Liturgy News and Views Archive 2003
19 December 2003 - National Commissions summary of annual reports The annual reports of the various commissions, advisory committees and agencies concerned with liturgy, church music, art and architecture at national level were sent to the Bishops in early November 2003 for review at the Conference eeting in December 2003. A summary of the reports was also presented to a meeting of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy with its advisory bodies and diocesan representatives on 11 November 2003. The following is taken from New Liturgy, winter 2003. The annual reports (October 2002-October 2003) placed before the Episcopal Conference and presented in summary to the meeting at Maynooth College on 11 November 2003 included: Episcopal Commission for Liturgy/Irish Commission for Liturgy/National Secretariat for Liturgy, National Centre for Liturgy, Advisory Committee on Sacred Art and Architecture, Advisory Committee on Church Music, Coiste Comhairleach um an Liotúirge i nGaeilge, Schola Cantorum and Irish Church Music Association. The meeting was attended by the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy, members of the various commissions and agencies and representatives from nineteen dioceses. Bishop John Magee chaired the meeting. He opened the meeting with the prayer said at each session of Vatican II, recalling that the 40th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium would be celebrated on 4 December. In welcoming all to the meeting, he thanked the members of commissions for their work over the past year. He asked for a remembrance in prayer for Dr James White, a former member of the Advisory Committee on Sacred Art and Architecture, and Fr Brian Magee, a member of the Irish Commission for Liturgy. Dr Liam Tracey, professor of liturgy at Maynooth College, gave a major paper on liturgy since Vatican II at the beginning of the meeting. During the day the annual reports were presented by Fr Patrick Jones (Episcopal Commission for Liturgy/Irish Commission for Liturgy/National Secretariat for Liturgy), Sr Moira Bergin (National Centre for Liturgy), Prof. Gerard Gillen (Advisory Committee on Church Music, Schola Cantorum and Irish Church Music Association), Mr Richard Hurley (Advisory Committee on Sacred Art and Architecture) and an Canónach Seán Terry (Coiste Comhairleach um an Liotúirge i nGaeilge). Liturgical texts The translation of the Missale Romanum, typica editio tertia, published in March 2002, is a priority for ICEL and the Coiste Comhairleach um an Liotúirge i nGaeilge. The English translation of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, with some adaptations or derogations for Ireland, was approved by the Episcopal Conference in March 2003 and has been sent to Rome for confirmatio. An interim Irish translation was published in Irisleabhar Mhá Nuad 2001. Translations of the Ordination Rites and the Order of the Dedication of a Church and an Altar are before the Conference. This work was done by ICEL, whose new statutes were approved by the Bishops in June 2003 and were given Roman recognitio in September 2003. As stated over a number of years, concern has been expressed about the difficulty in providing liturgical texts in Irish because many of them have not received the recognitio of the Congregation for Divine Worship. Bishop Magee has reported that he was able to bring this to the attention of Cardinal Arinze, the prefect of the Congregation at a meeting in mid-October. Statements issued A statement on worship and people with disabilities was issued in a letter sent to the host parishes for the Special Olympics in June 2003 (see New Liturgy, summer-autumn 2003). The Advisory Committee on Church Music issued two statement on music at funerals, Music for the Funeral Rites and Music for the Reception of the Body at the Church (see New Liturgy, autumn-winter 2002). It also issued guidelines for payment of parish church musicians (see New Liturgy, spring 2003). At the annual meeting, a statement from the Episcopal Commission for liturgy and the Irish Commission for Liturgy on Celebrating a Catholic Funeral was launched. It is the result of much discussion and consultation over five years. It states an understanding of the Catholic funeral and the liturgies which express this. It is reprinted in this issue of New Liturgy. These statements are also available on the web site of the National Centre for Liturgy (www.liturgy-ireland.ie). Other events and developments Changes in the Schola Cantorum and the appointment of Mr Gerard Lillis as the new director have been noted in New Liturgy. In this issue there is an account of Architectural Heritage Protection for Places of Public Worship, the document drafted by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and formally accepted by the four main Churches on 12 November 2003. At the annual meeting, Canon Ricky Roundtree spoke of the preparation for the introduction of the new edition of the Book of Common Prayer in spring 2004. Canon Roundtree, honorary secretary of the Church of Ireland Liturgical Advisory Committee, has been given the responsibility of promoting the new Prayer Book. The Irish Church Music Association held a very successful 34th