In January 2009, the Church will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Pope John XXIII's announcement of an ecumenical council. What ideas are there for celebrating this moment in the Church's history in parishes, schools, and retreat centers?
1 comment:
Anonymous
said...
The Christmas greetings I received this year from my parish communities (one I have left but am honoring a financial commitment and the other I am actively engaged)relate to the shift in emphasis that emanated from Vat II. The cards arrived on the same day. Card One (from the parish I've left) contained a collection envelope, the pastor's name on the outside of the envelope and a message from him on the inside along with the advent, Christmas Mass schedules. Most importantly, the picture on the exterior of the card was that of the altar. Now, the second card did not mention the pastor's name anywhere--not on the envelope and not on the inside--instead, the card had the schedule of Masses only. The picture, most tellingly,was of an open Lectionary shot out into the church and rows of pews (minus congregants). I saw a difference in theologicxal emphasis immjediately but asked by teenager what he noticed about the two images. He said that one said the clergy was important, the other said the laity and the QWord of God was important. And, in a nutshell, this summarizes the shift of emphasis I notice from VAtican II applied with fidelity--the community of faithful and the Word are the focal points, not the hierarchy and royal priesthood. To crib from Martin Luther (who cribbed from St. Paul) the priesthood of all believers is, it seems to me, what the second council hoped to promulgate.
1 comment:
The Christmas greetings I received this year from my parish communities (one I have left but am honoring a financial commitment and the other I am actively engaged)relate to the shift in emphasis that emanated from Vat II. The cards arrived on the same day. Card One (from the parish I've left) contained a collection envelope, the pastor's name on the outside of the envelope and a message from him on the inside along with the advent, Christmas Mass schedules. Most importantly, the picture on the exterior of the card was that of the altar.
Now, the second card did not mention the pastor's name anywhere--not on the envelope and not on the inside--instead, the card had the schedule of Masses only. The picture, most tellingly,was of an open Lectionary shot out into the church and rows of pews (minus congregants). I saw a difference in theologicxal emphasis immjediately but asked by teenager what he noticed about the two images. He said that one said the clergy was important, the other said the laity and the QWord of God was important. And, in a nutshell, this summarizes the shift of emphasis I notice from VAtican II applied with fidelity--the community of faithful and the Word are the focal points, not the hierarchy and royal priesthood. To crib from Martin Luther (who cribbed from St. Paul) the priesthood of all believers is, it seems to me, what the second council hoped to promulgate.
My Two cents this Holy Season, RBricker
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