Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kotska

Here are a couple more pictures of the new basilica in our diocese.  The new exterior shot should be clearer.  The interior is beautiful.  St. Stan's was my first assignment in priestly ministry and will always hold a special place in my heart. 

The Diocese now has its first Basilica!

The following press release was submitted by the Diocese of Winona.

WINONA, MN - St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish named Minor Basilica by the Vatican

            Through the faculties granted by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has declared that Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Winona, Minn., has assumed the status of “Minor Basilica,” emphasizing the special bond that the parish has with the Pope and with the whole Catholic Church.  This Decree was made on November 10, 2011 and announced to the congregation this past weekend.

In May, His Excellency, Bishop John M. Quinn of the Diocese of Winona sent a petition to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, an office of the Vatican, so that Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Winona, might take on the status of “Minor Basilica.” In November, the Congregation replied in favor of the petition, conferring this title of Minor Basilica on the parish. The decree is intended to “strengthen the relation of this important church with the Chair of Peter and to make it an ideal center of special liturgical and pastoral ministry” in the diocese, Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, OP, the secretary to the Vatican congregation wrote to Bishop Quinn.

One way the link is demonstrated is by celebrating feasts in a special way that are linked to the papal office, including the feast of the Chair of Peter, the feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul and the anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI. The papal symbol of crossed keys may be exhibited on banners and furnishings and on the seal of the basilica and those who devoutly make a visit to the basilica on certain feast days may obtain a plenary indulgence.

  ”Saint Stanislaus Kostka is now a member of a small number of churches in the United States to be recognized as a Minor Basilica, and only the second in Minnesota. The other being the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, which was the first U.S. church designated as a basilica in 1926.” stated Bishop Quinn. “It is a very significant and important occasion for not only the parish and the diocese, but the entire region.”

The word basilica comes from the Greek term for “royal hall.” There are two kinds of basilicas: major basilicas, the six great Roman churches, and the minor basilicas, which are important churches in Rome and abroad which the Holy Father has honored with this title.

A church designated as a minor basilica must be a center of active and pastoral liturgy with a vibrant Catholic community and may have unique historical, artistic or religious importance. In seeking the distinction, the parish must provide a detailed report with an album of photographs documenting the origin, history and religious activity of the church and its exterior and interior form, particularly regarding celebration of the sacraments.

 Conferring the title of Minor Basilica is also a formal recognition of the beauty and dignity of the parish church. Father Thomas Hargesheimer, pastor of Saint Stanislaus Kostka, says that one of the reasons that the petition was sent was due the extraordinary architectural quality of the parish, as well as the significant Polish heritage that accompanies it.

“We really wanted to recognize the Polish immigrants that settled in the Winona area. Their heritage has had such a large impact on the development of the region. We also want to honor this parish as a faith community that contributes to not only the religious aspects of the community, but also the secular side of society as well,” said Father Hargesheimer.

This church was built and paid for by Polish immigrants and dedicated to God in honor of St. Stanislaus Kostka, a popular saint from Poland on Thanksgiving Day 1895. Now, along with The Polish Cultural Institute, more commonly known as The Polish Museum, Winona has truly become a destination and pilgrimage center for people of Polish heritage. Fr. Paul Breza, founder of the museum said “the news about St. Stans is very exciting - the church was built on “nickels and dimes” by the Polish immigrants during a time when wages were only around a dollar per day. This will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about the Polish heritage of Winona.”

Fr. Hargesheimer said a Mass of elevation, with Bishop Quinn presiding, will take place in 2012 at a date to be announced. For more information, contact the Saint Stanislaus Parish office by calling (507)452-5430 or e-mailing ststans@hbci.com.

Two New Saints for the Americas

Pope Benedict XVI has approved seven new saints for the Catholic Church, including Hawaii’s Mother Marianne Cope and a 17th-century Native American, Caterina (Kateri) Tekakwitha.
On Tuesday, Pope Benedict signed decrees approving miracles attributed to the intercession of the seven. These decrees are the final step before they canonization. The Holy Father also signed decrees that that 65 Catholic...s died as martyrs during Spain’s civil war and will be beatified.
Blessed Marianne Cope cared for leprosy patients on Hawaii’s Molokai peninsula in the late 1880s, soon after the death of Father Damien, who was canonized in 2009. During the November meeting of the US Bishops a decision was made to add her to the calendar Tekakwitha, who lived from 1656-1680 in the U.S. and Canada, became the first Native American to be beatified in 1980.

O Antiphons

Today we begin using the O Antiphons, one on each day between now and Christmas.  The popular Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is based on the O Antiphons and can be made to fit the days beginning with verse 2 and saving verse 1 for the last day.

The “O Antiphons” of the Roman Catholic liturgy are short verses sung before the Magnificat for Evening Prayer of the seven days preceding the vigil of Christmas.  Called the “O Antiphons” because each begins with the interjection “O”, their opening words are: O Sapientia, O Adonai, O Radix Jesse, O Clavis David, O Oriens, O Rex Gentium, O Emmanuel.  Each is addressed to Christ under one of his Scriptural titles and each concludes with a petition to the coming Lord.  An interesting acrostic occurs when the first letter of each invocation is taken in reverse order: ERO CRAS.  The phrase spells out the response of Christ to the heartfelt prayer of his people:  “Tomorrow I will be there.”

Fourth Sunday of Advent

This weekend we hear the story of the Annunciation.  St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a 12^th century Cistercian who had a great devotion to Mary.  He imagines the moment between Gabriel’s announcement and Mary’s response in this way: 

You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us.

The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all came to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life.

Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin, in their exile from Paradise. Abraham begs it, David begs it. All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet. It is right in doing so, for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned, indeed, salvation for all the sons of Adam, the whole of your race.

Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.

Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator. See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.

