Liturgy News and Views Archive 2002
4 December 2002 - 39th anniversary of Vatican II's Liturgy Constitution The formal promulgation os the Constitution on the Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) took place on 4 December 1963. The date was exactly 400 years from the day, 4 December 1563, when the Council of Trent closed, leaving the work of liturgical reform to the Holy See. An account of 4 December 1963 reads: At the hymn's conclusion, the Council general secretary, Archbishop Pericle Felici, mounted a pulpit and read the beginning and concluding paragraphs of the individual chapters of the Constitution on the Liturgy. This was done to save time as the document is about 16,000 words long. When the reading was done, Archbishop Felici asked the bishops to vote. Voting and tabulation of the votes by electronic machines took about twenty minutes. During the interval, Pope Paul sat motionless in prayer on his throne, while the Council Fathers sang the "Salve Regina". When the results were tabulated, Archbishop Felici communicated them to the Pope and then to the Council. Applause greeted the announcement of the totals and Pope Paul then read the solemn approval and promulgation which put the final seal of approval on the document. The voting result was 2147 for, 4 against. This date also concluded this session of the Council and in his closing address Pope Paul VI said: The arduous and intricate discussions have certainly borne fruit, for one of the topics - the first to be discussed and, in a certain sense, the first in order of intrinsic excellence and importance for the life of the Church, the scheme on the sacred liturgy- has been brought to a happy conclusion. Today we have solemnly promulgated it, and we rejoice at this accomplishment. We may see in this an acknowledgement of a right order of values and duties: God in the first place; prayer our first duty; the liturgy the first school of spirituality, the first gift which we can bestow on Christians who believe and pray with us. It is the first invitation to the world to break forth in happy and truthful prayer and to feel the ineffable lifegiving force that comes from joining is in the song of divine praise and of human hope, through Christ our Lord and in the Holy Spirit. ENDS 29 November 2002 - Special feature for Advent 2002 The National Centre for Liturgy has launched a special web feature for Advent 2002. The feature has information on the Advent Season, The Advent Wreath and Prayer and Scripture Resources. There are sections dedicated to the first and second Sundays of Advent and details for the third and fourth Sundays will be posted early next week. The feature is illustrated by a copy of a beautiful pastel drawing by Michael Burke which has its regular home on one of the walls of the offices of the National Centre for Liturgy in Maynooth. The feature can be accessed at: www.liturgy-ireland.ie/liturgy-advent2002.html ENDS 22 November 2002 - On this day 39 years ago On the 22 November 1963, at the 73rd general congregation of the bishops at the Second Vatican Council, at 12.05 p.m., the entire schema of the Constitution on the Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) was put to a vote and approved. The voting is recorded as 2158 for, 19 against and 1 invalid. The Constitution on the Liturgy was the first document debated and approved. The definitive approval and promulgation took place on 4 December 1963. 22 November is the feast of St. Cecilia and in 1963 it was also the 60th anniversary of the motu proprio Tra le sollecitudini of Pope Pius X which called for the active participation of the people in the liturgy through the promotion of Gregorian Chant. 22 November 1963 is also remembered as the day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. C.S. Lewis also died on this day. ENDS 19 November 2002 - "Strings and Pipes" John O'Keeffe in Advent Concert of Irish and Baroque Music "Strings and Pipes" is the title of an Advent Concert of Irish and Baroque Music at the Mercy International Centre, 64A Lower Baggot Street, Dublin on Thursday 5th December 2002 at 8.00pm. Special Guest at the concert is John O'Keeffe who will be accompanied by Darragh Connolly and Katherine MacMaghnuis. Click here for more information ENDS 30 October 2002 - Leading U.S. Liturgist to speak at Art and Architecture Seminar The National Centre for liturgy will hold a day conference for artists and architects and those interested in issues on liturgy, church architecture, art and heritage on Saturday, 30 November 2002. The conference will take place in Renehan Hall at Maynooth College. John Baldovin, professor of historical and liturgical theology at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, will be the guest speaker.John taught at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California 1984-99. He is author of The Urban Character of Christian Worship, his doctorate thesis at Yale University, Worship: City, Church and Renewal and editor of Robert Hovda: The Amen Corner and, with Nathan Mitchell Rule of Prayer, Rule of Faith. He has been president of Societas Liturgica and the North American Academy of Liturgy and has been an advisor to the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy. He is currently a consultant on the International Commission on English in the Liturgy. John has also worked as liturgical consultant on several church renovations. At the Maynooth conference he will speak about the new U.S. directory on church art and architecture, Built of Living Stones and present a paper on What’s a Body to do? Gesture and Posture in Liturgy.
