Don't sing or say that name at Mass!

We probably won't be hearing that lovely song by Dan Schutte much more at Sunday Mass. Although Catholic congregations here in the U.S. have been singing this song for almost 30 years, we just got a directive from the Vatican that instructs us not to use the name "Yahweh" in liturgical settings.

Thanks to Rocco, over at "Whispers in the Loggia", here's the scoop:

Last Friday, the US bishops received their second summer communique from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, this one dated 29 June.

Bottom line: the Tetragrammaton -- the Hebrew notation for the name of God -- is now forbidden to be "used or pronounced" in worship.

From CNS:

Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Divine Worship, announced the new Vatican "directives on the use of 'the name of God' in the sacred liturgy" in an Aug. 8 letter to his fellow bishops.

He said the directives would not "force any changes to official liturgical texts" or to the bishops' current missal translation project but would likely have "some impact on the use of particular pieces of liturgical music in our country as well as in the composition of variable texts such as the general intercessions for the celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments."

John Limb, publisher of OCP in Portland, Ore., said the most popular hymn in the OCP repertoire that would be affected was Dan Schutte's "You Are Near," which begins, "Yahweh, I know you are near."

He estimated that only "a handful" of other OCP hymns use the word "Yahweh," although a search of the OCP Web site turned up about a dozen examples of songs that included the word.

OCP is a nonprofit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources.

Limb said the company would be contacting composers to "ask them to try to come up with alternate language" for their hymns. But he said hymnals for 2009 had already been printed, so the affected hymns would not include the new wording for at least another year.

Even when the new hymnals are out, "it may take time for people to get used to singing something different," he added in an Aug. 11 telephone interview with Catholic News Service.

At Chicago-based GIA Publications, another major Catholic publisher of hymnals, no major revisions will be necessary, because of the company's longtime editorial policy against use of the word "Yahweh."...

Bishop Serratelli said the Vatican decision also would provide "an opportunity to offer catechesis for the faithful as an encouragement to show reverence for the name of God in daily life, emphasizing the power of language as an act of devotion and worship."

His letter to bishops came with a two-page letter from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, dated June 29 and addressed to episcopal conferences around the world.

"By directive of the Holy Father, in accord with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, this congregation ... deems it convenient to communicate to the bishops' conferences ... as regards the translation and the pronunciation, in a liturgical setting, of the divine name signified in the sacred Tetragrammaton," said the letter signed by Cardinal Francis Arinze and Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, congregation prefect and secretary, respectively.

The Tetragrammaton is YHWH, the four consonants of the ancient Hebrew name for God.

"As an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God, it was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: 'Adonai,' which means 'Lord,'" the Vatican letter said. Similarly, Greek translations of the Bible used the word "Kyrios" and Latin scholars translated it to "Dominus"; both also mean Lord.

"Avoiding pronouncing the Tetragrammaton of the name of God on the part of the church has therefore its own grounds," the letter said. "Apart from a motive of a purely philological order, there is also that of remaining faithful to the church's tradition, from the beginning, that the sacred Tetragrammaton was never pronounced in the Christian context nor translated into any of the languages into which the Bible was translated."

The two Vatican officials noted that "Liturgiam Authenticam," the congregation's 2001 document on liturgical translations, stated that "the name of almighty God expressed by the Hebrew Tetragrammaton and rendered in Latin by the word 'Dominus,' is to be rendered into any given vernacular by a word equivalent in meaning.

Help Support Nick, our own missionary!

Nick Petrillo, a longtime member of St. Anselm, is setting off for 9 months of volunteer service with the National Evangeliztion Teams (NET). Here's a link to the NET website:
http://www.netusa.org/donate/

Nick will be serving in a variety of ministries, and is very grateful for all of the support from members of the St. Anselm community. May God bless Nick, and all who help him in this coming year!

Rural Missionary Collection

This weekend, we'll be hosting a missionary from a rural diocese. This missionary visit, and the collection that we'll take up is the annual Missionary Collection that the Diocese asks us to help with.

We will need your help taking up the special collection at all of the Masses this weekend. If you can get to Mass a little early, and volunteer to help take up the special collection, we would all appreciate your help.

Come visit the Peace Garden

Many people from our parish have been spending lots of time in our parish Peace Garden to make sure it's a beautiful place for prayer and reflection. We even have a new resident of our Peace Garden...the above-pictured frog who lives in the pond in the inner garden.

I would like to invite our young people to try to capture the frog who lives in the little pond, and then to transfer him to the big pond, where he'll have much more space to swim.

New Translations for Mass

Today, the National Office of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) informed its membership that our bishops have received their newly recognized translations of the first part of the Missale Romanum.

Check out the U.S. Bishops website to see the first round of translations!

Religious Education Summer Session II

This week, we open the second session of our Summer Religious Education Program. From 9:30 till 12:30 p.m. each day we will host our young people and their catechists and adult learners in our special program. We're looking forward to a great two weeks of learning the scriptures, the songs of our faith, and reaching out in good works to put into action the Gospel. Let's pray for our young people, and continue to share our treasures of faith with the young people!

NOTHING can separate us from the Love of Christ!

Great song and video! Echoes this Sunday's secong reading.

What a great reminder to those of us who have to endure disappointments, challenges, backsliding, and other trials.

Paul, in his inimitable way, reminds us that NOTHING is stronger than God's love for us.

New Translation of the Mass Approved

Word just came this week from Rome that the first round of English translations of the Roman Missal has been recognized by the Holy See. Thanks to Rocco over at "Whispers in the Loggia" for the following:

In a clear show of support for the ongoing English re-translation of the Missale Romanum, the Holy See has granted its recognitio (confirmation) to the first and most significant section of the re-rendered Mass texts, which had been approved by each of the nine Anglophone episcopal conferences in late 2006. Announced earlier today by the USCCB -- the only conference to seek stand-alone recognitio for the Order of Mass I (OM1), as opposed to waiting for the entire 12-part package -- the timing is no accident, coming less than three weeks after the Missale project's second major chunk, the Proper of Seasons, was rejected on a mail ballot following a contentious debate among the American bishops at their Spring plenary in Orlando. With a Proper vote still awaiting several other conferences, some possibly eager to echo the message sent by the Stateside prelates, today's development can also be seen as a warning shot for the rest to fall in line. Now back in its consultative phase on these shores, the Proper comes up for a repeat debate and vote by the US bench at its November meeting in Baltimore. Comprising the standard set of prayers used at each Eucharist (Gloria, Creed, Eucharistic Prayers, dialogues, etc.), the USCCB approved OM1 at its Spring 2006 meeting in Los Angeles, but only after a number of amendments were accepted to secure the assent of skeptical pockets among the bishops. As similar amendments were submitted to Rome by each conference, and considering the Holy See's firm intent that, in a change from current practice, the new translations be precisely the same across the English-speaking world, the "guts" of what's actually been approved -- i.e. the dews and consubstantials of things... not to mention the precious chalices -- remain to be seen. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is free to reject proffered amendments on its own authority, and under the provisions of Liturgiam authenticam -- the 2001 instruction that inspired the current process -- the Holy See retains the "nuclear option" of imposing by fiat whatever translation it sees fit. What is clear, though, is that CDW has green-lighted one of the coming changes' most controversial elements: the reworkings of the people's reponses at Mass. With eleven more Missale votes facing the bishops and a large-scale catechetical campaign already well in the planning, an "optimist[ic]" Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, chair of the USCCB's Committee on Divine Worship, told CNS earlier today that he was "hoping" to see the new texts implemented within "two years." According to the US conference's current projections, the body's final vote on the entire package is expected to reach the floor at its November meeting in 2010. Pending the pace of recognitio for the full Missal, among other variables, rollout's most-often eyed for Advent 2011.


