Sharings

Dear Editor,

I read with interest Rufino Zaragoza's comparison of music at an A.D. 1000 liturgy to music one might find in a Catholic church today (ML 27:5, “The New Millennium Part 3: Sacred Song”). Speaking of the thousand-year-old liturgy, the author writes, “Often Scripture readings and prayers were chanted without instruments in a formal recitative manner. No chanting like this exists in our present American culture” (10). I must disagree.

CanticaNOVA Publications, by offering its Book of Sung Gospels, has fostered in the United States a practice of chanting the Gospel to an ancient tone. This tradition is one that is more common in Europe, and it is precisely from the compiler's experience in Rome that this volume has sprung. More details can be found on the company's website: canticanova.com. The many deacons and priests in America who add solemnity to special feasts by singing the Gospel would be surprised to hear that “no chanting like this exists.”

Gary D. Penkala, Editor
CanticaNOVA Publications

Jubilee forever

Dear Editor,

Enclosed are some pictures of our “Jubilee Symbol” that we erected in the middle of our worship space. I thought you might be interested. This is the fruit of our liturgy committee and was constructed and installed by parishioners. The blue “earth” is plywood, and the five doves, painted aluminum/sheet metal. The words “Christ, yesterday, today, forever” hang in the four corners. “Forever” is visible in the photo
[on the left].

Many thanks for your fine publication.

Rev. James A. Shanley
Rocky Hill, Conn.

Ed. Note: The following are letters posted on our website, www.rpinet.com/ml/.

Liturgy helps

Dear Editor,

I found Kathy Coffey's “Catechizing for participation: Connecting liturgy to life” (ML 27:5) very fruitful and easy to understand. Our small community needs to be reminded of who we are and what we are here to do for others. Kathy makes it very clear, short, simple and to the point.

Thank you for ML; as chair for liturgy, it has become my bible. I only wish we could afford to have a copy sent to every member of our committee.

Constance Blumenthal
theblues@mc.net

Our hearts are burning

Dear Editor,

I liked “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Liturgical Critique” (Ed. Note: See page 7). Everything said and suggested is true. I think the church has not answered the call of continuing education for years. We try many forms of adult ed, some more successful than others; however, we cannot get discouraged if only a few people show up. I think some of our ideas come from the RCIA as stated. I am on the catechumenate team, and I learn what people want from those who are coming into the church. I have seen adult ed grow over the years, and I feel that if we persevere, we will succeed.

Thanks much and keep up the good work!

Joan Lauriente
daffodill@thegrid.net

Dear Editor,

Thanks for the quick look at this important catechetical as well as liturgical document. It looks like the bishops are finally understanding the marriage between catechesis and liturgy.

Rick Goodwin
Goodwin2K@aol.com

ML

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