annual summer school with Ms Órla Barry as guest director, substituting for Fr Michael Joncas. A presentation on the Beginnings and Beyond conference was given at the annual meeting. It was urged that RCIA should be fully implemented by dioceses since there was no other option where adult initiation was concerned. A very worthwhile panel discussion on parish liturgy teams was a feature of the annual meeting. The annual day ended with the celebration of Evening Prayer. ends 4 December 2003 - Pope issues new Apostolic Letter Pope John Paul II has issued an apostolic letter, Spiritus et Sponsa, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy at Vatican II. Click here for text of Spiritus et Sponsa. ends 4 December 2003 - 40th anniversary of promulgation of the Constitution on the Liturgy at Vatican II The formal promulgation of 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 12 November 2003 - Heritage Guidelines for Churches Today, the representatives of the four main Christian Churches met the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Martin Cullen, T.D. to formally accept heritage guidelines relating to places of worship. The guidelines will become a chapter in the manual of architectural heritage protection guidelines to be issued early next year. It is recognised that many of the best and more important buildings of historic and heritage interest are church buildings. In order that they continue as places of worship, the guidelines set out to show how planning authorities may respect liturgical requirements in working with the planning legislation on protected or listed buildings. The Catholic Church was represented at today’s meeting by Bishop John Magee, chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy and the four members of the working group of the Advisory Committee on Sacred Art and Architecture (Mr Richard Hurley, Fr Patrick Jones, Mr Paul O’Daly, Mr John Kernan) who have been involved ion the consultations with the other Churches and with the Department of the Environment. Architectural Heritage Protection for Places of Public Worship: Guidelines for Planning Authorities is available here and on www.environ.ie ends 12 November 2003 14 October 2003 - Aifreann Feirste The new Mass “Aifreann Feirste”, composed by Belfast musician, Patrick Davey will be the music at a special Mass in Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral on Saturday, 31 January 2004, at 8.00 p.m. Patrick has composed a setting of the beautiful prayer “Gabham Molta Bríde” in honour of the eve of the feast of St. Brigid. The Mass will be celebrated in Irish by Fr Pat O’Donoghue. The Glens Choir from the Glens of Antrim with soloist Éamonn Ó Faogáin and the Aifreann Feirste orchestra (conducted by Patrick Davey) will take part in the Mass. “Aifreann Feirste” was first performed at Mass in St. Marty’s, Chapel Lane, Belfast on 18 May 2003. A CD of that Mass is available. ends 10 October 2003 - Students of Liturgy Centre graduate At the conferral ceremony of the Pontifical University of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, five students received the degree of Master’s in Theology, specialising in liturgy. These are: Sr Moira Bergin, rsm, staff member, National Centre for Liturgy; Fr Daniel Aboagye Danso, diocese of Konongo-Mampong, Ghana; Sr Bríd Liston, fcj, chaplain, NUIM (in absentia); Fr Aidan McCaughen, Belfast and Helene Reichl, Taiwan (in absentia). Two students were conferred with the post-graduate Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy: Maureen Bourke, Celbridge, Co. Kildare and Fr Paul Chamberlain, Birmingham (in absentia). Cardinal Desmond Connell, chancellor of the Pontifical University, presided. ends 6 October 2003 - Liturgical Calendar for 2004 published The Liturgical Calendar for 2004 is now available. Published by Veritas on behalf of the National Secretariat for Liturgy, it is the guide to the celebration of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours for the liturgical year beginning the First Sunday of Advent, 30 November 2003. The editor is Fr Patrick Jones, who has taken over the task from the late Fr Brian Magee, c.m. This year’s cover (designed by Colette Dower) shows St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh on the day of its dedication on 25 May 2003.The calendar for 2004, with its daily celebration, is available in outline form on this site. Click here ENDS 29 September 2003 - Palestrina Choir celebrates its centenary On 1 January 1903, the Palestrina Choir was formally inaugurated at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin. It owes its foundation in a special way to Edward Martyn, a member of a wealthy Co. Galway family. He was involved in the Irish literary movement and in 1898 was a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, alomng with William Butler Yeats, Lady Gregory and George (AE) Moore. But he was also interested in founding a cathedral choir which would promote the music of Palestrina. He offered an endowment to Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral with Dr Vincent O’Brien as choirmaster. Martyn took an active interest in the Choir until his death in 1923. The current director of the choir is Blánaid Murphy, appointed last year. Blánaid