Full USCCB statement:


WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has received approval (recognitio) from the Holy See’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments for the new English-language translation of the Order of Mass (Ordo Missae).
This is the first section of the translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal.
It includes most of the texts used in every celebration of the Mass, including the responses that will be said by the people.
In its letter, the Congregation pointed out that while the texts are binding, the approval “does not intend that these texts are to be put into use immediately.”
Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation, explained the reasons for providing the text at this time. The purpose is to provide “time for the pastoral preparation of priests, deacons and for appropriate catechesis of the lay faithful. It will likewise facilitate the devising of musical settings for parts of the Mass.” The text is covered by copyright law and the Statutes of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. The more significant changes of the people’s parts are:

et cum spiritu tuo is rendered as “And with your spirit”

In the Confiteor, the text “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault” has been added

The Gloria has been translated differently and the structure is different from the present text

In the Preface dialogue the translation of “Dignum et justum est” is “It is right and just”

The first line of the Sanctus now reads “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts”

The response of the people at the Ecce Agnus Dei is “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”


At this time, no date is available as to when the entire translation of the Roman Missal will be released.

An evening with the Parish Consultors

The table in the Parish House didn't look this nice tonight, but the food and the friendship, and the camaraderie were just as beautiful. We had a great meeting of our Parish Consultors to discuss the restructuring of our Community Outreach (COR) program. As you know our parish tries to practice the principles of Stewardship. One of the main practices of being a Stewardship Parish is that we commit a percentage of our income from our collections to helping individuals in need with emergency assistance. Over the past few years, we've distributed about $40,000 each year to help individuals in dire need.
We have some new realities to take into account these days in our parish. We have new expenses: co-sponsorship of Pope John XXIII school in Ocean; sharing in the cost of Pastoral Ministry at Monmouth Medical Center; the raising of taxes in Tinton Falls; the rising cost of energy; all of these are new, and expensive realities for our parish.
Also, the possibility that our parish will be re-configured by the Bishop as a result of the Deanery Study is a reality that calls us to prepare for a possible new reality for the Church in this area.

Tonight's meeting was an exercise in sharing wisdom in how to continue to practice good stewardship as well as to be creative and realistic in maintaining our COR practices.

Mass with the Notre Dame Club of the Jersey Shore

Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the 5:30 P. M. mass, we will welcome the Notre Dame Club of the Jersey Shore. The ND Club is made up of alumni, family, friends, and even "Subway Alumni" of Notre Dame University.

We welcome them and we celebrate with them this Sunday's Gospel story of the finding of the "pearl of great price" that we hear about this weekend.

Let's pray that all of us, brothers and sisters in baptism, may rejoice always in the call to recognize our call to serve each other and the Lord with the assistance of Mary, our Mother.

Notre Dame, our Mother, pray for us, and help us to follow your Son and to live His Gospel.

Help for our N.E.T. Missionary, Nick

Recently,one of our young parishioners, Nick, was accepted by the National Evangeliztion Team (NET) for a year of service to the Church throughout the United States. Nick, and other young people, will travel to many parishes and dioceses throughout the country reaching out to young people preparing for Confirmation, and the NET team will do a Confirmation retreat for their parish. Or, the NET team will do a retreat for a parish youth group. Or, the NET team will help a parish establish a youth ministry program.

We're very proud of sending Nick to be part of NET for the next year. Many of us have already contributed to NET to help support Nick for the coming year. One of the realities of the NET Ministries program is that each team member is asked to raise $3,500 through donations from parish, family and friends. If you can help with a donation for Nick, and his year of service, I'll be personally grateful. Please check out the website for the National Evangelization Team Ministries http://www.netusa.org/donate/ Consider making an online donation. I just pledged to make a small monthly donation to NET for the next year....it's so easy, and it goes for a great cause. When you click the link for NET, and if you would like to support Nick, just add his full name in the Comment line as "Nick Petrillo". He'll be an active team member for the next year.

Also, most importantly, I'd like to ask you to keep Nick in your prayers for the coming year. He'll be far away from home, he'll be living in community with other young people interested in ministry, and he'll be really, Really, REALLY living the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Plus, he'll be dealing with young people for a whole year. Hopefully, he'll be spreading the Good News to many through his gentle and caring personality.

God bless you, Nick.

What's YOUR Treasure?

This weekend's Gospel challenges us to reflect upon what is truly most important and most valued in our lives. What is "the pearl of great price" in YOUR life?

B16 at World Youth Day: next time in Madrid!

I love this image of Benedict with a young man from aboriginal Australia. They rode into the harbor together on a boat, to begin the festivities for World Youth Day. I would really like to know what the young man said to the Holy Father.

Truth be told, I really enjoyed the image of Benedict with real folks on the boat entering the harbor. It was wonderful to see him surrounded with "real" people, rather than the usual phalanx of clerics.

Check out B16

Check out B16 on the TV, and his great coverage at World Youth Day!.

B16: "I am deeply sorry!"

From the Pope's homily at St Mary's Cathedral:

"I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country.

"Indeed I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured and I assure them that, as their pastor, I too share in their suffering.

"These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation. They have caused great pain, they have damaged the church's witness.

"I ask all of you to support and assist your bishops, and to work together with them in combating this evil. Victims should receive compassion and care, and those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice....

"As the church in Australia continues, in the spirit of the gospel, to address effectively this serious pastoral challenge, I join you in praying that this time of purification will bring about healing, reconciliation and ever-greater fidelity to the moral demands of the gospel."

B16 at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney

ADDRESS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI

MEETING WITH DISADVANTAGED YOUTH
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
SYDNEY
18 JULY 2008


Dear Young Friends,

I am pleased to be with you at Darlinghurst today, and I warmly greet all those taking part in the "Alive" programme, as well as the staff who run it. I pray that you will all benefit from the assistance offered by the Archdiocese of Sydney’s Social Services Agency, and that the good work being done here will continue long into the future.

