The Areopagus 4-23-09
posted by Phil Lawson
4-23-09
Kids and Church
Kids make noise. I recently talked to two families who don’t attend Mass because there little children aren’t quiet. I’m glad to hear their children are normal J. Now that we have that obvious point out of the way; yes, children make noise, but that shouldn’t stop parents from exposing them to the Graces they receive being in Christ’s Presence.
The sounds of children in Church are the sounds of vitality and the future of a parish. Yes, you may have to take them to the back of the church---one dad and I seem to have a regular appointment back there with our little ones!—but you know what, it’s worth it. My one-year-old has mastered crawling under the pews into the main aisle—while we certainly don’t encourage that—God’s probably laughing at her creativity.
Don’t deny your children the graces of Christ through misplaced embarrassment via noisy little ones. Trust me, God understands little children, He made them after all.
Phil’s Tidbits:
From Pope Benedict XVI:
“While, strictly speaking, she (the church) ought to be sinking, the Church sings the song of thanksgiving of the saved. She is standing on history’s waters of death and yet she has already risen. Singing, she grasps at the Lord’s hand, which holds her above the waters. And she knows that she is thereby raised outside the force of gravity of death and evil – a force from which otherwise there would be no way of escape – raised and drawn into the new gravitational force of God, of truth and of love.”
-How very true—by all objective measures, the Church really shouldn’t still be around—amidst the hostility of governments, the world, scandals, the failures of many people within the Church, the failures of those entrusted with leading the Church, and even outright incompetence—yet the Church marches on—because her foundation is Christ and the Promise He made of the Holy Spirit’s guidance till the end of time.
Here’s something you don’t see every day: An 80 year old Canadian widower was recently ordained to the priesthood. An inspiring story:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Life/never%20know%20what%20Lord%20store%20says%20priest/1423957/story.html
Archbishop Timothy Dolan was just installed as the new archbishop of New York City. New York’s gain is surely Milwaukee’s loss. Dolan was well beloved in Milwaukee for his warmth, charisma, and fidelity to the teachings of Christ. Upon his arrival in New York, those same qualities shone through brightly. Following is a quote from his homily at the Mass of Installation, which brought several standing ovations. I’ve never heard the “mamma bear” line before—but it certainly resonates!
"... the Resurrection goes on, as His Church continues to embrace and protect the dignity of every human person, the sanctity of human life, from the tiny baby in the womb to the last moment of natural passing into eternal life. As the Servant of God Terrence Cardinal Cooke wrote, “Human life is no less sacred or worthy of respect because it is tiny, pre-born, poor, sick, fragile, or handicapped.”
Yes, the Church is a loving mother who has a zest for life and serves life everywhere, but she can become a protective “mamma bear” when the life of her innocent, helpless cubs is threatened...
... Everyone in this mega-community is a somebody with an extraordinary destiny. Everyone is a somebody in whom God has invested an infinite love. That is why the Church reaches out to the unborn, the suffering, the poor, our elders, the physically and emotionally challenged, those caught in the web of addictions..."
-Special thanks to the American Papist Blog for the above citation.
Alth0ugh not well known—when the Church removed the mandatory abstinence from meat on all Fridays—the requirement to do some form of penance every Friday remained. (every Friday we mark the sacrificial death of Christ in some fashion). Most folks heard the first part—meat is now ok on Fridays!—and not the second...that some other form of penance should still be done. Bishop Conlon of Steubenville, Ohio is urging Catholics in his diocese to return to meatless Fridays—but with a special intention—solidarity with and prayers for the poor, suffering, and unborn. Not a bad idea for all of us to adopt. Indeed, I know many families that, even though not required, don’t eat meat on Fridays throughout the year as a sacrificial offering.
Bishop Conlon restores Friday abstinence from meat in Diocese of Steubenville
"I am inviting the Catholic people of the Diocese of Steubenville to resume the practice of abstaining from meat on all Fridays throughout the year, but with a twist. I am asking that this be not only a penitential practice but also an experience of prayer and service. This can happen by connecting abstinence with our witness to the sacredness of human life. (In another section he says: Abstinence can also be service if we eat simple meatless food and donate the financial savings to the poor or to pro-life efforts.)
... The resumption of year-round abstinence in the Diocese of Steubenville will begin after this coming Easter, one week after Good Friday (April 17). Although the practice will not be a requirement of law, and failing to keep it will not constitute a sin, I hope every one who is old enough to receive Holy Communion and well enough to come to church will take it seriously. Our parishes, schools and organizations should provide meatless food at their Friday activities.
... the present challenge to the people in our diocese is not really radical. It is a call to what many if not most of us have put aside. And it is a way for us, like the apostles, to give up a little food and help Jesus feed the world."
God Bless you!
Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Kids and Church
Kids make noise. I recently talked to two families who don’t attend Mass because there little children aren’t quiet. I’m glad to hear their children are normal J. Now that we have that obvious point out of the way; yes, children make noise, but that shouldn’t stop parents from exposing them to the Graces they receive being in Christ’s Presence.
