Planning Guide

Liturgical Spirituality Kay Murdy After reaching the pinnacle of the liturgical year at Easter, it may be hard to sustain our enthusiasm during the Fifty Days of the Easter season. But this is the very meaning of the “mystagogical” season. Just as Israel remembered and celebrated the great events of the Exodus and Sinai between Passover and Pentecost, so do we reflect on our “passing over” from death to life on our journey from Easter to Pentecost. Following Jesus means following the Spirit of the risen Lord who renews us daily and thereby renews the whole church.  2nd Sunday of Easter, April 3 Acts 2:42–47; Ps 118; 1 Pt 1:3–9; Jn 20:19–31  Luke painted a word portrait of the ideal church, of Christians gathering as one for Eucharist, prayer, and instruction and sharing lives, goods, hopes, and dreams. We know from human experience that things do not always go that well. Peter wrote to a new generation of Christians experiencing trials, doubts, and questions. Did they have the same faith as those who saw Christ in the flesh? Peter asked the community to see themselves as a people newborn through a baptism of suffering. They would emerge with a faith “more precious than gold” (1 Pt 1:7).  Near the end of the first century, John wrote to a community wavering in their faith. He invited them to look back to the evening of the resurrection. In the aftermath of the cross and the tomb, the fearful disciples hid behind locked doors. In the darkness of suffering, it was hard to recall all that they saw and heard in the light. It was not until they actually saw the risen Christ that their courage and faith returned. Thomas, like us, was absent at the time of Jesus’ appearance. In confusion and doubt, Jesus reminded Thomas, and he reminds us, “Touch me! Believe!” How blessed we are when we believe without seeing.  For Reflection: What helps me believe in times of fear and uncertainty?  3rd Sunday of Easter, April 10 Acts 2:14,22–28; Ps 16; 1 Pt 1:17–21; Lk 24:13–35  As two disciples made their sad journey toward home, they shared their disappointment with a stranger in their midst. They had hoped that Jesus would be the one to set them free. Now he was gone, and so was their hope. Gradually the risen Christ opened their minds to the Scriptures. If the Messiah had to suffer so as to enter glory, might it not be necessary for them to suffer as well? When the disciples reached their village, they shared a meal with their guest. At table, their eyes, hearts, and minds were opened, and they recognized the risen Lord. They were filled with joy! Jesus had not left them but was present in broken hearts, in the broken word, and in the breaking of the bread.  On Pentecost Sunday, the community no longer hid in fear. Peter courageously proclaimed that God was faithful and had not abandoned them. The price paid for their redemption was not “mere silver and gold” but Christ’s “precious blood,” beyond all price. Because God freed Jesus from death’s bitter pangs, as God’s people we can be confident that we will not undergo corruption but will live in God’s presence forever.  For Reflection: Do I recognize Jesus at the table of word and sacrament as I gather with my brothers and sisters?  4th Sunday of Easter, April 17 Acts 2:14,36–41; Ps 23; 1 Pt 2:20–25; Jn 10:1–10  In baptism we died to our sins and rose to new life in Christ; therefore, we must live as he did. Living the life of the risen Christ is not an easy task. It means suffering insult for doing what is right, as he did. It means forgiving wrongs committed against us, as he did. It means trying to follow in Jesus’ footsteps on good days and bad.  From Peter’s experience as a shepherd of the church, he knew that God’s people often wandered as aimlessly as sheep. Jesus was the “good shepherd” who showed them the path to life. He called each by name, and they followed him because his voice was familiar. False shepherds looked after their own interests instead of the needs of the sheep. Jesus was the true shepherd who went ahead of the flock, guiding them to safe pastures where they would be protected from harm. The gates of the sheepfold were opened wide for all God’s people to enter God’s reign. For Reflection: Do I recognize Jesus’ voice when he calls? In what ways do I shepherd others?  5th Sunday of Easter, April 24 Acts 6:1–7; Ps 33; 1 Pt 2:4–9; Jn 14:1–12  As the church grew in numbers and diversity, there were bound to be growing pains. It was easy to be compatible when the community was ethnically and culturally similar. But when the group grew beyond these boundaries, there was dissension. It is no easier today: “These foreigners are taking our jobs.” “Why do we have to provide food, housing, education, and health care for them?” “Why don’t they learn our language?” The words we speak are “us” against “them,” and not “we.”  