The name of the programme you are following prompts us to ask the question: what does it really mean to be "alive", to live life to the full? This is what all of us want, especially when we are young, and it is what Christ wants for us. In fact, he said: "I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (Jn 10:10). The most basic instinct of all living things is to stay alive, to grow, to flourish, and to pass on the gift of life to others. So it is only natural that we should ask how best to do this.

For the people of the Old Testament, this question was just as urgent as it is for us today. No doubt they listened attentively when Moses said to them: "I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live in the love of the Lord your God, obeying his voice, clinging to him – for in this your life consists" (Dt 30:19-20). It was clear what they had to do: they had to turn away from other gods and worship the true God who had revealed himself to Moses – and they had to obey his commandments. You might think that in today’s world, people are unlikely to start worshipping other gods. But sometimes people worship "other gods" without realizing it. False "gods", whatever name, shape or form we give them, are nearly always associated with the worship of three things: material possessions, possessive love, or power. Let me explain what I mean.

Material possessions, in themselves, are good. We would not survive for long without money, clothing and shelter. We must eat in order to stay alive. Yet if we are greedy, if we refuse to share what we have with the hungry and the poor, then we make our possessions into a false god. How many voices in our materialist society tell us that happiness is to be found by acquiring as many possessions and luxuries as we can! But this is to make possessions into a false god. Instead of bringing life, they bring death.

Authentic love is obviously something good. Without it, life would hardly be worth living. It fulfils our deepest need, and when we love, we become most fully ourselves, most fully human. But how easily it can be made into a false god! People often think they are being loving when actually they are being possessive or manipulative. People sometimes treat others as objects to satisfy their own needs rather than as persons to be loved and cherished. How easy it is to be deceived by the many voices in our society that advocate a permissive approach to sexuality, without regard for modesty, self-respect or the moral values that bring quality to human relationships! This is worship of a false god. Instead of bringing life, it brings death.

The power God has given us to shape the world around us is obviously something good. Used properly and responsibly, it enables us to transform people’s lives. Every community needs good leaders. Yet how tempting it can be to grasp at power for its own sake, to seek to dominate others or to exploit the natural environment for selfish purposes! This is to make power into a false god. Instead of bringing life, it brings death.

The cult of material possessions, the cult of possessive love and the cult of power often lead people to attempt to "play God": to try to seize total control, with no regard for the wisdom or the commandments that God has made known to us. This is the path that leads towards death. By contrast, worship of the one true God means recognizing in him the source of all goodness, entrusting ourselves to him, opening ourselves to the healing power of his grace and obeying his commandments: that is the way to choose life.

A vivid illustration of what it means to turn back from the path of death onto the path of life is found in a Gospel story that I am sure you all know well: the parable of the prodigal son. When that young man left his father’s house at the beginning of the story, he was seeking the illusory pleasures promised by false "gods". He squandered his inheritance on a life of indulgence, and ended up in abject poverty and misery. When he reached the very lowest point, hungry and abandoned, he realized how foolish he had been to leave his loving father. Humbly, he returned and asked forgiveness. Joyfully his father embraced him and exclaimed: "This son of mine was dead, and has come back to life; he was lost, and is found" (Lk 15:24).

Many of you must have had personal experience of what that young man went through. Perhaps you have made choices that you now regret, choices that led you down a path which, however attractive it appeared at the time, only led you deeper into misery and abandonment. The choice to abuse drugs or alcohol, to engage in criminal activity or self-harm, may have seemed at the time to offer a way out of a difficult or confusing situation. You now know that, instead of bringing life, it brings death. I wish to acknowledge your courage in choosing to turn back onto the path of life, just like the young man in the parable. You have accepted help – from friends or family, from the staff who run the "Alive" programme: from people who care deeply for your well-being and happiness.

Dear friends, I see you as ambassadors of hope to others in similar situations. You can convince them of the need to choose the path of life and shun the path of death, because you speak from experience. All through the Gospels, it was those who had taken wrong turnings who were particularly loved by Jesus, because once they recognized their mistake, they were all the more open to his healing message. Indeed, Jesus was often criticized by self-righteous members of society for spending so much time with such people. "Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?", they asked. He responded: "It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick … I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners" (cf. Mt 9:11-13). It was those who were willing to rebuild their lives who were most ready to listen to Jesus and become his disciples. You can follow in their footsteps, you too can grow particularly close to Jesus because you have chosen to turn back towards him. You can be sure that, just like the Father in the story of the prodigal son, Jesus welcomes you with open arms. He offers you unconditional love – and it is in loving friendship with him that the fullness of life is to be found.

I mentioned earlier that when we love we are fulfilling our deepest need and becoming most fully ourselves, most fully human. Loving is what we are programmed to do, what we were designed for by our Creator. Naturally, I am not talking about fleeting, shallow relationships, I am talking about real love, the very heart of Jesus’ moral teaching: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" and "You must love your neighbour as yourself" (cf. Mk 12:30-31). This, if you like, is the programme that is hard-wired into every human person, if only we had the wisdom and generosity to live by it, if only we were ready to sacrifice our own preferences so as to be of service to others, to give our lives for the good of others, and above all for Jesus, who loved us and gave his life for us. That is what human beings are called to do, that is what it means to be truly alive.

Dear young friends, my message to you today is the same one that Moses proposed all those years ago. "Choose life, so that you and your descendants may live in the love of the Lord your God". Let his Spirit guide you onto the path of life, so that you obey his commandments, follow his teachings, leave behind the wrong turnings that lead only to death, and commit yourselves to a lifelong friendship with Jesus Christ. In the power of the Holy Spirit, choose life and choose love, and bear witness before the world to the joy that it brings. That is my prayer for each one of you this World Youth Day. May God bless you all.

The Pope in Australia for World Youth Day

Pope Benedict, (B16) is pictured here meeting with indigenous natives of Australia as he visits the continent of Australia. He's there for World Youth Day, but is also taking some time-off and enjoying some time to explore the local cultures.


ADDRESS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI
MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER RELIGIONS
CHAPTER HALL
ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL, SYDNEY
18 JULY 2008


Dear Friends,

I extend cordial greetings of peace and goodwill to all of you who are here representing various religious traditions in Australia. Grateful for this encounter, I thank Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence and Sheikh Shardy for the words of welcome which they expressed in their own name and on behalf of your respective communities.

Australia is renowned for the congeniality of its people towards neighbour and visitor alike. It is a nation that holds freedom of religion in high regard. Your country recognizes that a respect for this fundamental right gives men and women the latitude to worship God according to their conscience, to nurture their spirits, and to act upon the ethical convictions that stem from their beliefs.

