LITURGY MATTERS: Pay attention!
Pay attention! Be present! Welcome what comes! These three imperatives are the hallmarks of a wonderful series of papers on contemplative leadership. They also echo through Advent. And the point of this reflection – they are attitudes demanded by liturgy.
LITURGY MATTERS: Lead Kindly Light
These words were seared onto my heart and mind by Bishop Bill’s final pastoral message to us announcing his terminal illness and resignation. And now the kindly light of God’s love has led Bishop Bill to fullness of life and peace.
LITURGY MATTERS: The Mission has a Church and liturgy is the source
We’ve been talking a lot about mission and sometimes I think we miss seeing the main event.
LITURGY MATTERS: Parishes becoming centres of prayer
Our church buildings are open again for worship and prayer, and everyone is welcome. Rather than making a U turn and heading back to pre-COVID ‘normal’, let’s listen to what the Spirit is saying and seize the moment to act boldly and be open to renewing our communal worship and prayer.
LITURGY MATTERS: Become a mystagogue this Advent
My friend Rose McAllister is a natural mystagogue. And so is my grandnephew Cooper who is 20 months old. During Advent you are invited to participate in the diocesan Advent Reflection Process Waiting with Purpose and become a mystagogue!
LITURGY MATTERS: How might we become a more contemplative people?
Last Thursday many of us participated in the third diocesan Plenary Council conversation focusing on the two agenda questions on Prayer.
LITURGY MATTERS: Perpetual Day of Remembrance
On 15 September we remember the harm caused by our history of child sexual abuse and failure to protect children within the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. In 2020 Bishop Bill decreed that Perpetual Day of Remembrance Sunday would be celebrated each year as a special Feast Day on the Sunday of or immediately prior to 15 September.
LITURGY MATTERS: Let’s start at the very beginning …
Love is all around. In elderly couples walking hand in hand. In the look between my niece and her newborn son. Not even two weeks and the look he gives her is miraculous. In the look between my youngest brother and his daughter as he held her arm and walked her down the aisle. In heart wrenching grief. In text messages, emails, phone calls and Zoom drinks where we check in with each other to make sure people are OK in lockdown. Love is all around us.