5/7/09 – The Real Presence

Each week, the Liturgy Links article you see in Carmel is also posted here.  Recently, a person asked for my opinion about the reception of communion:

I hear that in past times it [communion] was only received by the tongue upon kneeling, but in even more ancient times it may also have been received by hand.

As much as I believe that receiving communion by the hand (and standing up) may be true in history, I just suspect that in its reintroducing it has taken away from our minds (albeit in the subconscious) the great mystery of this gift.

Our correspondent is correct.  Many parishioners would remember a time when communion was received on the tongue, and that it was the universally accepted practice.  It is also true that in the earliest years of the Church, when people gathered to celebrate what they called “the Breaking of the Bread”, this was not the case.  Receiving communion in the hand as we do now was the common practice.

It is also a growing concern within parts of the Church that many people have lost a sense of the great gift we receive, and that we in fact receive Christ himself in the consecrated bread and wine.  It can be described as a loss of a sense of the “Real Presence”.  This is a real concern.

On the other hand, I don’t believe that the means by which we receive communion has been the cause of a diminishing sense of the real presence.  I also don’t think that reverting to reception on the tongue would solve the problem.  I think there are a number of factors that need to be addressed to ensure we do not forget “the great mystery of this gift” of the Eucharist.

21/6/09 – Swine Flu Measures

You may have noticed last weekend that some of our common practices at Mass changed. Unlike last year, these changes are only temporary, and are not prompted by rewritten liturgical documents.

Rather, they have been brought about by the current spread of H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu). Given that there are reported cases in Western Sydney, and we all need to do what we can to minimise the risk of infection, Bishop Manning made several recommendations to minimise physical contact and the transfer of germs.

Therefore, for the time being, the following measures will be in force:

1. The holy water stoups at the church doors will be empty
2. Communion will only be offered under the form of bread
3. Communion will only be given on the hand, not on the tongue
4. The sign of peace will not be given by shaking hands

As we would all agree, none of these measures are desirable, but are necessary until the risk of infection passes.

Furthermore, we advise Communion Ministers to wash their hands with soap and warm water before and after communion. This can be done in the sacristy during the Lord’s Prayer and immediately after ministering communion.

These measures will take some getting used to, and it will feel strange to go without blessing ourselves with holy water, shaking hands, or receiving communion from the chalice. We all hope and pray for the health of all, and that the risk of this influenza passes as quickly as possible.

You may have noticed last weekend that some of our common practices at Mass changed. Unlike last year, these changes are only temporary, and are not prompted by rewritten liturgical documents.

Rather, they have been brought about by the current spread of H1N1 influenza (also known as swine flu). Given that there are reported cases in Western Sydney, and we all need to do what we can to minimise the risk of infection, Bishop Manning made several recommendations to minimise physical contact and the transfer of germs.

Therefore, for the time being, the following measures will be in force:

1. The holy water stoups at the church doors will be empty

2. Communion will only be offered under the form of bread

3. Communion will only be given on the hand, not on the tongue

4. The sign of peace will not be given by shaking hands

As we would all agree, none of these measures are desirable, but are necessary until the risk of infection passes.

Furthermore, we advise Communion Ministers to wash their hands with soap and warm water before and after communion. This can be done in the sacristy during the Lord’s Prayer and immediately after ministering communion.

These measures will take some getting used to, and it will feel strange to go without blessing ourselves with holy water, shaking hands, or receiving communion from the chalice. We all hope and pray for the health of all, and that the risk of this influenza passes as quickly as possible.

14/6/09 – Communion of the Sick

You may have read last weekend in Carmel that we are looking to refine some of our procedures at Mass for those who are taking communion to the sick.

Communion of the Sick is one of a number of rituals that form the Church liturgical document Pastoral Care of the Sick. It also includes the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, as well as Viaticum (which translates to “food for the journey) – the final communion one receives before passing from this life.

As the name suggests, the whole purpose of Communion of the Sick is to ensure that those who are too ill to participate in Mass with the community are not denied the Body of Christ.  It is a very practical an important way of our parish serving those that we know are in need.  It provides the sick person with a continued link with their parish community, and helps them maintain a bond with the rest of us who are all parts of the Body of Christ.

