LITURGY NEWSLETTER Vol. 4 No. 3 April 2004 A Quarterly Newsletter prepared by the Liturgy Offi ce of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales News from Catholic Bishops’ Conference oday, the feast of of England and Wales the conversion of The draft translation of the Ordo Missae preparedprepared byby ICEL for the English-speaking ConferencesConferences Tthe Apostle Paul, of the world has been presented to the Bishops of England and Wales for their consideration. concludes the Week There has been wide consultation on the text within Dioceses and with Consultative Bodies of of Prayer for Christian Unity during which, the Bishops Conference. The text is very much at a preliminary stage, and a formal response to in every corner of the the present text will be agreed by the Bishops of England and Wales when they meet in plenary world, Christians have session at Ushaw in April. ICEL have undertaken to receive and respond to the matters raised prayed together for by Bishops’ Conferences as soon as possible. It is presently expected that a further revision of the the full realization of text will be submitted for Bishops’ consideration later this year. their unity according to the will of the Lord, Preliminary discussions have been held with Cardinal Arinze, Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation ‘, that they for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments concerning the proposed revision of the may be one’. Lectionary for Mass, based on the New Revised Standard Version translation of the Bible. It is hoped Christ’s ardent that the new Mixed Commission which will oversee this work as an agency of Bishops’ Confer- invocation in the Cenacle continues ences will be established shortly and be well under way with its work before the end of the year. to remind Christian The Bishops’ Conference has had further discussions with the Holy See concerning its proposed communities that unity is a gift to welcome edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 3rd edition. This has now been re-submitted and develop in an ever to the Holy See for recognitio. It is hoped that this text will be approved in time for publication deeper way. in the autumn. Christian unity has been Eucharist has not been issued. This document, a constant concern Synod on the Eucharist of my pontifi cate and John Paul II has announced that the 11th requested of the Roman Curia by the Holy continues to be a Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Father in , has attracted demanding priority of Bishops will take place in the Vatican from considerable attention in the press. As and my ministry. October 2 to 29. Its theme is ‘The Eucharist: when it is received by the Bishops’ Confer- (The will of the Lord) Source and Summit of the Life and Mission ence it will be made available on the website is an imperative that obliges us, the strength of the Church.’ The Synod provides an oppor- of the Department for Christian Life and Worship. that sustains us, a tunity to the further exploration of themes salutary rebuke for our presented in John Paul’s recent encycli- Pastoral Directory for Bishops lethargy and narrow- cal Ecclesia de Eucharistia. The Directory for Bishops, Ecclesiae Imago, mindedness.’ Preparation for the Synod will be assisted by published in 1973 has been updated in the light John Paul II the issuing of a ‘lineamenta,’ or outline, for of the , the debates of Feast of the the topic. This is sent to bishops worldwide to the Synod of 2001 and Conversion of St Paul th promote study, debate and prayer to prepare ‘Pastores Gregis’ as well as profound changes January 25 2004 for and inform the meeting of the Assembly that have taken place in society. The new itself. Feedback from this process of refl ec- Directory, Apostolorum Successores, has been pub- tion is passed to the Secretariat by Bishops and lished fi rst in Italian and translations into other Episcopal Conferences and a fi nal working major languages are awaited. document for the Synod is then produced. The Directory is essentially pastoral and prac- After the Synod the participating Bishops tical and is an instrument that seeks to help Bishops to fulfi l their ministry in response Contents send a summary of its conclusions to the News 1–3 Pope, to assist in his writing the postsynodal to the needs of the Church and of today’s In memoriam apostolic exhortation. society, at the beginning of the third millen- Archbishop Hurley 2 nium, a time characterized by new challenges Reviews Eucharistic Practice and problems, by great progress and sudden Sacraments: Meeting Christ 3 At the time of going to press, the docu- changes. It underlines the importance and role ment from the Holy See further addressing Documentation of the ministry of the Bishop in the life of Working Together’ 4 the matter of improper celebrations of the the Church. It is recognized that the Bishop Magazine Subscriptions 4

