieces just fell into place. It had become  The sixth principle is that the process varies would be like attempting to predict the journey of a abundantly clear that, instead of reaching for according to God’s grace and the individual. This is  Clare Schwantes MTh is the editor of Liturgy Brisbane publications. marriage over time. theological explanations of the paschal mystery, this is a the most important principle, yet the one which is most

6 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 7 time where we, as fully initiated often neglected. The rite does not members of the Church, need to be envisage a defined time period and TURNING SEEKERS INTO DISCIPLES vulnerable. This is the time to tell predetermined topics to be personal stories about how I was covered each week at the end of  The second principle is that initiation takes place lost... about the times I failed ... and which all catechumens will be by Clare Schwantes within the community. Nick warned against building the life-changing realisation that ready to complete their initiation. community only between the catechumens and the God loves me anyway. God fixes On the contrary, the pathway for hen Nick Wagner was 19 years old and living RCIA team, because after their baptism this little me. God saves me. This is the time individuals may look very different. to rejoice with our catechumens in in his home town of St Louis, Missouri, his community ends. Refer, rather, to the wider parish An unbaptised person who has the inexhaustible mercy of God priest asked him to attend a diocesan meeting community in which the catechumens will continue to been married to a Catholic for W who sees us at our worst and loves to learn about a new program called ‘RCIA’. That participate after they are fully initiated. years and accompanied them to us still. meeting changed his life. Nick became convinced that, A practical strategy to encourage this integration with weekly Mass will not need the if the catechumenate process were to be conducted as the parish community is to establish a register of parish  The fourth principle is that the same level of catechesis as a brand the new rite envisaged, it would change the Church. families who would be willing to invite a catechumen goal is conversion to Jesus new enquirer, although they will Over the past 25 years, Nick has been a leader in for dinner. The requirements are simple: prepare Christ. Pope Francis has insisted that catechesis must need to take part in all the rituals leading up to baptism. liturgical and catechetical ministries, has authored dinner, welcome the catechumen and enjoy some nice go beyond the simple realm of scholastics, and must Conversely, someone who was baptised as an infant but several books, and is the director and founder of the conversation. Nick described the sense of wonder and instead enable people to encounter Christ, living and had no further involvement in the life of the Church will enormously popular website Team RCIA.com. In excitement he had experienced on seeing a real koala working in his Church. It is through the example of the need to receive full catechetical instruction but not the Australia recently, we were fortunate to welcome Nick for the first time. He likened this to the excitement of parish community that catechumens are drawn to the rites leading up to baptism. It is therefore important to to present a series of seminars across several states, catechumens when they are invited in to see some real faith they see being lived in their midst. Yet it is distinguish between the Ritual Path and the Catechetical culminating with a keynote address at the National RCIA Catholics in their natural habitat and observe what sort unhelpful for a sponsor or catechist to worry about not Path, and to adapt each for the individual person. Conference in Perth from 6 - 9 October. being worthy enough to walk with a catechumen - this of people they are! These dinners are also energising One of the benefits of attending workshops is the incorrectly transfers the focus onto one’s ego. Rather, To begin his Brisbane seminar, entitled Turning Seekers and life-giving for the parishioners as they share their sharing of ideas that happens during group discussions. conversion must be recognised as the work of the Holy into Disciples, Nick asked participants how they would stories with catechumens who are yearning for that faith A particular ritual that stimulated some interesting (and Spirit moving in the lives of the catechumens. tell others about Jesus without the usual tools, such as a which can so easily be taken for granted. even heated!) discussion at the Brisbane seminars was Bible and catechetical resources, at their disposal.  The third principle states that the faithful join the Pope Francis reminds us that we do not need any the dismissal of catechumens before the Liturgy of the Suggestions flowed freely: we would tell our personal catechumens in reflecting on the paschal mystery. particular qualifications to be an evangelising disciple of Eucharist. In some parishes catechumens are never and generational faith stories, describe community The challenge here is to explain the ‘paschal mystery’ in Christ. He insists that anyone who has truly dismissed during Mass, while in other places the organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, demonstrate a way that seekers will understand with an emphasis on experienced God’s saving love doesn’t need any catechumens, sponsors and RCIA team all depart at the different forms of prayer, point to examples of good the saving nature of Jesus’ death and resurrection. First, training to go out and proclaim that love. The Samaritan dismissal leaving half the church empty! deeds and loving forgiveness. It quickly became woman at the well only had one brief conversation with catechumens should come to know the gospel stories Nick confessed to being a bit bored during his very first apparent that each of the suggestions fell under one of Jesus and she brought the whole town back! (John 4:1- which reveal the love and forgiveness of Jesus. The RCIA workshop... until the priest started talking about the 4 pillars of Christian Initiation: Word, Community, 42). next layer is to explore our own life stories and identify the dismissal. He was raised in the deeply Catholic Worship and Witness (RCIA 75). episodes of death and resurrection.  The fifth principle is that the RCIA is an adult town of St Louis where leaving before the end of Mass This is precisely the challenge that the early apostles Nick told the story of how he had been estranged from process. It recognises that catechumens come to us was unthinkable, and here was an official Church rite were faced with: how would they spread the message of his brother for 15 years. Neither of them had made any already gifted and with wisdom of their own to share. stipulating that people be sent out in the middle of Jesus with only themselves as the tools? The power of attempt to speak to the other during that time, and Nick In order to assist adult seekers to develop a meaningful Mass! personal stories, building community, worshipping faith formation plan, Nick and his wife Diana devised a certainly had no desire to change that situation. When Nick suggested that the dismissal be used as a teachable together and active witness cannot be disputed - in one series of 5 questions to be discussed informally over his priest asked if he would be willing to preach one moment in the liturgy; the challenge is to ensure that it day 3000 people were baptised when they listened to several sessions at the local cafe or in the parish hall. Sunday at Mass, Nick agreed, but had a moment of teaches what the rite intends. Firstly, the dismissal Peter’s testimony! 1) Where have you been? regret when the priest told him that the Sunday he had reminds the faithful that they are members of the Body 2) Where are you now? The vibrant evangelising activity of the early Church been assigned was the Feast of the Holy Family. Nick of Christ who have a specific role in celebrating the 3) Where do you want to get to? bears very little resemblance to some modern RCIA felt an understandable reluctance. He decided to focus liturgy of the Eucharist – this reinforces the 4) How do you plan to get there? ‘programs’ delivered by 1 or 2 catechists in a parish, on an image of the Holy Family which was on the wall transformative power of baptism. For catechumens, the 5) How will you know you’ve arrived? consisting of a series of lectures and a structured of the church and he analysed the image for the dismissal is not intended to be a time for catechesis, but presentation of theological principles to be covered congregation. Towards the end he told the After each meeting the catechumen writes a page in rather an opportunity to reflect on what they have just within a set timeframe. In contrast, Nick Wagner congregation that his family didn’t look like that – his response to the questions discussed, and brings it along heard. It also enhances their joyful anticipation of the presented the vision of the RCIA as an immersion family was broken. He couldn’t promise he would to the next session. From these responses, RCIA team day when they will be dismissed at the end of Mass as process, an apprenticeship in the Christian life, which is phone his brother or try to reconcile with him.... but he leaders can match catechumens to suitable activities in fully initiated Catholics. interwoven with the life of the parish community and did promise that he would pray for the desire to the parish within the constraints of their family and When it comes to forming catechumens, the priority is which leads to a deep conversion. reconcile. He prayed for many months, hoping for a work schedules. change of heart. Eventually he decided to phone his always the conversion of hearts to Christ in order to Drawing on the wisdom of the early Church brother, but after he announced, Hi Greg, it’s Nick..., his So what about children of catechetical age who are create life-long disciples who have encountered Jesus communities, the rite itself provides 6 key principles of brother immediately hung up. This wasn’t part of the initiated into the Christian faith? While the catechetical living in their midst. In this way, the RCIA is also a the catechumenate (RCIA 4-5): plan! It took four persistent attempts before his brother formation they receive will be proportionate to their catalyst for parish renewal. The parish community  The first principle is that initiation is a gradual stayed on the phone. This marked the beginning of age, the overall goal is the same... that they experience a witnesses to its faith, incorporates the catechumens into process. Catechumens are in the process of falling in their reconciliation and today Nick and his brother Greg sense of conversion and a giving of their minds and community life and celebrates the liturgical rites with love with Jesus and the Christian lifestyle which are very close. hearts to God. Indeed, often this comes more easily to a them. Inescapably, the RCIA is a journey of renewed happens for each person in their own time. Setting up a child than it does to an adult. conversion for all, leading them closer to the God they I found myself engulfed by the ultimate ‘aha!’ moment proclaim. pre-determined program with a defined endpoint as the puzzle pieces just fell into place. It had become  The sixth principle is that the process varies would be like attempting to predict the journey of a abundantly clear that, instead of reaching for according to God’s grace and the individual. This is  Clare Schwantes MTh is the editor of Liturgy Brisbane publications. marriage over time. theological explanations of the paschal mystery, this is a the most important principle, yet the one which is most