John Baldovin Further information and booking forms from the National Centre for Liturgy. ENDS 16 October 2002 - Apostolic Letter on the Rosary As he begins the 25th year of his pontificate today, Pope John Paul II has issued an apostolic letter on the Rosary, Rosarium Virginis Mariae. In the letter, the Pope proclaim the year from October 2002 to October 2003 the Year of the Rosary, noting that it will end “in the joyful remembrance of another anniversary: the fortieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council on October 11, 1962, the ‘great grace’ disposed by the Spirit of God for the Church in our time.” Pope John Paul II encourages the practice of praying the Rosary in representing “a most effective means of fostering among the faithful that commitment to the contemplation of the Christian mystery” which he proposed as a genuine “training in holiness” in his letter on the new Millennium (Novo Millennio Ineunte). He recalls the terrifying attacks of 11 September 2001 and a new millennium beginning with “fresh scenes of bloodshed and violence” and sees the Rosary as a prayer for peace. Also, the family is another critical contemporary issue and thus, he writes: “the revival of the Rosary in Christian families, within the context of a broader pastoral ministry to the family, will be an effective aid to countering the devastating effects of this crisis typical of our age.” “The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer.” Pope John Paul proposes an addition to the traditional pattern to bring out fully the Christological depth of the Rosary. In addition to the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries, he proposes a meditation on certain particularly significant moments in the public ministry of Christ. Called the “mysteries of light”, they are: (1) Christ’s baptism in the Jordan, (2) his self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana, (3) his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion, (4) his Transfiguration and (5) his institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery. “Where might the ‘mysteries of light’ be inserted? If we consider that the ‘glorious mysteries are said on both Saturday and Sunday, and that Saturday has always had a special Marian flavour, the second weekly meditation on the ‘joyful mysteries’, mysteries in which Mary’s presence is especially pronounced, could be moved to Saturday. Thursday would then be free for meditating on the ‘mysteries of light.’” Click here for Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae ENDS 13 October 2002 - Music Guidelines for Funerals Preparing pastoral guidelines for the celebration of funerals has been part of the discussion of many liturgy groups, at parish level, at diocesan and national level. The Advisory Committee on Church Music has drawn up some guidelines on the music at funerals and are now presented here for the benefit of those who are charged with preparing music. The first statement, Music for the Funeral Rites, offers general and specific guidelines to the Funeral Rites as we receive the body of the deceased at the church and celebrate the Funeral Mass. The second statement is about Music for the Reception of the Body at the Church, good practice guidelines for music ministers. Thus, while repeating some of what is said in the first statement, it is concerned with the occasion when we receive the body of the deceased at the church and is addressed to music ministers. These statements are available as leaflets and will also be published in New Liturgy, Autumn 2002. See Liturgy Documentation ENDS 12 October 2002 - Liturgy students graduate At the conferring ceremonuy of the Pontifical University of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, at which Cardinal Desmond Connel, chancellor, presided, four students of the National Centre for Liturgy received the degreee of Master's in Theology (M.Th. specialisising in liturgy). This is the first occasion for this award to be conferred. The recipients are: Sarah Adams, Horsham, England; Mairead D'arcy, Naas, Co. Kildare; Rose Sullivan, Clane, Co. Kildare; Karen O'Donovan, Bandon, Co. Cork. Four students were awarded the Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy: Fr Tom Mannion, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, Oliver Meyler, Lucan, Co. Dublin, Evelyn Sheridan, Navan, Co. Meath, Kathleen