On Holy Thursday morning, the Bishop, joined by the priests of the diocese, gather at the Cathedral to celebrate the Chrism Mass. This Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their Bishop. Here the Bishop blesses three oils– the … Continued
According to the Code of Canon Law, Sunday, the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, is always observed as the foremost holy day of obligation for the universal Church. (The obligation involved is simply the duty to attend … Continued
The Church’s liturgical norms prescribe specific vestment colors for various celebrations. The purpose of utilizing different colors for vestments is twofold: First, the colors highlight the particular liturgical season and the faithful’s journey through these seasons. Second, the colors punctuate … Continued
For some reason these days, we do not hear much about indulgences. Although I can remember learning about them in my early education at St. Bernadette’s grade school. Unfortunately, I think the word sometimes sparks to mind Martin Luther, the … Continued
During His public ministry, Jesus healed people– the blind, the lame, the lepers, the deaf and mute, the hemorrhaging, and the dying. His healing touched both body and soul. In most of the accounts of the healing miracles, the ill … Continued
Canon 919 of the Code of Canon Law states, “One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception of water and medicine, for at least the period of one … Continued
Throughout the Mass, various gestures are prescribed for both the priest and the faithful worshipers. For example, we begin and end Mass by making the sign of the cross; during the Confiteor, we strike our breast; we sign ourselves with … Continued
The Second Vatican Council in The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy saw the need to renew the Mass, especially in the area of what is known today as “The Liturgy of the Word.” The Council Fathers taught, “The treasures of … Continued
The following are several short and sweet answers to various questions concerning the Mass. All citations in the answers are from the new General Instruction of the Roman Missal unless otherwise noted. Why does the priest kiss the altar? The … Continued
The liturgical vestments worn at Mass have evolved over time. Nevertheless, since the earliest days of the Church, liturgical vestments have been worn by priests for the celebration of the Mass. Even though priests of the Old Testament wore vestments … Continued
Thanksgiving is definitely a religious holiday rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of our country. Although the secularism of our present culture may have turned the focus more to feasting, football, and family gathering, we must not forget the history and … Continued
Receiving the Sacrament of Penance before receiving First Holy Communion is not optional, but rather normative. In approaching this subject, keep in mind that the Church has a good reason for any rule, and for this one also. Remember that … Continued
One of the most beautiful and intimate ways we participate in the Mass is through the reception of Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The General Instruction on the Roman Missal asserted the “meaning” of … Continued
Jesus said, “I solemnly assure you, no one can enter into God’s kingdom without being begotten of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). At the ascension, our Lord commanded the apostles, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize … Continued
The Third Commandment given by God to Moses clearly stated, “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day. Six days you may labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord, your God. No … Continued
The Code of Canon Law (#917) stipulates, “A person who has received the Most Holy Eucharist may receive it again on the same day only during the celebration of the Eucharist in which the person participates, with due regard for … Continued
Some of the faithful are inhibited from going to confession because they fear that they do not know how to go, especially with the various changes initiated since Vatican Council II. The Council did decree that “the rite and formulas … Continued
The feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary originated in Spain and was approved in 1513. In 1683, Pope Innocent XI extended the celebration of the feast day to the universal Church, to be celebrated on … Continued
Reverence for the Holy Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, arose in the apostolic times. St. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians wrote, “So that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth and … Continued
These gestures are prescribed in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, and accordingly should be practiced by all the faithful. Each of them also has a strong tradition in the celebration of Mass. Concerning the making the sign of … Continued