A harmonious relationship between religion and public life is all the more important at a time when some people have come to consider religion as a cause of division rather than a force for unity. In a world threatened by sinister and indiscriminate forms of violence, the unified voice of religious people urges nations and communities to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and with full regard for human dignity. One of the many ways religion stands at the service of mankind is by offering a vision of the human person that highlights our innate aspiration to live generously, forging bonds of friendship with our neighbours. At their core, human relations cannot be defined in terms of power, domination and self-interest. Rather, they reflect and perfect man's natural inclination to live in communion and accord with others.

The religious sense planted within the human heart opens men and women to God and leads them to discover that personal fulfilment does not consist in the selfish gratification of ephemeral desires. Rather, it leads us to meet the needs of others and to search for concrete ways to contribute to the common good. Religions have a special role in this regard, for they teach people that authentic service requires sacrifice and self-discipline, which in turn must be cultivated through self-denial, temperance and a moderate use of the world's goods. In this way, men and women are led to regard the environment as a marvel to be pondered and respected rather than a commodity for mere consumption. It is incumbent upon religious people to demonstrate that it is possible to find joy in living simply and modestly, generously sharing one's surplus with those suffering from want.

Friends, these values, I am sure you will agree, are particularly important to the adequate formation of young people, who are so often tempted to view life itself as a commodity. They also have an aptitude for self-mastery: indeed, in sports, the creative arts, and in academic studies, they readily welcome it as a challenge. Is it not true that when presented with high ideals, many young people are attracted to asceticism and the practice of moral virtue through self-respect and a concern for others? They delight in contemplating the gift of creation and are intrigued by the mystery of the transcendent. In this regard, both faith schools and State schools could do even more to nurture the spiritual dimension of every young person. In Australia, as elsewhere, religion has been a motivating factor in the foundation of many educational institutions, and rightly it continues to occupy a place in school curricula today. The theme of education frequently emerges from the deliberations of the Interfaith Cooperation for Peace and Harmony, and I warmly encourage those participating in this initiative to continue the conversation about the values that integrate the intellectual, human and religious dimensions of a sound education.
The world's religions draw constant attention to the wonder of human existence. Who can help but marvel at the power of the mind to grasp the secrets of nature through scientific discovery? Who is not stirred by the possibility of forming a vision for the future? Who is not impressed by the power of the human spirit to set goals and to develop ways of achieving them? Men and women are endowed with the ability not only to imagine how things might be better, but to invest their energies to make them better. We are conscious of our unique relationship to the natural realm. If, then, we believe that we are not subject to the laws of the material universe in the same way as the rest of creation, should we not make goodness, compassion, freedom, solidarity, and respect for every individual an essential part of our vision for a more humane future?

Yet religion, by reminding us of human finitude and weakness, also enjoins us not to place our ultimate hope in this passing world. Man is "like a breath, his days are like a passing shadow" (Ps 144:4). All of us have experienced the disappointment of falling short of the good we wish to accomplish and the difficulty of making the right choice in complex situations.

The Church shares these observations with other religions. Motivated by charity, she approaches dialogue believing that the true source of freedom is found in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians believe it is he who fully discloses the human potential for virtue and goodness, and he who liberates us from sin and darkness. The universality of human experience, which transcends all geographical boundaries and cultural limitations, makes it possible for followers of religions to engage in dialogue so as to grapple with the mystery of life's joys and sufferings. In this regard, the Church eagerly seeks opportunities to listen to the spiritual experience of other religions. We could say that all religions aim to penetrate the profound meaning of human existence by linking it to an origin or principle outside itself. Religions offer an attempt to understand the cosmos as coming from and returning to this origin or principle. Christians believe that God has revealed this origin and principle in Jesus, whom the Bible refers to as the "Alpha and Omega" (cf. Rev 1:8; 22:1).

My dear friends, I have come to Australia as an ambassador of peace. For this reason, I feel blessed to meet you who likewise share this yearning and the desire to help the world attain it. Our quest for peace goes hand in hand with our search for meaning, for it is in discovering the truth that we find the sure road to peace (cf. Message for World Day of Peace, 2006). Our effort to bring about reconciliation between peoples springs from, and is directed to, that truth which gives purpose to life. Religion offers peace, but more importantly, it arouses within the human spirit a thirst for truth and a hunger for virtue. May we encourage everyone - especially the young - to marvel at the beauty of life, to seek its ultimate meaning, and to strive to realize its sublime potential!

With these sentiments of respect and encouragement, I commend you to the providence of Almighty God, and I assure you of my prayers for you and your loved ones, the members of your communities, and all the citizens of Australia.

Summer at the Jersey Shore

Summer at the shore....nothing like it!

These summer days are time to relax, refresh, and renew. I believe summer is nature's way to tell us all to slow down, take a walk on the sands of the beach, and renew old and treasured relationships.

May these beautiful summer days energize us all to keep sharing the great energy that comes from Gospel living.

Saint Anselm, pray for us

This image of St. Anselm is a favorite of mine. Some of you know that this statue is in a lovely courtyard in the Collegio Sant' Anselmo in Rome, the Pontifical Liturgical Academy run by the Jesuit Fathers.

This image reminds me that, like Anselm, we may all be called to carry the Gospel to new and perhaps far-away places and have to adapt the Gospel to new ways of living it out. This image gives me hope as we continue with the Deanery Study of the future of the Church in our section of Monmouth County.

Open House for New Parishioners!

Next Friday evening, the Parish Council will host a Welcome Party for any new parishioners at the Parish House. The party starts at 8:00 P.M. and we'll serve light refreshments and give you a chance to meet some of our parish leaders. And, just like Jesus did with his friends, we might enjoy a sip of wine while we get to know each other better!

Deanery Study Update....again!

Cute, aren't they?

Sheep...Jesus refers to the flock of disciples as "sheep"....sometimes lost....sometimes in danger due to "false shepherds"....but always, everyone of them, (us), are valued by the Savior.

What of the "sheep" in our area? Our recent Deanery Study has asked all of the "sheep" in this area to give voice to their hopes and dreams for the Church in this area. We know that we'll have to form larger and more vibrant parishes in the next 10 years. Perhaps these days are ones which call us to look at all those things, hopes, desires that unites us with other parish communities. What do we have in common? What can we share? Maybe we can come together and become a stronger, more vibrant, more diverse, more gifted community of Roman Catholics!

I have lots of positive energy about the prospects for the future of the Church in this area. We may not have as many smaller, competitive little parishes in the future, but there's a great opportunity for the Church to beome a truly powerful, positive presence in this area of Monmouth County. We can truly make a difference, if we truly work together!

Let's stay positive! We can do great things if we work together, and stay open to new ways of living the Gospel!

Peace to all!

Fr. Gene

Today, the Fourth of July.

I remember especially my friends who gave their lives in service to their country.

With them, let us praise the Lord who gives us everlasting life!

