Summit and Source The Newsletter of the Liturgy Commission and Office of Worship Diocese of Rockville Centre established May 27, 1957 50 N. Park Avenue, P.O. Box 9023 Rockville Centre, New York 11571-9023 516.678.5800, x. 504; fax: 516.764.3316; e mail: worship@drvc.org Volume XXIX Number II Winter, 2009 IN THIS ISSUE Update from the Committee on Divine Worship page 16 Reading Baptismal Certificates page 18 Dr. Jo-Ann Metzdorff Communal Celebration of Reconciliation Sr. Sheila Browne, RSM page 19 UPCOMING EVENTS for Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers and Ministers of Hospitality page 20 WinterSong: workshops for Cantors and Choir Members page 21 RCIA Spring Study Day on the Catechumenate page 22 Calendar of Events 2009 Lectionary Year B, the Year of Saint Mark page 23 From the Committee on Divine Worship Washington, D.C. The Latin Church members of the USCCB approved the Gray Book of the Proper of Seasons of the Roman Missal during the November 2008 plenary meeting in Baltimore. The Grey book prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) - received a two-thirds vote, and now will be sent to the Holy See for recognitio. After the text of the Proper of Seasons failed to receive a two-thirds majority at the June 2008 plenary meeting in Orlando, it was returned to the body of Bishops for review and modifications. More than 200 modifications to the text were accepted by the Committee on Divine Worship. Several additional amendments were submitted during the November meeting and were accepted by the body before the final discussion and vote on the text. The body of bishops approved the Gray Book in a 189-30 vote. The ten remaining sections of the Roman Missal will be presented to the USCCB for approval in 2009 and 2010. A similar process is being followed by the conferences of Bishops of the other Englishspeaking countries. Revised Grail Psalter In addition to the proper of Seasons, the Latin Church bishops also approved the Revised Grail Psalter, and will ultimately become the Psalter for all liturgical books which make use of the Psalms. In their approval of the Psalter, the Bishops acknowledged the value of the Revised Grail text for its musicality, its ability to be used in various musical forms, its fidelity to the Hebrew text, preservation of the Hebrew sense 16
of strophes for each line and its sensitivity to Christological references. Order of the Blessing of a Child in the Womb The Latin Church bishops also approved a newlycomposed Order for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb/Rito de Benedición de una Criatura en el Vientre in English and Spanish. This text has been sent to the Holy See for recognitio. This blessing was prepared by the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities to support the parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage, especially in the parish setting, prayers for and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb and to foster respect for human life within society. The proposed blessing is distinct from the Blessing of Parents before Childbirth found in the Book of Blessings. ICEL Gray Books: Ritual Masses and Masses for Various Needs and Intentions These texts will be placed on the agenda of the June 2009 meeting of the USCCB. As with the case with the Proper of the Seasons, the Committee will be open to whatever modifications the Bishops wish to make to the text. Members observed that progress had been made in the quality of the translation. Survey of the Sign of Peace at Mass. The committee reviewed the findings of the survey requested by the USCCB by the Congregation on Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments regarding the placement of the Sign of Peace at Mass. Of the 89 Bishops who responded, 66% supported moving the Sign of Peace after the Prayer of the Faithful and before the Presentation of the Gifts, 32% recommended retaining it at its current location before the Agnus Dei, and 2% offered alternative opinions. A report from the USCCB was submitted to the Congregation s then-prefect, Francis Cardinal Arinze. Catechesis on the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. An extensive discussion was held on plans for the reception of the Roman Missal. The committee agreed that with the present timetable, the remote preparation for the reception of the new translation would go into effect upon the completion of the review of the Gray Books by the Bishops at the end of 2010. The more immediate preparation would happen once the recognitio is received from Rome. It will take publishers about one year from the time of the recognitio to prepare the materials for publication. Materials are being produced at the present time by two groups. One is the Leeds Group (named for the Diocese of Leeds, in England). The Bishop of Leeds, Arthur Roche, formed this international group to develop materials that can be used to prepare people for the reception of the new translation. The Leeds Group hopes to have all of its material ready for use by Advent 2009. The other group preparing materials is the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC), which hopes to have its final papers completed by May 2009. After review by the committee on Divine Worship, access to these materials would be available through the Secretariat s website. This website is currently active at www.usccb.org/liturgy/ missalformation; new material is posted as it is developed. The Committee is aware that starting too early with the preparation could be counter-productive. It is the hope of the Committee to develop a plan for the remote and immediate formation processes that would be implemented by all dioceses at the same time. The committee also began an initial discussion bout the questions of funding that will be necessary for the project. The USCCB Task Force for Faith Formation and Sacramental Practice is committed to facilitate the prospective introduction, reception, and implementation of the new translation of the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia to the Church in the United States as one of its two goals for the next three years. Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta is the Committee on Divine Worship s representative on the Task Force, thus assuring that the efforts of the Committee will be in accord with those of the priorities established by the body of Bishops. Publishers will be developing materials for purchase that might also be used as the time for implementation draws closer. The committee is still committed to having one release date for the text once the recognitio is obtained. It does not wish texts to be used for the celebration of Mass prior to the completion of the proximate preparation. 17
Reading Baptismal Certificates I just found out they are not Catholic, and they are going to receive First Communion this year!!! This is a statement that I have heard several times over the last few years by the DRE and parish school administrators. In preparing children for the sacraments of First Holy Communion or Confirmation, it is discovered a child was not baptized as a Roman Catholic. Sometimes it is discovered that a child is not baptized at all. On rare occasions it has happened that a child is admitted to the sacraments, unintentionally of course, without being baptized or officially received into the Catholic Church. How can this happen? The problem occurs when the person reading the certificate does not know how to read it correctly. A baptismal certificate from a Catholic Church usually includes the words according to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church, in addition to the Church name. Also on the reverse there is a place to record other sacraments the person may have received. Part of the confusion, I believe, lies when a certificate is from an ecclesial community whose church names are similar to those used for Catholic churches. For example, the Church of St. Paul could be Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Anglican, Lutheran, or Orthodox. The person who checks the certificate needs to know what to look for to determine the ecclesial community the person was baptized in. It is also necessary to take note of any ambiguity with regard to the church the certificate comes from. Also, there are some so called Christian churches whose baptism is not valid in the Catholic Church. Last spring, the Diocesan Committee for RCIA put together a document, Reading a Baptismal Certificate, which can be found on the Office of Worship web site under RCIA. It gives examples of what might be printed or written on a baptismal certificate and what needs to be done when there are questions regarding the certificate. This document is important to give to all parish and school secretaries, the DRE, the coordinator of RCIA, and even to priests and deacons, in fact anyone who might be responsible for determining the validity of a baptism. It is also a good idea to go through certificates you already have for those preparing to receive sacraments to determine if the person is indeed a Catholic. Also, a quick review of First Holy Communion or Confirmation registers just might uncover some people who were not baptized as Catholics, yet have received these sacraments. There are a few questions that arise from this. Assuming that a person was not baptized Catholic but in a valid Christian community, would not their receiving Confirmation and Eucharist in a Catholic Church make them a Catholic? In one sense, yes, but if it has never been recorded that they were accepted into Full Communion this could cause problems when a baptismal certificate or certificate for reception into the Church is needed, for example when they are preparing for marriage. This dilemma also shows us the importance of very accurate and precise record keeping. A second question arises as to what to do with those persons who have slipped through the cracks, so to speak? Again this is a question of accurate record keeping and perhaps a little detective work to find out if the person was validly baptized or received into the Church, perhaps in another parish. In some cases, especially when a family has moved out of a parish, it may be impossible to discover the actual status of their baptism or reception. When a problem is discovered, notations can be made in the proper registers, and if necessary, a person can be properly received into the Church. If nothing else, we need to be diligent in reading and checking the baptismal certificates that come across our desks and those of our secretaries or other administrators. When a question arises, it is important to bring it to the attention of the pastor so that adequate steps can be taken to bring the person into full communion or to be fully initiated. If the pastor is unsure, he can always contact the Office of Worship for guidance. This problem with baptismal certificates, however, points to an even greater problem, a lack of understanding of what it means to be baptized in the Catholic Church and what it means to be a Catholic. We need to work on strengthening our Catholic identity, especially among our young people, and help them to understand the importance of being a Catholic both sacramentally and in living our Catholic faith to the fullest. 18
