Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. Suite #290 San Jose, CA 95112-5876 ph: 408-286-8505 fx: 408-287-8748

For Immediate Release  Contact: Ron Smith  408-286-8505

MODERN LITURGY to become MINISTRY & LITURGY

MODERN LITURGY magazine began its life in 1973 as Folk Mass and Modern Liturgy. The original name lasted for only two issues — and the magazine has been known as MODERN LITURGY for 25 years.

MODERN LITURGY will change its name with the first issue of 1999, this time to MINISTRY & LITURGY.

The name change allows the magazine to retain its logo and familiar nickname, “ML.”

“The name change catches up to the magazine’s editorial direction,” says Nick Wagner, ML editor. “If you look at the articles we’ve published in the last three years, you'll see an increasing number devoted to catechesis, pastoral care, and outreach ministries. It’s not that we’re moving away from liturgy. We’re just taking seriously the idea from Vatican II that liturgy should be the ‘source and summit’ of parish life. If that is so, liturgy needs to motivate all the parish ministries — not just obviously liturgical ones.”

The magazine has been aimed at the “parish team” for its entire history, says William Burns, publisher and founder of the magazine. “ML’s mission from the first issue was to reach out to the diverse ministries and help them work together in harmony. However, there’s always been a perception that ‘MODERN LITURGY’ was intended only for the liturgist or worship coordinator. We’re hoping the name change helps us move beyond that.”

Reaction from subscribers and advertisers to the forthcoming change has been positive so far, Burns said.