In rich countries, the virus is retreating before the vaccines: Deo gratias. In some places parish life – and celebrations in church buildings are returning to a kind of normality. Many, especially presbyters, are pleased: the familiar is returning. But we settle back into our familiar ways, we should take stock. A new normal might Read more
One of the buzz-phrases of Catholic theology – cited in virtually every document from the Vatican – is that the liturgy, and especially the Eucharist, is ‘the source and summit’ of the Christian life. The origins of the phrase are complex, but it enters mainstream Catholic discourse with the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy in Read more
Cîteaux with its nine-hundred-year history, its image of those most un-modern of being, monks, working with the hands, and the expectation of a unique, rather than mass-produced, flavour make it a winner. The success of the monks selling cheese on-line should not surprise us. We want our food to have a story! The mass-production of Read more
Over the past four summers, I have gotten a break from doctoral studies in sacramental theology at the Atheneum of Sant’Anselmo in Rome by ministering at St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Rapid City, S.D. It is a world away from the Eternal City’s snarled traffic and the equally snarled theological texts of my day job, Read more
The pandemic has made anyone who enters a church sensitive like never before to how we are arranged in the building. Two meters apart! No bunching up! Signs on seats where we may sit. Tape on other seats making them off-limits. Signs on doors giving the maximum number that may enter — always a lot Read more
The other day I went to get a haircut after the last 2 months in lockdown (I didn’t trust the others in my ‘bubble’ to give me a haircut!). As I entered the shop to see my old friend and barber, I noticed – further along the street – the blanket-covered body of someone sleeping Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops met last Friday to discuss how COVID-19 Level 1 was working in their respective dioceses. They noted there were differences between some dioceses and even between some churches – for example, some churches allowed Communion from the Chalice, others did not. So they decided there was no need to issue Read more
A pandemic being fought with a lockdown imposed on the whole population affects all areas of life. Organised religion normally involves congregations gathering, the word ‘church’ is based on the word ‘assembly’. The respiratory virus can spread with disastrous effects in a closely packed crowd and for very good reasons public gatherings were banned during Read more
A Wellington parish priest is calling into question the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s decision to limit the number of people in churches to ten people. “It is strange that bars and restaurants can open but churches are limited to just ten people”, said Fr Pete Roe the Parish Administrator of St Francis of Assisi parish Read more
Many Catholic bishops are discussing the practical aspects of resuming public Masses, now the initial coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions are easing. One of their concerns is what to do about distributing communion, which is considered a “high risk of contagion” moment. Cardinal Robert Sarah, (pictured) who is the head of the Vatican’s liturgical office, has Read more