Santa Lucia

Happy St. Lucy Day!  We don't know much about this woman who, although her name means "light", is shrouded in the murkiness of history.  In today's Office of Readings our selection was from St. Amrbose, "On Virginity."  He writes, "When you are in your room at night, think always on Christ and wait for his coming at every moment.  This is the person Christ has loved in loving you, the person he has chosen in choosing you.  He enters by the open door; he has promised to come in, and he cannot deceive.  Embrace him, the one you have sought; turn to him, and be enlightened; hold him fast, ask him not to go in haste, beg him not to leave you.  The Word of God moves swiftly; he is not won by the lukewarm, nor held fast by the negligent.  Let your soul be attenitve to his word; follow carefully the path God tells you to take, for he is swift in his passing."

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Let not your heart be disturbed.
Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sicknes or anguish. Am I not here, who is your mother ? Are you not under my protection ?Am I not your health ? Are you not happily within my fold ? What else do you wish ? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.
~ tradition, Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego ~

The Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete

Here is a version of the story I shared at Mass this weekend.  The Messiah is among us but in disguise.  Who could it be?

There was once an old monastry which had lost its inspiration. The same routines were perfomed as they always had been, but there were no new novices and little enthusiasm for the rites of prayer. The abbot saw all this and grieved. At a loss as to how to change things, he paid a visit to an old hermit who lived deep in the forest. After they had eaten together, the recluse addressed the abbot.
"You and your brothers have lost the fire of God. You come seeking wisdom from me. I will tell you a secret, but you can only repeat it once. After that, no one must say it aloud again." The hermit looked deep into the eyes of the abbot and said "The Messiah is among you". They were both silent as the abbot considered the importance of this saying. "Now you must leave" said the hermit.
Returning to the monastry the abbot called all the monks together and told them he had a teaching that had been given by God. He added that it was never to be said aloud again. The the abbot looked at each of his brothers, and said, "The hermit says that one of us is the Messiah."
The monks were startled. "Is John with the big nose the Messiah? Or Father Matthew who falls asleep at prayer? Am I the Messiah?" But puzzled as they were they never repeated the saying again.
As time went by the monks began to treat one another with a special love and reverence. There was a gentle, whole hearted, human quality about them now which was hard to describe but easy to see. They lived with each other as those who had finally found something of significance. The words were carefully considered. Who could tell when they were speaking to the Messiah?
Before long, the vitality of the monastry attracted many visitors and young men began asking to join the community. The old hermit died without revealing anymore, and the abbot sometimes wondered if he had understood correctly.

(The statue is of John the Baptist and is found in the baptistry at St. John's Abbey Church in Collegeville, MN.)

Happy Patronal Feast

The U.S. Bishops petitioned the Vatican to name Mary, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, as patroness of the United States. Pope Pius IX did so a decade before he officially proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This beautiful feast reminds us that God's care for us goes beyond the normal boundaries and encompasses all of history. What a risk God took in allowing Mary to participate in the saving actions of her son as she was conceived. But Mary proved worthy of the trust as she said a simple, "Yes" to God's invitation to be the Theotokos - The God Bearer.
The photo is the altarpiece in the chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the North American College in Rome. It depicts Mary surrounded by dancing angels.

An anonymous 13th century poet wrote this beautiful "Hymn to the Virgin." It was famously set to music by Benjamin Britten when he was only 16 years old and it remains one of his most accomplished works.

Of one that is so fair and bright Velut maris stella (like the star of the sea),
Brighter than the day is light, Parens et puella: (mother and girl)
I cry to thee, thou see to me, Lady, pray thy Son for me, Tam pia, (how holy)
That I might come to thee Maria.

All this world was forlorn Eva peccatrice (Eve, the sinner),Till our Lord was y-born De te genetrice (from you was born)
With ave it went away Darkest night and comes the day Salutis (health);
The well springeth out of thee, Virtutis (virtue).

Lady, flower of everything, Rose sine spina (rose without thorns),
Thou bear Jesu, heavens king, Gratia divina (by divine grace):
Of all thou bearst the prize, Lady, queen of paradise Electa (chosen):
Maid mild, mother es Effecta (it is accomplished).

The boundaries of faith

What boundaries do you put on your faith? Today's gospel was the story of the paralytic who was brought to Jesus. When the crowd proved to great, his friends opened up the roof and let him down! That led me to two questions today: How far will I go to come face-to-face with Jesus? How far will I go to bring others face-to-face with Jesus?

Happy Anniversary, SC!

Yesterday, December 4 was the 48th anniversary of the promulgation of the Second Vatican Council's first document. It was Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. The Bishops, gathered in ecumenical council, recognized the ancient principal, lex orandi, lex credendi (the law of prayer, the law of belief). Just as our faith shapes the way we pray, in a more profound way the way we pray shapes our experience of God and therefore our belief.

Pope Benedict has established next year as a "Year of Faith." It will prepare us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. It will be a wonderful time to revisit the teachings of the Council and to see how we might integrate them more deeply into our lives. Watch for ways that the Diocese will engage us in this reflection in the upcoming "Year of Faith."

Lord, I am not worthy. . .

If you went to Mass yesterday morning you heard the Gospel reading of Jesus and the centurion who came so that his servant could be healed. It includes the beautiful statement of faith that is now again part of our translation of the invitation to Communion. "Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof. . ." One of the benefits of the new translation is that we will discover many places where a reference is made to Scripture.

How did it go?

How was your parish role-out of the new translation of the Roman Missal? At my parishes it went pretty well. Some stumbles from the priest (me!) and some from the assembly but everyone seemed patient with one another and we could laugh off our mistakes. Time will make these responses more automatic (in a good way) as we take them into our heart. I would love to hear your experiences. Feel free to comment.