The sounds of children in Church are the sounds of vitality and the future of a parish. Yes, you may have to take them to the back of the church---one dad and I seem to have a regular appointment back there with our little ones!—but you know what, it’s worth it. My one-year-old has mastered crawling under the pews into the main aisle—while we certainly don’t encourage that—God’s probably laughing at her creativity.
Don’t deny your children the graces of Christ through misplaced embarrassment via noisy little ones. Trust me, God understands little children, He made them after all.
Phil’s Tidbits:
From Pope Benedict XVI:
“While, strictly speaking, she (the church) ought to be sinking, the Church sings the song of thanksgiving of the saved. She is standing on history’s waters of death and yet she has already risen. Singing, she grasps at the Lord’s hand, which holds her above the waters. And she knows that she is thereby raised outside the force of gravity of death and evil – a force from which otherwise there would be no way of escape – raised and drawn into the new gravitational force of God, of truth and of love.”
-How very true—by all objective measures, the Church really shouldn’t still be around—amidst the hostility of governments, the world, scandals, the failures of many people within the Church, the failures of those entrusted with leading the Church, and even outright incompetence—yet the Church marches on—because her foundation is Christ and the Promise He made of the Holy Spirit’s guidance till the end of time.
Here’s something you don’t see every day: An 80 year old Canadian widower was recently ordained to the priesthood. An inspiring story:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Life/never%20know%20what%20Lord%20store%20says%20priest/1423957/story.html
Archbishop Timothy Dolan was just installed as the new archbishop of New York City. New York’s gain is surely Milwaukee’s loss. Dolan was well beloved in Milwaukee for his warmth, charisma, and fidelity to the teachings of Christ. Upon his arrival in New York, those same qualities shone through brightly. Following is a quote from his homily at the Mass of Installation, which brought several standing ovations. I’ve never heard the “mamma bear” line before—but it certainly resonates!
"... the Resurrection goes on, as His Church continues to embrace and protect the dignity of every human person, the sanctity of human life, from the tiny baby in the womb to the last moment of natural passing into eternal life. As the Servant of God Terrence Cardinal Cooke wrote, “Human life is no less sacred or worthy of respect because it is tiny, pre-born, poor, sick, fragile, or handicapped.”
Yes, the Church is a loving mother who has a zest for life and serves life everywhere, but she can become a protective “mamma bear” when the life of her innocent, helpless cubs is threatened...
... Everyone in this mega-community is a somebody with an extraordinary destiny. Everyone is a somebody in whom God has invested an infinite love. That is why the Church reaches out to the unborn, the suffering, the poor, our elders, the physically and emotionally challenged, those caught in the web of addictions..."
-Special thanks to the American Papist Blog for the above citation.
Alth0ugh not well known—when the Church removed the mandatory abstinence from meat on all Fridays—the requirement to do some form of penance every Friday remained. (every Friday we mark the sacrificial death of Christ in some fashion). Most folks heard the first part—meat is now ok on Fridays!—and not the second...that some other form of penance should still be done. Bishop Conlon of Steubenville, Ohio is urging Catholics in his diocese to return to meatless Fridays—but with a special intention—solidarity with and prayers for the poor, suffering, and unborn. Not a bad idea for all of us to adopt. Indeed, I know many families that, even though not required, don’t eat meat on Fridays throughout the year as a sacrificial offering.
Bishop Conlon restores Friday abstinence from meat in Diocese of Steubenville
"I am inviting the Catholic people of the Diocese of Steubenville to resume the practice of abstaining from meat on all Fridays throughout the year, but with a twist. I am asking that this be not only a penitential practice but also an experience of prayer and service. This can happen by connecting abstinence with our witness to the sacredness of human life. (In another section he says: Abstinence can also be service if we eat simple meatless food and donate the financial savings to the poor or to pro-life efforts.)
... The resumption of year-round abstinence in the Diocese of Steubenville will begin after this coming Easter, one week after Good Friday (April 17). Although the practice will not be a requirement of law, and failing to keep it will not constitute a sin, I hope every one who is old enough to receive Holy Communion and well enough to come to church will take it seriously. Our parishes, schools and organizations should provide meatless food at their Friday activities.
... the present challenge to the people in our diocese is not really radical. It is a call to what many if not most of us have put aside. And it is a way for us, like the apostles, to give up a little food and help Jesus feed the world."
God Bless you!
Phil Lawson For the latest info on St. Peter’s, check out the parish website: www.saintpetercatholic.com (You can also find old editions of the Areopagus here)
The Areopagus is a regular email for adults that includes various reflections, tidbits, news and events. Hope you find it fruitful!
If you would like to be added to this list, send an email to lawsphil@gmail.com
On the other hand, if you would like to be removed, send an email to the same address indicating that.
Saint Peter's Bells on Easter Day
posted by Webmaster
St. Peter's tower bells, dedicated in honor of St. Peter, St. Anne, and St. Anthony, pealed again and again during the Easter celebration.