Have a happy 4th! Peace, Fr. Gene

Today, I received a nasty e-mail from someone I don't personally know. That person was upset with me because of earlier posts that question the neo-conservative liturgical practices of this currently reigning pontiff, Benedict XVI.

While I am loyal to the office of the Papacy, I am not blindly obedient. That is not what the promise of obedience means. Yes, sometimes I question some papal practices. That doesn't mean that I'm disloyal to the Church. I think that we all need to remember that "the Church" is not the Pope. "The Church" subsists in places like China, India, Asia, El Salvador, Niger, Kenya, and even in Tinton Falls, NJ.

I seek to be loyal to the "Church" in all of its teachings and practices. I believe in the Petrine ministry, I believe that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and form the church, all of the baptized, in Gospel ways. I believe, with the teachings of Vatican II, that the church needs to adapt itself to the local practices of the local cultures.

If that comes off as being "disloyal"....then, I'm sorry....the reader needs to go back to the Gospels, and to the documents of the Second Vatican Council...and read them in an adult manner.

There's room in the church for lots of views, for lots of opinions, for lots of people.

The great Irish author, James Joyce, when asked by a reporter: "What does it mean for you to be Catholic? What does Catholic mean?"

Joyce answered, simply: "Catholic....means: Here comes Everybody!"

Deanery Study Update

As the Deanery Study continues, I would like to invite all members of the parish of St. Anselm to attend an Open Town-Hall meeting on Monday evening, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium along with our Parish Council. The Diocese has asked each parish participating in the Study to hold these Town-Hall meetings in July.

We'll announce this meeting this weekend and next, at all of the Masses, and we'll have packets of helpful information available to help you prepare for the meeting.

In the packet you'll find several helpful handouts updating the information about the process of evaluating viable parishes for the future. We'll look at the differences of twinning parishes, or clustering parishes, or merging parishes.
We're giving you this information because we want your input into the process of giving recommendations to the bishop and the diocese as to the future of the Church in this area of Monmouth County.

Just as the Second Vatican Council was called by Pope John XXIII to update the Church, so our deanery study will help the local Church prepare for the future. It's only with your input, the people of God, that we can enliven the Church for the future!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND OTHER PARISHIONERS TO COME TO THE TOWN-HALL MEETING.

Pastoral Musicians

This week, the Eastern Regional Convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) is holding their convention in East Brunswick, New Jersey!

The convention formally opened today with a welcome by NPM President, Dr. Michael McMahon, and then a stirring address by Ursuline Sister Carol Perry. There are over 300 church musicians at the convention, just from New Jersey alone! Total conventioneers number close to one thousand!

The convention features talks, workshops, exhibits, tours and outings, and concerts by very talented church musicians and artists, along with clergy and religious singing and learning and praying with each other. Some consider this convention to be more like a huge party than a convention, but that's what good family gatherings are all about! We learn from each other and we GROW as we celebrate and experiment, and learn new things together.

It is very good to be here, and I'm looking forward to singing our faith with ALL of these fine people in the days to come!

Latest from Rome: Pope to give communion the Old-Fashioned Way

Word came today from Rome that the new Master of Ceremonies for the Pope, a mere Monsignor, has "ruled" that the Pope will now only distribute Communion to the faithful if they are kneeling, and only on the tongue. No mention of communicating the faithful with both holy species is mentioned.

It looks like another major "step backwards" for things liturgical, by this little monsignor who has absolutely no academic credentials in liturgical studies, but who enjoys the favor of B16.

Anyway, this means absolutely nothing for the way we distribute holy commuion in our parishes in the United States in 2008. Our Bishops have dictated that the normal way to receive Holy Communion is to be standing, to extend our hands , and to receive the Body of Christ, and then to proceed to the next minister, who will minister the Blood of Christ.

Don't worry folks, Rome doesn't "control" the Catholic World the way it used to!

This Sunday's Solemnity

This Sunday, the solemnity of St. Peter and Paul trumps the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time. So, don't be surprised when you see all white vestments instead of green. As you know, this weekend, I'm celebrating my 15th Anniversary of Ordination with a Mass and our parish picnic/barbecue/kegger.

Since my dad and aunts and uncles will be here for this mass and celebration, I'll have to wear my white ordination vestments, (designed by my mom and dad with the Trappist Monks at Spencer, MA) and I'll have to use my chalice and paten (given to me by my parents). I'm looking forward to the presence of so many family members at the mass and picnic, as it's a good, positive time to get together. During the past few years, we've only gathered for sad occasions like funerals, so this should be a fun time to get together.

I'm especially grateful to our parish-life committee who have been so enthusiastic in putting this party together, and volunteering to cook, and host my family. I'm sure that my family will be duly impressed and will truly be welcomed by the entire family of St. Anselm.

Now, we just need some decent weather for Sunday.


Notre Dame, our Mother....tender, strong and true.....make the skies on Sunday....clear and dry and blue....

The Infant Baptism Process

Tonight, our Baptism-Preparation team hosted the last in our four-part preparation process with a Reflection session for 10 families who've recently celebrated the sacrament of baptism for their babies. Just so you know, the babies were all there, and were welcomed. That's a key part of the process.

I made it known that now that they are baptized, they are full members of the community of faith, and that they had a right to join us each Sunday for Mass and to take part in the life of the church in our parish. No cry-rooms here!

The most important part of our baptism process is to make known to the new parents that they are now part of a community of faith, and that they are welcome. So, we put a lot of emphasis on welcoming people, introducing them to other parishioners, introducing them to the activities and ministries of our parish, and inviting them to take part in reaching out to others. Right from the start, we emphasize that baptism is initiation into the community of faith that does good works. We invite young parents to take this opportunity to get more involved in the life of the faith community.

We also had a special invitation tonight to bring the babies, and their siblings to the Parish Picnic/Barbecue/Kegger we'll have on Sunday afternoon to celebrate my 15th annivesary.

Hey, whatever works!

I remember way back in my college days, when we had a regional meeting of college campus ministries, and campus ministers....we had a discussion of "best practices" for getting new members....and I distinctly remember one of my comrades talking about having a "kegger" after mass to attract new folks. It worked then, it works now.

Make the folks feel welcome. Meet them where they're at. Feed them a little. Give them something to drink. Pray a little, but celebrate the Love that's ALL GIFT!

Let's party and give thanks!

Deanery Study makes the Asbury Park Press

Today, a front-page story in the Asbury Park Press discussed the growing priest-shortage and the closure, merging, and clustering of parishes in the Diocese of Trenton. Parishes in Ocean and Monmouth counties were highlighted, and the reactions of parishioners were also highlighted.


http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

Getting ready for an Anniversary

This coming Sunday, we're celebrating my 15th anniversary of ordination. The actual date was May 15th, but May is such a busy month with graduations, ordinations, weddings, and First Communions and Confirmations, I asked that we celebrate at the end of June when things settle down a bit, when the weather is warmer, and when we could all use a Sunday to gather as family and friends.