The Peaceable Kingdom

Some years ago I became fascinated by an early American painting of the peaceable kingdom. It was by Edward Hicks and I discovered that it hangs in the Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts. Some friends and I were in the area and made a detour to see this painting. It is a depiction of the text from today's first reading which speaks of God's restoration of the original beauty and order of creation when all was at peace. Many early American hymn texts and paintings were based on this same theme. Here is a link to contemporary Minnesota composer Carol Barnett's setting of an old fugueing tune, McKay. It starts simply but grows in ecstasy as various voices repeat and are laid over one another. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=GyJC45hXF7E

And away we go!

Tonight we will be using the entire new translation of the Roman Missal for the first time. How did it go in your parish? I did some extra work on it this afternoon but still don't feel one hundred percent. Good thing the Holy Spirit is in the picture.

Belshazzar's Feast

In today's first reading we hear the story of Belshazzar's Feast when he brought the vessels from the Temple to be used in his party. A hand appears writing on the wall. The prophet Daniel interprets them as a condemnation of Belshezzar's rule and the coming destruction of his empire.

William Walton wrote a wonderful piece based on this Biblical story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EO6J386KygA

Final Catechesis from our parish

Here is the final bit of catechesis we did at Mass last Sunday. Feel free to use it as you wish. As people use the text new questions may arise. After all, we can prepare for something but in the experience different questions come forward and we would like some follow up. Why not ask your parish leadership groups to reflect on the new translation after it has been used for a couple of weeks. Is there additional catechesis that would be helpful?

Next week we begin using our new translation of the prayers for Mass. We have been reflecting on the changes over the past few months. This week we would like to conclude these reflections with a few words on the changes to the Introduction to Communion. The priest will introduce Communion with the invitation, “Behold the Lamb of God, Behold him who take away the sins of the world. Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.” The most significant change here comes in the invitation to “the Supper of the Lamb” instead of “his Supper.” The new terminology reminds us that what we gather to celebrate is both rooted in history as we fulfill the Lord’s command at the Last Supper, “Do this in memory of me” and is a foretaste of what is to come. The Book of Revelation speaks of the Supper of the Lamb as the Banquet at which the faithful will gather at the end of time. So our Eucharist in the present both reflects the Last Supper and the future banquet. All time is united in the Mass.
Your response will become, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” This response is based in the response of a Biblical story in which a centurion asks Jesus to cure his servant. When Jesus tells the centurion that he will come and do so the centurion responds that he is not worthy that Jesus should come to his house but that he has confidence that whatever Jesus asks of God will be done. This simple statement of faith by a pagan is a powerful indication of where we place our trust. It is a fitting way for those of us who believe to prepare ourselves to receive our Lord and Savior under the forms of bread and wine.
Finally, a word about the new response, “And with your spirit” which will replace, “And also with you.” Narsai of Nisibis tells us that this does not refer to the soul of the priest but to the Spirit which he received in ordination. It is by virtue of this ordination that we are given the power to preside at the Mass and, through the power of the Spirit, transform the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. So the response is an acknowledgement of the special function of the priest as celebrant when we gather to worship.

What does the new translation of the Roman Missal mean for other celebrations?

Questions arise as to what impact the new translation of the Missal will have on other celebrations of the sacraments or devotional prayer. The Bishops discussed this at their November meeting. Although at this time no official statement has been made the prevailing view seems to be that wherever there is a new translation in the Roman Missal of a prayer that should replace what is in the ritual book.

An example of this would be the Rite of Marriage. In the new translation we find Collects and Nuptial Blessings but not the blessing of the rings or vows formula. In celebrating a wedding, whether during Mass or outside of Mass these new translations would be used.

During a funeral Mass the new translation of the base prayers can be used but the prayers with a more specific focus (for a married couple, for one who committed suicide, for a parent) could continue to be used. This may require some flipping about but I think it can be accomplished with minimal disruption.

You will also notice that there are new translations of the Renuciation of Sin and Profession of Faith in the Missal (at Easter Vigil) as well as a new translation of one of the prayers of Blessing over the Baptismal Water. I think, following the above logic, that those could be substituted as well.

I wish you well in your implementation of the new translation this weekend. Let's be patient with one another as we move forward with this important moment in our celebration.

Happy St. Cecilia Day!

A special shout out to all of our liturgical musicians on our patronal feast day. Thank you for using your gifts and talents to help us give fitting praise and worship to God. Without you our prayer would be impoverished.

Catechesis from our parish

This week we did another catechetical piece on the new translation. It was on the Creed. Feel free to use these materials as you see fit.

The Nicene Creed, which we say at Mass each Sunday was composed at the Council of Nicea in 325 in response to a series of heresies which gave false teaching about the nature of Jesus. There were some who said that Jesus was a good man that God used to spread his word but that Jesus was not God. Others taught that Jesus was God who only appeared to be a human. The Church’s teaching was that Jesus was both God and man. The emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicea to clarify the Church’s teaching so that the empire would not be pulled apart over religious differences.
The Fathers of the Council composed the creed as a summary of what the Church taught about the nature of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. For the last 1700 years it has formed the continued standard by which we judge truth and error when it comes to the nature of the Trinity.
Because the creed is so important the Church has always been very careful about the ways that the creed has been translated. In the new translation of the Roman Missal we will have new expressions through which we witness to the ancient faith of the Church. Let’s touch on three points. The first is the change from “We believe” to “I believe.” The original Latin word is “Credo” which literally means, “I believe.” The present translation changed this to “we believe” to emphasize that this is the faith of all of us. Now the emphasis will be on the fact that each of us is called to embrace the various teachings found in the creed and make them our own.
The second point has to do with the word “consubstantial” which is found in the series of teachings about Jesus. This word means “one in being” or “having the same substance.” It is an affirmation of what we believe about Jesus as God. That God the Father and God the Son share the same divine nature.
The third point is the use of the word “incarnate” which means to take on flesh. This affirms that Jesus was truly human. It complements the word “consubstantial” and together they point to the teaching of the Church about the divine and human natures of Jesus. These words will take some getting used to but they help us be more precise about what we believe about Jesus and the Holy Trinity and that will be a good thing.