Peter revealed the great dignity all people have in their baptismal call. The church is not made up of isolated individuals without a common bond. The church is “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Pt 2:9), living stones of God’s temple. Jesus is the cornerstone; without him the whole building collapses. He is “the way” to all truth and life. The Spirit of Jesus is the binding force that enables African, Native, Anglo, Asian, and Hispanic peoples to work and pray together. When others see the love and unity of those who believe in Christ, many will be eager to enter God’s house, where there is room for one and all.  For Reflection: Is my parish church a real community or just a building?  6th Sunday of Easter, May 1 Acts 8:5–8,14–17; Ps 66; 1 Pt 3:15–18; Jn 14:15–21  Then as now some people are viewed as “insiders” and others as “outsiders.” In Jesus’ time, the Samaritans were among those on the “out.” Jesus’ attitude toward them was surprising; everyone was his brother and sister, worthy of hearing the Gospel of salvation. Following Jesus’ example, Philip preached the good news to the people of Samaria. Peter and John heard how eagerly the Samaritans accepted the Lord, and they went to pray with them also. Amazingly, these “foreigners” received the Spirit just as the apostles had.  Peter wrote to people who were maligned because of their way of life. Not everyone was ready to hear the “Spirit of truth” (Jn 14:17), but they should be treated with respect and understanding. We do not see Jesus in the flesh, but we have the opportunity to see him in one another. If we love Jesus, we will obey his command to love, no matter what the difference between us is.  For Reflection: How does the Spirit help me to see people of different faiths, races, and cultures as Jesus does?  Ascension, May 5 (moved to the 7th Sunday in some dioceses)  Acts 1:1–11; Ps 47; Eph 1:17–23; Mt 28:16–20  For 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus’ followers saw him with their own eyes and touched him with their own hands. But they still could not comprehend the notion of a suffering savior. They wanted earthly power to overcome their enemies, but that wasn’t what Jesus was about. God’s power, shown by raising Jesus from the dead, would enlighten all with the great hope revealed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  As Jesus ascended into glory, he summoned his followers to continue his ministry with his power and authority. They must not stand gazing at the sky wondering what they were to do. They were given a clear command: Go! Make disciples of all peoples! Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit! Teach them to carry out Christ’s commands! We must continue Jesus’ work on earth, but we don’t have to do it alone. We have confidence that the Spirit of Jesus will be with us until the end of the world.  For Reflection: Do I appreciate the “immeasurable greatness” (Eph 1:19) of the Spirit’s power at work in my life?  7th Sunday of Easter, May 8 (Ascension may be celebrated on the 7th Sunday in some dioceses.)  Acts 1:12–14; Ps 27; 1 Pt 4:13–16; Jn 17:1–11  Jesus’ “hour” had come, the kairos moment when he fulfilled his mission on earth. Jesus accomplished the work God gave to him. Through Jesus’ words and deeds, and especially through his dying and rising, God’s glory was made known. Jesus prayed for all those who would continue his work on earth to reveal the ever-present God, the “Father” of all.  Before Jesus ascended to glory, he promised his followers that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit. But they must return to Jerusalem, the place of suffering and death, in order to receive new life. Gathered with Mary and the church, men and women united in prayer as they waited for the Spirit’s empowerment and guidance. We too patiently await the Spirit so that the glory of God may be revealed in us. Despite our weakness, Jesus entrusted his message to us. Strengthened by the Spirit, we will not fail him.  For Reflection: Do I pray for the Spirit to direct the church? Do I work to fulfill Jesus’ prayer “that they may be one” (Jn 17:11).  Pentecost, May 15 Acts 2:1–11; Ps 104; 1 Cor 12:3–7,12–13; Jn 20:19–23  The wonders of Pentecost! People gathered to pray as one! A fresh wind filling the church and transforming individuals. Baptized into one body, male and female, rich and poor, leader and follower were given gifts for the common good. United in the language of love, the miracle astonished the crowds at the first Pentecost and still amazes us today.  