A Deo et Rege

No, not when the leaves change, the days grow shorter, or the black cats and goblins come out. Rather, I know it’s autumn when all the pumpkin pie related foods start being served in the stores. In this case, it’s a pumpkin blizzard at my local Dairy Queen. It is basically pumpkin pie filling, ice cream, and crust bits all mixed together. I’ve had 3 this weekend and I’m supposed to be on a bit of a diet. The Aussies often use "beautiful" to describe foods and until this blizzard I’ve never known why. Oh, and did I mention I love those pumpkin spice flavored gas station cappuccinos??

I know that I can be a bit fussy, musically and liturgically. I don’t mind a few contemporary songs, but I just want to hear the traditional music too. And, liturgically, while I would prefer some reform in the backwards direction, I certainly enjoy a Catholic mass done "by the book." My new (or soon to be new) parish doesn’t terribly excite me musically or liturgically, but it’s still a good place to worship. Instead of focusing on the weaknesses, I want to look at the strengths. One incredibly positive thing I love about it is the age and class diversity.

My previous experiences with worship before I became Catholic was this: old, white, and rich. Young people were non-existent, families were few, and I don’t think I could point out anyone who worked with his hands. Diversity was discussed and affirmed, but didn’t really exist. However, this parish, like my old parish, doesn’t mention diversity, but  naturally succeeds in having it.

For one, the parish must’ve had at least 80 kids and this was at only one of five masses. And, of course, kids mean families. And yet there was no shortage of older people either. During the mass, the community also was bringing in about 8 people to the RCIA process and most of them were in the 20-30ish age range. I was heartened to see that. There were people from all ethnic backgrounds and classes as well. Experiences like this bring out the "catholic" in the Catholic Church.

So, although I’ve complained in the past (this is not, however, the same parish that did "Shine, Jesus, Shine"), I want to emphasize one of the positive aspects of my soon to be new parish home. Oh yeah, the priest also spoke on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. I’ve definitely never heard that preached before in a local parish.

I wanted to discuss a little bit about my trip to Notre Dame. I went there for a school related trip, so I’m not going to go into too much detail about that aspect. However, I will share my experiences around campus. My first observation, present in the title, was that the University was extremely Catholic, at least physically.

Every dorm and classroom has a chapel. Religious statues, murals, names, etc. were everywhere. I saw a lot of crucifix necklaces, rosaries, etc. I know that not every student will take advantage of Notre Dame’s Catholic heritage, but as someone who’s never attended a Catholic school, I find this aspect quite fascinating. Yes, I would take advantage of the Catholic amenities.

Second, I was taken aback by the beauty of the campus and its secular facilities. The buildings were in good shape, but not ultra modern. The grounds were well landscaped with plenty of green and of course the statues of Mary, Jesus, etc. were ubiquitous. And oh yeah, the dining hall food was excellent. If I ever went to Notre Dame and ate from the dining halls, I would gain 50 pounds.

Third, I was very impressed by the religious facilities. I was fortunate to attend a mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. All I can say is "wow!" It proves that at some point Catholics did know how to design churches. The liturgy was beautifully done too, with no funny stuff. It was first class all the way. The Grotto, a replica of Lourdes, was also very beautiful and a peaceful place to pray.

Finally, Notre Dame was filled with many intangibles that excited me. I’ve always had an academic bent and being back on a campus, especially one so flagrantly Catholic, really brought back a rush of academic sentimentality. I’m very happy where I currently am in life, but maybe someday, with the prayers of the Venerable Fr. Basil Moreau and Bl. Andre Bessette, I may study at Notre Dame. God willing.

Photo on left is the mural "touchdown Jesus" as reflected in the pool.
Photo on the right of the golden dome featuring the Blessed Mother
All photos by Jonathan Bennett

As mentioned earlier, I was going on a trip to Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. It was my first time visiting, so I didn’t know quite what to expect. I was sufficiently blown away to put it mildly. I decided near the beginning of my trip that I agreed with Robb who commented how he’d love to go to ND for his PhD. I am short of time, so I will blog on this more as the weekend approaches.

I first learned to pray liturgically through the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. I was so shocked when I first read it by the beauty and dignity of the form prayers it contained. I had always been led to believe that form prayers were for "dead" Christians. Even as a Catholic, I still have a lot of respect and affection for this collection of prayers and liturgies and occasionally use it for private devotion.

However, a modified Book of Common Prayer is officially recognized by the Catholic Church under the title "Book of Divine Worship." Its use is authorized by the Vatican for "Anglican Use" parishes formed under the Pastoral Provision . Basically, if a formerly Episcopalian congregation decides to affiliate with the Catholic Church, they are allowed to retain most of their former rites and practices. Pastorally and liturgically, I think the Vatican has made a wise decision.

I want to highlight a few of the changes to the BCP for those who may be curious. First, there are theological changes. The Words of Institution during the Eucharist reflect Catholic usage and understanding. Also, during the general confession, the priest pronounces that he forgives us our sins. This reflects the Catholic theology that that absolution of certain sins can occur only through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, not during the mass. There are far more references and allusions to the Saints, especially the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well.

Second, there are practical changes. The prayers, liturgies, etc. now have places to remember the Pope. And the "prayers for the people" add petitions for the family and children, both born and unborn. This is of course a nice addition. The sanctoral cycle conforms to the Roman calendar and does not include any distinctive Anglican figures at this point.

Anglicanism’s particular gift to the Christian world has been beautiful liturgy. On this particular issue, we Catholics can really learn from their example.  I hope they always treasure their glorious liturgical heritage. Having experienced the politically correct trial liturgies in the Episcopal Church’s "Enriching Our Worship" I fear they may be going down a bad and distinctively un-Anglican path.

I’m going to Notre Dame University next week for a two day trip. I’ll be visiting the Grotto and the Basilica and just having a general look around. I’ve actually never been there before, so that makes it all the more exciting. I’m bringing my camera, so hopefully I’ll have some nice photos (and stories) to share when I get back.

Owen, aka Saintos, the author of the blog luminous miseries has left his position as a Protestant pastor to join the Catholic Church. Please keep him (and his family) in your prayers as he embarks on this new journey. Converting is never easy, but it’s especially difficult when a person has to find a new job to follow his conscience.

My experiences with Labor Day are decidedly mixed. In high school, back when I played football (admittedly not very well), when all the other kids were off enjoying themselves we had practice.

Now, that I actually do labor, I appreciate the day off. I tend to be an autumn person more than a summer person, so when Labor Day comes around I know that fall is near and the hot weather is almost finished.

I am also still a little perplexed about the holiday itself. We celebrate working by taking a day off. The USA tends to be an overworked country, though. What if we had a Recreation Day and celebrated it by actually going to work? Sorry, but these are the morning musings of one who hasn’t had coffee in about 18 hours.

Anyway, have a Happy (early) Labor Day!

Image from Kid’s Domain