is also choral director of Cór na nÓg. Cardinal Desmond Connell will celebrate the centenary of the Choir on Sunday, 5 October at the Latin Mass (11.00 a.m.). Music at the Mass will include a new setting of Psalm 150 by Fr John McCann, commissioned by the Irish Catholic for the occasion and another recently composition of the Nunc Dimittis by Colin Mawby. This canticle, incidentally, contains the words secundum verbum tuum (according to your word), the motto of Cardinal Connell. The titular organist at the Pro-Cathedral is Professor Gerard Gillen. He has an association with the Palestrina Choir since he was appointed to the Pro-Cathedral in 1976. Gerard is professor of music at NUI Maynooth and is also the chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Church Music. ENDS 4 September 2003 - Fr Brian Magee, C.M. (28 June 1929 - 4 August 2003) Month's Mind Fr Brian Magee, C.M., parish priest, St. Vincent’s, Sunday’s Well, Cork died on 4 August 2003, aged 74. His fifty years as a priest were spoken of at the funeral by Fr Kevin O’Shea, the provincial of the Vincentians. Indeed Brian himself at the parish celebration of the golden jubilee of his ordination at the end of June spoke of the privilege of his call and ministry. At that celebration too, Geraldine Murphy, chair of the parish council, paid tribute to work as parish priest of Sunday’s Well since September 1997. Now it is important to acknowledge Brian’s enormous contribution to liturgical renewal in Ireland. More ENDS 1 July 2003 - 34th Annual Church Music Summer School opens The Irish Church Music Association’s summer school opened today at Maynooth College. Participants were welcomed by the chairperson, Olive Matthews. Bishop Colm O’Reilly of Ardagh and Clonmacnois formally opened the summer school. He paid tribute to the work of composers in this country who have worked after Vatican II and still create good music for our liturgy. He spoke of the vital function of the Association in bringing this music to the local communities. “The Association is essential and invaluable to the Irish Church.” The summer school continues until Saturday when Bishop John Magee will preside at the final liturgy. The guest director of the summer school is Orla Barry. ends 5 June 2003 - Letter to Host Parishes for the Special Olympics In a letter to the host parishes for the Special Olympics, the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy and the Irish Commission for Liturgy welcome the wonderful privilege afforded to Ireland in hosting the Special Olympics in this the European Year of People with Disabilities. “We extend a warm welcome to all participants, their families, friends and supporters. We send our best wishes to the many host towns throughout the country and pray that this will be a time of immense blessing and joy to all involved.” The Commission expresses the hope that this unique event will lead us to reflect on our liturgical practice in the local community. Click here to see a copy of the complete letter ends 23 May 2003 - Orla Barry to direct Church Music Summer School The U.S. liturgist and composer Michael Joncas is unable to direct this year’s Irish Church Music Association’s summer school at Maynooth because of serious illness. The Association is delighted to have Orla Barry to be the guest director. Orla was the popular director of the summer school in 1997 and in the Jubilee Year of 2000 . She is a native of Dublin, attended UCD, graduating with B.A. and B.Mus. She also is a Licentiate of Trinity College, London. In 1994, she was awarded a scholarship from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati to pursue a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. On returning to Ireland, she was appointed director of the Palestrina Choir in Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral. She retired from this position at Christmas 2001. Orla is very active in the field of liturgical music and has served on the Dublin Diocesan Music Commission and the national Advisory Committee on Church Music. She has given courses and lectures throughout the country on conducting and vocal technique and has acted as adjudicator at various music festivals. Summer School participants will remember Orla as a tutor on many occasions as well as being the first female guest director six years ago. Orla is married to Matthew and they have two young daughters. The Summer School takes place from Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 5 July at Maynooth College. Further information from the Summer School registrar, Fr Turlough Baxter, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim (Tel 087 7777240) or the National Centre for Liturgy. Michael Joncas became ill during the Easter Triduum and has been diagnosed as having Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves (that is, outside the brain and spinal cord). It is a serious illness but the prognosis is good. Doctors and physiotherapists are now pleased with his improvement but say that progress will be slow. Michael’s family has asked for the prayerful support of all his friends. ends 19 May 2003 - End of Year Celebrations for Liturgy Course The One Year Course at the National Centre for Liturgy began in September 1974. Its 30th