6 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 7

MERCY AND MISERY In closing the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said that great things can happen when human misery is met with God’s mercy. Some have sought clarity from the pope’s teaching: here he makes some very clear statements. CONGRATULATIONS Everything is revealed in mercy; everything is resolved in the merciful love of the Father. Nothing of what a repentant sinner places before God’s mercy can be excluded from the embrace of his forgiveness. For this reason, none of us has the right to make forgiveness conditional. We have to remember that each of us carries the richness and the HEAVENLY VAULTS burdens of our personal history; Inside the 16th century Renaissance church this is what makes us different of St Eustache in the centre of Paris, artist from everyone else. Our life, with its joys Miguel Chevalier has installed a Dominican Jerry Austin is to receive the and sorrows, is something unique and RATIO FOR SEMINARIES choreography of light that interacts with prestigious Berakah Award at the North unrepeatable that takes place under the In March this year, the Congregation for the vaults of the chancel, nave and American Academy of Liturgy in January merciful gaze of God. This demands, Clergy issued a Ratio Fundamentalis for transepts. 2017. It has been awarded every year especially of priests, a careful, profound seminary formation. From the point of The artwork is accompanied by since 1976 to recognise a liturgist who has and far-sighted spiritual discernment, so view of liturgy, it is pleasing to see that made a distinguished contribution to the improvisations on the grand organ. The that everyone, none excluded, can feel liturgy is regarded as a locus theologicus, professional work of liturgy, with light, colour, motion and sound are accepted by God, participate actively in that is, a key starting point for nominations coming from the NAAL designed to induce contemplation as art, the life of the community and be part of theologising. In fact, it is taken as a membership. He was a founding member music and architecture meet. that People of God which journeys foundational discipline, ranked second of the NAAL and its fifth president. In the tirelessly towards the fullness of his after Scripture and before dogmatic past he has received the Michael Mathis kingdom of justice, love, forgiveness and theology (Ratio 166). This will mean not Award in 2002 from the Centre for Pastoral mercy. only an upgrade to liturgical studies as Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame such, but also incorporating a study of the and an honorary doctorate in 2013 from texts and gestures of the liturgy in ACU CENTRE FOR LITURGY the St Louis Aquinas Institute of Theology. REJECT RIGIDITY sacramental theology, ecclesiology, and Liturgists from all around Australia development and pastoral training Pope Francis has again emphasised that Jerry is known world-wide as a brilliant other branches of theology. gathered with a number of bishops and programs in liturgy for Catholic teacher: for 31 years in the liturgical the extraordinary (Tridentine) form of the In relation to formation, the document staff and students of the Australian Catholic educators and clergy as well as studies program at Washington’s Catholic Mass is not to be used to implement a urges candidates for the priesthood to University to launch its new Centre for formation for liturgical ministers at University of America (which he helped ‘reform of the reform’ of the Roman simplicity, restraint, peaceful dialogue and Liturgy. The opening took place at North parish level. The Centre is endorsed by found in 1970) and then for 13 years at Missal. He was speaking in an interview authenticity, as they are led to recognise Sydney on Monday 21 November 2016 and the Australian Catholic Bishops Florida’s Edmund Rice School for Pastoral which introduces a collection of his and correct a ‘worldly spirituality’ (Ratio comprised refreshments, Evening Prayer Conference, belongs to the ACU Faculty Ministry. He has lectured in Australia on a homilies 1999-2013. Commenting on the 42). This list includes a reference to and occasional addresses. Our photo of Theology and Philosophy, and works number of occasions, notably in Brisbane’s so-called ‘reform of the reform’, he said: liturgy: shows Bishop Pat O’Regan, chair of the with ACU’s Directorate for Identity and Institute of Pastoral Liturgy in the 1970s I ask myself about this. I always try to  obsession with appearances, Bishops’ Commission for Liturgy, Mission. and 1980s. He is currently scholar in understand what’s behind people who launching the Centre. His address was  Bishop O’Regan spoke of the dream of residence in the Department of Theology a presumptuous doctrinal and followed by remarks from the Director, are too young to have lived the pre- the Second Vatican Council to establish and Philosophy at Miami’s Barry disciplinarian security, Professor Clare Johnson, who outlined the Conciliar liturgy but who want it. liturgy institutes which would see a new University.  narcissism and authoritarianism, purposes of the Centre. Sometimes I’ve found myself in front of collaboration between the pastoral and Jerry is delighted with the Berakah Award. people who are too strict, who have a  a pretence to dominate, The Centre aims to provide leadership in the academic. Thus the praying Church He wryly noted in an email to friends: At rigid attitude. And I wonder: how come  ostentatious care for the liturgy, liturgy, sacraments and the sacred arts would be formed by liturgical study. the age of 84, I’ll be the oldest recipient of such a rigidity? Dig, dig, this rigidity  vainglory, through undergraduate and post-graduate With the ACU Centre for Liturgy, he said, the Berakah Award. As St Augustine put always hides something: insecurity,  individualism, academic programs and higher degree we have a shiny new bus, and it’s taking it: ‘Better to have loved late in life than sometimes even more… Rigidity is  the inability to listen to others. research leading to Masters and Doctoral the Church to a liturgy which is strong, never to have loved’! defensive. True love is not rigid. degrees. It will also focus on professional deep and joyful.