I'm personally grateful to our Parish Life Committee who've been tremendously supportive of this celebration. They've been very enthusiastic about having a great celebration next Sunday. It should be a great party with everybody bringing a dish to share with everybody else.

I have to assure my family that, yes, I will do a batch of my barbecue meatballs, and that there will be lots of pasta salad, beer, and burgers to tide us all over. The back door of the parish house will be open, and the air will be on, so everybody can be comfortable. It's been a while since we've gathered as a family, so let's have a great time catching up on the kids and where everybody's at.

Anointing the Sick and Suffering

This weekend, we will anoint any person who comes forward for the Anointing of the Sick. We will offer this anointing at all of the Masses.

This weekend is also our weekend to have coffee and donuts, or light refreshments after all of the masses.

Our Human Concerns/Social Justice committee members will also speak briefly to us at the start of all liturgies about this important ministry in our parish.

We will also baptize some new children into our faith community at Mass this weekend.

For many parishes, all of this "activity" would seem overwhelming. For St. Aneslm, it's business as usual. Welcome newly baptized and their families! Welcome the newly anointed with the Oil of the Sick. Welcome visitors looking for true Vatican II style worship! Welcome all who are seeking a spiritual home in the midst of the desert!

Volunteer Appreciation!

Last night, we had our annual Appreciation Dinner for all of our parish volunteers. Just a small, intimate gathering of 155 people!

And, that's not nearly all of the parishioners who volunteer their time, talent, and treasure each day here at St. Anselm. There are so many people who go out of their way to build up all of the wonderful ministries of this parish community. We have much to be thankful for!

I think it's very important to do something fun like this dinner. I just feel a little badly that not all of our volunteers and ministers couldn't join us for the evening. However, I know that the Lord will bless all who give themselves in His name!

Thank you, everyone, for ALL that you do to share with our faith community!

Deanery Study Update, June 2008

Tonight, we had the most recent meeting of the Central Monmouth County Deanery Study. We gathered at the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven. Tonight, more than ever, we spoke about possible consolidations, twinnings, and combinations of parishes. It was an important night. I could feel the prayerful support of many people guiding our deliberations this evening.

I was personally struck by how many of the participants were still stuck in using imprecise terminology that did not help or further the conversation of helping the Church in our particular area. Too many of the participants are still talking about "maintaining my church" or "our church doesn't need to change" or "My church has always...."

Well, I had to step in at one point in our discussion to point out to all of the participants that we've been charged to look at the ministry of THE Church in this area. We've been charged to discern how The Church's Mission can better be served by better utilizing clergy, staff and physical resources in this area. And that requires CHANGE!

We need to look forward! I have a problem with people who seek to lead by always looking in Rear-view mirrors!

Let's continue to pray for each other in this area as we seek to become a more vibrant, forceful Catholic presence in this area in the future!

Stay tuned for more information about an Open, Town-Hall meeting at St. Anselm to keep you informed about the recommendations we hope to make to the Bishop in the very near future.

A Catholic Funeral today.....some thoughts.

Recently, in our diocese, we've had some interesting celebrations of funerals for priests and other "high profile" members of the diocesan administration.

I've been regularly disappointed with the lack of knowledge by some of our diocesan leadership with the beautiful elements of the renewed rites of our Catholic Rite for Funerals.

This may be somewhat strange, but I think that it is very important to celebrate funerals well, with all of the symbols of our Catholic faith utilized to their fullest extent.

That means:

-Let's sing songs and hymns that shout our faith in the Resurrection! Let's not sing sappy, over-emotional songs that celebrate the deceased's nationality of origin.

-The funeral mass is for the living, not the deceased. I really don't care what the deceased wanted as a favorite song or reading. Let's look to what the Church today recommends as appropriate readings, intercessions or hymns.

-Funerals for priests should look very similar to funerals for lay persons. Why do we "gussy up" the rites for a priest, and not for lay people? Why do we need at least three "Eulogies" at a priest's funeral, yet we "FORBID" eulogies at the funerals for lay persons?

-Let's use the Rite for Christian Funerals as the main guide for our funeral celebrations.

-Bishops who forbid "eulogies" at Funeral Masses should attend to that policy when they celebrate, preach at, or preside at funerals for priests or other bishops! If a bishop doesn't know the difference between a homily and a eulogy at a funeral, then draw your own conclusion!

Deadly Silence

What a cluster bomb looks like when it doesn't explode:






What a cluster bomb looks like when it does explode:





Editorial from the June 13 2008 National Catholic Reporter

Shameful silence on cluster bombs

Cluster bombs, an efficient way of spreading the deadly horror of land mines, are such a repugnant weapon that 110 countries, representing well over half the world's governments, met in Dublin, Ireland, in late May to sign a treaty banning the production, use and export of the sinister devices. Regrettably, U.S. leaders refused to join the consensus.

Not only did the Bush administration refuse to sign, it boycotted the negotiations that fashioned the treaty and used its muscle to try to convince others to hold off.

Cluster bombs, which can be dropped from a variety of airplanes, each contain about 200 "bomblets," according to Handicap International, which cofounded the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Handicap International won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997.

Each bomblet is the size of a soft drink can and, depending on the flight of the bomb, can be scattered over wide areas. It is the equivalent of dropping, as one description, as one description put it, "a shower of tiny hand grenades," all capable of exploding and sending lethal shrapnel flying.

One particularly insidious characteristic of the weapon is that many don't explode when first deployed and, as is the case with conventional land mines, they can appear to the unaware as toys or other benign devices. Because they stay deployed over large stretches of land they have become deadly to thousands of civilians long after hostilities cease. Tens of thousands of civilians, including many children, have been killed or maimed because of innocent curiosity or by happening unawares upon one of the weapons.

U.S. insistence that these barbaric and indiscriminate weapons remain a necessary part of the 21st-century arsenal puts us in league with China, Iran, Syria and Russia, among others. With CHina and Russia, the United States is one of the principal manufacturers and exporters of the weapons, a fact that hardly boosts our already seriously eroded moral authority. It's difficult to claim the high ground of spreading freedom when your weapons maim children and prevent populations from using huge sections of a country.

The United States, in this case, has felt little pressure from the Catholic community to counter that coming from the military and weapons manufacturers. Pope Benedict XVI voiced support for the treaty effort in mid-May, but if the administration can ignore repeated papal condemnations of war (while simultaneously taking sound-bie advantage of the church's "culture of life" language), who could expect it to pay attention to papal protest against bombs used to make war?

Our bishops, too, have been noticeably quiet. Bishop Thomas Wensky, chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace, was the lone signatory from the U.S. conference to an April letter in which international religious figures appealed for an international treaty.

