Inside ML

What if you had a collection of friends you could call on for ideas, suggestions, and advice for ministry? This month the editors gathered such a group in ML. From fabric to funerals, this month’s features are designed to both support and inform your work.

Classic and timeless are some of the words that may describe artist Katreen Bettencourt’s vestments. She shares her expertise on liturgical garments and their care and wear. If you have been thinking about purchasing a new vestment or about learning how to care for those you have, read “Vestments from the Inside Out” starting on page 5.

You see them every week at Mass. Who are they? The non-Catholic relatives of your Catholic parishioners. By their faithful attendance at Mass and other activities, they may know more about the church and its beliefs than some of the “real Catholics.” What can you do to invite them to full communion with the church? Dennis Chriszt has some suggestions for these “common-law Catholics” in his article starting on page 9.

Choosing music for funerals is a delicate task. As liturgist Jill Maria Murdy reminds us, “Time is of the essence in funeral preparations; make the ministry easy for yourself and for the family.” If you have some guidelines in place before you meet with a family, this ministry will be easier for you and for them. Read “Funeral Music Fundamentals” starting on page 14 for suggestions on what to choose and why to avoid certain selections.

Ministry amid destruction

Ministry takes all forms and shapes. The cover photo of this issue was taken by Anne Bybee, a medical disaster specialist for California’s Emergency Medical Services Authority. She worked at the World Trade Center disaster site and came on this scene amid the destruction.

Welcome

ML will welcome Donna Cole as the new editor of ML with the November issue. She has been a contributor in recent years and will lead ML into its 30th year. ML

What do YOU Think?
Send an e-mail to ML Editor or post an entry on the ML Current Issue Discussion Board. (All submissions become the property of RPI and may be edited for length.)