Friday, May 14, 2004
Get into the act for next year's synod of bishops
I was feeling left out and scooped by those guys who leaked the Ordo Missae draft last month. So I thought I'd leak something of my own. The questions below were sent to the world's bishops in preparation for next October's synod on the Eucharist. No matter that the encyclical has already been written. Don't worry that the curia has already released its document on liturgical abuse. We too can upstage the bishops by reflecting on the following questions and submitting our own opinions to Rome. What do you say?
"What are the negative aspects in eucharistic worship, and what is the cause of such a "disorienting situation" for the faithful?"
How about changing the entire language of the responses to the liturgy? What about creeping clericalism?
"In an attempt to be personal and avant-garde, do priests manifest any attitudes in their celebration of the Mass which are explicitly or implicitly contrary to the liturgical norms?"
Ah! More encouragement to rat on the parish priest. Nothing like a good morale killer to encourage clergy to preach and preside better.
"Do the faithful display a casual approach to receiving Communion?"
Don't laugh. This one is actually worth discussing at your parish liturgy committee. My most random sampling of communicants showed about 6% with a strong head bow, about 20% with a nod, and about 56% made their reverence after receiving, usually by looking at the crucifix, signing themselves, genuflecting, or some combination of the above. A bit more than thirty percent did nothing but receive, but no one in the sample was actively chewing gum. Which in some quarters is an improvement.
"Do Catholics adequately understand the difference between the Mass and other liturgies presided over by lay people?"
Lenten Mass attendance averaged well over 150 this year at 8:15 Mass. Morning Prayer for the Triduum averaged about 25. Survey says, "Yes!"
"Do they distinguish enough between ordained and nonordained ministers?"
Would that be in the clothing?
"Do some elements in eucharistic liturgies lead to "a diminished regard for the real presence" of Christ in the Eucharist?"
The usual suspects, I'd say: poor homilies, careless presiding, too much rushing to get out for the NFL start, etc..
"How are the norms of inter-Communion applied?"
Applied, heck; does anybody know them?
"How is confusion avoided regarding the mystery of the Blessed Sacrament in ecumenical and interreligious meetings?"
Can someone help me on this one?
"What steps are taken in inculturation to prevent "peculiar and strange practices" in liturgy?"
Must be in reference to those African dancers at those beatification ceremonies at the Vatican last year.
Okay, friends. Reflect prayerfully on these. Discuss them with your pals. Submit your comments in writing to your local bishop by November, or if you prefer, send them in directly to Rome. Like some of you aren't doing that already.