Archbishop Wilton Gregory, now of Atlanta, commented in 2003, on the eve of the latest phase of the war against Iraq: "Any decision to defend against Iraq's weapons of mass destruction by using our own weapons of mass destruction would be clearly unjustified. The use of antipersonnel land mines, cluster bombs and other weapons that cannot distinguish between soldiers and civilians, or between times of war and times of peace, ought to be avoided."

His protest, mild at best, meant little. The war was undertaken, the cluster bombs were dropped and we've heard little from the bishops since.

Deanery Study Continues

Monmouth Central Deanery Update

March, 2008

MCDS delegates identify parishes' strengths, weaknesses and 'hopeful goals'



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Delegados del MCDS identifican las fortalezas, debilidades y 'esperanzadoras metas' de las parroquias (72k. pdf)
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An examination of the questions -- "Where are we now as faith communities?" and "Where do we want to be?"-- has been the main focus for representatives of the 15 parishes currently engaged in the Monmouth Central Deanery Study.

In study sessions held in February and March, parish delegates worked in two regional groups, or clusters - north and south - in order to develop a snapshot of those regions by identifying the mission, strengths and limitations of its parishes, individually and then collectively, as well as the external opportunities and challenges that exist beyond the parishes in the local communities. Observations were based on the surveys taken by parishioners in the fall, demographic and financial reports provided to the study group and input from the parish leadership team (wider group of parish leaders in each community who are reviewing and informing the work of the study group).

The study group members also spent time sharing what have been called their "big, hopeful, audacious goals" for their parishes. Delving into their respective dream lists, group members cited the following goals for their parishes and clusters:

good working relationships with pastors
youth ministry beyond Confirmation
outreach to senior population
having their own pastor
outreach to non-participating Catholics
encouragement of vocations
having every parishioner involved in parish life
By identifying strengths and weaknesses, the study group positioned itself to begin the planning process in order to achieve some of the most important goals articulated.

Included among the strengths

growing Catholic population
available resources through the stewardship efforts of parishioners, particularly in the area of dedicated staff and strong volunteer base
variety of ways to get involved in the liturgy and other Church activities
diversity within the Catholic population
strong commitment to social concerns; sense of outreach
focus on evangelization; sense of welcoming and hospitality
solid facilities
influx of seniors
commitment to youth
uniqueness of each parish community

The weaknesses or limitations identified in the deanery (two clusters) were:

youth ministry programs need to be improved
encouragement of vocations lacking
inability to reach out to inactive Catholics and unchurched
lack of communication and support between parishes
need for expanded facilities, such as parking, accessibility for persons with special needs, as well as community or parish centers
lack of support for Catholic schools
need for more financial resources and a better understanding of how it's being spent

During the March meeting, the group explored the opportunities that exist in the extended communities. They pointed to the growth in the Latino and other ethnic populations as well as those in the 55 and over age group as examples. They also cited the student population at Monmouth University and Brookdale Community College, as well as the significant number of non-practicing Catholics as potential growth areas for the Church through outreach efforts.

Among the obstacles that would need to be overcome in the extended community are an anti-Catholic culture; evangelization efforts by other faiths; breakdown of the family unit; growth in the trends of consumerism and secularism; the high cost of living coupled with the loss of jobs, and the proliferation of Sunday morning sports programs for children.

Speculation on the future of the Army base, Fort Monmouth, was also considered in the context of both an opportunity and a threat. If the base were to close in the future, military personnel would leave the area, which would have an impact on the economy. However, the land would likely be redeveloped, which could mean more housing and more people.

Tim Russert: 1950-2008

Tonight, we learned that we've lost one of the best, if not the best of political journalists, Tim Russert.

I'm touched by the powerful words of the many famous people who are truly shocked and grieved by this sudden loss of one so respected for his search for truth.

Here's a typically touching story reported by the NBC workers out of the DC bureau:
This afternoon, soon after he heard about Tim's untimely passing, Cardinal Ted McCarrick, who was in Washington, drove over to the NBC studios to comfort the folks over there. He went to just "be with" those reporters, writers, producers, and the folks that had weekly worked with Tim, to just be supportive. I'm told that he offered a prayer that began with this phrase: "Tim is now home." Typical "Uncle Ted."

While we wish that he could still be here with his beloved family and friends, we do celebrate this new entrance into the next and everlasting chaper of his life....his everlasting life with his Savior and all the saints in glory.

"Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Peace forever, Tim!

The Language of the Liturgy

The U.S. Bishops are currently meeting in Florida. One of the "hot topics" that they are discussing and voting on is the recent translation of the Roman Missal. A new English translation from the Latin has been in the works for many years, and the U.S. Bishops are at a point where they can approve it as is, or suggeest some further translations and changes.

Here's what John Allen from the National Catholic Reporter has to say:

USCCB: Dramatic debate, cliffhanger result on liturgy
Posted on Jun 13, 2008 06:23am CST.
Print Friendly Version

By JOHN L. ALLEN JR.
Orlando, Florida

Perhaps it’s only fitting that a meeting held in Florida, the state that made the hanging chad famous, should feature a bitterly contested cliffhanger vote, which, as election day ended, remained inconclusive.

Heading into the U.S. bishops’ spring meeting in Orlando, it didn’t seem likely that a proposed new translation of the Proper of Seasons, part of the prayers and other texts for the Catholic Mass, would stir up much dust. Following a decade and a half of impassioned argument over such texts known colloquially as the “liturgy wars,” many bishops privately expressed fatigue and a desire to move on – suggesting to most observers that approval of this text ought to be more or less a given.

In one sign of that mood, only seven bishops out of 250 Latin Rite prelates in the United States even bothered to propose amendments to the text, a clear sign that most felt the handwriting was on the wall. Like it or not, many concluded, Rome has made clear that the new translations must be closer to the Latin, both in structure and word choice, thus producing a more “sacral” language sometimes remote from ordinary English usage.

All that changed this morning, however, when Bishop Victor Galeone of Saint Augustine, Florida, rose to oppose the proposed text -- despite, he said, fear that doing so may be "in vain." A former Latin teacher who still reads Thomas Aquinas in the original language, Galeone made a forceful argument that the new translation is simply too unclear and awkward to be effectively used in American parishes.

Among other things, Galeone cited the text’s use of the phrase “the gibbet of the Cross.”

“The last time I heard that word was back in 1949, during Stations of the Cross in Lent,” Galeone said.

“I challenge anyone to proclaim what’s given here at Mass,” he said. “It’s very difficult.”

“A good translator has to understand not just the original language, but also one’s own into which these texts are being put,” Galeone said. Despite assurances to the contrary, he said, the new texts are “slavish” with respect to the Latin originals.

“I’m an obedient son of the church, and if these texts are passed as they stand, I will pray with them,” Galeone said. “But I feel that the vernacular has been a blessing to our people.” Galeone added that with “all due respect” to the recent ruling from Pope Benedict XVI authorizing wider celebration of the old Latin Mass, he hasn’t celebrated the old rite since 1970. If he were asked to do so today, he said, he would instead celebrate the new rite of the Mass in Latin.

