LITURGY NEWSLETTER Vol. 3 No. 3 May 2003 A Quarterly Newsletter prepared by the Liturgy Office of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales News from Low Week meeting The gift of unity is con- of Bishops’ Conference tained in “earthen ves- sels,” which can break, At its Low Week meeting the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales gave permission and because of this for work to begin in preparing a new of the Lectionary for Mass using the New require the greatest of care. It is necessary to Revised Standard Version translation of the Scriptures. Guidance for this important work has been cultivate among Chris- provided by the in the recent Instruction Liturgiam Authenticam. Steps are presently tians a love that is being taken to ascertain whether, as in the past, other English-speaking conferences will wish to committed to surmount- collaborate with the Bishops of England and Wales in this task. If so, a new mixed commission ing the differences; it for this work will be established by the Congregation for Divine Worship. The hope is that is necessary to make the effort to overcome any such new edition of the Lectionary will begin to be published at the same time as the every barrier with inces- English translation of the Roman Missal. That translation is presently being prepared for the sant prayer, with per- Bishops’ consideration by ICEL. severing dialogue, and with a fraternal and The Bishops also commended the work done by Fr Peter McDonough and his collaborators in concrete cooperation in the Catholic Deaf Association in preparing Signs of God, a lectionary for Sundays and feastdays favour of the poorest for use at Masses celebrated for the Deaf community. The first two volumes, for years A and B of and neediest. the 3 year Lectionary cycle have already been published by Redemptorist Publications. The third From address of John Paul at general audience during the volume will be available later this year. This resource is the first of its kind in the world, and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. (January 22nd 2003) initiative has received a very warm welcome from many quarters. Permissions with regard to the preparation of the General Instruction for use in England and Wales, as requested by the Holy See, are still awaited. Publication of the General Instruction and the various formation materials prepared by the Department to assist its full implementation is expected during the autumn of 2003.

Ecclesia de Eucharistia cific application to the English language of the Promulgated at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper principles contained in Liturgiam Authenticam, this year, Pope John Paul II’s Encyclical speaks Additionally, the committee examined transla- with passion and love of the Eucharist which tions of select parts of the Missale Romanum “contains the Church’s entire spiritual wealth: with a view toward providing the congre- Christ himself, our Passover and living bread,” gation with texts that might be considered gifted to the Father and shared with the exemplars of liturgical that con- Church. Key sections consider the dignity form to Liturgiam Authenticam’s criteria. proper to Eucharistic Celebrations and the ‘In particular, the committee was pleased to particular role of Mary, ‘Woman of the Eucha- hear of recent initiatives by the International rist’ in guiding the Church to a deeper under- Commission on English in the Liturgy to standing of the sacrament. The Department assure the effective application of the principles will be preparing materials to assist parishes to of Liturgiam Authenticam to the processes and engage with the teaching of this Encyclical. principles underlying the timely translation of the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia, into the Vox Clara welcomes English language.’ recent ICEL initiatives Contents Vox Clara, the Committee of Bishops called Marriage with a conscience News 1–2 to assist the Congregation in its work of con- The Archdiocese of Milan is promoting simple Tried and Tested 3 sidering the translation of liturgical texts met marriage celebrations that highlight ways of Book Reviews 3 from March 12-14 in the Vatican. The Congre- celebrating the sacrament of marriage alert to Papal Meditation gation for Divine Worship noted that ‘The the needs and circumstances of society at large on Psalm 150 4 committee considered a draft of a document, and as an ideal occasion to manifest concrete termed a ratio translationis, describing the spe- love for the needy.