8 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 9

MERCY AND MISERY In closing the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said that great things can happen when human misery is met with God’s mercy. Some have sought clarity from the pope’s teaching: here he makes some very clear statements. CONGRATULATIONS Everything is revealed in mercy; everything is resolved in the merciful love of the Father. Nothing of what a repentant sinner places before God’s mercy can be excluded from the embrace of his forgiveness. For this reason, none of us has the right to make forgiveness conditional. We have to remember that each of us carries the richness and the HEAVENLY VAULTS burdens of our personal history; Inside the 16th century Renaissance church this is what makes us different of St Eustache in the centre of Paris, artist from everyone else. Our life, with its joys Miguel Chevalier has installed a Dominican Jerry Austin is to receive the and sorrows, is something unique and RATIO FOR SEMINARIES choreography of light that interacts with prestigious Berakah Award at the North unrepeatable that takes place under the In March this year, the Congregation for the vaults of the chancel, nave and American Academy of Liturgy in January merciful gaze of God. This demands, Clergy issued a Ratio Fundamentalis for transepts. 2017. It has been awarded every year especially of priests, a careful, profound seminary formation. From the point of The artwork is accompanied by since 1976 to recognise a liturgist who has and far-sighted spiritual discernment, so view of liturgy, it is pleasing to see that made a distinguished contribution to the improvisations on the grand organ. The that everyone, none excluded, can feel liturgy is regarded as a locus theologicus, professional work of liturgy, with light, colour, motion and sound are accepted by God, participate actively in that is, a key starting point for nominations coming from the NAAL designed to induce contemplation as art, the life of the community and be part of theologising. In fact, it is taken as a membership. He was a founding member music and architecture meet. that People of God which journeys foundational discipline, ranked second of the NAAL and its fifth president. In the tirelessly towards the fullness of his after Scripture and before dogmatic past he has received the Michael Mathis kingdom of justice, love, forgiveness and theology (Ratio 166). This will mean not Award in 2002 from the Centre for Pastoral mercy. only an upgrade to liturgical studies as Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame such, but also incorporating a study of the and an honorary doctorate in 2013 from texts and gestures of the liturgy in ACU CENTRE FOR LITURGY the St Louis Aquinas Institute of Theology. REJECT RIGIDITY sacramental theology, ecclesiology, and Liturgists from all around Australia development and pastoral training Pope Francis has again emphasised that Jerry is known world-wide as a brilliant other branches of theology. gathered with a number of bishops and programs in liturgy for Catholic teacher: for 31 years in the liturgical the extraordinary (Tridentine) form of the In relation to formation, the document staff and students of the Australian Catholic educators and clergy as well as studies program at Washington’s Catholic Mass is not to be used to implement a urges candidates for the priesthood to University to launch its new Centre for formation for liturgical ministers at University of America (which he helped ‘reform of the reform’ of the Roman simplicity, restraint, peaceful dialogue and Liturgy. The opening took place at North parish level. The Centre is endorsed by found in 1970) and then for 13 years at Missal. He was speaking in an interview authenticity, as they are led to recognise Sydney on Monday 21 November 2016 and the Australian Catholic Bishops Florida’s Edmund Rice School for Pastoral which introduces a collection of his and correct a ‘worldly spirituality’ (Ratio comprised refreshments, Evening Prayer Conference, belongs to the ACU Faculty Ministry. He has lectured in Australia on a homilies 1999-2013. Commenting on the 42). This list includes a reference to and occasional addresses. Our photo of Theology and Philosophy, and works number of occasions, notably in Brisbane’s so-called ‘reform of the reform’, he said: liturgy: shows Bishop Pat O’Regan, chair of the with ACU’s Directorate for Identity and Institute of Pastoral Liturgy in the 1970s I ask myself about this. I always try to  obsession with appearances, Bishops’ Commission for Liturgy, Mission. and 1980s. He is currently scholar in understand what’s behind people who launching the Centre. His address was  Bishop O’Regan spoke of the dream of residence in the Department of Theology a presumptuous doctrinal and followed by remarks from the Director, are too young to have lived the pre- the Second Vatican Council to establish and Philosophy at Miami’s Barry disciplinarian security, Professor Clare Johnson, who outlined the Conciliar liturgy but who want it. liturgy institutes which would see a new University.  narcissism and authoritarianism, purposes of the Centre. Sometimes I’ve found myself in front of collaboration between the pastoral and Jerry is delighted with the Berakah Award. people who are too strict, who have a  a pretence to dominate, The Centre aims to provide leadership in the academic. Thus the praying Church He wryly noted in an email to friends: At rigid attitude. And I wonder: how come  ostentatious care for the liturgy, liturgy, sacraments and the sacred arts would be formed by liturgical study. the age of 84, I’ll be the oldest recipient of such a rigidity? Dig, dig, this rigidity  vainglory, through undergraduate and post-graduate With the ACU Centre for Liturgy, he said, the Berakah Award. As St Augustine put always hides something: insecurity,  individualism, academic programs and higher degree we have a shiny new bus, and it’s taking it: ‘Better to have loved late in life than sometimes even more… Rigidity is  the inability to listen to others. research leading to Masters and Doctoral the Church to a liturgy which is strong, never to have loved’! defensive. True love is not rigid. degrees. It will also focus on professional deep and joyful.

8 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 9

PLAYING FAVOURITES NEW MISSAL IN KOREAN COMMEMORATING MEMBERSHIP OF WORSHIP

MARTIN LUTHER CONGREGATION

Pope Francis decided that Pope John XXIII With the agreement of the Holy See, the C. th and Pope John Paul II should be canonised Korean bishops conference decided in To mark the beginning of a year-long Twenty-seven new members have been on the same day, 27 April 2014. Liturgical October to produce a new edition of the celebration leading to the 500th anniversary appointed to the Congregation for Divine 6 Mosaic texts for both feasts were published the Roman Missal. They will add to their 1996 of the Reformation on 31 October 2017, Worship and the Discipline of the ins. following month. The Congregation for translation updates from the Latin editions Pope Francis visited Sweden for an Sacraments and sixteen of the old guard g Divine Worship and the Discipline of the of 2002 and 2008. Before the end of 2016, ecumenical prayer service in Lund have finished their terms. This move on Sacraments provided the texts for St John they will send it to the Congregation for Cathedral. the part of the Pope brings the Paul II in Latin, English, French, German, Divine Worship and the Discipline of the There he was greeted by the Archbishop membership to an unusually high forty Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Polish. Sacraments for its confirmation of their and changes the face of the Congregation. Vir rocessionthe of San Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna. Antje Jackelén, primate of the Church of P Those for St John XXIII were just given in approval. It could be published by the end It removes from the Congregation a Sweden (top). Recently she became the Latin and Italian. of 2017. number of very conservative figures who first woman archbishop to be welcomed to DIACONATE AND WOMEN have been promoting the extraordinary Council, has evolved since the early So ICEL in Washington produced an Catholics make up 11% of the population the Vatican for an official papal audience. (Tridentine) Mass, including Cardinals A new commission set up to study the Church. Is it possible that future evolution English translation of the texts for St John in Korea, giving them 5.6 million Catholics (bottom) could encompass the female diaconate? XXIII and sent it to the Congregation for (there are over 6 million Catholics in Raymond Burke and George Pell, and possibility of female deacons met for the Divine Worship. There it languished for a Australia). The Missal will also be used by Bishop Mario Oliveri. Some of the first time at the end of November. In 2003, As recently as 2009, a modification to the year until a reply was received at ICEL Korean Catholics in other countries: 91,000 traditionalists however remain, such as the International Theological Commission Code of Canon Law (nos. 1008-1009) saying that bishops conferences first in USA, 25,000 in Canada and 14,000 in Cardinals Malcolm Ranjith, Peter Erdo and completed five years of work studying the uncoupled the diaconate from priesthood needed to approve them before the Holy Australia. Angelo Bagnasco. diaconate without resolving the specific and the episcopacy in that deacons no question of the admission of women. See could grant its recognitio. Clearly this The new members are more mainstream longer receive the mission and power to was not done for St John Paul II. What’s THE SUMMIT and, it is suggested, may change the There is no doubt that women were act in the person of Christ the Head but good for the goose is evidently not good direction of the liturgy dicastery. The most admitted to the diaconate in the early only the faculty to serve the people of God enough for the gander! The John XXIII stunning rehabilitation is the return of Church. For example, canon 15 of the in the services of the liturgy, of the word texts (along with the John Paul II texts) are Archbishop Piero Marini, former papal Council of Chalcedon in 451 states: A and of charity. This was interpreted at now being issued to conferences for their Master of Ceremonies and long-time woman shall not receive the laying on of the time as opening the possibility of the comment and next year will hopefully be champion of the liturgy. He is joined by hands as a deaconess under forty years diaconate to women without necessarily offered for their approval. Then they will local Archbishops Denis Hart of Melbourne of age, and then only after searching introducing them to the threefold structure still require Rome’s recognitio. But it and John Dew of Wellington, Cardinals examination. The question is whether of Holy Orders. means that after more than three years we Gianfranco Ravasi, the inspiring president the diaconate was the same for men and Then again, we might ask, if it is possible will still not have an English version for of the Pontifical Council for Culture, and women. Did women receive an ordination is it desirable? Mary McDonald, Sister of the liturgy of St John XXIII. Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, as well as or a blessing through the laying on of the Good Samaritan, thinks not. She says American Bishop Arthur Serrratelli who hands? Women deacons in the early that women are already exercising Church assisted at the baptism of women has been involved with the work of ICEL. diaconal ministries in liturgy, word and RECONCILIATION CHAPELS and visited the sick, but did not preach. It remains to be seen how much influence charity. Why let them put a foot on the Catholic church buildings are provided the new members will have because they Once the historical issue is resolved, there lowest rung of the hierarchical clerical with a chapel where the liturgy of the need not always be consulted and those is still the question of the relevance of ladder and exclude them from ordination Sacrament of Penance is celebrated. In outside Rome may not be able to attend historical arguments in a pastoral decision to priesthood? For her, the key issue is the light of new standards and risk In Australia, Lutherans make up only 1.2% meetings. Still it is a good omen for the for today. Our understanding of women’s exclusion of women from authority, management strategies to ensure child of the population. Nevertheless it might be future of liturgical renewal. role in society has changed over recent decision-making and power (in the best safety in all school environments, Three years after Brisbane’s Liturgy News possible for Catholics and Lutherans to talk decades. Likewise the diaconate itself (for sense of the word) in the Church (see The Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne has first appeared as a little newsletter, and pray together in the coming year. men), restored by the Second Vatican Good Oil, 21 June 2016). written to all parishes and schools about Melbourne’s Liturgical Commission Discussion would be based on the 2013 the design of the place for reconciliation. launched a quarterly journal The Summit. Report of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide has He notes that the proper place for In 1989, Liturgy News became a quarto Commission on Unity entitled, From installedADELAIDE’S a new old organ NEWas part ORGANof its sacramental confession is a confessional journal, printed in colour and with all Conflict to Communion: Lutheran- restorationSt Francis (right) Xavier. The Cathedral huge instrument in Adelaide has installed a new old organ as part with a fixed grate between priest and original Australian content. In 1990, The Catholic Common Commemoration of the was builtof its in restoration 1927 by Casavant (right) .Frères The hugefor instrument was built in 1927 by penitent. The archbishop then says: I am Summit also embraced a larger A4 format. Reformation in 2017. The document is the churchCasavant of St Frères Jean defor la the Croix church in of St Jean de la Croix in Montreal, Canada. asking that you ensure that the In 1996, it began to be printed in colour endorsed by the Lutheran World Montreal,When Canada. this church When closed, this church the rare organ was purchased and brought to Sacrament of Reconciliation in schools is and, more importantly, began to include closed, the rare organ was purchased and Federation and the Pontifical Council for Australia in 2005. It required considerable restoration and its 3336 pipes celebrated in a church in an open setting parish liturgy resources for each Sunday of brought to Australia in 2005. It required the year. From 2000, this was combined Promoting Christian Unity. took six months to install. New casework was designed by the architects in full view of all participants, who are considerableand built restoration in Adelaide. and its 3336 pipes supervised by staff. The parish priest with an RCIA resource. Now, after 43 Based on this document and incorporating took six months to install. New casework and school staff responsible for the years, the last print edition has been quotations from it is an order of service was designedOrganist by Josh the van architects Konkelenberg and built who in played it at its inauguration school students should ensure that there published. From Lent 2017, The Summit entitled: Common Prayer: From Conflict Adelaide.commented: Organist ItJosh has van a really Konkelenberg rich and powerful sound – it’s got lots of is a direct line of sight to the individual will become an on-line resource freely to Communion. Both resources are who playeddistinct it atcharacters its inauguration but they blend beautifully. It’s a really great, nice big available to all. Check the Archbishop’s penitent. Other dioceses are examining available for download from the web. commented:French It sound. has a really rich and Office for Evangelisation at the Archdiocese their practice and will no doubt soon of Melbourne to access the electronic follow suit with similar provisions. resource.