Galeone’s speech seemed to open the floodgates, as other bishops rose to voice reservations about the new translations.

Auxiliary Bishop Richard Sklba of Milwaukee, for example, said, “If I have trouble understanding the text when I read it, I wonder how it’s going to be possible to pray with it in the context of worship.”

Sklba warned that if the proposed text were adopted, “our priests and our people” will press the bishops to come back to it “again and again” to remedy perceived defects. “This is not yet mature,” he said.

Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie, Pennsylvania, a longtime critic of the new translations, said the texts contain a number of “archaic and obscure” terms, pointing to words such as “wrought,” “ineffable,” and “gibbet.” He also said that the text’s preference for mimicking the sentence structure of Latin, featuring long sentences with a large number of dependent clauses, impedes understanding in English. Trautman cited one prayer in the new Proper of Seasons presented as a single 12-line sentence with three separate clauses.

“John and Mary Catholic have a right to have prayer texts that are clear and understandable,” Trautman said. “The document before us needs further work.”

Bishop Robert Lynch of Saint Petersburg, Florida, thanked Galeone for giving him the “courage for this moment.” Lynch then told the bishops that he had recently taken the new Mass texts back to his presbyteral council, composed of 26 priests. Two were in favor of the translation, he said, and 24 were opposed.

He reported their reaction as, “Bishop, do whatever you can, because we can’t pray these texts.”

“It’s a good thing that we’re supposed to pause before the orations,” Lynch joked, “because we’ll have to gather enough breath to pray the prayers.”

Other bishops, however, argued that aditted imperfections in the text don’t justify further delays in the process.

“It’s an imperfect sacramentary for an imperfect people, to be prayed by a celebrant who is also imperfect,” said Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco. “I respect those who say let’s move forward and get a new sacramentary, before they all fall apart in the sacristy.”

Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb, the retired archbishop of Mobile who sits on the Vox Clara Commission that advises the Vatican on liturgical translation, said that he doesn’t find the new texts “unacceptable or unproclaimable.”

“Our genius in celebrating,” he said, will make up for any deficiencies. Further, he said, the average Catholic will receive the new texts “with the eyes of faith,” rather than focusing on its problems “like an English teacher or a Latin teacher.”

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said that “with all its difficulties, the translation should go forward,” adding that he believes the new Mass texts “become stronger after Advent, into Lent and Easter.”

Responding to the “let’s move on” argument, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of Cincinnati warned that it “depends on what you’re moving forward to,” arguing that the new texts would be “a linguistic swamp.”

Archbishop John Vlazny of Portland made another argument in favor of the text, noting that four other English-speaking bishops’ conferences have already approved it. If the Americans reject it, he said, it could jeopardize the goal of a common text.

“Admittedly, we’re the big ones, but that doesn’t allow us a terribly privileged position,” Vlazny said. “We need a measure of humility in this.”

Echoing a point made by others, Vlazny also argued that today’s texts may seem more “proclaimable” simply because they’re familiar. With time, he said, the new texts will also become familiar, and the issues of syntax and word choice cited by critics “will be a non-problem.”

Bishop Arthur Seratelli of Paterson, New Jersey, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Divine Worship, defended the texts.

“On whole, the translation is a marked improvement,” Seratelli said. “As we use it, as we ourselves and our priests become more familiar with the new language of the liturgy, it will not pose as great a problem as we fear.”

After all that the bishops were unable to reach a decision, largely because of the electoral math.

The rules of the conference require that the text be approved by two-thirds of its members, not just those physically present. Since there are 250 Latin Rite bishops in the United States, 166 “yes” votes are required to approve it, while 83 “no” votes are necessary to reject it.

As it turns out, the Orlando meeting was sparsely attended – one headcount yesterday found just 178 voting members. As a result, this morning’s ballot failed to get enough “yes” votes to approve the text, or enough “no” votes to block it.

As a result, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the conference, announced that bishops who were not present will receive ballots in the mail in order to settle things one way or the other.

The bishops did reach a decision on a couple of other points.

If the text is rejected, they decided, all members of the conference will have the opportunity to submit observations and proposals, not just those who have already expressed concerns.

Further, if the text does have to go back to the drawing board, the bishops decided not to send it to the International Commission on English in the Liturgy, a translation agency which is a joint project of 11 English-speaking bishops’ conferences, for comment. Since ICEL was restructured under Vatican pressure several years ago, some bishops feel the agency has not been receptive to proposed changes to its texts. In a voice vote, the bishops opted this morning to bypass any reaction from ICEL and simply bring a new version of the Proper for Seasons back to the U.S. conference.

That, however, assumes that the text does not pass once all the mail-in ballots are counted. Some veteran conference observers believe that once all the votes are in, the new text stands a good chance of being approved – noting that a number of likely “yes” votes, such as Cardinals Justin Rigali of Philadelphia and Edward Egan of New York, were among those absent in Orlando.

Can you hear me now?

Today's Scriptures tell us the answer to the question: "What does God want of me?"

That's a question we often wrestle with, whether we're wondering about a life's vocation or even trying to decide a path of action in a difficult circumstance.

The answer comes from Hosea: "I want mercy, not sacrifices." Mercy, forgiveness, love...that's what the Lord wants from us.

Joe and Megan, Paul and Regina: Blessings!

Today, I had the privilege of presiding at two weddings. One, for the son of my former boss at St. John Vianney High School, and the second, for some wonderful new friends who blessed our parish with the new experience of celebrating a wedding with Fillipino traditions and practices.

We pray for Joe and Megan, and their wonderful families. We pray for Paul and Regina, and we look forward to sharing many wonderful years together with these very generous souls.

Check out RealFaithTV

Please check out one of my links to RealFaithTV. RFTV is produced by the young people of the Diocese of Trenton, and covers topics of interest to young people. If you look closely at the opening credits, you can see Fr. Gene celebrating Mass with the cast and crew of RFTV. I really enjoy doing that once a year with the young people, on the last day of taping the shows.

'Tis the Season for Baccalaureate Masses

This morning, I was invited to concelebrate at the Baccalaureate Mass for Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC). SORRY, LANCERS! YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU MORE! Some of my parishioners and some old friends were graduating from RBC today. I went to help them celebrate this great milestone in their young lives.

Thursday evening, I'll preside and preach at the Baccalaureate Mass for my friends at St. John Vianney High School. This Mass is one of my favorite things to do each year. I try to offer some original thoughts and reflections to each year's graduating class. Best of all, (I'm told by the students) they like how I keep the homily to an interesting 7 minutes.

Congratulations to all the graduates this year. It's a privilege to be a small part of your wonderful accomplishments!