LITURGY MATTERS: Formation Matters IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Formation Matters

November 19, 2019 Louise Gannon rsj

I am constantly faced with the limitations of my understanding and my experience. This is a good thing. I like to be stretched. I like to think about things in a new way. I love those ‘aha’ moments of insight when I glimpse a new horizon of understanding. I love the truth that Christian/Catholic faith of its nature is always ‘seeking understanding’! It can be nothing but, because the mystery of God is the heart of our life and faith, and a mystery can never be fully experienced or known. So what do these musings have to do with liturgy? 

LITURGY MATTERS: Before Advent is Christ the King IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Before Advent is Christ the King

November 12, 2019 Louise Gannon rsj, Diana Macalintal

The Liturgical Year ends with the Feast of ‘Christ the King’. I have always been struck by the wisdom of this. If I had time I might delve into the history of how this came to be. The following reflection, which includes an article by our friend Diana Macalintal, is offered as a support to our celebration and living of this Feast. Hopefully, we will be up for the challenge it offers us.   

LITURGY MATTERS: Advent’s Coming IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Advent’s Coming

November 05, 2019 Louise Gannon rsj

Let me declare my prejudices right up front.  I LOVE ADVENT! I love the readings. I love the focus on hope and promise. I love the lessons on waiting. I am already getting excited. I have this fantasy of taking Advent off, of withdrawing from the end of year rat race and immersing myself in the season.  Maybe next year! Because of the beauty and wonder of Advent it is worth us taking some time to plan ahead so our celebration will shape us and prepare us for Christmas.

LITURGY MATTERS: Reflecting on the Gathering Song at Mass IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Reflecting on the Gathering Song at Mass

October 28, 2019 Diana Macalintal

Diana Macalintal, who with Nick Wagner co-facilitated our recent RCIA Workshop day was one of the keynote speakers at the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network Conference in Melbourne. In the following article Diana considers the nature and purpose of the Gathering Song at mass. Enjoy reading and reflecting on the liturgical wisdom and pastoral suggestions offered.

Liturgy Matters: October 19 - What a wonderful day! Fanning the Flame of RCIA Workshop Day IMAGE Liturgy Matters

Liturgy Matters: October 19 - What a wonderful day! Fanning the Flame of RCIA Workshop Day

October 22, 2019 Louise Gannon rsj

Well here we are on the other side of Saturday October 19, our RCIA workshop day with Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal. About 75 people participated from across the diocese and from a range of ministries concerned with Initiation. What a wonderful day we had. It feels like a watershed moment that has indeed contributed to fanning the flame of RCIA in our Church of Maitland-Newcastle. What follows are some beginning reflections.

LITURGY MATTERS: Australian Pastoral Musicians Network Conference 2019 - Reflecting on a wonderful experience IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Australian Pastoral Musicians Network Conference 2019 - Reflecting on a wonderful experience

October 15, 2019 Louise Gannon rsj

Eight members of the diocesan community participated in the recent Australian Pastoral Musicians Network Conference in Melbourne. It was the fourth national APMN conference and the second one I have been to. It was a wonderful experience: full of faith, energy, insight, fun, networking, singing, prayer and liturgy, new and old friends, conversation and good ideas. While it targets musicians, it is for all who love and participate in liturgy. If you missed it, you missed a most enriching experience. Today I am reflecting on some of the highlights. I hope what follows offers something for you and your community to ponder.  

LITURGY MATTERS: Introducing Nick Wagner - Book Review: 'Field Hospital Catechesis: The Core Content for RCIA Formation' IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Introducing Nick Wagner - Book Review: 'Field Hospital Catechesis: The Core Content for RCIA Formation'

October 08, 2019 Fr Andrew Doohan

Last week, with a few other members of the diocesan community, I participated in the Australian Pastoral Musicians Network Conference in Melbourne. It was wonderful. I shall tell you more about it another time. There we met Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal who are facilitating our Diocesan RCIA Workshop Day on October 19. They are as excited about coming here as we are about hosting them. Today I would like to introduce you to Nick via Fr. Andrew’s review of one of his recent books. The review is also a great introduction to our Workshop Day.  October 19 is an opportunity for anyone who is Catholic to seize. It is about who we are and how we live. Read on and then ‘come and see!’!

LITURGY MATTERS: Preparing for October 19 RCIA Workshop Day - Let’s get ready! Let’s get set! So we’re good to go! IMAGE Liturgy Matters

LITURGY MATTERS: Preparing for October 19 RCIA Workshop Day - Let’s get ready! Let’s get set! So we’re good to go!

October 01, 2019 Louise Gannon rsj

It is a bit more than two weeks to our Diocesan RCIA Workshop Day with Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal. As the clock counts down and excitement grows, Nick and Diana have sent some ‘homework’ for us to do in advance. This will ensure we get the most out of the day. So… set aside a bit of time, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, sit down and  engage with the following resources. It will whet your appetite for 10 October.