Liturgy Newsletter — Page 1 Coming Events must be effectively an ‘ecclesial’ • The importance of witnessing nifi cance of the Christian roots Society of St Gregory man and a man of commun- the joy of being a person loved of Europe and the French law Summer School 2004 to prohibit religious symbols in New Hall School, Chelmsford ion involving priests, religious by God. 26–30 July 2004 and the laity in the ensemble • The reaffi rmed need for public schools Pope John Paul has www.ssg.org.uk of the diocesan family. He is, in on a number of recent occasions National Network of apologetics: to give reason for Pastoral Musicians fact, the centre of unity of the asserted that ‘a well-understood 2004 Conference our hope with gentleness and Newman College, Birmingham local Church, with his ministry respect. secularism must not be confused 29 July–1 August 2004 encompassing 3 essential pastoral with laicism.’ www.nnpm.org.uk • To reach ‘homo urbanus’ with tasks: being father and pastor of ‘A meeting between Europe and the Church’s public presence in In a January address to the dip- Africa. What can we offer each the diocese; teacher of the faith other?’ Keynote speakers: Bishop the debates of society. lomatic corps accredited to the Jon Sentamu of Birmingham, Tina and announcer of the Word; and Holy See he said that secularism Beattie and Fr Joe Koma-Koma, • To put the Gospel in touch secretary of the Zambian Catholic sanctifi er of the Christian People is the ‘respect for all beliefs on the Bishops’ Conference. with the forces that shape culture. The Directory underlines the part of the state, which ensures Register your interest in the Con- ference at 0845 456 8392 or with central character of the Liturgy in • To learn to think, from the the free exercise of worship and [email protected] the life of the diocese, especially school to university. of spiritual, cultural and charita- El Greco 11 February - 23 May 2004 the celebration of the Eucharist. • In the face of secularizing ble activities of the communities National Gallery, London www.nationalgallery.org.uk It addresses also such matters as obstruction, dissolving scepti- of believers.’ By contrast laicism the central character of Sunday, cism, intolerant liberalism, and is what happens when the state the importance of popular leveling pluralism one must react pretends to ignore this dimension, piety, and the dignity proper to with a new and joyful proposal either at the personal or commu- churches and shrines. of Christian culture. nal level. Shall believers speak to • Nonbelievers, indifferent to the In a subsequent address to bishops unbelievers? question of God, but believers in of France the Pope emphasized in his address that an authentic view A plenary Assembly of the Pon- human values, must be shown by of secularism should not and tifi cal Council for Culture, met in the life of believers and commu- indeed ‘cannot erase personal and Rome from March 11-13. Almost nities of faith that ‘to be’ means communal beliefs.’ forty Cardinals, Archbishops and to be religious, and that man Bishops gathered and refl ected on fi nds his fulfi lment following the ‘To try to remove from the social ‘The Christian Faith at the Dawn message of the Gospel of Christ, fi eld this important [religious] of the New Millennium and the Son of God and of the Virgin dimension in the lives of persons Mary, crucifi ed and resurrected, and peoples, as well as the signs Open all hours Challenge of Unbelief and Reli- Plans by Nottingham Cathedral to gious Indifference.’ infi nite and inexhaustible source that manifest them, would go remain open 24 hours a day and of beauty, truth and love. against a well-understood free- 7 days a week have received wide A summary of the Assembly’s coverage in the national and inter- dom,’ he said. national press over recent months. proposals was offered by Cardi- Secularism and Laicism The scheme relies on a team of nal Poupard: Speaking in the context of ‘Freedom of worship cannot be 100 volunteers and comes with the promise of support and training continuing debates on the sig- conceived without the free- for the team from Nottinghamshire Police and Social Services. Monsignor Tom McGovern has been reported as saying: ‘This is a In memoriam step of faith by the mother church Archbishop Denis Hurley of the diocese following the lead of Denis Hurley, Archbishop of of giving glory to God is the people through Christ the Head some other parishes which already run rosters. Our recent diocesan Durban died on Friday Febru- liturgy, and the primary mani- in the Holy Spirit. These gifts assembly revealed that people ary 13, aged 88. Tributes to him festation of the Church is the build up the Body of Christ, the from far and wide want to come to the Cathedral and we’re expecting have mainly focused on his tireless full and active participation of people of God and the Christian an increase in visitor numbers.’ ‘The Cathedral used to be open fi ght against injustice in South the entire holy people of God in community. 