Worship Times

The New York Times reports that Samaritan’s Purse, a group led by Fred Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, used their time to proselytize while performing earthquake relief work in El Salvador. This would not be a bad idea; the only problem is that some of the money for their work comes from the U.S. Agency for International Development. In their defense, the leaders of Samaritan’s Purse stated that no government money was used for evangelization and no person seeking relief was required to participate in any religious program. President Bush’s promotion of faith-based social services seems to extend beyond the U.S. borders. Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing?

The pope on prayer and song

Lutherans, Orthodox Christians and Jewish delegates joined Catholic musicians for a sacred music congress at the Vatican earlier this year. “Sacred music can help build ecumenical and interreligious bridges,” said Pope John Paul II as he addressed the gathering. The holy father also encouraged the sharing of musical traditions, noting that, “sacred music developed throughout the centuries on all continents, according to the genius of each culture, and showing the magnificent creative elan displayed by the various liturgical families of East and
West.”

The pope also praised music ministry at many of the Jubilee 2000 liturgies, noting that fine music of many traditions “made possible liturgical celebrations which were fervent and of high quality.”

“It’s not the sort of church where you’re sitting quietly.”

A neighborhood in Adelaide, Australia was not entirely ready for the change. The Powerhouse Christian Church has lived up to its name since moving into the old Salvation Army building. The rock band begins rehearsal before the 10 a.m. Sunday service. Amplified music and preaching continues until early afternoon, then begins again for the Sunday evening service. “It’s not the sort of church where you’re sitting quietly,” said Pastor Cathryn Linedale.

Neighbors, however, are upset. “There’s yelling and screaming and some parishioners are hysterical when the spirit of Jesus gets into them,” one neighbor complained. “They can continue to praise the Lord as much as they want; I just don’t want them to park across my driveway and I don’t want to hear the sermons or music.” Pastor Linedale defended her charismatic approach to worship and pledged to work with neighbors and city officials to ensure
peace.

Never too late,
never too early

At a time when fewer Christians in the world worship regularly, and today’s youth seem especially alienated from the church, two women’s faith witness seem remarkably hopeful.

Just out of her teens, Paula McEneany is a published author of Living the Liturgical Year Volume 1 (Athelstane, Wisc.: Ipso Press). “Learning that people use it is meaningful,” she said. “Last week I heard from a lady in Nebraska who said she uses it all the time.” McEneany began to compile information on domestic liturgical customs, study ideas, and recipes when she was 16.

Olive Stephens, 80, of Chatham, England, may be the first Anglican in her diocese to take vows to the consecrated life since the Reformation. Although she still enjoys living in her home, shopping, and watching TV, she follows the rule of St. Benedict, rising at 4:30 a.m. each day to pray. Her vicar, Philip Hesketh, comments, “Olive lived an active life in our church but did not feel completely fulfilled. She follows a disciplined life of prayer.” Church of England officials report that even as church attendance is waning, inquiries regarding the spiritual life are increasing.

Bi-polar

From north to south, a perfect offering will be made. Monsignor Liberio Andreatta plans a globe-girdling pilgrimage this year. He hopes to join two Italian polar expeditions and arrange to celebrate Mass at the North Pole on Easter and at the South Pole on Christmas. “This is a very emotional undertaking, one of those experiences that pushes an individual to make a wager that involves all his skills, will power, determination, persistence and faith,” he said.

The common ground
of architecture

Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., hosted a meeting on church architecture sponsored by the Catholic Common Ground Initiative. Bishops, theologians, liturgists and architects gathered at the beginning of the year to discuss what a Catholic church should look like. No doubt such discussions will continue as people wrestle with the issues of beauty, expense, clergy, assembly, view of God, and the implementation of the U.S. bishops’ document, Built of Living Stones.

Survivor:
The Vatican series

If the papal elections were played like the current TV series Survivor, the Italians would have the advantage. The current Vatican list of Cardinal Electors (cardinals who can vote for the next pope) seems stacked in favor of the Italians, who have 24 voting cardinals. The next largest voting block is the United States, with 13 cardinals. ML wonders what alliances and agreements are circulating and how the Holy Spirit will influence the “tribal council.”

The blessings of animals

In Spain thousands of pets went to church for their annual blessing on the feast of St. Anthony. Most were blessed in church doorways but many farm animals received special visits for their sprinkle of holy water. The custom, once banned because of inevitable traffic snarls, still creates much excitement. Traffic authorities just shut down the roads on these days. Animal rights activists also used the feast day to raise awareness for their cause.
ML

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