Logo

Prayer and Sacraments Syndicate content

Mass instruction: Fr. Robert Taft on liturgical reform

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mass instruction: Fr. Robert Taft on liturgical reform
Opponents of the modern liturgy could use a history lesson, says this scholar of the church's prayer. Overall, the liturgical reform has been a great success.If any scholar could claim a ring-side seat to the liturgical reform of the 20th century, it would have to be Father Robert Taft, S.J.

Mixed messages

Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The new Catholic translations of the Mass pose a stumbling block to ecumenical relations, says a Lutheran liturgy scholar.

Incoming Missal

Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Incoming Missal
Get ready for changes to your Sunday Mass.

Two rites make a wrong

Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Two rites make a wrong
We are one church and we need just one Mass, this Catholic argues-even if that one Mass is celebrated in any number of languages.

Five ways to stay awake at Mass

Monday, July 28, 2008
Five ways to stay awake at Mass
The most important activity in the parish is Sunday Mass. Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles has written a lengthy pastoral letter on liturgical renewal to prepare the people of his archdiocese for the Jubilee Year 2000.

Grave Responsibilities

Monday, July 28, 2008
Grave Responsibilities
They always call in the middle of dinner. And they're always from places that sound folksy and green-Willow Park, Heritage Creek, Oakland Hills, Forest Lawn. And I'm never quite sure just what they're selling. Is it golf club memberships or time-share condos or New Age religion or nursing home care?

Hail Mary -- The wisdom of a subversive devotion

Monday, July 28, 2008
Hail Mary -- The wisdom of a subversive devotion
Coming in from the bright sunlight, a woman kneels before an altar in the dimness of the church; she has lit a small candle, and with many other small candles the light is reflected off glinting fabrics and jewels adorning the statue of the Mother of God. Crowned, lifted up, peaceful of gaze, she holds the Child on her lap, yet he is less noticeable.

How I almost missed Good Friday

Monday, July 28, 2008
It must have been about the time I was chopping up the melon for my one-and-a-half-year-old daughter's breakfast that the angst set in. Here it was Good Friday, and I hadn't done a single liturgical or sacramental thing during the entire expanse of Lent despite the best of intentions that I had at the beginning of the season.

Into the mystic with John

Monday, July 28, 2008
Into the mystic with John
You've taught scripture for virtually all of your adult life. What led you to devote your life to it?

Keep in touch with your faith

Friday, July 25, 2008
Every Sunday after Mass, I pat Jesus big toe. Let me hasten to explain that Jesus is made of wood. Like the little boy who preferred his mother over prayer to shield him against things that go bump in the night, I too, prefer "God with the skin on." Incarnation is all-important to Catholics.