Last weekend, a display was prepared in the parish centre to explain our refined process.  You may recall us having a similar system in years past, and it is timely for us to return to this.  The restored process at Mass, therefore, will look like this from now on:

1. A card will be available from the parish centre to complete, telling the priest who you are taking communion to (and, therefore, how many hosts you need), as well as who you are (the minister)
2. You place your completed card with your pyx on the altar before Mass as usual
3. After communion, you will be asked to come forward to collect your pyx.  You will be given a copy of the gospel reading of the day to use as part of your ministry of communion to the sick.  You will also be sent forth with our warmest greetings and prayers for the sick person.

In this way, we as a parish not only acknowledge your important ministry, but are made constantly aware of those people who are unwell and cannot be with us.  Aware of this, we pray and hope that the time will soon come when they return to our midst.

7/6/09 – People of God, Rejoice and Sing!

Taking into account the layout of each church, the choir should be placed in such a way:

a) That its nature should be clearly apparent-namely, that it is a part of the whole congregation, and that it fulfills a special role;
b) That it is easier for it to fulfil its liturgical function;
c) That each of its members may be able to participate easily in the Mass, that is to say by sacramental participation.

Musicam Sacram: Instruction on Music in the Liturgy (1967), no. 23

The liturgical celebrations of the Church have been enriched by music for many centuries. Music allows the liturgical assembly to express its unity in Christ through unity of voice. Through music, the assembly prays, lifting its hearts, minds and voices to God. Music is a crucial part of the liturgical celebration, and the role of music ministers is extremely important.

The Mount Carmel Organ

These music ministers, while they have a special role, are still part of the assembly. Therefore, there is a tendency in newer churches to place the musicians closer to the rest of the assembly. This can also help the assembly in their singing along with the music. As the statement above also indicates, such a placement also allows the musicians to participate in the Mass more easily. While the present architecture and factors such as the placement of the organ present challenges, parishioners have recommended we consider a place for musicians in a renovated church that places them closer to the assembly.

For the assembly to join in freely with the music, they also need to have easy access to the lyrics of the hymns and songs that are sung. Our present system of overhead projection, which has served us for many years, is ageing and has a number of limitations. We have also been asked, therefore, to consider a new system of showing song words, most likely through a computerised system of projection or display.

Don’t forget that your comments on the recommendations are welcome. You can speak to Frs. Denis or Paul, to any other member of the Liturgy Committee, email us at litcomwenty (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) au or comment below.

31/5/09 – A Space for All

Today we conclude the Easter Season with the feast of Pentecost. Our first reading depicts the beginnings of the early Christian community. One of the messages Pentecost has for us is that any human differences are irrelevant, because through the Holy Spirit, we are all part of the one Body of Christ.

Front of our church, with driveway access and ramp for those with limited mobility

Such equality between persons needs to be reflected in the way our liturgical space is designed. We’ve already made a good start with the installation of our “T” switch for those with hearing aids, and driveway and ramp access to our entrance. Yet it has been suggested to us that in a renovated church, more could be done to include those with particular needs related to access and the like. Physical access is part of a broader approach that is focussed on full, conscious and active participation in liturgy by all parishioners, as suggested by the American Bishops:

It is essential that all forms of the liturgy be completely accessible to persons with disabilities, since these forms are the essence of the spiritual tie that binds the Christian community together. To exclude members of the parish from these celebrations of the life of the Church, even by passive omission, is to deny the reality of that community. Accessibility involves far more than physical alterations to parish buildings. Realistic provision must be made for persons with disabilities to participate fully in the eucharist and other liturgical celebrations such as the sacraments of reconciliation, confirmation, and anointing of the sick

(Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities, November 1978; revised 1989).

I recently heard one of our neighbouring parish priests made the comment that our parishes “are very good at welcoming, but not so good at inviting.” There is a difference. How do we invite all people into our space and into full participation in the life of the Church?

