Inside ML

One of the most enjoyable aspects of working on Ministry & Liturgy is viewing the entries for the annual Visual Arts Awards. Every year the slides flood in with their descriptions and hopes. The smallest parish and the largest cathedral can find themselves side by side as the entries go to the judges. This year, the prizewinners may reveal a new trend. With the baptismal areas and ambos renovated, parishes may now be turning their creative energy elsewhere in the worship space. See if you agree when you look at the award-winning permanent entries in 2002–2003 Visual Arts Awards starting on page 5.

Not everyone finds it easy to break into song while giving a homily, but there are some great lines in our current hymns. Donna Cole offers her suggestions on how to move into the word through song. You might find a new starting point for a familiar set of lectionary readings starting on page 9.

No doubt the initiation rites are dramatic. The people who now enter the church do so in the midst of the assembly. What about the community? Individuals are called to conversion; are parishes? Rita Ferrone sits in the pew and examines the initiation rites from that perspective. See her article starting on page 17.

Look around your parish any Sunday and you see people of all ages. Antonio Davidson Gómez, a Gen Xer, offers you an introduction to the young adults you might see at Mass and to some young adults who may have stopped attending your parish. You may not always agree with what they say, but you will find it fascinating. The article will run in three parts. Catch the first part starting on page 24.

Finally, recent revelations of sexual abuse and the church’s response are a sad chapter in our American Catholic history. ML invites your suggestions for ways to move toward health and healing. Write Mleditor@rpinet.com or visit the discussion boards at www.rpinet.com/wwwboard/forum8/.

Correction

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