Liturgy Newsletter — Page 1 Coming Events Suggestions for include rent- kind in this country to recognise to members of the relevant Faith. ing reception premises from a good practice in responding to These beautifully crafted letters The Museum of the Mind: social cooperative for the pre- the challenges of creating and are, in essence, meditations on art and memory in world culture. British Museum, London. vention of juvenile delinquency, enhancing spaces for Christian shared values and aspirations. 17th April – 7th September 2003. Admission free. or having a dinner catered by worship and for school com- They invite an ideal response to The exhibition and its catalogue a relatively low-cost agricultural munities. The winners of the topical issues such as the pro- explore issues concerning memory and ritual in culture and religion. cooperative. A social cooperative Awards will be announced on motion of peace, family values, http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk enables marginalized persons to 26th November 2003 at the the dignity of the person and Society of St Gregory assist with the production and Summer School Royal Society of Arts, London the value of human life and the Grace as from a fountain distribution of wedding invita- Specially commissioned art importance of education as the 29 July – 2 August 2003 Worth Abbey tions and booklets. and architecture are vital to the key to promoting religious free- www.ssg.org.uk Conference details: The archdiocese suggests the living heritage of the church’s dom and respect for people of Mrs Helen Murphy names of wedding-gift stores worship. The judging panels will different religious traditions. 01933 680 955 [email protected] that, in addition to conducting an be looking for theological imagi- Three times a year on the RCIA Network Conference ethical business, contribute to the nation and artistic excellence in Buddhist Feast of Vesakh, the 3–5 September 2003 funding of development projects Hinsley Hall, Leeds equal measure. Awards are offered Hindu Festival of Diwali and the Contact Nicky Stevens in the Third World. for: Muslim Festival of Id al-Fitr, the 01329 835 583 [email protected] Instead of buying an expensive • a Commissioned Artwork Committee for Other Faiths cir-

Panel of Monastic Musicians wedding dress, brides can rent a in Ecclesiastical Space culates each letter of Greeting Annual Conference dress from the Community and St Gabriel’s, All Hallows, • Religious Architecture, to all the Bishops and, with Ditchingham Family Association. • gardens reflecting spiritual an accompanying letter from 22 –26 September 2003. The theme Psallam Spiritu et Mente The honeymoon can be and community values Bishop Kevin McDonald, Chair —an exploration of the psalms planned with a care for social from the two angles of spirituality Entries close on 30th June, of the Committee, to national and music. issues too: Recommended travel 2003 and the winners of the bodies and to diocesan Inter-faith Further details agencies in Milan conduct Fr Mark OCSO, Awards of £3,000 each will be Co-ordinators, for more local cir- Mt St Bernard Abbey, Coalville, ‘responsible tourism’ in Brazil or Leicester, LE67 5UL announced from a shortlist of culation. Copies of the texts of Venezuela. three at a special event on 18th these letters may be obtained Study Day November, 2003. from the Committee. Organised by Heythrop College Divine Mercy in collaboration with the Depart- Through this outreach these The Apostolic giving full ACE have also recently ment for Christian Life and Worship greetings are now reaching an Saturday 6 December 2003 details of the recently appointed their first Loans to Heythrop College, London Churches Project Officer, Paul ever wider audience and are well contact Andrew Cameron Mowat SJ attached to this devotion are [email protected] received and appreciated. available from the Department Bayley. He is anxious to hear Clearly, personal contact is by website. from interested parties within the art world and from places of far the most effective means of Actor-director Mel NRSV Lectionary worship interested in taking part reaching people though this is Gibson interviewed by not always possible. Feedback Zenit.org on his forth- Readers of the last Liturgy in a temporary loan scheme. Newsletter might have thought suggests that the Greeting is prov- coming film on the Pas- Religious Festivals sion of Christ. we’d made faster progress than ing to be an extremely valuable “I don’t think other films expected with the NRSV Lec- of the World Religions means of making and fostering have tapped into the tionary for England and Wales. Each year, on the occasion of relationships with members of real force of this story. Churchill Systems are advertising the Festivals of the Major World Other Faiths. I mean, have you seen a new NRSV lectionary available Religions, the President of the Often parishioners undertake any of the others? They from them on CD-Rom from Pontifical Council for Inter- to share this greeting with faith are either inaccurate in