Archive for December, 2015
Vatican II at 50
The Communion rail — a singular element of pre-Vatican II church architecture — symbolizes both the hope and the hurt in the Church connected with the Second Vatican Council.
The removal of the Communion rail, where the faithful once knelt to receive the Eucharist, was to some a sign of progress; to others it meant the loss of beauty, sanctity and tradition.
Patriotism, American exceptionalism and the common good
Today, “patriotism,” a proper love of country or home, is often castigated as narrow-minded, bigoted or reactionary by the cosmopolitan elites who police our public discourse.
In silence’s emptiness, an openness to receive
In my last reflection, I encouraged you to practice some silent prayer this Advent. You may have discovered by now that sometimes that’s a little tough. Maybe you miss the noise, some kind of stimulation. You miss your words, your routine, your rote prayer. When I remove myself from the whir of the world and am left with only myself and the Lord, all that silence can feel a little, well, empty.
Local author’s new book sings praises of sacred music
Virginia Schubert, a parishioner of St. Agnes Church and Nativity of Our Lord, both in St. Paul, recently published “To Sing with the Angels: A History of the Twin Cities Catholic Chorale.” In it, the longtime soprano member of the Chorale — in its 42nd year — highlights the musical contributions and reach of Chorale founder Msgr. Richard Schuler, and its significance as part of the sacred liturgy at St. Agnes Church. Schubert, a professor emerita of Macalester College in St. Paul and Lady Commander in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, answers questions about her new book.
In sharing experiences, Ascension parishioner hopes to initiate change
It was 1961. Bob Briscoe was 19, and he remembers he wasn’t allowed Communion at the rail in a Missouri church because he was black; others wouldn’t have come up if he were there. The priest told him to go to the sacristy after Mass to receive the Eucharist.
Peace on Plymouth
About a month has passed since the Nov. 15 shooting death of Jamar Clark, a black man, by a white police officer. While protesters, led by the group Black Lives Matter, have moved on from their encampment on Plymouth Avenue at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Fourth Precinct, their questions and those of the larger community linger in north Minneapolis and beyond.
Listening Sessions: Diversity tops strengths, trust a big challenge
At archbishop’s request, more than 2,000 Catholics shared views on local Church
Big crowds at Christmas Masses an opportunity to evangelize
Masses at Christmas tend to draw more Catholics than Masses on typical weekends, making them prime opportunities for parish hospitality to be especially accommodating, for pastors to be inviting, and even to evangelize.
NET Ministries van involved in fatal crash
A Nebraska man died, and several people — including 10 passengers of a NET Ministries van — were taken to Fremont, Nebraska-area hospitals after a highway crash Dec. 14.
Deacon Semlak remembered for faith, gentle spirit
A native of St. Paul’s eastside, Deacon Semlak was raised in St. Casimir Parish and worked for two iconic St. Paul firms, Brown & Bigelow and 3M.
UST football team reaches national title game
The University of St. Thomas reached the NCAA Division III national championship game by defeating Linfield 38-17 Dec. 12 at home.
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