Sheridan, Navan, Co. Meath. Two students received the award of Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy: Sr Patrice Coen, Portumna, Co. Galway; Mary Keogh, Drumcondra, Dublin. ENDS 8 October 2002 - New CD of Organ Music A new CR of organ music by Gerard Gillen was launched today. Gerard, professor of music at NUIM, has been titular organist at Dublin Pro-Cathedral since 1976. On the CD of compositions by Alexandre Guilmant, César Franck and Louis Boëllmann, Gerard plays the grand organ of the Pro-Cathedral, regarded as one of the finest examples in Ireland of the late 19th century grand Romantic organ. ENDS 1 October 2002 - Pope appoints Cardinal Francis Arinze as President of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments It was announced today that the Pope has accepted the resignation from the office of prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments presented by Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez. He appointed at the same time Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, as president of same congregation. Source: Vatican Information Service ENDS 3 September 2002 - Holyday of Obligation? One of the most frequently asked questions is: Is the feast of the Immaculate Conception a holyday of obligation this year? The 8 December 2002 is a Sunday and is observed as the Second Sunday of Advent. Therefore, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, 9 December. It is not, however, a holyday of obligation. Another question is about the feast of the Epiphany. The 6 January 2003 is a Monday and will be the solemnity of the Epiphany. It is a holyday of obligation. Some countries observe the Epiphany always on a Sunday. Others have a norm that when a holyday of obligation falls on a Saturday or Monday, it is not then “of obligation.” For listings of holydays, see Liturgical Calendar ENDS 3 September 2002 - The world’s newest cathedral The new Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles was dedicated on 2 September 2002. Designed by Madrid based architect, Jose Rafael Moneo, it cost $195m. Since it opened thousands have visited it and prayed there. It has become, in Cardinal Roger Mahony’s words, “the people’s cathedral.” Click on www.olacathedral.org for a tour of the cathedral. ENDS 9 August 2002 - Bishop Maurice Taylor defends ICEL Bishop Maurice Taylor, who retired as chairman of the Episcopal Board of ICEL at its recent meeting in Ottawa, has spoken out to defend the work of ICEL. Though absent from the meeting because of ill-health, Bishop Taylor has stated that in justice he must defend the agency of 11 Bishops' Conferences in English-speaking countries against allegations that it has failed to obey the norms of translation issued by Rome and the mandate given to it by the Bishops' Conferences. In particular, he has defended the contribution of Dr John R. Page, ICEL's executive secretary for the past 22 years. Full Statement ENDS 8 August 2002 - ICEL The International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) was established in 1963 during the Second Vatican Council as an agency for the translation of the liturgical books for the bishops in countries where English is spoken. Ireland is a founding member. At the meeting of the Episcopal Board of ICEL held in Ottawa, Canada, 29 July-1 August 2002, Bishop Arthur Roche, the newly appointed coadjutor bishop of Leeds, was elected chairman, succeeding Bishop Maurice Taylor. Bishop Taylor of Galloway, Scotland, has been a member of the Board since 1987 and its chairman since 1997. Bishop Roche, a native of West Yorkshire, was ordained priest in 1975 and has served as spiritual director of the Venerable English College, Rome (1992-96) and general secretary of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, 1996-2001 before being ordained auxiliary bishop in Westminster in May 2001. Bishop John McAreavey of Dromore, the Irish member of the Board was nominated secretary. Bishop Douglas Crosby, Labrador City- Schefferville, Canada and Cardinal Francis George, Chicago was elected vice-chairman and treasurer, respectively. Fr Bruce Harbert, a priest of the diocese of Birmingham, England was named as executive secretary of ICEL in succession to Dr John R Page. Fr Harbert, a specialist in classics and medieval Latin and English is priest in charge of the parish on St. Anne’s, Streetly, West Midlands, England. He has worked as a translator for ICEL. Dr Page has been ICEL’s executive secretary for 22 years. His resignation, in the words of Bishop Taylor, “will sadden all who know John Page and recognise his great gifts of integrity, dedication and courtesy. [His] wisdom and skills in liturgical and linguistical matters and his gentle leadership will be sorely missed.” ENDS 1 August 2002 - Public Concert of Sacred Song at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth On Saturday, 5 October 2002 a public concert of sacred song featuring Liam Lawton and Lorica will take place in