Communal Celebration of Reconciliation As we draw near to the Lenten season, parishes are preparing for special celebrations, among which is the communal celebration of Reconciliation. This service, gathering together parishioners for the celebration of the sacrament, enables us to embrace the way of penance, and come back to our merciful Father, who first loved us, to Christ who gave himself up for us, and to the Holy Spirit who has been poured out on us abundantly. (Rite of Penance, 5) The various parts of the sacramental ritual contrition, confession of sin, acceptance of an act of penance, absolution and praise for God s great mercy - help us to express outwardly an inner conversion to our God. Let us look at the various parts of the celebration of the Rite for Reconciliation of Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution. There are two principal parts to this celebration, the Liturgy of the Word and the Rite of Reconciliation, with introductory rites, and a concluding prayer and dismissal. As you prepare for this liturgy, note that a full complement of ministers is recommended: cantor, organist, lector, servers, priest, and deacon. Introductory Rites (#48-50) As at Mass, the rite calls for a song to accompany an entrance procession, a greeting and opening prayer Celebration Of The Word Of God (#51-52) This Liturgy of the Word can resemble Mass: readings, a sung responsorial psalm, gospel acclamation and gospel. However, it can be adapted to the needs of the congregation, even to having just one reading. In this case, it should be from the gospel. The ritual provides many suggestions (at #51 and #101-102). The homily that follows is based on the texts and should move the people to the next part of the celebration. Examination of Conscience (#53) This period of time can be spent in quiet, examining one s conscience and arousing true sorrow for sin. On the weekend before this celebration, parishes do well to provide leaflets that help with an examination of conscience so that this period might be more fruitful. RITE OF RECONCILIATION General Confession of Sins (#54) All kneel and join in saying a general formula for confession; the Confiteor is probably the most familiar. 19 Then all stand for a litany or an appropriate song, concluding always with the Lord s Prayer. The litany referred to here is an effective way to arouse sorrow for sin, and confidence in God s mercy. Sung on a simple psalm tone with the people s sung response, it has the possibility of moving people to pine and yearn for God s forgiveness. Two examples of invocations for the litany are at #54; many others can be selected from the Rite at #204. Individual Confession and Absolution (#55) Those who wish to confess to a priest do so now. They accept an appropriate act of satisfaction and then receive absolution. The rite suggests that the priest may give suitable counsel but also notes that everything else which is customary in individual confession is omitted. The penitent has already participated in the Confiteor, expressing sorrow for sin, so no other expression is required. During this time of individual confession, while people are waiting, it has become custom to provide music quiet enough so as not to distract those going to confession - but present enough to be an aid to recollection. The organist or guitarist can easily provide such music; even recorded music can be appropriate. (cf. Sing to the Lord, #93-94) Proclamation of Praise for God s Mercy When the individual confessions have been completed (or when a pre-determined time has arrived), the presider invites all present to offer thanks and encourages them to do good works which will proclaim the grace of repentance in the life of the entire community and each of its members. (# 56) A hymn or psalm of praise is sung. A setting of the Magnificat is appropriate, or any of the psalms noted at #206. Other hymns that might be sung: Praise to You, O Christ, Our Savior (Bernadette Farrell); Lift Up Your Hearts (St. Louis Jesuits), Now Thank We All Our God (traditional); Sing of the Lord s Goodness (Sands), We Praise You (Dameans), or another from the parish repertoire that praises God s Mercy and forgiveness. Concluding Prayer and Dismissal The Concluding Prayer (#57) praises the Trinity s work in reconciliation. It continues joyously praising God: We thank you for the wonders of your mercy, and with heart and hand and voice we join with the whole Church in a new song of praise: Glory to you through Christ in the Holy Spirit now and forever. The presider now sends the people out, praying May He give you strength to walk in newness of life. The liturgy ends on a note of peace and joy. Having confessed sin, and praised God for mercy, the liturgy ends with words of peace and joy. The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace.
THE MINISTRIES 1. TRAINING FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: required for all those who are beginning as Ministers. Session A is required of all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Those who minister in hospitals, nursing homes and to homebound persons are also required to attend Session B. TO REGISTER FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER TRAINING: the pastor of the parish must send a letter to Bishop Murphy at least 10 days in advance requesting the training for each person attending. This letter must mention the date and place of the training the person will attend. 