Only two weeks left

This morning I used Eucharistic Prayer III in its present translation for one of the last times. Next week I will probably use EP I since it is Christ the King. I find it interesting to reflect on how I feel as this chapter in the liturgical reform moves to its next phase. I have been praying these prayers for the 26 years of my priesthood and many of them have become like good friends. Words, phrases, prayers that have become meaningful to me over the years. I will miss some of them. But in my preparation for using the new translation I also see new words, phrases and prayers that are very beautiful and I know that the Spirit will help them become new prayers of my heart.

I am giving my final three talks on the Roman Missal this week. Two in Owatonna and one in Stewartville. It has been an inspiration to me how folks are embracing the new translation even though we have not yet experienced it fully. There are hesitations. Some are resistent. But overall I think that we are ready. In my homily this weekend I spoke of the risk that two of the servants took in their stewardship of the master's money and the fear that was the response of the third. We are taking a risk in introducing these changes and there may be some fear and trepidation that goes along with it. But we partner with the Spirit in this endeavor so we know that good will come from our cooperation in trying to make the Mass as beautiful as possible.

Blessing the New Roman Missal

Liturgy Training Publications has provided a free PDF download of a blessing for the new Roman Missal which can be used during or outside of Mass. It is adapted from one of the blessings in the Book of Blessings. Go to revisedromanmissal.org and click on the Resources tab. Find "free downloads" and click. There are several nice resources there. The blessing is the first one.

Masses with Children

A number of questions have come our way about the Eucharistic Prayers and Lectionary for Masses with Children. A decision was made not to include the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children in the new Roman Missal.

At the National Meeting of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions we heard a report from the Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship. They shared the following:

Permission to print the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children has been granted by the Holy See. This permission was received earlier this summer. They will be published as a supplement to the Roman Missal and the expectation is that they will be available by Advent this year.

Also in this supplement will be the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A few made their way into the Missal but the majority of them will be in this supplement.

We also learned that the Lectionary for Masses with Children was sent to the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome several years ago and we are awaiting word on their approval. In the meantime, you can continue to use the present translation of the Lectionary for Children with the newly translated Eucharistic Prayers when they come out.

Update

The Roman Missals from the USCCB have (finally!) arrived. In fact, the Diocesan Pastoral Center worked together to get the 47 boxes into the basement from which we will sort them and get them out to parishes.

Our plan is to work through the deans. We hope to have them to the deans in time for the November meetings. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to call.

We are still waiting

The shipment of Roman Missals from the USCCB has not yet arrived. They were to have been shipped at the beginning of October. I asked Janice Market, my secretary, to check to see when they would arrive. We will be getting them into our parishes as quickly as possible.

Off to the National Meeting of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions

Tomorrow morning I leave for the National Meeting of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. Established by the U.S. Bishops after the Second Vatican Council, the FDLC (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions) has offered expertise and practical experience in the celebration of the liturgy. It comes together each year to study and to discuss position statements which are voted on during the meeting.

This year the theme is multi-cultural liturgy. As we look around our diocese we see parishioners coming from an increasingly diverse set of cultures. We have Asians, Africans, Hispanics and many others. How does this shape the liturgical life of our communities? It will be interesting to hear the presentations and to reflect with liturgical leaders from across the country and learn from their experience of liturgy celebrated with many cultures.

Catechesis from our parish

Our parish used the following after Communion this weekend to help explain one of the changes to the translation of the Mass. I thought it fit well with the Gospel of the Wedding Feast of the King's Son. Feel free to use it if it is helpful. I will post more as we do them.

We are beginning to provide information and background on some of the upcoming changes in the translation of the Mass. From time to time we will use the period after Communion to share some of the changes we can expect and why the changes are being made.

The first thing to remember is that it is the same Mass with different words. We are not going back to Latin and you will not see significant changes to the way we celebrate Mass. What you will notice is a more formal, elevated style of speaking and praying. The goals of the new translation are to be more faithful to the Latin original of our prayers and to uncover some of the biblical references that we find throughout the Mass.

One change that will be challenging takes place during the Institution Narrative (the words of Jesus at the Last Supper) during which the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. For almost 40 years we have been saying: “Take this all of you and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.” The change to this prayer will replace the phrase, “shed for you and for all” to “poured out for you and for many.” Does this mean that we no longer believe that Jesus came to save all people? No.

The Church has always taught that the saving act of Jesus was open to all. But we find in the Scriptural accounts of the Last Supper the words of Jesus are better translated as “for many” rather than “for all.” Remember that one goal of the new translation is to uncover the Scriptural riches of the Mass and here is one place where a more restrictive word better captures the Biblical sense.

So, how should we understand this? In the Gospel today, the invitation of the king was extended to all, just like the gift of salvation. However, many who were invited refused to receive the gift just as there are many who reject the gift of salvation from Christ. The invitation is universal, the response is not.

When we hear this new translation of the Institution Narrative at Mass we would do well to remember that the gift of salvation is a free gift to us, but that for the gift to be truly effective we must accept it and not turn our back on the invitation.

Dynamic or Formal Equivalence - what is the difference?