the College Chapel, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The concert, presented by the National Centre for Liturgy, will feature songs from Liam’s well known collections, Molaise, Light the Fire, Sacred Song and Cloud’s Veil and some new compositions. Click here for more information ENDS 24 July 2002 - New Directory on Popular Devotions A Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, Principles and Guidelines was issued in April 2002 by the Congragation for Divine Worship. Dated 17 December 2001, the Directory explores the relationship between popular piety and liturgy whose first principle must be the recognition "that the Liturgy is the centre of the Church's life and cannot be substituted by, or placed on a par with, any other form of religious expression" (Pope John Paul II addressing the plenary meeting of the Congregation for Divine Worship, 21 September 2001.) "This Directory contains two parts. The first, entitled Emerging trends, provides the elements necessary for the harmonization of Liturgy and popular piety. It draws on the experience which has matured during the long history and emergence of the contemporary problematic (Chapter 1). The teachings of the Magisterium are systematically restated since they are indispensible for ecclesial communion and fruitful action (Chapter 2). Finally, the theological principles, according to which difficulties concerning the relationship between Liturgy and popular piety are approached and resolved, are stated (Chapter 3). The possibility of realizing a true and fruitful harmonization of Liturgy and popular piety can only be achieved by a wise anc committed respect for these presuppositions. Conversely, overlooking them leads to nothing but reciprocal and futile ignorance, damaging confusion and contradictory polemics. The second part, entitled Guidelines, offers a series of practical proposals. It does not claim to be include every usage or practice of popular piety to be found in particular locations throughout the world. Mention of particular practices or expressions of popular piety is not to be regarded as an invitation to adopt them where they are not already practised. This section is elaborated in reference to the Liturgical Calendar (Chapter 4); to the special veneration given by the Church to the Mother of our Saviour (Chapter 5); to devotion to the Holy Angels, the Saints and the Beatified (Chapter 6); to suffrage for the dead (Chapter 7) and to pilgrimage and examples of popular piety connected with shrines (Chapter 8). The object of this Directory is to offer guidelines and, where necessary, to prevent abuses or deviations. Its tone is positive and constructive. In the same context, it provides short historical notes on several popular devotions in its Guidelines. It records the various pious exercises attached to these devotions while signalling their theological underpinning, and making practical suggestions in relation to time, place, language and other factors, so as to harmonize them with the Liturgy." (Directory, 4). See Documentation ENDS 23ú Iúil 2002 - Teagasc Ginearálta don Leabhar Aifrinn Rómánach Tá aistriúchán An Teagasc Ginearálta don Leabhar Aifrinn Rómánach foilsithe in Irisleabhar Mhá Nuad, 2001 (An Sagart, An Daingean). Is é seo an chéad uair ina bhfuil an téacs seo curtha ar fáil i nGaeilge mar ní raibh an t-eagrán a bhí ann roimhe seo den téacs Laidne ar fáil nuair a foilsíodh An Leabhar Aifrinn i 1973. An Coiste Comhairleach um an Liotúirge i nGaeilge a rinne an t-aistriú ar an dtéacs a heisíodh i Laidean in Iúil 2000. Tá arthraithe áirithe san eagrán deireanach a foilsíodh san Missale Romanum i Márta na bliana seo. Tá Irisleabhar Mhá Nuad ar fáil i siopaí and le fáil ó - An Sagart, An Daingean, Co. Chiarraí ar chostas €10. ends 18 July 2002 - Apostles Creed The Apostles Creed is printed in our Missal as an alternative to the Nicene Creed, though it is the latter that is most commonly used at Mass. When the permission to use the Apostles Creed was given to Ireland in 1985, attention was drawn to the statement in the Directory for Masses with Children that children should become familiar with the longer creed as well as the Apostles Creed. In the new edition of the Latin Roman Missal (see news items 30 April and 21 June 2002) the Apostles Creed is called “the baptismal creed of the Roman Church” and is given as an alternative with mention of its appropriateness during Lent and Eastertime. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified , died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. ENDS 8 July 2002 - 33rd Annual Church Music Summer School About 320 people, including day visitors, attended this year’s summer school organised by the Irish Church Music Association. Mary Haugen, the U.S.A. liturgical musician was a very popular guest director. Participants had the opportunity to take part in workshops presented by Audrey Corbett (special choir), Liam Lawton (folk music), Gertie McCabe (sight reading) Andrew Mackriell, Trevor Clarke, Cormac Brady, Eoin Tierney, Peter Jeffers (organ), conducting (Anne Grennan) and Mary Amond-O’Brien (schools). Highlights of the week, held at Maynooth College, 1-5 July, included the Nativity Play, presented by children from Wexford, under the direction of Sue Furlong, its composer and Éanna McKenna, the concert of African-American religious music by Warren Grayson Brown, the evening service in St. Mary’s Church at which Canon Ginnie Kennerley presided and the music of many Irish composers –with a special mention of new Mass settings by Ger Lawlor, Ephrem Feeley, Sue Furlong and Bernard Sexton and the psalm ‘S ón Tiarna féin by Sister Colmcille Ní Chonáin. Visitors to the school included Cardinal Cahal B. Daly and Bishop Donal McKeown ENDS 2 July 2002 - 33rd Annual Summer School of the Irish Church Music Association begins The 33rd annual summer school of the Irish Church Music Association began last evening. At the formal opening, Bishop Donal McKeown recalled his involvement with the summer school, going back to 1976 when as a student he attended the summer school in Dungarvan and later as a member of the council of the Association. He said today’s changing times for the Church should not be seen as bad times but as an opportunity to rediscover “the prophetic and the liminal role of religion in society.” He said, “through good music and liturgy we can offer people an experience of God and of the worship of God –we can offer a sense of community. That is our real contribution to the creation of a ‘new society’ in Ireland.” The guest director this year is the well-known American liturgical musician, Marty Haugen. The summer school continues until Friday, 5 July. Pictured below at the formal opening of the Summer School are (left to right): Most Rev Donal Mc Keown, Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor, Ms Joy Bibby, Kilkenny, Chairperson of the Irish Church Music Association and this year's guest director Marty Haugen.ENDS 21 June 2002 - What is the new Missal? This question is raised in light of the publication of the new edition of the Latin Missal in late March this year. It is the third edition, the others published in 1970 and 1975. Thus, the new Missale Romanum includes what has been added since then but not contained in the Roman Missal in English, which was published in 1974 and An Leabhar Aifrinn, published in 1973. The answer to the question is of its nature one that is technical and detailed. More information ENDS 14 June 2002 - This year's Church Music Summer School The Irish Church Music Association’s summer school this year, 1-5 July, will have a number of additional attractions in its programme of music and celebration. On Thursday, 4 July, Sue Furlong will perform her new nativity play and it is hoped to use her setting Mass of Thanksgiving for the Festive Eucharist that evening. This Mass setting was the overall winning composition in the RTÉ Radio 1 Church Music Competition held last November to celebrate 75 years of RTÉ Radio. On Wednesday, 3 July Grayson Warren Brown and his group will visit the summer school. They were also present last year when as the ICMA newsletter says: “No one who was there could possibly forget his last visit, when the Aula Maxima rocked to the sounds of Grayson’s combination of African-American Catholic music and his deep spirituality and infectious charm. God is great! All the time!” ENDS 23 May 2002 - Irish Church Music Association Summer School The 33rd annual summer school of the Irish Church Music Association will take place at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth from the evening of Monday, 1st July until lunch time on Friday, 5th July, 2002. The theme this year is “Await the Lord with joyful hope” and looks at the celebration of Advent through music and liturgy. The guest director is Marty Haugen, returning for his second visit to the summer school. Marty, a liturgical composer from Eagan, Minnesota, has presented workshops across North America, Europe, Australia and Central America for both Roman Catholic and Protestant liturgical ministers. His communion setting Now the Feast and Celebration and his vespers service Holden Evening Prayer are well known among Lutheran congregations, while his Mass of Creation is arguably the most widely used musical setting of the Mass among English-speaking Roman Catholic parishes. Other compositions include We remember, Shepherd me, O Lord and Gather us in. Tutorials will include parish and contemporary music (Marty Haugen), schools (Mary Amond O’Brien), sight reading (Gertie McCabe), choral conducting (Anne Grennan), folk (Liam Lawton), special choir (Audrey Corbett) and organ. Booking forms are available from the registrar of the summer school, Mrs Olive Matthews, Stedalt, Stamullen, Co. Meath [Tel (087) 777 7240 (after 2.30 p.m.)] or from the National Centre for Liturgy. ENDS 17 May 2002 - Workshop on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults A weeklong workshop