12 hours a day every day but there Africa. He also was a key fi gure in liturgical celebrations. have been a few thefts and other …If we wish to renew the criminal offences and although the post-Conciliar work of imple- such incidents are rare we’ve been A further point relative to the apostolic spirit in the Church menting the Constitution on the forced to lock the doors when liturgy deserving of the full- (and this, I think, is an aim of this there’s nobody around. Liturgy. Appointed by Paul VI to est consideration is that the ecumenical Council), it will be www.nottinghamdiocese.org.uk the Consilium that oversaw that Church cannot give glory to necessary to reform the liturgical work, he was also a founding father God without thereby receiv- life, not apart from catechetical of ICEL. In tribute to Archbishop ing immediately and abundantly and moral renewal, but in close Hurley’s enormous commitment to from the divine generosity the conjunction with them. And this the Church’s liturgical renewal here most precious gifts – the gifts of reform can come about, it seems are reprinted words he contributed to divine life, of faith, hope, love to me, only if the exposition in the Council’s debates on the schema and apostolic zeal. The liturgical this schema of the importance on the Church’s liturgy - the future movement must always have a of the liturgy is enthusiastically Sacrosanctum Concilium twofold direction: the movement embraced and if the schema’s As the text makes so clear, the of the people’s worship, pro- intent concerning the par- primary and supreme purpose moted by the Holy Spirit, toward ticipation of the faithful and the of the Church is to give glory God the Father through Christ adaptation, structure, and lan- to God… The supreme means, the Head; and the movement guage of the liturgy is faithfully although… not the only means, from God the Father toward his pursued.

Page 2 — Liturgy Newsletter dom to practice individually and legitimate authority of dimension of [the laity’s] witness and collectively one’s religion, the state, to be respected in his in the world, in particular, ‘evan- or without the freedom of the convictions and practices, in gelizing the cultures’ to make ‘the Essay Competition To celebrate the 125th Anniversary Church,’ the Pope added. ‘Reli- the name of religious freedom, force of the Gospel penetrate in of The Ecclesiological Society it gion cannot be reduced only to which is one of the fundamental the realities of the family, work, is organising a competition with a prize of £500 and a possible the private sphere.’ aspects of freedom of conscience.’ the media, sports, leisure and that additional prize of £250 for those under the age of 25. The competi- Specifi cally addressing the ques- it animate the social order and tion is open to anyone, and the The Laity – a sign of hope deadline for entries in 30 June tion of religion in the schools, public, national and international Speaking to French Bishops on 2004. the Holy Father said that ‘it is life. For this witness to be fruitful, Essays should be between 1500 their recent ad limina visit Pope necessary that young people be it is necessary that it be sup- and 3000 words long. There is no John Paul identifi ed an awakening set title but essays should refl ect able to understand the impor- ported spiritually in the parishes the particular interests of the of the laity as a sign of hope in Society – that is, ecclesiology as tance of religious life in personal and in (the new movements and the study and nature of church the midst of de-Christianization existence and social life, that they ecclesial communities that have buildings and their furnishings. that France is experiencing. (Note this is not the more common know the religious traditions that arisen in France).’ meaning of ecclesiology in Catho- He noted how this leads them lic circles). Particular attention will they encounter, and that they In this connection, the Holy be given by the assessors to those to participate actively in their essays which look to the future, be able to look upon religious Father emphasized the impor- whilst relating it to the past – for symbols with benevolence and community, becoming conscious tance of “communion” between example by addressing the roles of the prophetic, real, and priestly and challenges of one or more recognize the Christian roots of such diverse ecclesial reali- aspects of church buildings and dimensions of their baptism. their furnishings in the twenty-fi rst European cultures and history. ties. ‘May all have the constant century, or discussing how church This leads to respectful recogni- Many have accepted with gener- concern to participate fully in building should learn from what osity to give themselves to parish has gone before, or the way in tion of the other and his beliefs, diocesan and parish life, and to which the past should shape life, taking on, under the pastor’s the future in respect of church to a positive dialogue.’ live in communion with the planning. responsibility and respecting the Reaffi rming the virtue of inter- diocesan bishop.’ It is therefore unlikely that a purely ordained ministry, the evange- historical study of an architect religious dialogue and of the The Pope called for each or building style would meet the lizing endeavour, as well as the right to religious freedom, the Christian community to be assessors’ requirements in these service of prayer and of charity. respects, unless the author also Holy Father notes that ‘This dia- distinguished by the ‘quality of refl ected in some depth on the les- He paid tribute to these men sons to be drawn from the subject logue must revive in Christians hospitality and fraternity,’ espe- under consideration. Further details and women, who in their lives are available from the Society’s the awareness of their faith and cially in responding to the men website www.ecclsoc.org their attachment to the Church, must cope with ‘the indifference and women who come to the as every form of relativism seri- and scepticism proper to the Church to request baptism – in ously damages relations between environment’ in which they live recent years, adult baptism has religions. Every Christian or and encouraged the Bishops to markedly increased in France – or member of a religion has the support the laity in their com- the sacrament of matrimony, or right, in the measure that this mitment and mission. the funeral or burial service of a does not threaten the security He focused on ‘the prophetic relative. Sacraments: meeting Christ Book reviews CTS have recently published understanding of the sacrament. (although a pity this does not a new series of pocket size A more demanding read, but engage in a more explicit way volumes dealing considering written with great skill and with the liturgical texts for the sacraments, and going under adeptness by Fr Paul McPartlan marriage) and the very useful the collective title of Sacraments: is Eucharist: The Body of Christ. Reconciliation: The Mercy of Christ. meeting Christ. Where these are There is great richness here in Weaker by far are the two good they are very, very good, the way the reader is led into a volumes by Fr Jerome Bertram but when they are bad… consideration of the relationship on Anointing: Christ’s Healing Let’s start with the best. Two in between Christ, the Church Touch and Holy Orders: The particular stand out. The fi rst, and the Eucharist. A virtue of Image of Christ. These volumes Baptism: New Life in Christ, offers the book is the close attention contain certain fi ne passages, but a simple and clear account of paid to the signs of the Eucharist unfortunately they are marred by what the Church understands rite, and in particular to the signifi cant errors with regard to by sacrament, deftly presenting signifi cance of the Precious the rites of the Church, and gross CTS the relationship between the Blood. There is much here to generalisations. They sit uneasily 40-46 Harleyford Road 7 sacraments, the Church and serve as a resource for parishes alongside the other volumes in Vauxhall London Christ. The author, Sr Eustochium that are seeking to introduce the series. SE11 5AY Telephone +(44)020 7640 0042 Lee OSB, offers too a sensitive Holy Communion under Other recent publications by Fax +(44)020 7640 0046 treatment of the baptismal rites both kinds, and for those that CTS include: www.cts-online.org.uk/ (for infants and for adults), alert are aware of the need to assist John Paul II: Spiritus et Sponsa to how they are celebrated and the community to a deeper and On Sacred Music (Do 719) how they are experienced. This appreciation of the mysteries in £2.95 is a volume one could place which they share. John Paul II: Meditations & without hesitation in the hands of Also of merit are the volumes Catechesis on the Psalms & most anyone and know that they on Confi rmation: The Spirit of Canticles of Morning Prayer (Sc would be assisted to a healthy Christ; Marriage: Together in Christ 78) £14.99 Liturgy Newsletter — Page 3 Magazine subscriptions Working together In recent issues of this Where a funeral director is well-informed about how the Catholic community considers itself best able to respond to newsletter readers have been asked to advise if requests for liturgy and pastoral care he or she is able to be of great service to the bereaved and to the local parishes. they have an interest in When not well-informed, their suggestions and guidance has been known to cause unintentional confusion and distress subscribing to overseas not only to the bereaved but to all concerned. The Diocese of Northampton has prepared the text below for issue to local English language liturgi- funeral directors. It is thought it will be helpful to other dioceses also. cal publications, but are put off by the diffi culties We write on behalf of the Catholic parishes of the with the priest, as each parish may have its own and expense of paying diocese of Northampton, and want to thank you all arrangements. the subscriptions in you do for the bereaved at the time of a funeral. In the Catholic tradition the priest or deacon is foreign currency. People are very appreciative of your sensitive under- charged to preach about the Christian belief in The new subscription standing of their needs, and that care is very helpful eternal life. On occasions a family member or friend service offered by the to us as pastoral clergy in responding to the bereaved Liturgy Offi ce is now up may speak about the deceased towards the end and in celebrating a Christian Catholic funeral. and running. of Mass or Service. This is always a very sensitive