Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, May 6, 2010
It was recently announced that a new Roman Missal is coming. What is going to change?
On April 30, 2010, the Vatican gave its “statement of acceptance” or “recognitio,” to the Third Edition of the Roman Missal in English. The Roman Missal is the book containing all of the prayers used at mass. Since the Vatican II Council there have been three editions of the Missal, the latest being promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 2000. The Missal is always published in Latin first, and then translated into the common languages of the people. For the past 10 years, the task of translating the Third Edition of the Missal from Latin into English has been an on-going consultative process among all the English speaking countries of the world. In addition, in 2001, the Vatican issued new directives governing the principles for translating prayer texts from Latin into English. These new directives call for a more faithful rendering of the Latin into English. Therefore by following these directives, the new edition of the Roman Missal will contain some changes to the prayers and responses used at Mass. Most noticeable will be the response to the invitation, “The Lord be with you.” The new response is, “And with your spirit,” which a more accurate translation of the Latin. Other changes can be found in the “Gloria,” the “Holy, holy, holy,” and the Eucharistic prayers. Currently we are awaiting a date for implementing the new Missal and beginning of the catechetical process to introduce the changes. To learn more about the changes please visit the United States Conference of Bishops Roman Missal website www.usccb.org and follow the Roman Missal prompts.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, April 25, 2010
What is the purpose of incense? Why do some Churches use it all Masses and others just at funerals?
Catholics seem to have a love-hate relationship with incense. It is something many of us remember fondly from our childhood, yet there seems to be much fuss made about it when it is used today. Incense can be used at any liturgy to add solemnity to the celebration. It is often included for the more festive celebrations of the year such as Easter and Christmas. Much like the other symbols of liturgy that appeal to our senses (ie. fire, water, and oil) incense appeals to our sense of smell. It allows the transcendent presence of God to be felt among those worshipping. Appropriate places for incense to be used at liturgy include the entrance procession, at the beginning of Mass to incense the altar, as part of the Gospel procession, and at the preparation of the gifts. Incense is used during the funeral rites as a sign of honor to the body of the deceased, which through baptism became a temple of the Holy Spirit. Incense is also used as a sign of the community’s prayers for the deceased rising to the throne of God and as a sign of farewell.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, March 27, 2010
When should the Easter Vigil take place?
The Vigil, by its very nature, must take place at night. It is not begun before nightfall and should end before daybreak, thus the Easter Vigil begins and ends in darkness. It is a nocturnal vigil, retaining its ancient character of vigilance and expectation, as Christians await the Resurrection of the Lord during the night. Sunset this year will be at 7:35pm, thus the Easter Vigil should not begin before 8:00pm to insure a degree of darkness in keeping with ancient tradition.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, March 20, 2010
When does the Triduum begin and end?
The Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil and closes with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, March 13, 2010
How come the date of Easter changes each year and how is it determined?
The date of Easter moves each year because the date is determined according to beginning of Spring and the full moon. Throughout history the dates of holidays were always determined by the seasons of the year and the occurrences of full moons and movement of the sun. While most holidays have been assigned a specific date, (ie. Christmas December 25) Easter remains a moveable holiday. The date of Easter is determined each year by the following formula. Easter is always on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs after the Spring Equinox (March 20). In 2010 the first full moon occurs on Tuesday, March 30 and so Easter is Sunday, April 4. In 2011, Easter Sunday will not be until April 24 which is one of the latest days it can be.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, February 7, 2010
What are the names and purpose of the various items of clothing a priest wears during mass?
The vesture of the priest for mass consists of three main articles of clothing. The long white robe that is worn is a called an alb. It is a reminder of the baptism we have all received in Christ. This meaning is symbolized by the alb worn at mass, the white garment often worn by infants at baptism and the white pall that is place upon the coffin during funerals. In all instances, this serves as a reminder of the new life that has been received in baptism. The second article is the stole worn around the neck and over both shoulders of the priest. The stole symbolizes that the actions being performed are sacred and belong to the Church and the office of priesthood. A priest wears the stole around his neck over both shoulders while a deacon wears a stole over one shoulder. The final garment worn for mass is called the chasuble. This is usually a long colorful garment that reminds everyone of the liturgical season being celebrated. Chasubles are often one of four colors – purple for the penitential seasons Advent and Lent, white for the festive seasons of Christmas and Easter, green for the season of Ordinary Time, and red for special days of solemnity such as Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Pentecost.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Due to a Malicious Virus and the subsequent computer crash, these posts will return on February 7th. Thank you for your patience.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, January 17, 2010
What is the procedure to follow when going to communion? After the minister says, “Body of Christ,” how do we respond, bow, etc. The responses, procedures seem to vary with each person. Which is correct
Again at the heart of the issue is the “common union” being expressed by the faithful as they receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Therefore ultimately, the more consistent we can be in receiving the Eucharist the more the sense of unity and oneness in sharing the Eucharist is realized. The proper way to receive the Eucharist –both the Body and Blood of Christ—is to approach the minister, and before receiving, to offer a slight bow of the head in reverence to the Eucharist. The minister invites the person to receive communion by saying, “The Body of Christ or The Blood of Christ,’ and the proper and only response is to say “Amen.” The person returns to their seat waiting for the Communion Rite to be completed and then after the Blessed Sacrament is reposed begins the quiet period of thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Son.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, January 10, 2010
When we return from communion are we required to stay standing or can we kneed briefly before returning to the standing position?
It is at communion time that we as a gathered assembly –the People of God, the Body of Christ— best express our “common union” with each other during our celebration of the Mass. Therefore it is preferred that the assembly express this union by engaging in uniformed gestures, posture and action. We remain standing during the Communion Rite to convey and share in the oneness of the Body of Christ and each other, and until the Blessed Sacrament is reposed to the tabernacle out of respect to the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. While there is no firm requirement to remain standing upon returning from communion, it is strongly encouraged as a way to promote and maintain the unity we share as members of the worshiping community, the Church and most importantly, the Body of Christ.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, December 26, 2009
What is the meaning/purpose of the multiple Sign of the Cross prior to the Gospel reading?
The sign of the cross that is made on the forehead, lips and chest prior to the proclamation of the Gospel reading at Mass is a gesture to express one’s readiness to receive the Word of God by opening their mind to the word (forehead), to confess it with their voice (lips) and to safeguard it in their heart (chest). All present for Mass should make this gesture as the Gospel reading is introduced.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, December 19, 2009
What does the designation "sister" parish mean?
A “sister” parish designation occurs when two parishes enter into a special relationship with each other. This commitment between the parishes is usually rooted in a mutual agreement to pray and support each parish in their mission through various activities and the exchange of news, happenings and events in each parish. Support of each parish can take many forms either through prayer, financial, or mutual encouragement. Sister parish relationships often occur between parishes from different cultures and countries in an attempt to raise awareness of the global and world-wide dimensions of our faith and church.
Posted by Fr. Balash on:
Sunday, December 12, 2009
What about cremation? Is it allowed?
The church always prefers to have the body present for the funeral rites and liturgy. The body is considered as an image of Christ and, as such, has a power that ashes (or cremains) simply do not in providing comfort for those mourning their loss. Still, as long as cremation is not chosen as an attempt to disprove the resurrection of the body, the church recognizes cremation as an option. One possibility is to have the body present for the funeral rites in church and then choose cremation after the funeral. Regardless, the church does require that cremated remains be promptly and properly buried after the funeral rites.
|
Father Michael Balash is the Pastor of St.William's Catholic Church in Champion, Ohio.