10 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 11 PLAYING FAVOURITES NEW MISSAL IN KOREAN COMMEMORATING MEMBERSHIP OF WORSHIP

MARTIN LUTHER CONGREGATION

Pope Francis decided that Pope John XXIII With the agreement of the Holy See, the C. th and Pope John Paul II should be canonised Korean bishops conference decided in To mark the beginning of a year-long Twenty-seven new members have been on the same day, 27 April 2014. Liturgical October to produce a new edition of the celebration leading to the 500th anniversary appointed to the Congregation for Divine 6 Mosaic texts for both feasts were published the Roman Missal. They will add to their 1996 of the Reformation on 31 October 2017, Worship and the Discipline of the ins. following month. The Congregation for translation updates from the Latin editions Pope Francis visited Sweden for an Sacraments and sixteen of the old guard g Divine Worship and the Discipline of the of 2002 and 2008. Before the end of 2016, ecumenical prayer service in Lund have finished their terms. This move on Sacraments provided the texts for St John they will send it to the Congregation for Cathedral. the part of the Pope brings the Paul II in Latin, English, French, German, Divine Worship and the Discipline of the There he was greeted by the Archbishop membership to an unusually high forty Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Polish. Sacraments for its confirmation of their and changes the face of the Congregation. Vir rocessionthe of San Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna. Antje Jackelén, primate of the Church of P Those for St John XXIII were just given in approval. It could be published by the end It removes from the Congregation a Sweden (top). Recently she became the Latin and Italian. of 2017. number of very conservative figures who first woman archbishop to be welcomed to DIACONATE AND WOMEN have been promoting the extraordinary Council, has evolved since the early So ICEL in Washington produced an Catholics make up 11% of the population the Vatican for an official papal audience. (Tridentine) Mass, including Cardinals A new commission set up to study the Church. Is it possible that future evolution English translation of the texts for St John in Korea, giving them 5.6 million Catholics (bottom) could encompass the female diaconate? XXIII and sent it to the Congregation for (there are over 6 million Catholics in Raymond Burke and George Pell, and possibility of female deacons met for the Divine Worship. There it languished for a Australia). The Missal will also be used by Bishop Mario Oliveri. Some of the first time at the end of November. In 2003, As recently as 2009, a modification to the year until a reply was received at ICEL Korean Catholics in other countries: 91,000 traditionalists however remain, such as the International Theological Commission Code of Canon Law (nos. 1008-1009) saying that bishops conferences first in USA, 25,000 in Canada and 14,000 in Cardinals Malcolm Ranjith, Peter Erdo and completed five years of work studying the uncoupled the diaconate from priesthood needed to approve them before the Holy Australia. Angelo Bagnasco. diaconate without resolving the specific and the episcopacy in that deacons no question of the admission of women. See could grant its recognitio. Clearly this The new members are more mainstream longer receive the mission and power to was not done for St John Paul II. What’s THE SUMMIT and, it is suggested, may change the There is no doubt that women were act in the person of Christ the Head but good for the goose is evidently not good direction of the liturgy dicastery. The most admitted to the diaconate in the early only the faculty to serve the people of God enough for the gander! The John XXIII stunning rehabilitation is the return of Church. For example, canon 15 of the in the services of the liturgy, of the word texts (along with the John Paul II texts) are Archbishop Piero Marini, former papal Council of Chalcedon in 451 states: A and of charity. This was interpreted at now being issued to conferences for their Master of Ceremonies and long-time woman shall not receive the laying on of the time as opening the possibility of the comment and next year will hopefully be champion of the liturgy. He is joined by hands as a deaconess under forty years diaconate to women without necessarily offered for their approval. Then they will local Archbishops Denis Hart of Melbourne of age, and then only after searching introducing them to the threefold structure still require Rome’s recognitio. But it and John Dew of Wellington, Cardinals examination. The question is whether of Holy Orders. means that after more than three years we Gianfranco Ravasi, the inspiring president the diaconate was the same for men and Then again, we might ask, if it is possible will still not have an English version for of the Pontifical Council for Culture, and women. Did women receive an ordination is it desirable? Mary McDonald, Sister of the liturgy of St John XXIII. Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, as well as or a blessing through the laying on of the Good Samaritan, thinks not. She says American Bishop Arthur Serrratelli who hands? Women deacons in the early that women are already exercising Church assisted at the baptism of women has been involved with the work of ICEL. diaconal ministries in liturgy, word and RECONCILIATION CHAPELS and visited the sick, but did not preach. It remains to be seen how much influence charity. Why let them put a foot on the Catholic church buildings are provided the new members will have because they Once the historical issue is resolved, there lowest rung of the hierarchical clerical with a chapel where the liturgy of the need not always be consulted and those is still the question of the relevance of ladder and exclude them from ordination Sacrament of Penance is celebrated. In outside Rome may not be able to attend historical arguments in a pastoral decision to priesthood? For her, the key issue is the light of new standards and risk In Australia, Lutherans make up only 1.2% meetings. Still it is a good omen for the for today. Our understanding of women’s exclusion of women from authority, management strategies to ensure child of the population. Nevertheless it might be future of liturgical renewal. role in society has changed over recent decision-making and power (in the best safety in all school environments, Three years after Brisbane’s Liturgy News possible for Catholics and Lutherans to talk decades. Likewise the diaconate itself (for sense of the word) in the Church (see The Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne has first appeared as a little newsletter, and pray together in the coming year. men), restored by the Second Vatican Good Oil, 21 June 2016). written to all parishes and schools about Melbourne’s Liturgical Commission Discussion would be based on the 2013 the design of the place for reconciliation. launched a quarterly journal The Summit. Report of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide has He notes that the proper place for In 1989, Liturgy News became a quarto Commission on Unity entitled, From installedADELAIDE’S a new old organ NEWas part ORGANof its sacramental confession is a confessional journal, printed in colour and with all Conflict to Communion: Lutheran- restorationSt Francis (right) Xavier. The Cathedral huge instrument in Adelaide has installed a new old organ as part with a fixed grate between priest and original Australian content. In 1990, The Catholic Common Commemoration of the was builtof its in restoration 1927 by Casavant (right) .Frères The hugefor instrument was built in 1927 by penitent. The archbishop then says: I am Summit also embraced a larger A4 format. Reformation in 2017. The document is the churchCasavant of St Frères Jean defor la the Croix church in of St Jean de la Croix in Montreal, Canada. asking that you ensure that the In 1996, it began to be printed in colour endorsed by the Lutheran World Montreal,When Canada. this church When closed, this church the rare organ was purchased and brought to Sacrament of Reconciliation in schools is and, more importantly, began to include closed, the rare organ was purchased and Federation and the Pontifical Council for Australia in 2005. It required considerable restoration and its 3336 pipes celebrated in a church in an open setting parish liturgy resources for each Sunday of brought to Australia in 2005. It required the year. From 2000, this was combined Promoting Christian Unity. took six months to install. New casework was designed by the architects in full view of all participants, who are considerableand built restoration in Adelaide. and its 3336 pipes supervised by staff. The parish priest with an RCIA resource. Now, after 43 Based on this document and incorporating took six months to install. New casework and school staff responsible for the years, the last print edition has been quotations from it is an order of service was designedOrganist by Josh the van architects Konkelenberg and built who in played it at its inauguration school students should ensure that there published. From Lent 2017, The Summit entitled: Common Prayer: From Conflict Adelaide.commented: Organist ItJosh has van a really Konkelenberg rich and powerful sound – it’s got lots of is a direct line of sight to the individual will become an on-line resource freely to Communion. Both resources are who playeddistinct it atcharacters its inauguration but they blend beautifully. It’s a really great, nice big available to all. Check the Archbishop’s penitent. Other dioceses are examining available for download from the web. commented:French It sound. has a really rich and Office for Evangelisation at the Archdiocese their practice and will no doubt soon of Melbourne to access the electronic follow suit with similar provisions. resource.