What would happen if we took seriously God’s promise of a world renewed — God’s Spirit poured forth on all people, whatever gender, race, ethnic origin, or social status? Can we dream of the day when young and old can have hope in the future? Can we picture everyone respecting God’s creation, using resources responsibly? What would it be like if nations made laws that set people free rather than enslave them? Can we imagine all God’s sons and daughters joining hands in love?  Jesus invited us to share this vision. Do we dare to accept his offer? If we do, the life-giving Spirit will fill us and overflow to renew the face of the earth. The Great Fifty Days has ended, but the task of bringing about God’s reign has just begun.  For Reflection: Holy Spirit, fill me with faith, hope and love! Enable me to work for unity in my family, parish and community.    Shaping the Ritual Susan Walker After 40 days of fast, we have 50 days of feast to celebrate! We are so often better at examining and scrutinizing and critiquing than we are at feasting and celebrating. This is especially true of parish staff members. It’s not difficult to get overwhelmed with tasks and miss the joy that is supposed to be inherent in the Easter season. It’s easy to get all worked up on Easter Sunday: There’s an abundance of flowers, candles, joyful song, and people in the pews. The challenge is to sustain the excitement over the next seven weeks, when the pews start to empty and a bit of Triduum fatigue begins to set in.  Attend to those who worked many hours to pull together the Triduum liturgies. Make sure there’s depth in your musicians, environment committee, liturgical minister, planners, and cleaners. We’re not usually very good at ministering to ministers: keep an eye on who’s doing what, and spread the work around so that people will get a chance to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.  Look over the space where the assembly is seated. Has it gotten cluttered? Is there leftover wax from Vigil candles on the seats? Mud tracked in from spring rains? The seating area is the largest in your church, no doubt, and the hardest to clean because of the pews or chairs, kneelers, and book racks, but such cleaning is so important to do. The Body of Christ will assemble in these seats. The Body of Christ will feed those who rest on these chairs or pews. It’s hard to concentrate on singing the opening hymn if you’re holding a torn worship aid or a mangled hymnbook. It’s difficult to kneel and reverently pray when a screw is sticking out of the kneeler mechanism, dangerously close to hosiery or slacks.  Choose music carefully. There are neophytes in the assembly, and they deserve to learn our sacred song. There are cradle Catholics out there, too, and they deserve to have their memory of Easters past enhanced by joining again in the strains of “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today.”  Pay close attention to your “Glory to God” repertoire this season. The Gloria has been silent for six weeks — bring it back with variety and enthusiasm. We are invited to praise God together, neophyte and long-time parishioner, stranger and friend. Not every musical style — formal, gospel, contemporary — appeals to everyone. Your choir will appreciate variety, too. If your parish sings several settings, rotate them so that each sounds fresh when sung. Using instruments (trumpets, flutes, saxophones, violins) adds some sparkle and keeps the music from getting tired and the singers, including the assembly, from becoming ambivalent about what should be a great hymn that raises the roof during the entire season.  Between the gathering hymn, the sprinkling rite, and the Gloria, we could sing three different pieces before we get to sit down for the Liturgy of the Word! GIA’s Marty Haugen and Gary Daigle have published an entire collection for various seasons, titled The Church Gathers, that is well worth looking at.  Finally, all the ministers involved — from presider to cantor to any who assist with the sprinkling rite — should convey the joy and enthusiasm of the moment by the way they interact with the assembly. Cantors who animate the assembly’s song as they are waiting for the water to arrive in their section of the church also animate the people of the assembly. Encourage them to follow the action with their orientation and to keep the assembly engaged in the song.    