year was completed today and marked with its customary celebrations. Evening Prayer was celebrated in St. mary's Oratory, the beautifully re-ordered chapel in Maynooth College. Rt. Rev George Connor, Bishop in the Bay of Plenty, Aoetara, New Zealand presided. Bishop Connor is spending two months of a short study leave at the National Centre for Liturgy. At Evening Prayer he spoke the final prayer and blessing in Maori - he has worked with the Maori people for many years. The international composition of the student group was reflected in the reading and prayers of intercessions - spoken in Irish, Chinese, Malay, Nepali, Dagaare, Tamil and English. An organ recital was given by Professor Gerard Gillen, featuring the music of Guilmant, Pachelbel, Bach, Schumann, Alain and Boëllmann. The evening concluded with a reception at the National Centre for Liturgy. Nine full-time and one-part time students were enrolled in the One Year Course. Five students have been taking the second year for the Master's in liturgy (M.Th.). ends 30 April 2003 - National Centre for Liturgy Website One Year Old today In the world of IT, one year is a long time. However, in the world of liturgy, it is just 52 weeks, just 365 days. A year ago, it was our intention to open a web site so that people would have access to some news from the National Centre for Liturgy. We already had the established channels of New Liturgy, our quarterly bulletin, and a regular input into Intercom. And, of course, the usual telephone and mail contacts and the personal contacts. On many occasions, it has been so easy to refer a enquirer to the calendar section to find the date of Easter next year or to the documentation to find some guidelines on “how much should we give the organist?” There have also been requests for special liturgies, for help with readings and so on. We did a little of this for Advent and would hope from time to time –as our resources allow us- to do a little more. But there are the links and the usual books, magazines and other web sites already helping us. And our first year cannot pass without my saying a big “thank you” to Brenda Drumm of the Catholic Communications Office for her work in creating the site and maintaining it. Patrick Jones Director, National Centre for Liturgy More on this story ends 24 April 2003 - RCIA Website www.rciadublin.com is the website for the Beginnings & Beyond workshop on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), co-sponsored by Dublin diocese and the North American Forum on the Catechumentate. The workshop takes place 29 June-4 July and offers a unique experience of the Rite, teaching the skills necessary for parish and diocesan implementation. ends 28 March 2003 - New Guidelines issued for the selection and use of music during marriage ceremonies in the Kerry Diocese Mr. Padraig McIntyre, the Director of Sacred Music in the Diocese of Kerry has issued new guidelines for the selection and use of music during marriage ceremonies in churches throughout the Diocese. The guidelines are directed towards couples preparing their wedding ceremony as well as 'to those who minister as singers and musicians in our churches'. In welcoming the guidelines Bishop Bill Murphy of Kerry described the wedding day as one great joy not only for the couple, together with their family and friends, 'but also for the parish and the wider Christian community'. The most important part of the wedding day as a Christian 'is the wedding ceremony'. 'Here you celebrate God's love for you and for all people, a love you hope to reflect in your marriage'. He went on to describe the sacraments as embracing the whole community and 'are never private occasions'. The Guidelines stress 'the active participation of all who gather', and stresses that music and song is meant to 'draw us into the mystery of God's love'. Soloists, organists and all musicians are reminded that their primary role is one of service to the liturgy. 'In using their time and talents, they beautify and enrich the liturgy, and in so diong, should also enable others to enter more fully into the sacradness of it. Such is their ministry and privilege'. The guidelines focus on key areas of the liturgy and offer suggestions as to the best way in which to approach the music choices. in summing up the guidelines it was stressed that 'all hymns and songs should be scriptural based, refelecting the richness of the sacrament in which Christ is present. In this context, songs from shows, musicals and pop charts do a disservice to your celebration. Thier beauty is best expressed at the reception' A short list of suitable Hymns, Psalms and Biblical songs are enclosed in the guidelines and couples are asked to fill out a music checklist and return it to their parish priest one month before the wedding ceremony. For more information: Mr. Padraig McIntyre, Director of Sacred Music 064 31188 or Rev. Rory O'Sullivan, Communications Officer 086 6018566 ends 28 March 2003 - The Easter Vigil begins after dark The Easter Vigil is a night vigil; it takes place in the dark of Easter night. At one time it was an all night vigil but by the end of 6th century was completed by midnight. Then it began to move back more into Saturday. By the 9th century it began