10 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 11 SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT MASS ON AUSTRALIA DAY WWW Weally Worthwhile Websites CONFESSION AND THE ROYAL COMMISSION to bookmark for return visits Advance Australia Fair was written by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878. It is not well known NATIONAL LITURGY OFFICES that there is a third verse which might be by Tom Elich especially suitable for use when sung in church. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – National Liturgical confessing a crime give themselves up to the authorities in order to he Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child demonstrate a sufficient conversion of heart. The priest would discuss Council  www.catholic.org.au/liturgy/ With Christ our head and cornerstone, Sexual Abuse will hold its final hearings into the Catholic this with the penitent before administering sacramental absolution. The Council is the principal liturgical advisory body to the Bishops Church over several weeks in February 2017. One issue which we’ll build our nation’s might Understandably, of course, whenever there is talk of secrecy in relation Commission for Liturgy of the ACBC. Under Liturgy of the Hours there is a has cropped up already and seems certain to be raised again is whose way and truth and light alone to crimes against children and vulnerable adults, people are suspicious, list of suggested resources and links to Labora Worship, Universalis, Give Us the Catholic confessional. can guide our path aright. T especially in light of the history of abuse and cover-up in the Church. This Day and Magnificat. Liturgy and Copyright Information gives a Our lives a sacrifice of love The Open Confessional And, it is true, what I have argued here is not watertight. Still I do not summary of key points. Christopher Willcock’s Mass for the Fallen reflect our Master’s care. think the secrecy of the seal is the loophole for cover-up that some composed for Anzac Day is an excellent Mass setting, especially for Lent. We have advocated open glass-fronted reconciliation chapels for 25 people imagine it to be. With faces turned to heaven above years – not a panel of frosted or figured glass, but a clear glass wall Advance Australia Fair. Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – National Liturgy opening into the church nave. Besides helping to safeguard children A Pre-emptive Strike In joyful strains then let us sing Office  http://nlo.cccb.ca/index.php/ncl/ and vulnerable adults, it is good theology. There are two issues, therefore, surrounding the celebration of the Advance Australia Fair. There is helpful material here under ‘Documents’. The ‘Music’ document What is celebrated in this sacrament is a liturgy of God’s mercy and Sacrament of Penance. The first concern is to protect the penitent and forgiveness, and the space is set up as a chapel – crucifix, bible, safeguard an appropriate interaction between priest and penitent in a features sound files of all music in Catholic Book of Worship III. There are candle. The Rite of Reconciliation brings the sinner back to the table situation which calls for a private one-to-one encounter. The second is also Guidelines for Liturgical Music, Guidelines for Composers of Liturgical of the Eucharist. That is why an openness to the place for the to avoid any suspicion of cover-up which might be suggested by the Music and a list of hymn suggestions from CBW III for each Sunday of the liturgical assembly and the altar is especially appropriate. secrecy of the confessional. year. ‘Eucharistic Celebrations’ has excellent material on the Mass and its history, including a 4-part teaching video series, ‘Beyond Words’, by Fr Bill This proposal has been adopted by ‘And When Churches Are To Be I would like to see the Church being proactive on these issues relating Burke. Also useful documents on Baptism, Marriage, Funerals and Seasons. Built…’ (2014), the Australian bishops’ official guidelines on the to the confessional. In conjunction with the policies and strategies preparation, planning and construction of places of worship: The being implemented to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, what England and Wales Liturgy Office  www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/ chapel [for reconciliation] is a public place for an ecclesial act. can be done with regard to the Sacrament of Penance? It plays a vital There is also another version of Advance A glass wall (or at least large glass panels), open to the assembly role in the lives of Catholics, encouraging conversion and making Australia Fair written in 1988 by Melbourne The best this site has to offer is found by clicking on Resources. Each page space and the sanctuary, will express this understanding clearly. present God’s boundless mercy. We cannot do without it. here (on Eucharist, Scripture, Ministry, Church Buildings, Liturgy of the Anglican Dr Robin Sharwood. He intended it as An open space also offers a measure of safety for both priest and However, if the problem of the confessional proves intractable, we can Hours, Liturgy Preparation, Music, Rites, Liturgy of the Word with Children, an ‘alternative version for use in Divine Service’. penitent (413). celebrate the sacrament in a different way. The liturgy of Penance has and Celebrations in the absence of a Priest) has a list of items for purchase, three ritual options: individual confession, a communal rite with but at the bottom there are links to documents on the topic that are well Canon Law require that a fixed grill be set up in this chapel to allow O God, who made this ancient land, the penitent to confess anonymously before the priest. This should individual confession and absolution, and a rite for the reconciliation worth exploring. For example, ‘Liturgy Preparation’ offers planning sheets, and set it round with sea, not compromise its character as a liturgical space. Some have of several penitents with general confession and absolution. In the guidelines for the production of service sheets, information on liturgical lamented the disappearance of the old confessional box where the 1970s and 1980s, this third option was widely used in Australia and sustain us all who dwell herein, seasons and the prayer of the faithful and a suggested liturgy review process. one people, strong and free. priest and penitent were each sequestered in their own cubicle. was deeply appreciated by priests and people alike, though now there Whether or not this arrangement provides a safer setting for the are stringent conditions imposed on its use. Grant we may guard its generous gifts, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Prayer and sacrament is a moot point, but it is assuredly not an ideal setting for its beauty rich and rare. Worship  www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/index.cfm/ In the introduction to the Rite, the grave need which would justify In your great name, may we proclaim, celebrating a sacramental rite. general confession and absolution is related to the danger of death This website has useful information on the Mass, Sacraments and ‘Advance, Australia fair!’ The Seal of Confession and serious situations with regard to the numbers of penitents and the With thankful hearts then let us sing, Sacramentals, Funerals, Liturgy of the Hours, the Liturgical Year and Art and lack of confessors. Could one not argue that, in Australia today, the The requirements of mandatory reporting of abuse in relation to the ‘Advance, Australia fair!’ Music, though not everything here is applicable to Australia. Some items are findings of the Royal Commission and public perceptions surrounding bizzare: the FAQ on keeping fish in the baptismal font, for example. There is secrecy of the confessional are widely misunderstood by those who individual confession are such that a grave need exists for the rite of some very useful material too: articles on Advent under ‘Liturgical Year’, on have not experienced the sacrament. Church law is clear: The general confession? In the interests of transparency and Your star-bright Cross aslant our skies sacramental seal is inviolable. Accordingly it is absolutely wrong accountability, not only must justice be done; it must also be seen to gives promise sure and true music for funerals, and on cremation. Information sheets on the sacraments consist mainly of quotes from official documents making them too formal for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent, for any reason be done. What would be the result if the Australian Catholic Bishops that we may know this land of ours whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion (Can 983). Conference were to make a pre-emptive response to the present crisis a nation blessed by you. and technical to be of general interest. However, in almost every case, the priest would have nothing to with a decree that, for the next twenty years, every parish in the May all who come within its bounds The Catholic Church in Aotearoa – National Liturgy Office report. A penitent who wishes to confess abuse (or any other crime) country could regularly celebrate the so-called Third Rite? its peace and plenty share,  www.catholic.org.nz (click on ‘Liturgy’ / ‘National Liturgy Office’) would choose a priest he did not know and would kneel anonymously This option does not provide a blanket absolution for anyone or easy and grant that we may prayerfully behind the grill to make the confession. There need be no details The New Zealand site is well worth exploring, especially the Roman Missal, forgiveness for criminals. The serious conversion of life remains an advance Australia fair. given of the time and place of the offense, nor of the victim. What essential component. The most important act of the penitent is Resources, and the RCIA. Liturgical Music includes copyright information With thankful hearts then let us sing, would the priest report? He is required to question the penitent with contrition, which is heartfelt sorrow and aversion for the sin and suggested music for each Sunday of the 3-year cycle from the Canadian ‘Advance, Australia fair!’ prudence only to ascertain the severity of the offence. He would committed along with the intention of sinning no more. We can website. Unfortunately the music list from ‘Living Liturgy’ is a few years out- hardly ever be in a position to know who did the crime, to whom or only approach the Kingdom of Christ by metanoia. This is a (Copyright: permission freely given, provided that authorship of-date. The articles under ‘Liturgical Seasons’ are suitable for publishing in when the offence occurred. profound change of the whole person by which one begins to is acknowledged and no alterations are made.) parish and school bulletins and as catechetical material for the RCIA. In any case, the reason for confession is that a person repent, reform consider, judge and arrange one’s life according to the holiness and love of God, manifest in his Son… The genuineness of penance by Elizabeth Harrington, Liturgy Brisbane their life and be reconciled. If there is no firm purpose of amendment, there can be no absolution. Justice would require that the person depends on this heartfelt contrition (RP 6).