Thanks to Fr. Tim Reker for putting me on to this great little video which explains the difference between dynamic and formal equivalence (the two ways of translating text) in a fun way. Although it is designed for middle school students it will be enjoyable for adults as well.

http://vimeo.com/25418061

Here is a similar video targeted to high school students.
http://vimeo.com/25418957

Ask, Seek, Knock

At today's Mass we heard Jesus tell us: "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Michael Haydn set those words in a delightful way:
http://youtu.be/K66U5gTnv_4

Did your parish start the new musical texts?

Bishop Quinn has given permission, in concert with the USCCB, to begin using the sung texts of the Gloria, Holy, Holy and Memorial Acclamations. Did your parish begin using them this week? At this week's presbyteral gathering I took a little informal poll and it showed that some parishes have begun using all three texts, some have begun with one text and will add more as weeks progress and others have not yet started using settings of the new texts.

If you did, how did it go? At my 7:30 a.m. Mass I was struck by how fully the congregation was singing the Lamb of God. It was inspiring.

Add your comments about how it went.

In my hands - how exciting

Yesterday I went to a presentation by Frs. Michael Joncas and Anthony Ruff, OSB, on singing in the liturgy, especially as it relates to the new Missal.

Fr. Joncas had a copy of the new Missal, hot off the presses. It was a beautiful looking book. The paper was substantial and the whole thing looked and felt very solid. I believe that the Missals will be shipped next week so that they arrive around October 1. Those who ordered Missals through the Diocese will receive theirs as we are able to get them out. To save on costs we will try to have them at various functions so you don't have to pay postage.

Happy Feast Day

Happy Feast Day to all of the Matthews out there.

From today's Gospel (according to Matthew!)

As Jesus passed by,he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.He said to him, "Follow me."And he got up and followed him.While he was at table in his house,many tax collectors and sinners cameand sat with Jesus and his disciples.The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples,"Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"He heard this and said,"Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.Go and learn the meaning of the words,I desire mercy, not sacrifice.I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Saint John's Bible Complete

Last week, Saint John's Abbey announced that the first hand written Bible in 500 years was complete. This 10 year, multi-million dollar project has captured the imagination of many people. I have featured some of the stunning artwork from this Bible in earlier posts.

An exhibition of the most recently completed pages is at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. I saw a similar exhibition of other portions of the Bible some years ago and cannot wait to see the new pages. Pictures do not do justice to the vibrant colors and design. If you get a chance, see the exhibit. You won't be disappointed.

Congratulations to the monks of Saint John's Abbey for sponsoring this incredible project. To Donald Jackson, lead calligrapher, and all those who gave their talents to this work, thank you for committing yourselves to this monumental work.

A great set of videos on implementing the new translation

Vicki Klima, at Pax Christi Parish in Eden Prairie, has put together a great set of videos about the various parts of the Mass and the new translation. Check them out at the link.
http://www.paxchristi.com/ltutpvideolist.aspx

Haven't Ordered your Missals yet?

If you haven't ordered your new Roman Missals yet, you can check with the following sources:

1. Catholic Book Publishing: Altar Cloth bound Edition ($129), Deluxe Leatherbound Edition ($159) and Chapel clothbound Edition ($79)


2. Liturgical Press: http://www.theromanmissal.org/RomanMissal.html


3. Liturgy Training Publications: Ritual edition ($175) and Chapel edition ($95); Regal Edition ($500)


4. Magnificat: http://www.magnificat.com/missal/index.asp


5. Midwest Theological Forum: Missale Romanum ($499)


6. USCCB Publishing: Ritual Edition, ($169) and the Chapel Edition ($115).


7. World Library Publications: left, Value Edition ($195); right, Deluxe Edition ($395)

The Have Arrived!

On the other blog I recommended, Gotta Sing, Gotta Pray, Jerry Galipeau posted some pictures of the pallets of new Missals that had just arrived in their warehouse. The will be sent out soon for arrival in parishes around October 1.

From the Twin Cities Mass Settings Blog

I recently recommended this blog as an interesting source of reflection on the music that will be used in the newly translated Missal. Here are his thoughts and some links on helping children to learn about the new Missal.

A while back, I mentioned I would post some resources on the forthcoming Roman Missal geared to children and youth. In fairness, I need to thank my wife Wendy for alerting me to some of these.This first link feartures some resources from Benziger for deepening understanding of the Eucharistic liturgy and the revised Mass texts. The site also includes textbook updates and additional catechetical resources from the “Blest Are We” textbook series. http://www.rclbenziger.com/Pages/Item/2079/Roman-Missal.aspx
Here are some resources from Liturgy Training Publications, also the publisher of “What’s New About the Mass” booklets and teacher guides for both elementary and teen age students:http://www.revisedromanmissal.org/ and activity sheets: http://revisedromanmissal.org/Portals/9/Resources_Images/WNM_FiB.pdf
My friend and colleague Denise Anderson was responsible for seeing through to completion two items from Ligori Publications. One is a concise guide to the Revised Roman Missal for adults written by our own Fr. Joe Weiss, SJ of St. Thomas More Parish, and the other is a delightful short guide for children:http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=11905http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=11906
Two by Fr. Paul Turner. The first was written for use in New Zealand: “New Words. Deeper Meaning. Same Mass” www.catholic.org.nz/_uploads/_ckpg/files/Missal%20Catechesis%20Guide.pdfHere he is addressing twelve of the most common concerns regarding the translation: http://www.dsj.org/being-catholic/worship/roman-missal/articles-bulletin-inserts-and-faqs
Notre Dame Center for Liturgy has some webinars: http://liturgy.nd.edu/web-catechesis
Loyola Press has brief information on their textbook page, and a webinar on the changes:www.loyolapress.com/the-roman-missal-translation-something-old-something-new.htmalso: www.loyolapress.com/roman-missal-webinar-explains-changes-in-catholic-mass.htm
The Liturgical Catechsist offers resources and videos: http://theliturgicalcatechist.weebly.com/roman-missal.html
Most of all, keep steering people to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org/romanmissal
And don't forget the local archdiocesan site: http://www.archspm.org/departments/worship/roman-missal.php

Changes to the People's parts of the Mass

As we continue to prepare for the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal you might want to check out a comparison of the changes to the people's parts of the Mass. You will notice that some are fairly significant and others less so. Begin practicing now so you can be a leader in the prayer of your community.


http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/samples-people.shtml

Some helpful blogs

I enjoy reading various blogs about liturgy and the new translation of the Roman Missal. Here are two that I find helpful.