around midday –many people still speak (though incorrectly) of Lent ending at noon on Holy Saturday. From the 14th century until the reform of 1955, it was a morning service. Since Easter is late this year, the longer evening brightness is a factor in deciding at what time the Vigil should begin. The time of sunset on Saturday, 19 April in the Dublin area is 8.32 pm with a twilight period of half an hour. Galway is 11 minutes later. The Vigil begins after dark. See note on The Date of Easter 2003 ends 10 March 2003 - The Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent The First Sunday of Lent is marked by the enrollment of the names of those who will be baptised at Easter. This takes place at the Rite of Election celebrated in the parish or in many places in the cathedral. The people enrolled have been part of the catechumenate or process of formation and in their “election,” under God’s grace, they sign the Book of the Elect and begin their final preparations for receiving baptism, confirmation and eucharist at the Easter Vigil. At Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral with Cardinal Desmond Connell presiding, thirteen men and women were “declared to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the Easter Vigil.” ENDS 7 March 2003 - Music from Maynooth College Music used in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth throughout the liturgical year is available in CD, cassette and book form, called Feasts and Seasons. The seventeen pieces include new compositions by Ronan McDonagh, Máire Ní Dhuibhir, John McCann, Liam Lawton and John O’Keeffe. The music is sung by the College Chapel Choir under the direction of John O’Keeffe. ENDS 28 February 2003 - Knockadoon Folk Liturgy Course The 22nd annual course will take place at Knockadoon, Cork, 17-24 August 2003. The guest directors wil be Marty Haugen and Lori True. The course is particularly directed at members of folk groups and is restricted to 170 participants. Further information at: www.knockadoon.net or email info@knockadoon.net ENDS 21 February 2003 - The Swayne Trust - Bursaries for Sacred and Liturgical Art The late Monsignor Séan Swayne was perhaps the outstanding figure in liturgical renewal in contemporary Ireland; he was also the moving force behind the establishment of the Duiske Concert season, and a man who inspired great respect and affection both in this country and abroad. The Swayne Trust has been set up in his memory to commemorate and celebrate Séan's life and work and his lifelong commitment to the importance of Christian music, art and architecture. Séan was also a keen ecumenist: the Trust is non-denominational, and makes an annual grant of up to €1000 to groups or individuals interested in the development of sacred music, art and architecture throughout the island of Ireland, to enable them to realise specific projects or to further their own artistic or musical studies here or abroad. Applications for 2003/2004 should reach the Trust by June 1st, 2003. Further details are available from: The Swayne Trust, The Abbey Centre, Graignamanagh, County Kilkenny or by emailing us at: swaynetrust@iol.ie The Trust also welcomes donations from anyone interested in contributing to Séan's memory and the vitality of contemporary liturgical art. Ends Source: The Swayne Trust 3 February 2003 - Guidelines for Payment of Parish Church Musicians The Advisory Committee on Church Music has prepared Guidelines for the payment of Parish Church Musicians. It was presented to the meeting of the Bishops' Conference in December 2002. The Guidlelines are issued as guidelines and advice, rather than directives and offer as a help to a pastoral question often asked. See Liturgy Documentation ENDS 3 February 2003 - Ferns Music Workshop A Church Music Workshop will take place in Clonard Church, Wexford Town on Sunday 9th February 2003 from 2.00pm - 6.00pm. The cost of Workshop is €4 per person and this will cover tuition, photocopies of music and refreshments. The workshop will include a selection of pieces from In Caelo, Light the Fire by Liam Lawton, and works by Sue Furlong. These will be on sale during the afternoon however if you have a copy please bring it along. Musicians are invited to bring along instruments. (Bring extension leads and amplifiers if you need them). Further information: Éanna McKenna on 087-2877298 or email: eannamckenna@hotmail.com ENDS 23 January 2003 - Liturgy Events in June-July 2003 Three important conferences on liturgy are scheduled for early Summer 2003. Ceiliuradh 2003 takes place at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Monday, 16 June to Friday, 20 June 2003. The topic will be Worship in a Violent World and through seminars and lectures in the context of worship and reflection, speakers will address the key themes of worship and violence in the world in which we live. Speakers will include James Allison, theologian and author of “The Joy of Being Wrong,” Revd Dr Paul Bradshaw, professor of liturgy at Notre Dame University, Dr Edward Kessler, director of the Centre for Jewish-Christian Relations in Cambridge, Revd Rebecca Dudley, formerly of Christian Aid, London and now working in Belfast with the Northern Ireland Women’s Aid Federation, Aidan Mathews, writer