Inside ML

Made for each other

Liturgists and catechists sometimes have the reputation of not getting along. I think this is more stereotype than actuality. In fact, I recently went to a wedding at which the groom was a liturgist and the bride a catechist. I don't usually approve of interfaith marriages, but these were friends of mine. I can't say I had a very good time. The wedding reminded me of a Wagnerian opera. You know how liturgists can be. The ceremony went on for hours. But that wasn't the worst part. The bride made us all attend a six-week preparation session before we could be certified as guests. Anyway, the couple seems to be very happy together. I just heard their first child is on the way. Frankly, that has me a little worried. You know what you get when you cross a liturgist with a catechist? A terrorist with a lesson plan.

But seriously, ML believes in the marriage between liturgy and catechesis. ML's mission is to make the marriage work better. That is part of the reason for the coming name change. Since ML's inception 25 years ago, the editors have tried to make the point that liturgy and catechesis work hand in hand to help the faithful accomplish their mission of creating a just world. To get a better sense of how effective catechesis helps the church accomplish its mission, see "Reading the Catechetical Documents: What You Need to Know" on page 10. And to explore just one way in which the liturgy catechizes, read "Communion to the Communion Ministers: Three Proposals" on page 12. Something as simple as when the ministers eat and drink can catechize a parish about faith.

The marriage between liturgy and catechesis is a strong one. But like any marriage, it sometimes has its rough spots. What are you doing to make the marriage work in your parish? Send in your stories of your struggles and successes. You can post them on our website at www.rpinet.com or you can mail them to ML, 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112.

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