The Seed
Christ is Coming
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
Advent is a time for preparations. For many of us those preparations have much to do with parties and packages and greetings cards and cookies. All of these things are good and they are a concrete expression of our love and gratitude for one another; this season has ... Read More »
We Have a King
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
Americans have a complicated relationship with monarchy. On one hand, our nation rejected a king at its founding; on the other hand, royalty and the trappings of monarchy constantly capture our cultural imagination, whether it be a royal wedding or the funeral of a long-reigning monarch. But this Sunday, ... Read More »
Preparing for Christ
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
We often think of Advent as the time of year set aside to prepare for Christ’s coming, and this is certainly true. But it isn’t the only time of year when we meditate upon the coming of the Lord. In fact, the month of November – the month dedicated ... Read More »
Voting with Duty and Dignity
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
As voting day approaches, I want to offer some guidance on how Catholics are called to engage in the democratic process. These considerations are taken from a doctrinal note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on some questions regarding “The Participation of Catholics in Political Life.” ... Read More »
Making a Good Confession
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
Last weekend, with the parable of the proud Pharisee and the repentant tax collector, I took the opportunity to extend an invitation to the Sacrament of Penance, especially if it has been a long time since you’ve gone (note: sometimes we say reconciliation, or penance, or confession – all ... Read More »
Putting to Use the Gift of God's Graces
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
As many of you may know, I have the opportunity to teach CCD here in St. Henry. I am teaching the young men and women who are preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. This sacrament is the last of the sacraments of initiation that we receive as Roman ... Read More »
Sing to the Lord: Part III
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
As a final installment in this music series of articles, I want to highlight a few more specific items from the Church’s teaching on sacred music. While reiterating the use of Gregorian Chant, the council fathers indicated that editions “be prepared containing simpler melodies, for use in small [i.e., ... Read More »
Sing to the Lord: Part II
Posted by St. Henry Cluster
In last Sunday’s bulletin I shared some theological principles governing how the Church determines “Sacred Music” – music set aside for use in the temple – distinct, unique, and contributing to the primary action of the Mass, which is a sacrifice (from the Latin sacer [holy] + facere [to ... Read More »
Sing to the Lord: Part I
Posted by Erin Elking
It has been a year since we began using chanted prayer at Mass last October, and I want to revisit the Church’s understanding of what makes music “sacred” and “suitable for use” at the Sacrifice of the Mass. Pope St. Pius X summarized this teaching in his papal letter ... Read More »
Prayer is the Only Way
Posted by Erin Elking
In any season of life, prayer is essential, but its importance comes into starkest relief during periods of crisis, difficulty, and challenge. Our ability to face the struggles of the day and carry its crosses is intimately bound up with our ability to pray, and our ability to pray ... Read More »