and dramatist, Revd Terence McCaughey who has lectured in Irish and in Biblical studies at TCD, Dr Lesley Orr, University of Glasgow and Revd Professor Graham Ward, Manchester. Further information: Christ Church Cathedral Website The Initiation Experience: Beginnings & Beyond will take place at All Hallows College, Dublin from Sunday, 29 June to Friday, 4 July. Conducted by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, it is co-sponsored with the Archdiocese of Dublin. It offers an unique opportunity of the vision of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the experience of the flow, steps and periods of the Rite. It teaches the skills necessary for the local implementation of RCIA, with reflection, faith sharing, and liturgical celebration. The conference team are among North America’s most experienced pastoral ministers, liturgists, catechists and theologians: Sheila Finnerty from Canada,who has taught at All Hallows and was a member of Dublin RCIA resource team, Eugene King, a native of Co. Cavan, vicar general of the Oblates, Sheila O’Dea, associate director of the North American Forum on the Catechumentate and Gerard Whitty, who has been a pastoral in rural and city parishes in Newfoundland. Dermot Nestor, contact person for RCIA in Dublin and Jane Ferguson, a member of the Dublin RCIA resource team and resource co-ordinator for Parish Development and Renewal in Dublin are part of the Conference team. Further information: RCIA, The Red House, Clonliffe, Dublin 3 email: rcia@eircom.net 34th Annual Church Music Summer School of the Irish Church Music Association will take place at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth from Tuesday 1 July to Saturday, 5 July. Note the change from the usual dates. However, the pattern of the summer school will remain with presentations, workshops, special events and liturgies. The guest director for the week will be Michael Joncas, the well-known musician and composer. Michael, a priest of the diocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, teaches at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He was guest director at the summer school in 1986 and 1991 and conducted a weekend workshop at Maynooth in October 1999, which included a performance of his Table Prayer. Further information from the school’s registrar: Fr Turlough Baxter, Presbytery, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim ENDS 14 January 2003 - NEWS UPDATE Liturgy: National Commissions summary of annual reports The annual reports of the various commissions, advisory committees and agencies concerned with liturgy, church music, art and architecture at national level were sent to the Bishops in early November 2002. They were also presented to a meeting of the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy with its advisory bodies, other consultants and diocesan representatives on 26 November 2002. The annual reports (September 2001-October 2002) placed before the Episcopal Conference and presented to the meeting at Maynooth College on 26 November 2002 included: Episcopal Commission for Liturgy/Irish Commission for Liturgy/ National Secretariat for liturgy, National Centre for Liturgy, Advisory Committee on Sacred Art and Architecture, Advisory Committee on Church Music, Coiste Comhairleach um an Liotúirge i nGaeilge, Schola Cantorum and Irish Church Music Association. The meeting was attended by the Episcopal Commission for Liturgy, members of the various commissions and agencies and representatives of nineteen dioceses. Bishop John Magee chaired the meeting. In his opening address he said that while the agenda of the national commissions may focus on issues like translation, ICEL, heritage legislation and so on there was also liturgical work and agenda of a diocese or a parish. It was important to recognise this work and the presence of diocesan representatives was very much welcomed. Reports were presented by Fr Patrick Jones (on the work of the Irish Commission for Liturgy and the National Secretariat), Bishop John McAreavey (on ICEL), Sr Moira Bergin (National Centre for Liturgy), Professor Gerard Gillen, Mr Richard Hurley, an Canónach Seán Terry (on Advisory Committees), Mr Shane Brennan (Schola Cantorum) and Fr Turlough Baxter (Irish Church Music Association). Fr Allen Morris, national secretary for liturgy, England and Wales, was welcomed to his first annual meeting. He gave a report on liturgical matters in England and Wales. There were also reports and updates by Mr Richard Hurley on issues arising from planning and heritage regulations, Ms Jane Ferguson on RCIA, Fr Patrick Jones on the new Missale Romanum, Fr John McCann on the new General Instruction of the Roman Missal Fr John Keating on liturgical issues concerning people of other languages and ethnic backgrounds and Liam Tracey, osm on the recently published Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy. Liturgical texts The new edition of the Missale Romanum was published in March 2002. Its Institutio Generalis was releaesed in July 2000 and its definitive version was published with the Missale Romanum. Teagasc Ginearálta don Leabhar Aifrinn Rómánach, based on the July 2000 version, has been published in Irisleabhar Mhá Nuad. ICEL has