Inside ML

Name change

I think I have some insight into how Peter must have felt. His name change couldn’t have been that big of a deal. He was Cephas one day, Peter the next, but pretty much the same guy the day before and the day after. However, there’s something subtle about a name change that changes a person — and a magazine. A new name means new possibilities, new relationships, new ways of introducing yourself. Peter may have been the same man the day after his name changed, but he could not have known what new things lay ahead of him.

As ML starts its next 25 years of publication, its future is also unknown. The magazine is pretty much the same as it was in December. But those who take the time to look back over the first 25 years of publication — as I have — will find that ML has grown and changed over that time. While no major shift in content, direction, or mission is planned for ML, change happens. As the editors plan the content in years ahead, reflection on ML’s new name will surely impact its future.

One thing that will remain constant, however, is ML’s effort to show how better liturgy leads to better ministry. For example, those involved in the catechetical efforts of the parish will want to read Susan Walker’s “Catechizing about the Triduum” for ideas on how to use the climactic celebrations of the liturgical year as a “lesson plan” for their ministry.

Those involved in grief ministrywill want to see Vickie Jennett’s Home Church department for insights and suggestions.

Those who deal with the catechumenate will want to take particular note of Choreographingthe Catechumenate.This department has a new author, Michael Mansfield, an expert in movement and creative worship.

Those in charge of art and environment will find the winnersof ML’s annual Visual Arts Awards especially interesting.

Through a quarter century of articles like these, ML has worked to help parishes pray better. Look for that effort to continue in the years to come.

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