In case there is any confusion at your parish…
The Book of Blessings has an approved blessing of an Advent Crib for the USA. The Introduction includes instructions on the placement of the crib. This is the sole authoritative word on the matter. Continue reading
Many people incorrectly assume that when the Feast of the Immaculate Conception falls on a Saturday, attending the vigil mass that evening will satisfy the obligation for both the Immaculate Conception and the regular Sunday obligation. Opinions on either side of the discussion are offered with varying degrees of logic, evidence, rhetorical effectiveness, and charity. Fortunately, our opinions are irrelevant. Only the regional conference of Bishops (the USCCB) has the authority (since 1983) to move holy days or remove them as a day of obligation. While the competent authority in the United States has provided that when the solemnities of … Continue reading
Preaching the Mystery of Faith — FINAL From: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5FGuFFkfrDvVUJUeWU0SEtRYTA/view?pli=1&sle=true
The Praeconium, or commonly, the Exsultet, is that hymn of praise sung before the Paschal candle. In it we give praise and thanks to God for the work of salvation throughout history. In many parishes it is sung by a lector, but is most properly sung by the Deacon. Here are some handy resources if you feel called to take up the task, or if you simply are called to do so by your pastor! Father Moleski has a collection of references at http://moleski.net/exultet/index.htm The Exsultet In English http://www.icelweb.org/musicfolder/openpdf.php?file=ExsultetLong.pdf http://www.npm.org/Chants/assets/icel/exsultet.pdf” From npm.org – From musicasacra.com – El Pregón Pascual En … Continue reading
Deacon LeRoy frequently points out the ecclesiadicy of the Church as evidence of her divine authorship. Another Leroy, Dr. Leroy Huizenga, presents an article on exactly this topic in today’s On The Square over at First Things. One of the things I don’t recall Deacon LeRoy mentioning is the attribution of the statement to Napoleon by Cardinal Ercole Consalvi that “If in 1800 years we clergy have failed to destroy the church, do you really think that you’ll be able to do it?” A commenter on the article brought the good Cardinal Consalvi to my attention. What an extraordinary individual! … Continue reading