12 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 13 SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT MASS ON AUSTRALIA DAY WWW Weally Worthwhile Websites CONFESSION AND THE ROYAL COMMISSION to bookmark for return visits Advance Australia Fair was written by Peter Dodds McCormick in 1878. It is not well known NATIONAL LITURGY OFFICES that there is a third verse which might be by Tom Elich especially suitable for use when sung in church. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – National Liturgical confessing a crime give themselves up to the authorities in order to he Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child demonstrate a sufficient conversion of heart. The priest would discuss Council  www.catholic.org.au/liturgy/ With Christ our head and cornerstone, Sexual Abuse will hold its final hearings into the Catholic this with the penitent before administering sacramental absolution. The Council is the principal liturgical advisory body to the Bishops Church over several weeks in February 2017. One issue which we’ll build our nation’s might Understandably, of course, whenever there is talk of secrecy in relation Commission for Liturgy of the ACBC. Under Liturgy of the Hours there is a has cropped up already and seems certain to be raised again is whose way and truth and light alone to crimes against children and vulnerable adults, people are suspicious, list of suggested resources and links to Labora Worship, Universalis, Give Us the Catholic confessional. can guide our path aright. T especially in light of the history of abuse and cover-up in the Church. This Day and Magnificat. Liturgy and Copyright Information gives a Our lives a sacrifice of love The Open Confessional And, it is true, what I have argued here is not watertight. Still I do not summary of key points. Christopher Willcock’s Mass for the Fallen reflect our Master’s care. think the secrecy of the seal is the loophole for cover-up that some composed for Anzac Day is an excellent Mass setting, especially for Lent. We have advocated open glass-fronted reconciliation chapels for 25 people imagine it to be. With faces turned to heaven above years – not a panel of frosted or figured glass, but a clear glass wall Advance Australia Fair. Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – National Liturgy opening into the church nave. Besides helping to safeguard children A Pre-emptive Strike In joyful strains then let us sing Office  http://nlo.cccb.ca/index.php/ncl/ and vulnerable adults, it is good theology. There are two issues, therefore, surrounding the celebration of the Advance Australia Fair. There is helpful material here under ‘Documents’. The ‘Music’ document What is celebrated in this sacrament is a liturgy of God’s mercy and Sacrament of Penance. The first concern is to protect the penitent and forgiveness, and the space is set up as a chapel – crucifix, bible, safeguard an appropriate interaction between priest and penitent in a features sound files of all music in Catholic Book of Worship III. There are candle. The Rite of Reconciliation brings the sinner back to the table situation which calls for a private one-to-one encounter. The second is also Guidelines for Liturgical Music, Guidelines for Composers of Liturgical of the Eucharist. That is why an openness to the place for the to avoid any suspicion of cover-up which might be suggested by the Music and a list of hymn suggestions from CBW III for each Sunday of the liturgical assembly and the altar is especially appropriate. secrecy of the confessional. year. ‘Eucharistic Celebrations’ has excellent material on the Mass and its history, including a 4-part teaching video series, ‘Beyond Words’, by Fr Bill This proposal has been adopted by ‘And When Churches Are To Be I would like to see the Church being proactive on these issues relating Burke. Also useful documents on Baptism, Marriage, Funerals and Seasons. Built…’ (2014), the Australian bishops’ official guidelines on the to the confessional. In conjunction with the policies and strategies preparation, planning and construction of places of worship: The being implemented to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, what England and Wales Liturgy Office  www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/ chapel [for reconciliation] is a public place for an ecclesial act. can be done with regard to the Sacrament of Penance? It plays a vital There is also another version of Advance A glass wall (or at least large glass panels), open to the assembly role in the lives of Catholics, encouraging conversion and making Australia Fair written in 1988 by Melbourne The best this site has to offer is found by clicking on Resources. Each page space and the sanctuary, will express this understanding clearly. present God’s boundless mercy. We cannot do without it. here (on Eucharist, Scripture, Ministry, Church Buildings, Liturgy of the Anglican Dr Robin Sharwood. He intended it as An open space also offers a measure of safety for both priest and However, if the problem of the confessional proves intractable, we can Hours, Liturgy Preparation, Music, Rites, Liturgy of the Word with Children, an ‘alternative version for use in Divine Service’. penitent (413). celebrate the sacrament in a different way. The liturgy of Penance has and Celebrations in the absence of a Priest) has a list of items for purchase, three ritual options: individual confession, a communal rite with but at the bottom there are links to documents on the topic that are well Canon Law require that a fixed grill be set up in this chapel to allow O God, who made this ancient land, the penitent to confess anonymously before the priest. This should individual confession and absolution, and a rite for the reconciliation worth exploring. For example, ‘Liturgy Preparation’ offers planning sheets, and set it round with sea, not compromise its character as a liturgical space. Some have of several penitents with general confession and absolution. In the guidelines for the production of service sheets, information on liturgical lamented the disappearance of the old confessional box where the 1970s and 1980s, this third option was widely used in Australia and sustain us all who dwell herein, seasons and the prayer of the faithful and a suggested liturgy review process. one people, strong and free. priest and penitent were each sequestered in their own cubicle. was deeply appreciated by priests and people alike, though now there Whether or not this arrangement provides a safer setting for the are stringent conditions imposed on its use. Grant we may guard its generous gifts, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Prayer and sacrament is a moot point, but it is assuredly not an ideal setting for its beauty rich and rare. Worship  www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/index.cfm/ In the introduction to the Rite, the grave need which would justify In your great name, may we proclaim, celebrating a sacramental rite. general confession and absolution is related to the danger of death This website has useful information on the Mass, Sacraments and ‘Advance, Australia fair!’ The Seal of Confession and serious situations with regard to the numbers of penitents and the With thankful hearts then let us sing, Sacramentals, Funerals, Liturgy of the Hours, the Liturgical Year and Art and lack of confessors. Could one not argue that, in Australia today, the The requirements of mandatory reporting of abuse in relation to the ‘Advance, Australia fair!’ Music, though not everything here is applicable to Australia. Some items are findings of the Royal Commission and public perceptions surrounding bizzare: the FAQ on keeping fish in the baptismal font, for example. There is secrecy of the confessional are widely misunderstood by those who individual confession are such that a grave need exists for the rite of some very useful material too: articles on Advent under ‘Liturgical Year’, on have not experienced the sacrament. Church law is clear: The general confession? In the interests of transparency and Your star-bright Cross aslant our skies sacramental seal is inviolable. Accordingly it is absolutely wrong accountability, not only must justice be done; it must also be seen to gives promise sure and true music for funerals, and on cremation. Information sheets on the sacraments consist mainly of quotes from official documents making them too formal for a confessor in any way to betray the penitent, for any reason be done. What would be the result if the Australian Catholic Bishops that we may know this land of ours whatsoever, whether by word or in any other fashion (Can 983). Conference were to make a pre-emptive response to the present crisis a nation blessed by you. and technical to be of general interest. However, in almost every case, the priest would have nothing to with a decree that, for the next twenty years, every parish in the May all who come within its bounds The Catholic Church in Aotearoa – National Liturgy Office report. A penitent who wishes to confess abuse (or any other crime) country could regularly celebrate the so-called Third Rite? its peace and plenty share,  www.catholic.org.nz (click on ‘Liturgy’ / ‘National Liturgy Office’) would choose a priest he did not know and would kneel anonymously This option does not provide a blanket absolution for anyone or easy and grant that we may prayerfully behind the grill to make the confession. There need be no details The New Zealand site is well worth exploring, especially the Roman Missal, forgiveness for criminals. The serious conversion of life remains an advance Australia fair. given of the time and place of the offense, nor of the victim. What essential component. The most important act of the penitent is Resources, and the RCIA. Liturgical Music includes copyright information With thankful hearts then let us sing, would the priest report? He is required to question the penitent with contrition, which is heartfelt sorrow and aversion for the sin and suggested music for each Sunday of the 3-year cycle from the Canadian ‘Advance, Australia fair!’ prudence only to ascertain the severity of the offence. He would committed along with the intention of sinning no more. We can website. Unfortunately the music list from ‘Living Liturgy’ is a few years out- hardly ever be in a position to know who did the crime, to whom or only approach the Kingdom of Christ by metanoia. This is a (Copyright: permission freely given, provided that authorship of-date. The articles under ‘Liturgical Seasons’ are suitable for publishing in when the offence occurred. profound change of the whole person by which one begins to is acknowledged and no alterations are made.) parish and school bulletins and as catechetical material for the RCIA. In any case, the reason for confession is that a person repent, reform consider, judge and arrange one’s life according to the holiness and love of God, manifest in his Son… The genuineness of penance by Elizabeth Harrington, Liturgy Brisbane their life and be reconciled. If there is no firm purpose of amendment, there can be no absolution. Justice would require that the person depends on this heartfelt contrition (RP 6).