2. TRAINING FOR LECTORS. An opportunity for new and continuing lectors to fine-tune their skills in proclaiming the Word of God. 3. TRAINING FOR MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY/USHERS. This training takes place by request in the parish. Call the Office of Worship to make arrangements. THE TIMES AND PLACES FOR MINISTRY TRAINING: In Nassau: April 25, 2009; 9 AM 1 PM Kellenberg Memorial High School, Uniondale B session for Extraordinary Ministers May 9, 2009; 9 AM 1 PM Kellenberg Memorial High School, Uniondale In Suffolk: May 9, 2009; 9 AM 1 PM Bishop McGann-Mercy High School, Riverhead B Session for Extraordinary Ministers May 30, 2009; 9 AM 1 PM Bishop McGann-Mercy High School, Riverhead IN ADDITION, there will be evening sessions for Extraordinary Ministers at St. Anne Church, Brentwood. Session A Wednesday, May 6, 2009; 7:30 to 10 PM Session B Wednesday, May 13, 2009; 7:30 to 10 PM WORKSHOP FEES: for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: $30 per person for Lectors: $15 per person REGISTRATION FORM FOR LECTOR MINISTRY TRAINING Please register at least one week before the lector training workshop. Mail this registration to the Office of Worship, PO Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023, or email to worship@drvc.org, FAX 516-764-3316, or phone us at 516-678-5800, x 504. I wish to register for Lector Training at Kellenberg Memorial High School ( morning, April 25, 2009) Bishop McGann-Mercy High School ( morning, May 9, 2009) Name Phone.. Parish Town... 20
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RCIA Spring Study Day on the Catechumenate Friday, May 1, 2009, from 4:00 until 9:00 PM Saint Joseph Parish Center, Babylon Schedule 3:30 Registration, book sale 4:00 Opening Prayer, Welcome 4:15-5:15 Workshop One 5:15 Supper and book sales 6:15-7:15 Keynote Address Eliot Kapitan director, Office of Worship Diocese of Springfield in Illinois team member, North American Forum on the Catechumenate 7:30-8:30 Workshop Two 8:40 Closing Prayer Everyone is asked to bring a copy of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to the Study Day. Copies will be available for purchase. Please make your selections from the listing below Workshops, Session One (4:15-5:15) 1. Forming A Team: The Ups and Downs of Team Formation 2. Involving the Parish in the Process 3. Catechumens and Candidates: Understanding the Differences 4. Canon Law and Initiation 5. Inquiry: How, Why, What, When Supper and Registration for Keynote & Session Two Workshops, Session Two (7:30 8:30) 6. Forming a Team: The Ups and Downs of Team Formation 7. Involving the Parish in the Process 8. Catechumens and Candidates: Understanding the Differences 9. Canon Law and Initiation 10. Inquiry: How, Why, What, When Registration Form RCIA Study Day Please return this form to the Office of Worship PO Box 9023 Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023 Registration deadline: April 28, 2009 Name: Parish: Daytime phone: Town: Please list your selection of workshops, and whether you will be at supper: Workshop Session One (4:15 5:15) Workshop letter.. Supper Yes No Workshop Session Two (7:30 8:30) Workshop letter. Fees: supper $12 Workshop session One $20 Workshop session Two $20 Yes, please have a copy of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for me $20 Enclosed $... Please bill the parish 22
Calendar of Events Winter Spring, 2009 January 21 Wednesday Feast of Saint Agnes, patron of the Diocese of Rockville Centre April 26 Golden Wedding Celebration St. Lawrence, Sayville, at 3 PM January 22 January 25 February 7 March 1 March 13 Friday March 15 March for Life Washington, D.C. Celebration of the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul St. Agnes Cathedral Singers in Concert with Lutenist Christopher Morrongiello in the Holy Cross Chapel at 1 Quealy Place. 7:30 PM. Advanced reservations required. Call 516.764.9578, ext.203 for more info. Rite of Election of Catechumens to the Easter Sacraments of Initiation Saint Anne, Brentwood, 2:30 PM Saint Agnes Cathedral, 7:00 PM Lenten Journey in Word and Song Diocesan Choir, 7:30 PM at St. Joseph, Kings Park Investiture Ceremony, St. Agnes Men and Boy Choir, in the Cathedral at 10:45 AM May 1 RCIA Spring Study Day Friday St. Joseph, Babylon; 3:30 8:30 Registration materials in this issue. May 3 May 6 Wednesday May 9 May 9 May 13 Wednesday Golden Wedding Celebration Maria Regina Church at 2:30 PM Session A for Extraordinary Ministers, St. Anne, Brentwood, 7:30 10 PM Session A for Extraordinary Ministers, for lectors, ministers of hospitality McGann-Mercy HS; Riverhead 9 1PM Liturgical Minister Training B Session for Extraordinary Ministers in hospitals, nursing homes, and the home bound. Kellenberg HS; Uniondale; 9 1 PM Liturgical Minister Training B Session for Extraordinary Ministers in hospitals, nursing homes, and the home bound. St. Anne, Brentwood, 7:30 10 PM March 22 March 29 Call to Continuing Conversion Saint Agnes Cathedral, 3:30 PM Saint Anne, Brentwood, 2:30 PM A Celebration of Evening Prayer for the Religious of the Diocese at 5 PM St. Anthony s High School Chapel May 16 May 30 Ordination to the Diaconate St. Agnes Cathedral at 11 AM Liturgical Minister Training B Session for Extraordinary Ministers in hospitals, nursing homes, and the home bound. McGann-Mercy HS, Riverhead; 9 1 PM April 9 Thursday Chrism Mass St. Agnes Cathedral, 11 AM June 13 Ordination to the Priesthood St. Agnes Cathedral at 11 AM April12 April 25 April 25 Easter Pueri Cantores Festival 5 Children s Choirs (including St. Agnes Choirs) sing at Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan at 5:15 Mass. Session A for Extraordinary Ministers, for lectors, ministers of hospitality Kellenberg HS; Uniondale; 9 1 PM June 27 July 10-12 July 31-Aug. 2 Ordination to the Priesthood St. Agnes Cathedral at 10 AM Beginnings Institute (English), North American Forum on the Catechumenate Beginnings Institute (Spanish) North American Forum on the Catechumenate. For registration information concerning these two workshops, call the Office of Worship, or go to Forum s website at www.naforum.com 23