Don’t forget that your comments on the recommendations are welcome. You can speak to Frs. Denis or Paul, to any other member of the Liturgy Committee, email us at litcomwenty (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) au or comment below.

24/5/09 – A Sign of Our Call to Reconcile

The church building is the proper place for the celebration of the sacraments and rites of the Church.  A number of those occur in our church on a regular basis and make demands on the use of the liturgical space.  The sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) is no different.

Canon Law requires that a space be prepared in each church for the celebration of Reconciliation.  In some churches, the old confessionals of the past still exist.  Nowadays, our renewed understanding of the sacrament means the space should be a proper chapel.  Chairs should be provided for the priest and the penitent, and a screen and kneeler should still be made available for those who wish it.  It should be an open, welcoming, safe and reassuring space.

The placement of the chapel is also an important consideration.  A reconciliation chapel placed near the baptismal font reminds us that we were washed free from sin at baptism, and that the sacrament of penance restores this.  There should also be a connection between the reconciliation chapel and the space where the eucharist is celebrated.  As we are reminded in the gospels, those of us who are not at peace should leave our “gift at the altar… be reconciled… and then come and offer [our] gift” (Matthew 5:24).  Both placement considerations can be easily accommodated when the chapel and the baptistery are placed at the threshold to the main body of the church.

Our church has at least three reconciliation chapels over the course of time.  Each one has proven unsuitable for different reasons.  Given contemporary considerations, and the desire to provide a proper place for the celebration of the sacrament, we wish to accommodate within a renovated church a new chapel of reconciliation.

Don’t forget that your comments on the recommendations are welcome.  You can speak to Frs. Denis or Paul, to any other member of the Liturgy Committee, email us at litcomwenty (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) au or comment below

17/10/09 – Let there be light… as long as it doesn’t get too hot!

One line from the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil reads:

On this night the scripture says: the night will be as clear as day…

Unfortunately the day is not so clear for those sitting at the back of our church!  Since our former entry doors have been closed (as we now enter the church through our narthex), we’ve also closed off the main source of natural light for those who sit in the pews under the choir gallery.  So while most of the church is bathed in beautiful light during the day, parishioners who’ve made comments on our renovation plans so far have suggested there is a need for more light under the choir gallery.

Another very practical consideration for our proposed renovations is that of temperature control within the church.  Our evening Masses in particular suffer considerably from the heat that comes from the setting western sun in the summer, and from the cold temperatures of the evening.  Cold temperatures in winter can also be uncomfortable for those participating in our morning Masses.

Just as we have successfully heated the parish centre, therefore, we need to look at a practical and cost-effective way of managing the temperature in the church.  Such matters of comfort may not have been a priority in years past, when praying in hot or cold churches with hard wooden seats and kneelers was something we endured.  After all, many people would remember being told that their suffering each Sunday was nothing compared to what Jesus endured for us!  Nowadays, though, the Church documents remind us that we should ensure our churches are properly appointed as public buildings:

A proper arrangement of a church and its surroundings that appropriately meets contemporary needs requires attention not only to the elements related more directly to the celebration of the sacred actions but also to those things conducive to the appropriate comfort of the faithful that are normal in places where people regularly gather.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 293

Don’t forget that your comments on the recommendations are welcome.  You can speak to Frs. Denis or Paul, to any other member of the Liturgy Committee, email us at litcomwent (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) au or comment below.

10/5/09 – The Waters of Baptism

Baptistery in the Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland, California

During the Easter Vigil, when we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, we baptise those people who wish to die to their former selves and rise with Christ to new life through the waters of the baptismal font.  Once we bless the font and baptise our Church’s newest members, we renew the promises of our own baptism and are sprinkled with the baptismal water.

The baptismal font, therefore, is not only the place for baptism, but also stands as a constant reminder of our own baptism.  It challenges us always to live the mission of Jesus.  The space where the baptismal font is found in each church is called the baptistery.  It also houses the paschal candle outside of the Easter season.  In some churches, the holy oils are also kept there in an ambry.  Many communities are placing their baptistery now in its traditional location at the entrance of the church.  This means people bless themselves directly from the font; strengthening the remembering of their baptismal calling.

