- Written by: Alex Walker
In January 2025, the Society of St Gregory begins the third Taking Liturgy Seriously online course.
This year, the focus will be on liturgical spirituality, taking its inspiration from Pope Francis’ letter on liturgical formation, Desiderio Desideravi: “‘I would like this letter to help us to rekindle our wonder for the beauty of the truth of the Christian celebration.” (n.62)
The aim of the course is to enable personal reflection on what it means to be a member of the worshipping community, how others are worshipping with you, and how ministering in all its forms is a part of our own worship and prayer. It will develop a clear understanding of how the Church’s liturgy expresses her theology and spirituality.
The course will run online (Zoom) and comprise six modules of three consecutive Thursday evenings from January to November 2025 at 7.30 to 8.45pm.
In the past, a recording of each talk was made available for those who were unable to attend live; I assume that this will again be the case.
For more information, and to book your place, click on the link below.
- Written by: Frank Callus
Read more: Executive Summary - Final Document of the Synod October 2024
- Written by: Raymond Hylton
The Background
The Church founded by the apostles has known a few disasters down the centuries. They often arose from lack of listening, and therefore of failure to understand what was happening. Eastern and Western churches slowly drifted apart as prayer and liturgy separated into Greek and Latin languages. In the late middle ages, no-one noticed that a literate laity was emerging, or that printing would revolutionize culture and communication. When reformers, such as Luther or Calvin, demanded reforms, few would listen to them or enter a dialogue on how to proceed. Too few foresaw that calls for reform would be exploited to suit their own purposes by kings, powerful magnates and city states seeking autonomy.
- Written by: Chris McDonnell
La Croix International
Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation
Advent through poetry: Reflecting on the journey of anticipation and preparation leading to Christ’s birth, these short verses capture the season of waiting, the hardship of travel, the warmth of light in darkness, and the sacred moment of Christ’s arrival on earth.
Read more: Four Haikus for Advent, a journey of anticipation
- Written by: martin bennett
Advent Calendar: the road to and from Bethlehem to your door. Each day there are notes that can be read or listened to (a 5 minute listen) relating to the Mass readings for the day which, over Advent, give a better understanding of the effects and potential of the first Christmas in our lives, individually and collectively
Part1: Look around at the world as it is and as it can be
- 1st Don’t let life make you coarse
- 2nd Get ideas above yourself
- 3rd Mind the gaps
- 4th Always want more
- 5th Check your foundations
- 6th Blinkers off, see the world
- 7th Help is at hand
(Part 2 theme: Look again at your place in the world. Part 3theme: Look back at the people involved in Jesus' birth. Part 4 theme: Look ahead to the effects of Christmas).
The readings are available at martinbennett.substack.com (no cost, no adverts!).