The subscription list Sometimes you may be the fi rst point of contact issue and needs to be handled carefully. The person for 2004 is closed, but for the bereaved. At other times, the priest may involved needs to consult the priest and always to details of the service have been involved over a period of illness, or natu- write out their text beforehand so that it does not are available from the website. rally the family turn to the Church of which they take more than two or three minutes, especially at a are part. Where there has been little contact with cremation. We are not permitted to have addresses of Those interested in the Church we know that relatives seek guidance a political nature, and must also always be aware of taking out subscriptions for 2005 are invited to from you, and that you will be able to direct them how any address can cause tension or confl ict. register their interest via to their parish church and parish priest. We hope When the coffi n is brought to Church a Pall, which the website. that these notes may help you to understand our represents the white garment worn at Baptism, may approach more fully. be put over the coffi n and taken off before the end It is our tradition to celebrate Mass on the day of of the funeral. Other symbols of Christian life may burial. It can be helpful for this to be the daily Mass be placed on the coffi n as well: a bible, a crucifi x, a in a parish, thus ensuring that the parishioners will rosary, or prayer book. Flowers and mass cards may gather as usual and be part of this. As they will be be placed beside the coffi n but not on it. familiar with the responses and gestures this can be We are permitted to conduct the funeral of a helpful to the bereaved, especially where they are family member who is not a Catholic, and where not familiar with Catholic practice. appropriate, the priest may invite a minister from The body may be brought to the Church on the another tradition to take some part in the service. evening before for the funeral. This is very impor- Since 1964 cremation has been permitted by the tant for many people, as the person who has died is Catholic Church. Ideally the Requiem Mass or brought back to their religious home to lie for one funeral service should take place in Church where last time before the altar. It can also be a better time people gather to worship and celebrate important for the private grief of those who are nearest to the moments in life. The priest may conduct a Funeral person who has died. Service (not a Requiem Mass) at a crematorium or Requiem Mass in the church is the usual celebra- cemetery chapel. On rare occasions and for special tion for a Catholic, even if they have not be very reasons the funeral may be conducted at the grave active in the practice of their faith. A Funeral Serv- side. The same dignity must be shown wherever the Liturgy ice is also possible. It is best for the priest to discuss service takes place, In our tradition cremated ashes this with the family to see which is most appropri- are always to be buried, and a priest can be asked to Newsletter ate in each situation. conduct an interment. www.liturgyoffi ce.org.uk /Newsletter We hope you will speak with the priest before When contacting the priest or deacon please confi rming any arrangements. It is essential in the ensure that full details of the deceased are provided Editorial present circumstances to talk with the priest before by letter or email. These are required for our regis- Revd Allen Morris Liturgy Offi ce suggesting or arranging the time of a funeral with ters. We need full name, address, date of birth, place 39 Eccleston Square the bereaved. and date of death, details of next of kin. Other London SW1V 1PL family details can be very helpful. If an organist is The family may ask how the service is to be 020 7901 4850 required in church this needs to be confi rmed. The planned. Please refer them directly to the priest so 020 7901 4821 (fax) funeral fees for the Catholic Church are the same [email protected] that he can speak with them, talk through the form as those used by the Church of England. of the service, what readings are permitted, and The views expressed in Liturgy Newsletter areare nonott what music is possible. The use of favourite pieces As Funeral Directors you provide a very special and necessarily those of the of music or songs is a delicate issue. The Catholic much valued service,. If we can work together we Bishops’ Conference. Church has clear guidelines regarding the choice will achieve the best practice in compassion, service Liturgy Newsletter maymay be copied and distributed freely in whole or of music and our bishops have established clear and sensitivity. in part. Permission for any other standards which we must meet. use contact the Liturgy Offi ce. With every best wish An Order of Service can be of great help to the © 2004 Liturgy Offi ce, Yours sincerely in Christ Bishops’ Conference of bereaved and to visitors from other Christian England and Wales churches or none. Again this needs to be discussed N, DEAN of N. DEANERY

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