J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” is suffused with Catholic imagery. The elves, in particular, function as visible signs in the great epic of a forgotten, once sanctified cosmos. Thus, it’s not accidental that the elves offer to the
Question: This Sunday for the first time, the carafe containing the wine for the parishioners was placed on a table off the altar, right in front of the pews. After the consecration, an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist poured the wine into
Recently during one of my daily radio programs, I invited listeners to call in with their questions and concerns regarding the current scandals facing the Catholic Church. On the air with me that day to offer advice, perspective and Catholic direction was
Question: When Holy Communion is distributed why is “The Body of Christ” said? Why not say, “The Body and Blood of Christ”? Or better yet, “This is Jesus”? — Name withheld, Alabama Answer: We use the word “body” for several reasons. First
When I hear the word “comedy,” I’m tempted to think about the hilarity of Will Farrell or Adam Sandler. This temptation reduces the comic to the absurd or laughable. Yet, that’s not the only meaning of the word comedy. Comedy in literature
Many have walked through the doors of church and immediately been asked if they’d be willing to “take up the gifts” during Mass. The laity carrying the bread and wine to the altar — the bread and wine that will become the
Part I: The Liturgy of the Word Introductory rites The Mass begins with a procession of, at minimum, the priest into the sanctuary. The priest and anyone who accompanies him represents the congregation, and their journey symbolizes the Christian journey through life