Back

Worship Times

Ade Bethune exhibit

An exhibit of Ade Bethune prints is available for rental or purchase. The Images of Holy Labor exhibition consists of 30 framed prints, 16" x 20." Each depicts the image of saints at labor doing works of compassion. Bethune is best known for her prints published in The Catholic Worker. For information on hosting the exhibition or for a list of places where the exhibition will be shown, contact Tanja Butler, RD 3, Box 292, Averill Park, NY 12018, (518) 766-5459.

Fast talkers

The Vatican has agreed to speed up its talks with the U.S. Bishops on the subject of inclusive language in the lectionary, according to a December 27 report in the National Catholic Reporter. The Vatican has rejected the NRSV and revised NAB translations for use in the liturgy. The translations are considered gender-neutral when referring to human beings.

Coughin' up better prices

The Down to Earth Coffin Company is digging into what people want and don't in a funeral. "They just don't want to bury a lot of hard earned money in a hole in the ground, but at the same time, they want to maintain dignity and reverence for the deceased," said Ray McCord, director of marketing. "The growing preference from people all across the country is for the simple, plain, and low-cost coffin."

The Littleton, NH, company is out to slash coffin prices by more than half by providing simple, wooden boxes that also double as furniture while the future occupant is still unavailable for interment. The pine, cherry, or walnut boxes come either shaped or rectangular. They double as tables, closets, bookshelves, wine racks, or blanket chests. The company even recommends the final resting place be used as an entertainment center. Contact Down to Earth at (603) 444-5874.

Attracting the next generation

Where will families be worshiping in the year 2017? Lyle E. Schaller, a parish consultant, says you will find the generations born after 1955 worshiping in parishes "that have at least two or three exceptionally high quality, extremely attractive, and very well organized entry points." In the January 1997 issue of The Clergy Journal, Schaller lists three examples of such churches:

  • churches that help families raise their children by providing "highly sophisticated classes for parents of babies and very young children"
  • churches that train couples to volunteer as mentors to newlyweds
  • churches that have youth groups for stepchildren that are "designed to help stepchildren become constructive allies in making that new marriage a success story."