The first is by Michael Silhavy who works for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He talks about various Mass settings and how he is using them in his parish. He and his wife Wendy, who is also a liturgical musician, work in parishes in the Twin Cities.

http://tcromanmissal.blogspot.com/

The second is by Jerry Galipeau from World Library Publications. His blog, Gotta Sing, Gotta Pray, features what he calls "Translation Tuesday and Thursday" when he focuses on issues surrounding the new translation. You might remember Jerry's popular song, "On the Wings of Change."

http://gottasinggottapray.blogspot.com/

A Diocesan Mass

I met with Jim Ballard, director of music at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart this morning to talk about a Mass setting that we would use at Diocesan Masses. We chose the Mass for Christian Unity by Jan Vermulst and published by World Library Publications.

This is a revised setting and some of you may remember it from the past. It was one of the two early, popular settings of the Mass. The Holy, Holy from Vermulst's People's Mass has retained it's popularity but the Mass for Christian Unity fell into disuse.

It is a strong setting and one that will enhance our Diocesan Celebrations. If you are looking for a second Mass setting this would be a good one to choose so that when we come together we can sing well.

Who do you say that I am?

According to John Pilch in "The Cultural World of Jesus: Sunday by Sunday, Cycle A", in the Mediterranean world of Jesus’ time, people were relational to such an extent that they had no sense of their individuality but depended on the opinions of others to help them know who they were. So, Jesus question to his disciples in today's Gospel is not a “theology quiz” for his followers. Rather Jesus is curious about how others see him. He needs feedback because he does not know who he is and he is trying to learn this from significant others in his life. This may seem strange to us who have grown up with the idea that Jesus is all-knowing. But remember, just last week we heard Jesus struggle with the boundaries of his mission – was he sent just to Israelites or did God’s mercy extend to Syro-Phoenician women and other outsiders.

As I reflected on this new understanding I wondered if this story is not meant to be a kind of mirror for us. In his historical understanding, Jesus came to know himself through what others were saying about him. What if we, too, come to know ourselves from what another says of us? I’m not talking about being worried about rumors and the false impressions that our friends, neighbors and colleagues might have of us. I am talking about gaining our identity from Jesus himself. It is as if we echo back the question of Jesus – “who do you say that I am?”

By looking to him and asking the question, “who do you say that I am” we discover the God-given answer to our identity – you are my beloved son, my beloved daughter. This is has been the consistent message of the pontificate of Pope Benedict. He has been proposing that we turn to Jesus in whom we will find happiness and identity. In his remarks just prior to World Youth Day he said, “Christian faith is not only a matter of believing that certain things are true, but above all a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an encounter with the Son of God that gives new energy to the whole of our existence. When we enter into a personal relationship with him, Christ reveals our true identity and, in friendship with him, our life grows towards complete fulfillment.”

Some resources on the new translation for young people

Liturgy Training Publications has a website with lots of resources for introducing the new translation of the Roman Missal. They are short and use young people to talk about the upcoming changes. They may be used in your programs without additional permission. The videos are in the media section but check out the downloadables too.

http://revisedromanmissal.org/Resources.aspx

General Instruction of the Roman Missal

In addition to a new translation of the prayer texts in the Roman Missal the General Instruction has also been given a new translation. Here is a link to the USCCB website and the revised text.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal

The Making of a Roman Missal

Did you ever wonder how a Roman Missal is made? The Catholic Herald in the United Kingdom has an interesting article on how the Missals are being fabricated. I suspect that publishers in this country are using a similar process. I recently read that World Library has received their advance copies of the new Missal. Remember, nothing may be shipped until October.

These are the hands making your Missal CatholicHerald.co.uk

The Solemnity of the Assumption

Because it falls on a Monday this year, there is no obligation to attend Mass attached to the Solemnity of the Assumption. Parishes are encouraged to celebrate a Mass on this day, even if there is not a regularly scheduled Monday Mass.

Join us for the Harvest Mass

On Sunday the Diocese will celebrate the annual Harvest Mass.

19320 Hwy 74 SE, Chatfield, MN 55923 (map)
2011 Harvest Mass
Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 4:00 PM*

The Hinckley Farm
19320 Hwy 74 SE
Chatfield, MN 55923

Meal: Chicken, choice of Italian pasta salad or coleslaw, garden veggies, watermelon, roll, homemade desserts, milk & coffee.
$6.00 for chicken meal
$4.00 kids 12 and under hot dog meal

Entertainment following Mass
Homemade goodies to purchase
Kids games & calves to pet in nursery
Old Territory Rd and Stagecoach Bridge to visit

Directions: Map Link
From east: take I 90 West, Exit 233, head south 8 miles. Farm is on left
From west: Take I 90 East, Exit 233, head south 8 miles. Farm is on left.

*This will be a Sunday Mass. Since it falls on a Monday this year, the Solemnity of the Assumption of our Lady is not a Holy Day of Obligation.

Walking on Water

Chaos and Death. Waves and Fear. That is where we find the disciples in today’s Gospel. Jesus has sent them ahead in a boat and they are engulfed by a storm. These disciples, some of whom are fishermen and accustomed to the unpredictability of the sea are frightened. It must have been quite a storm. In the midst of the chaos, in the midst of their fear they spy Jesus, who, Matthew tells us, is coming to them – walking on the water. You would think they would be comforted but instead we get deeper fear – even terror – “It is a ghost” they think. And they cry out. Jesus speaks – “Take courage, it is I; Do not be afraid.”