Churchill. It is not the Lectionary religious Dialogue, communities situated in their their history, or they approved for use in the Catholic Michael Fitzgerald, sends out a parishes. It is a simple and effec- suffer from bad music Church in England and Wales, letter of greeting to each Bish- tive way to assist in promoting a or bad hair. This film will show the Passion of but an NRSV edition of the ops’ Conference for circulation culture of dialogue at local level. Jesus Christ just the way revised Common Lectionary pre- it happened. pared for the use of the Church University of Wales, Lampeter I’m doing what I’ve of England and used now by MA in Liturgy various Christian denominations. always done: telling sto- This course offers an opportunity for deepening and developing an This Lectionary has many things ries I think are important understanding of the Liturgy and its place and function in the life of in the language I speak in common with the Roman the Church. It is especially designed to be of assistance to lay and best: film. I think most Rite’s Lectionary for Mass, but ordained ministers of the various Christian denominations in enhanc- great stories are hero also departs from it in a good ing their ministerial skills. stories. People want to many ways. Progress is being reach out and grab at This course is offered in part-time and distance modes made with our NRSV Lection- something higher, and For further information contact: vicariously live through ary, but not that fast! Fr. Allen Morris heroism, and lift their ACE Awards 2003 Department of Christian Life and Worship spirit that way. Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales The Art and Christianity Enquiry There is no greater hero 39 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PL (ACE) Trust is inviting for a story than this one Tel: 020 7901 4850 Fax: 020 7901 4821 -—about the greatest series of significant awards. The Email: [email protected] www.liturgyoffice.org.uk Awards are the first of their

Page 2 — Liturgy Newsletter Tried and Tested love one can have, Second funerals? which is to lay down t a recent Conference others. The prime object of this be helpful if a small floral display one’s life for someone. organised by the Churches event is to try and bring some can be placed about 18˝ or half The Passion is the big- A gest adventure story of Funeral Group there was healing to a family deeply dis- a metre from the front edge all time. I think it’s consideration given to the litur- tressed by recent events. The last and the casket placed in front of the biggest love-story of gical response to the burial thing that one wants is for a that. The parent or other family all time; God becoming or cremation of retained body major mistake in the spelling of member may wish to carry the man and men killing parts. Revd Peter Speck formerly names, the use of a perceived casket, especially if they carried God—if that’s not action, Senior Chaplain to Southampton insensitive phrase, or for the the coffin. By necessity the cer- nothing is. General Hospital spoke of the personal feelings of professionals emony is short as, in effect, it is a The story has inspired heightened emotion that has sur- regarding the issue of organ art, culture, behaviour, committal. The words chosen by rounded the discovery that body retention to get in the way of the governments, countries… whoever conducts the ceremony parts of loved ones have been prime focus of the event. It’s a pivotal event in are important. The following are retained. The controversy sur- Body parts should not be history that has made suggested forms of words: rounding the practices of Alder handed directly to a family but us what we are today. Believers and nonbeliev- Hey and Bristol hospitals has only via a nominated funeral • God of time and eternity, we ers alike, have all been raised the public consciousness director. The erosion of trust fol- remember N.N. who has died affected by it. with regard to organ retention. lowing Alder Hey may lead some and been laid to rest. As she So many people are It is expected that there will be families to demand proof. This remains in our love, though searching for meaning in further publicity shortly as all hos- could be supplied by the director, parted from us, we pray that life, asking themselves a pitals come in line with present their solicitor or some family you will keep her in your infi- lot of questions. They’ll recommended best practice. members who may wish to view nite and perfect care; and that come looking for Peter Speck stressed the need the tissues or organs to assure answers. Some will find one day we shall enjoy friend- for clarity on the part of minis- themselves that what they have them, some won’t.” ship with each other in your ters that what was being offered been told actually is there. The only languages presence, where every tear shall by way of liturgical services was In most Trusts the organ heard in the film will be wiped away. Amen. not a ‘new’ funeral service, but a would be handed to the funeral be Latin and