Musical Liturgy  Paul Tate & Deanna Light The fact that we celebrate Easter for a season and not just a Sunday reminds us that the “rising” of the dying-and-rising that is the paschal mystery is more than just a moment: it is an ongoing process. The passages from the Gospels and the Book of Acts that we explore in the Easter season are full of stories of how the men and women of the early church discovered and came to terms with the presence of the risen Christ, not only at the empty tomb but walking among them and in their hearts. For the Easter season, then, select pieces that will highlight these themes of resurrection, new life, and steadfast commitment to faith. Lori True’s setting of the Brian Wren text “This Is a Day of New Beginnings,” for instance, is an excellent choice; the text speaks of the Christ who “goes before us to show and share what love can do” as we ourselves “lay to rest the pain that’s gone.” Contemporary ensembles will enjoy Ed Bolduc’s “Go Out in the World,” which reminds us of our call to share the good news. See the list below for traditional favorites for the season, including the must-do “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today.”  The church celebrates its birthday on the feast of Pentecost; let your liturgies sing with the songs of the Spirit this day. See the list for a number of suggestions that run the gamut, including ostinato pieces by Marty Haugen and Jacques Berthier, classic hymns, and contemporary songs by Tom Booth, Bobby Fisher, and Darrell Patton Evans.  May your celebration of the Easter season sing praise to the God who makes every day a day of new beginnings! Alleluia!  Easter season A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing (Traditional) GC467  All That Is Hidden (Farrell) BB487, GC654  Alleluia No. 1 (Fishel) BB540, GC462  Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (Traditional) BB729, GC826, WC338  Be Still for the Presence of the Lord (Evans) VAO09  Come to the Water (Foley) BB610, GC502  Festival Canticle (Hillert) BB545, GC458, WC557  I Am the Bread of Life (Talbot) S&S153, VAO39  I Am the Bread of Life (Toolan) GC822, WC379  In the Breaking of the Bread (Ward) WC384  Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (Traditional) BB173, GC457, WC810  Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Beethoven) BB581, GC520, WC530  Jubilate, Servite / Raise a Song of Gladness (Berthier) GC535  Let All Creation Sing Alleluia! (Tate) VAO51  Lord, I Lift Your Name on High (Founds) S&S189, VAO60  Make Us a Eucharistic People (Smith) VAO64  O Sons and Daughters (Traditional) BB178, GC446, WC827  Psalm 118: Let Us Rejoice (Haugen) GC65  Roll Away the Stone (Conry) BB189  Sing a New Song (Schutte) BB600, GC544, WC979  Sing to the Mountains (Schutte) BB579, GC452  Sing with All the Saints in Glory GC442, WC831  Song of the Body of Christ (Haas) BB360, GC807, S&S131  The Tomb Is Empty (Haas) GC464  Waters of Life (Kutscher) VAO95, WC106  We Are One Body (Scallon) S&S165, VAO98  We Have Been Told (Haas) BB485, GC694, WC479  Yes, We Believe (Tate) VAO103  Octavos of note: Alive in Christ Jesus (Haas) GIA  As Water to the Thirsty (Dudley-Smith/Haas) GIA  At the Name of Jesus (Bolduc) WLP  Come and Follow Me (Franzak) GIA  Come, Follow (Haas) GIA  Come, Let Us Sing with Joy to the Lord (Tate) WLP  Go Out and Tell (Fisher/Lee) OCP  Go Out in the World (Bolduc) WLP  Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil (from Two Songs of Social Justice) GIA  He Is Not Here (Campbell) GIA  He Is Risen (Angotti) WLP  I Cannot Tell It All (Spiritual; arr. Booth) OCP  I Saw Water (Macek) OCP  I Send You Out (Angotti) WLP  On the Journey to Emmaus (Haugen) GIA  May We and God Be One (Tate) WLP  Rejoice! (Wesley/Tate) WLP  Song at the Empty Tomb (Haugen) GIA  This Is a Day of New Beginnings (Wren/True) GIA  We Are a Chosen People (Berrell) WLP  You Are Strong, You Are Holy (Dunstan/Tate) GIA  Pentecost Sunday Come, Holy Ghost (Traditional) BB407, GC472, WC345  Go Light Your World (Rice) S&S112, VAO26  Let the River Flow (Evans) S&S125  One Spirit, One Church (Keil) BB395, S&S132  Send Down the Fire (Haugen) GC477  Send Us Your Spirit (Haas) BB415, GC476  Spirit Blowing Through Creation (Haugen) GC481  They’ll Know We Are Christians (Scholtes) BB404, GC728, WC449  Veni Sancte Spiritus (Berthier) GC478  We Are Called to Serve (Smith) S&S139  We Are Many Parts (Haugen) BB403, GC727, WC452  Octavos of note: Come, Holy Spirit (Veni Sancte Spiritus) (Light/Tate) WLP  Cry the Gospel (Booth) OCP  Every Time I Feel the Spirit (Spiritual; arr. Dawson) Kjos  Every Time I Feel the Spirit (Spiritual; arr. Haas) GIA  Go Out and Tell (Fisher/Lee) OCP  God, Beyond All Names (Farrell) OCP  Lead Us to the Water: Dismissal (Kendzia/Daigle) OCP  May We and God Be One (Tate) WLP  One Lord (True) GIA  The Song and the Silence (Haugen) GIA  We Are a Chosen People (Berrell) WLP 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.)