Feast of the Transfiguration

The Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus commemorates a singular event in His life when his disciples came to know who this Jesus really is. What the gospel authors describe for us with the appearance of Moses and Elijah and the dazzling white garment are not things that the Father does to change Jesus but rather to reveal who Jesus is “on the inside,” at the depth of his being. In other words, the transfiguration of Jesus is not something that gets added to who Jesus is but rather shows us who he is. And that was important for the disciples who were having to come to grips with the fact that Jesus would soon die. They needed a word of hope and encouragement to get them through the difficult time ahead.
In the transfiguration of Christ, what God was saying to Peter, James and John was that they should not be deceived by their apparently human rabbi, nor by his impending trial and execution. “Don’t judge this book by its cover,” God seems to be saying to the disciples. “See a deeper reality that is nothing less than God among you, salvation happening before you.” The voice from the cloud in today’s gospel tells them and us: “This is my Son, my chosen one, listen to him.”

Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Mary Major in Rome

Today the Church celebrates the anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. Built in the 5th century in celebration of the defining of the dogma of Mary as Mother of God (theotokos) it was built on a site on the Esquiline Hill on which snow appeared on this date in Rome. August in Rome is hot, humid and smoggy. So snow in August would be a miracle.

The Basilica contains the traditional relics of the crib in which Jesus was born.

Sergei Rachmaninoff wrote a beautiful setting of the Orthodox Vespers. Here is the Bogoroditse Devo, essentially the "Hail Mary".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tu9moIJ3uM&feature=player_detailpage

Last Music Reading Session this Saturday

Our final music reading session on the new translation of the Roman Missal will be on Saturday at St. Francis Church in Rochester. We begin at 10 a.m. with registration at 9:30. We have almost 80 signed up already. Come and join us.

With Finest Wheat

Last Sunday we had the beautiful passage in which Jesus feeds the 5000 (not counting women and children!). I am struck that Matthew is not primarily interested in the miracle but in the parallel to the manna in the desert when God fed the people in their wandering. In a place of death, the God of life is revealed in the abundance of the gift.

Here is a beautiful setting of a portion of the responsorial Psalm by Jean Berger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv4pcothYZ8&feature=player_detailpage

Last week and this, Jesus gives us parables about seeds and sowers. God sows the word and is determined to attract us. As we heard last week, our response to that word varies. Sometimes we respond wholeheartedly and sometimes we are more ambivalent. And then we look around and see all of those whose lives indicate that they have not embraced the Gospel. We see those who live selfishly so they can get ahead. Who cheat their way to the top. Whose moral life is a scandal. Who don’t go to church. And sometimes we have to admit they seem pretty happy. And the doubt begins to gnaw at us – maybe we should give in to temptation and we would be happier. Or maybe we wonder why God doesn’t smite them.

But then we look at our life and notice those inconsistencies. The times we were lukewarm about our faith. The times we did not act in moral or ethical ways. The areas of our lives where we allow sinfulness to reign. And then we realize that we are blessed by the patience of our God. We too, benefit when God does not exact swift judgment and punishment. We realize that our lives are a work in progress – and so are the lives of the people around us. So, before we get out our pens and paper and start our list of those we consider weeds in the garden of the Lord we will look into our own heart, recognize our own need for God’s healing and thank the Lord for his mercy.

Bishop approves early introduction of sung parts of the newly translated Mass

Bishop Quinn has approved the early introduction of the newly translated Gloria, Holy and Memorial Acclamations when they are sung. If these texts are not sung the present translation is to be used. And of course, since the Gospel Acclamation and Great Amen have not changed new settings of those may be introduced as well.

This early introduction was proposed by the Bishops' Commitee on Divine Worship and approved by Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The priests of the Diocese will get a copy of the letter from Archbishop Aymond containing the permission in the coming weeks.

One of the intents is to allow communities to gradually introduce and learn the new translation. This will be especially useful with the Gloria which otherwise would be practiced and then not used until Immaculate Conception and Christmas. With this earlier introduction we will be able to sing with joy and confidence when the Gloria arrives at Christmas.

Next Saturday is our second music reading session. Join us at St. Mary's in Worthington. Pre-registration helps us prepare materials but if your plans change and you can come at the last minute don't hesitate to do so.

Music Reading Session

Thanks to all who attended the music reading session on Saturday. Over 50 people gathered to read through music from several publishers. It was great to be together. We have a priest visiting from India for the mission appeal and he wanted to know if everyone knew the music already since they sang so well! The next sessions will be Saturday, July 23 at St. Mary, Worthington and August 6 at St. Francis, Rochester. Registration is $10.00 per parish so bring as many as you wish.