12 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 13 THE ROLE OF LITERATURE Preparing explain the concept of death. One poetic message spoken from The final section of the book in helping children to deal with book that addresses this expository Grandfather Owl directly to his includes practical advice from emotional trauma is well dimension extremely well is grandchild. He reassures Little Owl professionals about how to respond documented. For children who for a Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to that although his life on earth has to children’s questions following have experienced the death of a Explain Death to Children by ended, the love they shared will live the death of a loved one. The loved one, stories can play a pivotal Bryan Mellonie. on in their hearts forever. author then offers a helpful list of websites and books which may role in assisting them to make sense The author sensitively explains that assist children and families who are of what has happened, as well as FUNERAL life is about beginnings and about with bright, full-page illustrations. comforting them and modelling experiencing grief and loss. endings... with living in between. The facial expressions of surprise coping strategies. Children The text is calm and restrained with Water Bugs and Dragonflies also and sheer exhilaration on the face experience a sense of relaxation as no mention of grief at all. There are deals specifically with the concept of the dragonfly as he swoops about they lose themselves in a story LITURGY no characters as such in the story of death but adds the dimension of in the sunshine provide a while coming to the awareness that which makes it possible for the a life beyond, using a simple and comforting image for children. they are not alone in encountering author to avoid emotive themes and elegant storyline with familiar life’s challenges. to keep the text predominantly creatures from the natural world. When preparing children for a informative. Written by Doris Stickney for a funeral liturgy or when deciding on The Role of group of neighbourhood children in a focus for preaching at a funeral response to the death of their five- liturgy where many young people year-old friend, this book does not will be present, literature provides pretend to offer all the answers an ideal stimulus to break open the Children’s about death. It does, however, mysterious concept of death. Since speak to the mystery of what happens to a person who has died it can be difficult to find Through Grandfather Owl’s This same story, Water Bugs and and invites children into the developmentally appropriate comforting words, children learn Dragonflies, is also part of the Literature questioning. literature for very young children on that love is kept alive in the present ‘Looking Up’ series of mini-books the subject of death, this review will by remembering happy times, which are only 14cm x 14cm. The present four titles which help to engaging in activities they used to story itself is followed by a prayer by Clare Schwantes explore this theme with children in enjoy with their loved one, and in for children to say in remembrance the Lower Primary years. the family traditions that live on. My of a loved one, advice for parents The book begins with a love for you will never stop. It lives on how to talk with children about presentation of the lifetimes of on in your laughter, in your heart, death, some relevant scripture plants, insects and animals and in your thoughts. The use of passages and, finally, a prayer for The children want to know how far accompanied by large painted familiar imagery helps children to parents. While the small size and the string can reach. Mum assures images. To highlight the similarities understand the transcendence of black-and-white illustrations make them that it reaches to the bottom of in all of the lifecycles, there is a love, which is wider than the this edition far less engaging for a the ocean, to the top of a mountain, delightful element of repetition mountains, deeper than the sea, child, it is an invaluable and to an astronaut in space. When which is appealing to young brighter than the brightest light. affordable resource for parishes to Jeremy asks, Can my String reach children and which makes the text The illustrations are soft and warm, distribute to grieving families as all the way to Uncle Brian in reassuringly predictable. portraying the deep sorrow of loss they prepare for a funeral liturgy. The story tells of a colony of water Heaven? Mum’s answer is as well as the joy of remembering This story would be a particularly It carries the message that dying is bugs living happily below the unequivocal: Yes... even there. The shared experiences. Images of Little appropriate focus for preaching at a as much a part of living as being surface of a pond. Every so often soothing watercolour illustrations Owl being consoled by her family funeral because it can speak to born, and that people have lifetimes they notice that one of the water are simple, yet expressive, with the and the other woodland creatures, people of all ages. just like plants, insects and animals bugs climbs up a lily stalk and is facial expressions clearly conveying remind children that love is all The Invisible String by Patrice Karst because that is how the world never seen again. Those who are Jesus was perhaps the greatest the feelings of the characters. The around them in the comforting is a delightful book which offers a works. In presenting death as a left behind ponder the mystery of storyteller of all time, using parables image of an invisible string helps presence of their family and friends. routine, scientific, matter-of-fact where their friend has gone. The to illustrate profound truths. In strategy for coping with loneliness children to realise that although event, it offers children a peaceful The illustrations also invite readers water bug has not disappeared, of times of joy and in times of deep and separation. When twins Jeremy they cannot see a loved one who non-emotive focus during an to engage actively with the story as course, but has broken through the sorrow, stories grab our attention, and Liza are anxious about being has died, their presence can still be away from their mother, she otherwise turbulent time. they hunt for hidden images. There surface of the water and been engage our emotions and stir our very real. It celebrates the imaginations. They teach great explains that there is an Invisible By way of contrast, this next story is a star watching over the owls on transformed into a graceful transcendent power of love to truths without needing to provide String reaching from heart to heart, deals very directly with the death of every page, although children will dragonfly. He can see his friends connect and comfort even when detailed answers. Perhaps most connecting people to their loved a loved one and the sense of grief have to look harder to find it in the scurrying about on the bottom of someone is physically absent. importantly, stories are enduring ones, no matter where they are. and loss that follows. Love is daytime scenes. In this way the the pond, but he can no longer go and occupy a treasured place in the When a person thinks of someone While The Invisible String Forever by Casey Rislov is the story illustrations enhance the message of into the water... so he resolves to memories of adults and children they love, they give a tug on their addresses the emotional difficulties of Little Owl who is struggling with the story: even though it is hard to wait for them to join him and flies alike; where theories and invisible string and their loved one associated with the passing of a the reality of her grandfather’s see stars in the daytime, they are away blissfully to enjoy his explanations are soon forgotten, a feels it tugging on the other end. loved one, it makes no attempt to death. The text takes the form of a always there... just like the love of a wonderful new world. The person who has died. hardback edition is set in large type story is long remembered.

