One of the fabulous images for Holy Saturday is that of Jesus—after his descent into death—pulling Adam and Eve out of their tomb, their prison, and into the light and air. Their shackles fall away. Their eyes blink at the light. It’s the so-called “harrowing of hell” theme (it’s not really hell of course, but
Today’s Triduum liturgy includes a proclamation of the Passion according to John. Whether sung or spoken, this scripture passage is powerful. The symbolism in John’s account gives us much to meditate on-especially those of us engaged in the ministries of Christian initiation. Here is one example: “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom
Here’s the scenario: You’ve just finished a long but wonderful Easter Vigil. After months of weekly meetings, leading dismissal sessions, and doing discernment interviews, all the Elect have been baptized, and you’re looking forward to the last few gatherings of the RCIA post-Triduum before you take a well-deserved summer break. Free download: Lenten Evening of
How will you respond this Easter to visitors interested in the Catholic Church?
The event of central importance on Holy Thursday will be the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper—the liturgy which begins the Triduum. I hope everybody is going to take part in this wonderful celebration! I won’t try to anticipate what takes place. Better to experience it for yourself. Perhaps Holy Thursday is also a good
This altarpiece (1508-17) is the work of the sculptor, Master Paul, in the church of Saint James in Levoča, in Upper Hungary (now part of the Slovak Republic). A good deal of individual character is written into each of the faces and figures. Look at Judas, seated across from Jesus, a moneybag slung over his shoulder
To see how you might use one of these points in your catechesis, read “How to lead a 90-minute catechetical session.” The Way of Faith Explain that Christ’s death on the cross transforms all other deaths into eventual blessing because we now have eternal life. In the news As many as 14 people have been
Breaking Open the News for Passion (Palm) Sunday—B
Free download: Why Baptized Candidates Should Not be Received at the Easter Vigil Your turn What are the best practices you’ve learned in your parish? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Free download: Why Baptized Candidates Should Not be Received at the Easter Vigil
32 best RCIA practices for Easter Vigil
To see how you might use one of these points in your catechesis, read “How to lead a 90-minute catechetical session.” The Way of Faith Explain that our faith is often tested by the trials of this world. In the news New claims for unemployment benefits last week rose to a seasonally adjusted 652,000 from
Breaking Open the News for Fifth Sunday in Lent—A
We have a new pastor, and he told us that we are not supposed to be confirming adult Catholics at the Easter Vigil. If confirmation is an initiation sacrament, what’s wrong with celebrating it at the Vigil? Your question raises a larger issue of who should be celebrating sacraments at the Easter Vigil. I’ve seen
Should we confirm Catholics at the Easter Vigil?
To see how you might use one of these points in your catechesis, read “How to lead a 90-minute catechetical session.” The Way of Faith Explain that the tenth commandment forbids greed. In the news Obama administration officials and Republicans alike were nearly universal in condemning the $165 million in bonuses that the American International
Breaking Open the News for Fourth Sunday in Lent—A