The Sower Went Out to Sow

Waste and failure. That is what we have in the parable Jesus tells us today. All the seed and the farmer’s hard work have produced nothing. This was Jesus’ experience in his own ministry. At first there was lots of excitement at his wise teachings and miraculous cures; later growing signs of hostility and rejection, which eventually led to his condemnation and death. Jesus’ efforts for the reign of God, like the farmer’s for the harvest, seemed to end only in waste and failure. But the story’s conclusion brings a sudden contrast. Some of the seed falls on good soil and yields grain a hundred- or sixty- or thirty-fold. A twenty-fold yield was considered a bumper crop in those days. But Jesus describes a harvest that exceeds this figure by as much as five times. Jesus knew that in spite of all the waste and failture, an abundant harvest, indeed a mega-harvest, is certain.
The failure of most of the farmer’s efforts shows that much does not turn out right in human life. Much of Jesus’ work looked like failure. But no farmer has failed to reap a good crop because there were bare patches in the field. In spite of the waste and failure, the harvest is plentiful, thanks to God alone.
Jesus message today is one of encouragement in the midst of defeat and failure. So much of the Church’s work seems wasted. Our own efforts to live as sisters and brothers of Jesus Christ, to be his living and life-giving disciples, end time and time again in failure. Will we ever make progress, we wonder?
The abandon with which the sower scatters his seed reflects the abandon with which God spreads His word before us. He knows there will be those who do not listen. He knows there will be those who do not respond. He knows there will be those who turn away. But again and again God speaks a word of promise, of hope, of challenge. We may, at times discover that all four kinds of soil are within each of us: hardened, rocky, weed-infested, and also productive. But Jesus encourages us to have confident hope in spite of failure. “Have patience and faith,” he tells us. “Do your God-given work for God and others. Sow the seed of holiness in every part of your life. Leave the rest to God. The harvest is certain. When it comes, it will be greater than you can possibly imagine. When the time comes, it will be greater than you can possibly imagine.” Why? Because this harvest really depends on God, not on us.

Join us

The first of the new Missal music reading sessions is tomorrow at St. Joseph in Owatonna. Over 50 people have signed up and the packets are together and ready to go. If you are in the area join us at 10 a.m.

The next sessions will be on Saturday, July 23 at St. Mary in Worthington and August 6 at St. Francis in Rochester.

"My Yoke is Easy." Is it?

Jesus says that his yoke is easy and his burden is light, but this may not be entirely true. The burden Jesus alludes to are the demands of the law, and instead of preaching permissiveness, Jesus usually intensifies the demands. So it may not be that his burden actually is lighter; rather, it feels lighter once we have put on his yoke. Remember, oxen are usually yoked together to pull a load. The yoke Jesus offers us is one he also wears. Side by side we are to walk, watching and doing as Jesus does. Side by side we are to learn by his grace the way of gentle humility until one day we too may soar the celestial heights.

Steven P. Brey and Lynda C. Ward. AT HOME WITH THE WORD, 1999: SUNDAY SCRIPTURES AND REFLECTIONS. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1998, page 107

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCtoarLpupM&feature=player_detailpage

Update on Implementing the New Music for the Missal

At their summer meeting, the Bishops agreed to allow the introduction of the new sung parts of the Mass beginning in September if approved by the local Bishop. Bishop Quinn as agreed to allow this in the Diocese of Winona. We are looking at a single date in the later part of September so we can learn the new music and all can begin the implementation together.

Don't forget to include your school and religious education programs in learning the new music and planning for the implementation of the rest of the Missal on November 27.

Our music reading sessions are coming soon:
July 9 at St. Joseph's in Owatonna
July 23 at St. Mary's in Worthington
August 6 at St. Francis in Rochester.

We are charging a parish fee rather than individual registration. Each registered parish will receive a packet containing resources from GIA, OCP, World Library and Liturgical Press.

I look forward to seeing you there.

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

This weekend we celebrate the transferred Solemnity of Corpus Christi. We celebrate the gift of the Eucharist. Blessed John Paul II opens his enyclical on the Eucharist with the words: "The Church draws her life from the Eucharist." In times past processions with the Blessed Sacraments passed through the streets of towns across the world. How many of our parishes have continued this tradition?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjyFJBABHFw&feature=player_detailpage

Trinity Sunday

Today we celebrate Trinity Sunday. While all of the theological details can be difficult to grasp, we very easily invoke the Trinity each time we make the sign of the cross. When Jesus called God, “Father,” he revealed that at the very heart of God’s nature is the fact that God is a family. That is what we mean when we talk about the Trinity. When we name God, Father, Son, and Spirit, we are reminding ourselves that it is of God’s very nature to be in relationship - and not only in relationship within the Trinity, but in relationship with us.

Update on Implementation of the Roman Missal

BELLEVUE, Washington—Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Divine Worship, announced that diocesan bishops may permit the gradual introduction of the musical settings of the people’s parts of the Mass from the new Roman Missal in September. Primarily this affects the the Gloria, the Holy, Holy, Holy and the Memorial Acclamations.
This variation to the implementation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, set to take place all at once on November 27, was authorized by USCCB president, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, and adopted by the committee to allow parish communities to learn the various parts of the new translation “in a timely fashion and an even pace.”
The Committee on Divine Worship made the decision in response to requests from several bishops, echoed by the National Advisory Council. Some suggested that the various acclamations could be more effectively introduced throughout the fall, so that when the full Missal is implemented on the First Sunday of Advent, the congregation will have already become familiar with the prayers that are sung.“I ask you to encourage this as a means of preparing our people and helping them embrace the new translation,” Archbishop Gregory told the bishops. The announcement took place June 16, during the U.S. bishops Spring Assembly near Seattle.

New Music to be allowed sooner?

I just read a post on Rocco Palmo's Twitter feed from the USCCB Spring meeting which stated that the new musical settings of the Mass will be allowed beginning in September. More when I get confirmation and additional information.

I do wonder though how that will roll out with some parishes not ready to use the new texts and some using them. Maybe there will be a firm implementation date for all to start using them. How will this affect schools and Religious Education programs that begin in September? Stayed tuned.

Music Reading Sessions set

We will gather to read through some of the new music for the Order of Mass in the coming weeks. Come and join us at the following locations:
July 9, 2011, Church of St. Joseph, Owatonna, MN
July 23, 2011, Church of St. Mary, Worthington, MN
August 6, 2011, Church of St. Francis, Rochester, MN

A flyer will be e-mailed soon to all parishes and to our liturgy coordinator and school/Faith Formation distribution lists. If you have questions, please feel free to call Janice at the Diocese for more information.