Listen to the bells now:
st-peters-bells-easter-morning.mp3
Do you know the history of St. Peter's bells? If not, read this great article by Phil Kosloski: The History of St. Peter's Bells
Listen to the bells now:
st-peters-bells-easter-morning.mp3
Do you know the history of St. Peter's bells? If not, read this great article by Phil Kosloski: The History of St. Peter's Bells
Special Music for the Easter Vigil & Easter Day
posted by Jason and Darcy
In addition to the 21 voices of the schola cantorum members, it was a special treat to have instrumentalists joining in the solemn celebration of our Lord's Resurrection.
Shown here, Phil Smyth plays Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring on violin, accompanied by organist and director of sacred music, Patrick Burkhart.
Trumpet, trombone and a French horn players raised spirits - and the volume - in the church for Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday's 10 AM Mass. The Brass choir included Job Morton and Andrea Laverenz on trumpet, Eddie Ratha nd Michelle Zortman on trombone, and Sarah Weyker on French horn.
Recordings of the music can be found on St. Peter's schola cantorum page.
Shown here, Phil Smyth plays Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring on violin, accompanied by organist and director of sacred music, Patrick Burkhart.
Trumpet, trombone and a French horn players raised spirits - and the volume - in the church for Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday's 10 AM Mass. The Brass choir included Job Morton and Andrea Laverenz on trumpet, Eddie Ratha nd Michelle Zortman on trombone, and Sarah Weyker on French horn.
Recordings of the music can be found on St. Peter's schola cantorum page.
Easter Vigil 2009
posted by Jason and DarcyAt the Easter Vigil, the Church represents the mystery of the light of Christ in the sign of the Paschal candle, whose flame is both light and heat. The symbolism of light is connected with that of fire: radiance and heat, radiance and the transforming energy contained in the fire -- truth and love go together. The Paschal candle burns, and is thereby consumed: The cross and the resurrection are inseparable.Easter Vigil starts with the Service of Light. At sundown, outside the church, a fire is lit and blessed, and the Easter Candle, which will be used throughout the year, is marked with the wounds of Christ. It symbolizes Christ, who is the light of the world. The candle is lit from the flame of the blessed fire, and from it tapers held by each member of the congregation are also lit. It calls to mind the day of baptism, when the newly baptized received the Light of Christ from the Easter Candle.
Pope Benedict XVI, homily Easter Vigil 2009
The church is dark, but slowly it becomes lit by the flames of candles as the members of the congregation pass the flame from one to another.
Fr. Keith Kitzhaber, chaplain of Pacelli and St. Peter's Middle School, in residence at St. Peter's, reads the gospel.
The blessing of the holy water:
The priest, Father Kevin C. Louis, blesses the entire assembly with Holy Water while the choir sings Vidi Aquam.
At St. Peter's, a veritable battalion of altar servers turn out for the highest feasts. Here they kneel before the altar during the Eucharistic prayer:
The final procession. Everyone sings, Jesus Christ is Risen Today.
We celebrate with great joy the Risen Jesus. We invite you to listen to the chants and hymns of the Easter Triduum.
In addition, Father Louis's inspriational homilies are available below:
Holy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday
Good Friday 2009
posted by Jason and Darcy
On Good Friday, after the reading of the Passion and the homily, a life-sized statue of Jesus' body was laid in a tomb made by parishioners.
The priest carries the cross in procession and three times elevates it, chanting, "This is the wood of the Cross on which hung the Savior of the world." All respond, "Come let us worship." After the procession, the congregation files up to individually venerate the cross with a touch, kiss, genuflection or by making the Sign of the Cross.
The priest carries the cross in procession and three times elevates it, chanting, "This is the wood of the Cross on which hung the Savior of the world." All respond, "Come let us worship." After the procession, the congregation files up to individually venerate the cross with a touch, kiss, genuflection or by making the Sign of the Cross.
Holy Thursday 2009
posted by Jason and Darcy
On Holy Thursday night, the Paschal Triduum begins. It is one long Mass that continues through the Good Friday service and concludes with the end of the Easter Vigil.
During the Holy Thursday Mass, a jubilant Gloria is sung, for the first time since Lent began, and the last time until the Easter Vigil. The bells are rung ecstatically for the last time until the Easter Vigil. After the homily, 12 men representing the 12 apostles have their feet washed by the priest, who represents Jesus. Following Communion, a Eucharistic procession takes place and the Eucharist is reposed in a special location for the night watch adoration. It concludes with night prayer at midnight.
During the Holy Thursday Mass, a jubilant Gloria is sung, for the first time since Lent began, and the last time until the Easter Vigil. The bells are rung ecstatically for the last time until the Easter Vigil. After the homily, 12 men representing the 12 apostles have their feet washed by the priest, who represents Jesus. Following Communion, a Eucharistic procession takes place and the Eucharist is reposed in a special location for the night watch adoration. It concludes with night prayer at midnight.
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
This Stevens Point Website designed by Promotion Web Design