At present the size and location of the baptistery makes if difficult to celebrate baptisms there, and the baptistery is more a place where the font is kept when it is not used.  Parishioners throughout our renovation consultation process have recommended a new, dedicated place in the church for the celebration of baptism.  It has been suggested that it be near the entry to the church and have a fixed baptismal font that serves as a continual reminder of our baptism.

Don’t forget that your comments on the recommendations are welcome.  You can speak to Frs. Denis or Paul, to any other member of the Liturgy Committee, email us at litcomwenty (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) au or comment below.

Photo: Baptismal Font and Paschal Candle by KiltBear

3/5/09 – Tantum Ergo Sacramentum

On Holy Thursday evening, we engaged in a practice which is not required of us at any other time of the year.  We removed the Blessed Sacrament from the church.

This is because our tabernacle is within the space where we celebrate the Eucharist.  We do not celebrate the Eucharist again until the Easter Vigil, and the Eucharist is not adored there either.

The tabernacle at St. Patricks Cathedral, Parramatta, located within the Blessed Sacrament Chapel

When a church has its tabernacle in its own distinct chapel, then the Blessed Sacrament is still kept in that tabernacle, as it is not in the main body of the Church.  We see examples of this at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (also here), and our neighbouring parishes of Toongabbie and Greystanes.  This helps us to remember the main reason why we have a tabernacle and reserve the Eucharist.

The main reason we reserve the Blessed Sacrament in a tabernacle is so that it is always there to take to the sick and the dying.  It is a constant reminder of our need to support those in our community who are ill, or who require “food for the journey” (which is the meaning of viaticum, or the final communion one receives before death).  Following the practice of reserving the Eucharist for the sick and dying, people then began to develop traditions of adoring and praying before the Blessed Sacrament, which many people find to be spiritually fulfilling.

Placing the tabernacle in its own chapel not only reminds us that we reserve the Eucharist for ministry outside of Mass, but provides people with a fitting place to pray privately before the Blessed Sacrament at any time, without the distractions that may present themselves within the larger space of the church.  This is why some parishioners have recommended we consider creating a proper Blessed Sacrament Chapel as part of our church renovations.

Don’t forget that your comments on the recommendations are welcome.  You can speak to Frs. Denis or Paul, to any other member of the Liturgy Committee, email us at litcomwenty (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) au or comment below.

St. Anthony’s Parish Church, Toongabbie: Photo Gallery
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta: Construction Photos | Other Photos

26/4/09 – Gathered Around the Two Tables

On Holy Thursday evening, Fr. Anthony gave us an excellent homily which challenged us to consider how we participate in the Eucharist which we commemorated Jesus instituting.

“We are not spectators…”

I’ve referred many times before to the Second Vatican Council and the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, which calls us to full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations.  Our participation is our right and duty as baptised Christians (no. 14).

The recently renovated church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park (Melbourne). The reconfiguration of sanctuary and nave brings people closer to the altar and ambo and gathers them around the sanctuary

So that we may fully, consciously and actively participate in the Mass as much as possible, parishioners have recommended that we consider new ways of arranging the sanctuary and the nave (the seating area of the assembly) for two reasons.

Firstly, so that we can get a true sense of being gathered around the altar and the ambo.  Secondly, so that we all may be closer to the sanctuary.  As Fr. Anthony reminded us, we are not spectators in the liturgy.  Rather, led by the priest, we participate collectively in the celebration of the Eucharist.  After all, during Mass Christ is made present in the proclaimed Word, the consecrated bread and wine, the priest, and the assembly that gathers to worship.

Don’t forget that your comments on the recommendations are welcome.  You can speak to Frs. Denis or Paul, to any other member of the Liturgy Committee, email us at litcomwenty (at) yahoo (dot) com (dot) au or comment below.

Parish of St. Joseph’s Port Melboure and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park: Website | OLMC Church Photo Gallery