completed the English translation and this has been presented to the Episcopal Conference. The revised Sacramentary presented to the Congregation for Divine Worship in December 1998 was denied the Congregation’s recognitio in March 2002 since it requires amendments in the light of Liturgiam authenticam, the instruction on translation. The translation of the 2nd typical edition of the Ordination Rites, submitted to Rome in early 2001 was also denied the recognitio. Paidir Eocaristeach Aifrinn Riachtanais agus Ócáidí Éagsúla, revised in the light of a letter denying the Congregation’s recognitio and a Congregation’s draft translation (May 2001) was approved by the Episcopal Conference in June 2002 and has been sent to Rome. Several texts approved by the Conference await Roman recognitio: Propers for the National Calendar (in Irish and English, submitted December 1998), Deasghnátha na Marbh (mid-1998) and Deasghnátha Oirnithe (1995). Planning and Heritage Regulations The implications of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act has been noted on several occasions and the way in which the legislation is operated gives cause for concern. The recording of buildings are protected structures (or as listed buildings according to the older legislation) seems to be done without each case being determined in its own right and in consideration with other cases. Guidelines issued by Dúchas in draft form have been used on occasion by local authorities. The understanding of “liturgical requirements” seems to be a matter for determination by agencies other than the churches. In February 2002, a delegation from the four main Christian Churches presented their position and concerns to Dúchas. This including a re-writing of the sections concerning places of worship of the draft Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines. Dúchas has been considering their full response and progress has been reported following a meeting with the Minister for the Environment in late October 2002. The best safeguard of the Church’s interests as well as respecting the importance of our heritage lies in the provision of guidelines. Part of these guidelines will include the establishment of diocesan Historic Churches Advisory Committees, already accepted by the Episcopal Conference in March 1999. These Committees will offer the necessary expertise as churches are placed on the Record of protected Structures, as declarations for work exempted from the planning process are sought, when planning permission is necessary and when it is being processed, and when churches are no longer in use, fully or partly, as places of worship. Other issues Bishop John McAreavey was congratulated on his nomination as secretary of ICEL’s Episcopal Board. The priority in this work is the translation of the new Missale Romanum. Several dioceses have appointed a director for RCIA and the use of RCIA in the initiation of adults is more clearly understood. An opportunity to explore the initiation experience for those in RCIA teams will be given in Beginnings and Beyond, presented by the North American Forum on the Catechumenate, will take place in Dublin, 29 June-4 July 2003. Information from Rev. Dermot Nestor, The Presbytery, St. Cronan’s, Brackenstown Road, Swords, Co. Dublin (email rcia@eircom.net). Schola Cantorum has a record of achievement since it was established at St. Finian’s College, Mullingar in 1970. It is strongly recommended that it should be fully supported as a project of musical excellence, even when the boarding school at St. Finian’s is phased out. Liturgical formation The work of the National Centre for Liturgy, the Irish Church Music Association and the Schola Cantorum is for the promotion of liturgy. The support given by many people in various ways is much appreciated. But liturgical formation needs promotion at national, diocesan and parish levels to ensure that needs regarding issues like heritage, weekday liturgy with lay presiders, ministry, music and so on are met. New Liturgy Further information and updates are published in New Liturgy, the bulletin of the National Secretariat for Liturgy. This summary is taken (with slight alterations) from New Liturgy, autumn-winter 2002. For subscription details CLICK HERE ENDS 14 January 2003 - Church Music Notes The Irish Church Music Association will conduct two workshops: Belfast: Orla Barry will present a workshop of music for use in Ordinary Time in St. Malachy’s College, Alfreed Street, Belfast on Saturday, 1 February. Registration is at 10.00 a.m. Fee for the day is stg£12/€20. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. Longford: There will be a workshop in St. Mel’s Diocesan Institute on Saturday, 1 March. It will cover music for use in a variety of situations and liturgies. Registration is at 10.30 a.m. Fee for the day is €20. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. Further information on this workshop – Fr Turlough Baxter Tel 078 20054. ENDS 14 January 2003 - Membership of the Irish Church Music Association Membership fees fall due on 1 July. Anyone wishing to apply for membership or to renew membership should contact: Ms Gertie McCabe, c/o National Centre for liturgy, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. ENDS