A Treasure To Be Shared

In the Ordinariates, we are fortunate to have clear guidance on the language of worship. Anyone who has attended Divine Worship will recognize the traditional ‘thee/thou’ language woven throughout the sacred Liturgy. This elevated style helps focus our hearts and minds on the worship of God, offering a tone that is both intimate and reverent, perfectly suited for communication between creature and Creator. Let's take a brief look at the instruction concerning the concluding doxology that accompanies prayers. Notice the respect given to the language used in the Roman Missal, the book of the typical diocesan or Ordinary Form liturgy. Notice, too, how the language of the Ordinariate Form liturgy complements the language of the Roman Missal. 5. Regarding “Ever One God” in the Divine Worship Collects In May 2020, the Congregation for Divine Worship wrote to the English-speaking conferences of bishops regarding the concluding doxology of the Collects in the Roman Missal. Specifically, th...

A friend's encounter with a member of non-Catholic eastern church has reminded this blogger that there is considerable animosity toward Catholics. Granted, one or two or a hundred people do not represent the entirety of a given community. Nevertheless, the experience was puzzling and somewhat unpleasant for him and consistent with those who have had similar experiences. This blogger has observed similar interactions between Novus Ordo attendees and traditionalist Catholics. If experience is any kind of a confirmation, Rad Trads tend to create religious silos of folk whose attitudes and behaviour run from bearish to bullish. How can someone steer clear of conversations with people who hold resentment toward the Catholic Church or a different form of the Mass? How can one avoid insecurities that might harm unity in the community? Should we simply keep to ourselves and stay away from all discussions with non-Catholics? People searching for the Church founded by Jesus Christ often face...

There are enough Catholic Germans who think with the Church (sentire cum Ecclesia) in spite of media reports of many of the German brethren behaving like heathen. Back in 2023, Neuer Anfang, New Beginning, a group of faithful Catholics, challenged the heterodox Synodal Way (Der Synodale Weg). Where such faithful groups exist, there is hope. https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/europe/group-of-faithful-in-germany-rejects-synodal-way-we-want-to-remain-catholic https://neueranfang.online/ Saint Boniface: pray for them! According to the 8th-century Vita Bonifatii auctore Willibaldo , Saint Boniface of Wessex, an Anglo-Saxon missionary, and his companions cut down Thor's Oak, a tree worshipped by the German population. The oak’s wood was reportedly used to construct a church on the site, dedicated to Saint Peter. Boniface, known as the Apostle of Germany, earned this title for his significant role in the Christianization of the region. "For 10 years (725–735) Boniface was active in Thur...

Reverent liturgy, including well-prepared homilies firmly rooted in biblical wisdom made accessible. We really and truly meet Jesus and the saints in the sacred Liturgy. Rendered beautifully, mindful of the connection between the earthly and the heavenly Liturgy, we are formed by the Eucharistic Jesus for an eternity with him. Confession: supply formation to assist the examination of conscience, refinement of judgement, clarity of purpose, development of virtue, and dependence on God's grace. God provides the medicine of mercy through Holy Mother Church to help us grow in holiness. We need what the Holy Ghost provides: perspective. Without the grace of God, we can flounder in scrupulosity or wander in indifference. The Light of God is necessary for us to remain vigilant and ready to repent of our sins. If we become full of ourselves, there is no room for God in our lives. Fellowship and a rich devotional life: study and discussion groups that support formation for mission, evangel...

Photograph: ARD1 It’s been said that many people, especially younger generations, are joining the Church in significant numbers across Europe, America, and elsewhere. Seekers and converts have a clear idea of what the Church should be, thanks to their access to reliable online resources. But do they discover genuine substance and authenticity when they step into a typical diocesan parish? https://www.catholicregister.org/item/3353-archdiocese-of-paris-convenes-council-in-response-to-historic-rise-in-catechumens Catholic Light or Catholic Lite? Younger Catholics and Catholics-to-be are interested in finding the Jesus known by the saints, not some Pop-Tart religion where Jesus is reduced to a social justice warrior cast in the image of modern ideologues. Seekers are not interested in the politicized religion of the Jesuits. If online videos and everyday conversations are any indication, they’re drawn to the Church of Aquinas, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, Palestrina and chan...

Cain Slays Abel Is your workplace beset with individuals who take offence at matters that trigger them and them alone and who then proceed to torture others? Do you view the world through the lens of your wounds and feel justified in cursing others with false accusations simply because you need to feel powerful and in total control? Do you inflict as much or even more harm on others than you yourself have endured? Do you attempt to control circumstances—work, play, church—because you lack the ability to interact in mutually affirming ways? Do you lack a sense of humour, and so playful banter becomes a threat? Do you feel inadequate and looked down upon, though there is no condescension on the part of others? Do you use religion or politics as a means to insulate yourself from confronting your own foibles? Do you persist in projecting your anger onto others and attempt to blame others for making your life miserable? An exasperated acquaintance recently shared workplace tensions. He ...

View Through GN2026 Know your identity, know your role. Look carefully at matters that inspire you, that draw your attention to good things even while you may be reluctant to follow such promptings. All good things in life require some kind of constructive investment, even the littlest of ventures. Weighing & Observing You may desire a family or even a career in a given field, but does the frequency of your thoughts and actions suggest another path or at least a reconsideration of your current plans? You may desire to be a priest or a religious, but are your thoughts pulling you elsewhere? Do you find contentment in supporting others, in listening, in serving? What else do you enjoy or see a need to be involved in? Do you take the time in silence, say on a walk or just sitting in peace, to observe your thoughts? Do you take time in prayer to ask God for guidance, for opportunities to explore and apply yourself? What motivates you to action? What gives you joy? What attracts you to ...