Aramaic, service that was completing the director via the mortuary for • This young life will always be and there will not be service which had already taken placing into a suitable wood part of us because N.N. was English . Gibson observes: “Caravaggio’s place: be that through a re-unit- casket or other opaque container. part of our family’s dreams and paintings don’t have sub- ing with the previously buried There should be a small name- hopes. She shared God’s mys- titles, but people get the body of those parts not available plate with a brief description tery of life and inner warmth. message. The Nutcracker initially or a completion of the such as ‘heart of baby N.N. etc. We honour her memory now Ballet doesn’t have subti- act of cremation of the rest of the Burials should preferably be in and we lay her to rest com- tles, but people get the body. the grave space adjacent to the pletely as we re-unite her brain message. The image will overcome the language The Order of Christian Funerals coffin of the deceased, i.e. on top with her body, knowing that barrier. That’s my hope. does not directly address this or at the head end of the coffin. she is already complete in your And I think it’s almost matter. However the following Opening the coffin should clearly presence. extract from Cremation or Burial be avoided whenever possible as a counterproductive to say of Body Parts, an article by Peter Home Office licence is required • Lord God, we thank you some of these things in Speck, may be helpful to those and families may not fully appre- for N.N.’s life. We pray that a modern language. It makes you want to stand assisting families faced with such ciate the degree of disturbance to you will bring healing to her family and all those who up and shout out the a situation: the body of the deceased and the next line, like when you “In keeping with good prac- added distress. mourn her death, that they hear “To be or not to tice for the conduct of any At the crematorium a tiny may experience your healing be” and you instinctively funeral, these ceremonies call for casket on the very large cata- love and feel supported at this say to yourself, “That is careful preparation by clergy and falque can look miniscule. It can difficult time.” the question.” But if you hear the Book Reviews reader to take up his or her Church, if not more so. These words spoken as they Recent years have again seen own appropriate response to the authors are often inspiring in were spoken at the time, the politicisation of the liturgy. needs and situation of their local their reflections. The insights of it can kind of stun you. I’ve seen that Whatever the rights and wrongs Church. these creative artists will provide The first,Composing Music pastoral liturgists with much to happen when we’re of the various positions, and for Worship, addresses the topic reflect on. working. It gets a clarity the reasons for people adopting to it through the acting, of liturgical music. It is a book Liturgy in a Postmodern them, the politicisation frustrates through the nuances of relying largely but not exclusively World, comprises of almost the characters, the the fundamental work necessary on Anglican musicians, (there is exclusively Catholic authors, for liturgical renewal in our movement of the a stunning reflection by James derives from a Jesuit Conference camera -- it’s the move- dioceses and parishes. All the MacMillan) but the issues each held in Rome in 2002. There are ment, the timing, every- more reason to welcome recent one raises, about musical form enormously helpful articles from thing. All of a sudden it’s publications which rather than and style and function, about Cardinal Danneels, Robert Taft very, very clear to me. offering firm conclusions, raise participation, are at least as and Timothy Radcliffe among That’s when I cut and pertinent issues and challenge the important in the Catholic others. move on.” Liturgy Newsletter — Page 3 Discover and live the beauty of prayer and of the liturgy Magazine The Holy Father has chosen to offer meditations Significant, in this connection, is the appeal Subscription on the psalms at recent general audiences. On 26 of the Letter to the Ephesians to avoid intem- Service February he spoke on Psalm 150. perance and vulgarity, to leave room for the The Liturgy Office hopes to offer a one- 1. Psalm 150, which we have just proclaimed, purity of liturgical hymns. ‘And do not get stop, easy payment resounds for the second time in the liturgy drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, subscription service of lauds: a festive hymn, an alleluia to the but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one to English language lit- urgy magazines from rhythm of music. It is the ideal seal to the another [in] psalms and hymns and spiritual overseas. Full details whole Psalter, the book of praise, of song, of songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your and form on website. the liturgy of Israel. hearts, giving thanks always and for everything The text is one of amazing simplicity and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God transparency. We must just allow ourselves to the Father’ (Ephesians 5:18-20). be drawn by the insistent call to praise the 4. The Psalmist ends by inviting ‘everything Lord: ‘Praise God… give praise… give praise!’ living’ (see Psalm 150: 5), literally ‘every Further Information At the beginning, God is presented in two breath,’ ‘everything that breathes,’ an expression Page 1 fundamental aspects of his mystery. Without a that in Hebrew designates ‘every being that Redemptorist Publications doubt, he is transcendent, mysterious, beyond 01420 88805 breathes,’ especially ‘every living man’ (see www.shineonline.net our horizon: His royal abode is the heavenly Deuteronomy 20:16; Joshua 10:40; 11:11,14). Ecclesia de Eucharistica ‘sanctuary,’ his ‘mighty firmament,’ an inacces- to be published by CTS Hence, in divine praise the human creature is 020 7640 0042 sible fortress to man. And yet, he is near to www.cts-online.org.uk us: He is present in the ‘sanctuary’ of Zion involved with his voice and heart. With him Milan Archdiocese are called ideally all living beings, all creatures www.diocesi.milano.it/nozze/ and acts in history through his ‘mighty deeds,’ nozze_solidali.htm which reveal and enable one to experience ‘his in which there is a breath of life (see Genesis Page 2 exceeding greatness!’ (see verses 1-2). 7:22), so that they will raise their hymn of ACE gratitude to the Creator for the gift of exist- www.acetrust.org 2. Hence, between heaven and earth a sort Paul Bradley ence. 07895 504572. of channel of communication is established in St Francis follows this universal invitation Committee for Other Faiths which the action of the Lord and the song of Secretary Ann Noonan praise of the faithful meet. The liturgy unites the with his thought-provoking ‘Canticle to 020 7901 4841 two sanctuaries, the earthly temple and the infi- Sun,’ in which he invites to praise and Page 3 nite heavens, God and man, time and eternity. bless the Lord for all creatures, reflection of Composing Music for Worship, ed. by Stephen Darlington and During the prayer we begin a kind of ascent his beauty and of his goodness (see Franciscan Alan Kreider. Canterbury Press, 2003. toward the divine light and at the same time Sources, 263). Liturgy in a Postmodern World, we experience a descent of God who adapts 5. All the faithful should participate, in a special ed. by Keith Pecklers SJ. himself to our limitation to hear us and speak Continuum Books, 2003. way, in this song, as the Letter to the Colossians to us, to meet us and save us. The Psalmist immediately offers us aids for this prayerful suggests: ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you meeting: recourse to musical instruments of richly, as you teach and admonish one another Liturgy the orchestra of the temple of Jerusalem, such in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and as the trumpet, harp, lute, strings, pipe and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in Newsletter cymbals. Moving in procession was also part your hearts to God’ (3:16). www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/ Newsletter.html of the Jerusalem rite (see Psalm 117[118]:27). In this respect, St. Augustine, in his ‘Com- The very same appeal echoes in Psalm 46:8: mentaries on the Psalms,’ sees symbolized in Editorial Revd Allen Morris ‘play masterfully.’ the musical instruments the who praise Liturgy Office 3. Hence, it is necessary, to constantly discover God: ‘You, saints, are the trumpet, the Psalter, 39 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1PL and live the beauty of prayer and of the liturgy. the zither, the tympani, the choir, the strings 020 7901 4850 One must pray to God not only with theo- and the organ, and the cymbals of joy that emit 020 7901 4821 (fax) logically precise formulas, but also in a beauti- beautiful sounds, which play harmoniously.You [email protected] ful and dignified way. are all these things. When hearing the Psalm, The views expressed in In this connection, the Christian commu- one must not think of things of little value, of Liturgy Newsletter are not necessarily those of the nity must make an examination of conscience transitory things, or of theatrical instruments.’ Bishops’ Conference. so that the beauty of music and song will In reality, ‘every spirit that praises the Lord’ is Liturgy Newsletter may be copied return increasingly to the liturgy. It is necessary and distributed freely in whole or a voice of song to God (Commentaries on the in part. Permission for any other to purify worship of deformations, of careless Psalms, IV, Rome, 1977, pp. 934-935). use contact the Liturgy Office. forms of expression, of ill-prepared music and The highest music, therefore, is the one that © 2003 Liturgy Office, texts, which are not very suited to the gran- Bishops’ Conference of arises from our hearts. It is precisely this har- deur of the act being celebrated. England and Wales mony that God wants to hear in our liturgies. Page 4 — Liturgy Newsletter