14 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 15 THE ROLE OF LITERATURE Preparing explain the concept of death. One poetic message spoken from The final section of the book in helping children to deal with book that addresses this expository Grandfather Owl directly to his includes practical advice from emotional trauma is well dimension extremely well is grandchild. He reassures Little Owl professionals about how to respond documented. For children who for a Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to that although his life on earth has to children’s questions following have experienced the death of a Explain Death to Children by ended, the love they shared will live the death of a loved one. The loved one, stories can play a pivotal Bryan Mellonie. on in their hearts forever. author then offers a helpful list of websites and books which may role in assisting them to make sense The author sensitively explains that assist children and families who are of what has happened, as well as FUNERAL life is about beginnings and about with bright, full-page illustrations. comforting them and modelling experiencing grief and loss. endings... with living in between. The facial expressions of surprise coping strategies. Children The text is calm and restrained with Water Bugs and Dragonflies also and sheer exhilaration on the face experience a sense of relaxation as no mention of grief at all. There are deals specifically with the concept of the dragonfly as he swoops about they lose themselves in a story LITURGY no characters as such in the story of death but adds the dimension of in the sunshine provide a while coming to the awareness that which makes it possible for the a life beyond, using a simple and comforting image for children. they are not alone in encountering author to avoid emotive themes and elegant storyline with familiar life’s challenges. to keep the text predominantly creatures from the natural world. When preparing children for a informative. Written by Doris Stickney for a funeral liturgy or when deciding on The Role of group of neighbourhood children in a focus for preaching at a funeral response to the death of their five- liturgy where many young people year-old friend, this book does not will be present, literature provides pretend to offer all the answers an ideal stimulus to break open the Children’s about death. It does, however, mysterious concept of death. Since speak to the mystery of what happens to a person who has died it can be difficult to find Through Grandfather Owl’s This same story, Water Bugs and and invites children into the developmentally appropriate comforting words, children learn Dragonflies, is also part of the Literature questioning. literature for very young children on that love is kept alive in the present ‘Looking Up’ series of mini-books the subject of death, this review will by remembering happy times, which are only 14cm x 14cm. The present four titles which help to engaging in activities they used to story itself is followed by a prayer by Clare Schwantes explore this theme with children in enjoy with their loved one, and in for children to say in remembrance the Lower Primary years. the family traditions that live on. My of a loved one, advice for parents The book begins with a love for you will never stop. It lives on how to talk with children about presentation of the lifetimes of on in your laughter, in your heart, death, some relevant scripture plants, insects and animals and in your thoughts. The use of passages and, finally, a prayer for The children want to know how far accompanied by large painted familiar imagery helps children to parents. While the small size and the string can reach. Mum assures images. To highlight the similarities understand the transcendence of black-and-white illustrations make them that it reaches to the bottom of in all of the lifecycles, there is a love, which is wider than the this edition far less engaging for a the ocean, to the top of a mountain, delightful element of repetition mountains, deeper than the sea, child, it is an invaluable and to an astronaut in space. When which is appealing to young brighter than the brightest light. affordable resource for parishes to Jeremy asks, Can my String reach children and which makes the text The illustrations are soft and warm, distribute to grieving families as all the way to Uncle Brian in reassuringly predictable. portraying the deep sorrow of loss they prepare for a funeral liturgy. The story tells of a colony of water Heaven? Mum’s answer is as well as the joy of remembering This story would be a particularly It carries the message that dying is bugs living happily below the unequivocal: Yes... even there. The shared experiences. Images of Little appropriate focus for preaching at a as much a part of living as being surface of a pond. Every so often soothing watercolour illustrations Owl being consoled by her family funeral because it can speak to born, and that people have lifetimes they notice that one of the water are simple, yet expressive, with the and the other woodland creatures, people of all ages. just like plants, insects and animals bugs climbs up a lily stalk and is facial expressions clearly conveying remind children that love is all The Invisible String by Patrice Karst because that is how the world never seen again. Those who are Jesus was perhaps the greatest the feelings of the characters. The around them in the comforting is a delightful book which offers a works. In presenting death as a left behind ponder the mystery of storyteller of all time, using parables image of an invisible string helps presence of their family and friends. routine, scientific, matter-of-fact where their friend has gone. The to illustrate profound truths. In strategy for coping with loneliness children to realise that although event, it offers children a peaceful The illustrations also invite readers water bug has not disappeared, of times of joy and in times of deep and separation. When twins Jeremy they cannot see a loved one who non-emotive focus during an to engage actively with the story as course, but has broken through the sorrow, stories grab our attention, and Liza are anxious about being has died, their presence can still be away from their mother, she otherwise turbulent time. they hunt for hidden images. There surface of the water and been engage our emotions and stir our very real. It celebrates the imaginations. They teach great explains that there is an Invisible By way of contrast, this next story is a star watching over the owls on transformed into a graceful transcendent power of love to truths without needing to provide String reaching from heart to heart, deals very directly with the death of every page, although children will dragonfly. He can see his friends connect and comfort even when detailed answers. Perhaps most connecting people to their loved a loved one and the sense of grief have to look harder to find it in the scurrying about on the bottom of someone is physically absent. importantly, stories are enduring ones, no matter where they are. and loss that follows. Love is daytime scenes. In this way the the pond, but he can no longer go and occupy a treasured place in the When a person thinks of someone While The Invisible String Forever by Casey Rislov is the story illustrations enhance the message of into the water... so he resolves to memories of adults and children they love, they give a tug on their addresses the emotional difficulties of Little Owl who is struggling with the story: even though it is hard to wait for them to join him and flies alike; where theories and invisible string and their loved one associated with the passing of a the reality of her grandfather’s see stars in the daytime, they are away blissfully to enjoy his explanations are soon forgotten, a feels it tugging on the other end. loved one, it makes no attempt to death. The text takes the form of a always there... just like the love of a wonderful new world. The person who has died. hardback edition is set in large type story is long remembered.

14 LITURGY NEWS December 2016 December 2016 LITURGY NEWS 15 OUR COVER THE PRODIGAL SON AND THE MERCIFUL FATHER To complete our series of four covers for the Year of Mercy, we present the artwork of the 2015 Year 5 class at Sts Peter and Paul School, Bulimba. They tackled the moving parable of the Prodigal Son. On the front cover, we present the collaboration of Ella Raymond, Rosie Collins, Lucy Norman and Luka Marenjak. Other examples of the Year 5 group work are given on this page.

IN THIS ISSUE ... EDITORIAL BOARD

Rev Dr Tom Elich (editor) 2. EDITOR: Wrong-footed Rules Sr Maree Byron OSU 3 Triumph of Love in Death Mrs Elizabeth Harrington Ukrainian Eastern Worship 4 Ms Julie Moran Turning Seekers into Disciples 6 Sr Ursula O’Rourke SGS 8 News PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY Mr James Robinson 12 Australia: National Anthem Mrs Clare Schwantes 12 Church Mouse: National Liturgy Offices Mrs Jeanette Smyth Confession and the Royal Commission 13 Articles for publication are welcome. 14 Funeral Liturgy: Children’s Literature We reserve the right to edit material in consultation with the author. 16 Our Cover Volume 46 Number 4 December 2016 CONTACT Liturgy News SUBSCRIPTIONS GPO Box 282, Brisbane Australia 4001 Imprimatur:  Mark Coleridge DD DSS Christy Gracias Archbishop of Brisbane Telephone (07) 3324 3314 Magazine by Mail $27 per year Facsimile (07) 3324 3313 (overseas $34) © Liturgy Brisbane. All rights reserved [email protected] Magazine by Email $22 per year ISSN 1039-0464 www.liturgybrisbane.net.au

16 LITURGY NEWS December 2016