on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is being organised for next year, 29 June to 4 July 2003. It is hoped that the North American Forum on the Catechumenate will lead it. Entitled “Beginnings and Beyond” the week will present the vision of RCIA, provide experience of the flow, steps, and periods of the Rite, teach the skills necessary for our implementation here in Ireland, invite reflection, faith sharing and liturgical celebration and deepen understanding of the conversion journey. The restoration of the catechumenate, the period of preparation and formation for adults before their baptism, was one of the most important fruits of Vatican II. The Rite of Christian Initiation is the ritual used from the beginning of the journey to the celebration of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation and eucharist) at the Easter Vigil and the celebration of the Easter season now ending with the feast of Pentecost. Further information is available from Fr Dermot Nestor who is co-ordinator of RCIA in Dublin (email: (rcia@eircom.net) or check out the website of the North American Forum on the Catechumenate (www.naforum.org) ENDS 10 May 2002 - Vox Clara Inaugural Meeting A newly formed committee of the Congregation for Divine Worship, known as Vox Clara, held its inaugural meeting in Rome, 22-24 April. The committee has been established as an instrument of consultation to assist the Congregation in its work for English language translations of liturgical texts and to enhance and strengthen effective cooperation with the Conferences of Bishops. In a statement from Archbishop George Pell, who chairs the new committee, Vox Clara affirmed its conviction of the absolute need for translations which are “precise, theologically faithful and effectively proclaimable.” The important contribution of ICEL was acknowledged. ICEL is the agency of 11 Conferences of Bishops which was established during the Second Vatican Council to provide the English translations of our liturgical books. ENDS 8 May 2002 - Apostolic Letter on the Sacrament of Penance An Apostolic Letter Misericordia Dei, on certain aspects of the Sacrament of Penance was issued on Thursday 2nd May 2002. It is available on the Vatican website www.vatican.va Click here to access the document directly ENDS 3 May 2002 - Easter Sunday in the Orthodox Church Sunday, 5 May is Easter Sunday in the Orthodox Church. The date is based on the ulian Calendar used by Eastern Christians. The Western date is based on the calendar as reformed in 1572 when by the decree of Pope Gregory XIII when ten days were dropped from the calendar. For Easter Christians, Easter week is known as Bright Week. ENDS 30 April 2002 - The New Liturgical Website - A Word from Most Rev John Magee, Bishop of Cloyne As Chairman of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Liturgy I am most happy to be associated with the launch of the website for the National Centre for Liturgy. As Liturgy is at the very heart of the life of the Church it is most appropriate that every means be used to bring an understanding of it to the faithful so that they, as active members of the Liturgical Assembly, may be more formed in what is the high point of Christian living. It is true to say that good Liturgy is the best means of Evangelisation. The theme of the Holy Father’s Message for the 36th World Communications Day 2002 is: “ Internet: A New Forum for Proclaiming the Gospel”. It is most appropriate then that the Centre, charged with promoting Liturgy in Ireland, should now “ put out into the deep” in the launching of its website. The Holy Father says in His Message: “ For the Church the new world of cyberspace is a summons to the great adventure of using its potential to proclaim the Gospel message”. May all those who will be responsible for maintaining this new site be always conscious of the great potential available and may those who visit the site be inspired to engage and encounter an all-loving God who is ever worthy of our praise and worship + John Magee. Bishop of Cloyne. Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy. ENDS 30 April 2002 - Church Music Summer School The Irish Church Music Association will hold its annual Church Music Summer School at St Patrick's College, Maynooth from Monday 1 July to Friday 5th July 2002. The guest Director this year is the well-known American liturgical composer Mary Haugen. Information on the Summer School may be obtained from its registrar, Mrs Olive Matthews, Stedalt, Stamullen. Co. Meath. Tel: (01) 841 2395. ENDS 30 April 2002 - New edition of the Missale Romanum The Missal is the most important book of our liturgy. It is the book we use at Mass. Following Vatican II, a new Missal was published in 1970 and was translated in English and Irish for use in Ireland in 1974/75. The third edition of the Latin text of the Missale Romanum was published on 22 March 2002. When translated, it will replace our present Roman Missal and An Leabhar Aifrinn. ENDS
