In 1945 the Anglican Benedictine monk, Dom Gregory Dix, wrote and published The Shape of the Liturgy, which quickly became one of the most influential explorations into the liturgy of the Early Church; and which, in the course of time, significantly shaped our liturgies as found in the 1979 edition of The Book of Common Prayer. The following quote is the heart of his thesis: “It (the Eucharist) has four momenta only - Offertory, Thanksgiving

In previous Insights Into the Liturgy periodic references have been made to various Early Church Fathers, leaders from those first Christian generations who were responsible for articulating, through the power of the Holy Spirit, such accomplishments as the first liturgies, the Creeds, the Canon of Holy Scripture, doctrine, etc.; as well as defending the faith against various heresies. It is most appropriate, therefore, to refer to some of them for their specific instruction and guidance

With the arrival of Ash Wednesday our liturgical calendar begins the onset of the Season of Lent and our journey of a period of meditation, reflection, and penitence culminating in 40 days with the glorious celebration of Easter. None of this comes as news to parishioners of St. Mary’s parish. We are well versed in the permutations of the liturgical seasons and their unique spiritual characteristics and celebrations. However, Lent can often present a challenge

For many their baptism was an event they attended, but do not have any recollections of because they were an infant at the time. They know it occurred because they were told so, have a photo or two, perhaps church documents or inscribed bible. In any event, it was “done”, and they feel confident they can attest to it. But what really took place on that occasion, from a theological and spiritual perspective? An amazing

There is much to celebrate and observe on the occasion of the Feast of the Presentation. First, in keeping with the requirements of the Law of Moses, the Holy Family presented their first born son, Jesus, at the Jerusalem Temple as an offering to God (“Set apart for me the first boy in every family.”) (Exodus 13:2.) And again, in keeping with the Law of Moses, “they offered a sacrifice…a pair of turtledoves or two

Liturgically we are now in the Season of Epiphany and within the Liturgy of the Word we encounter several events in the early life of Jesus: The Coming of the Magi, the Flight into Egypt, Jesus at the Temple. All of them, as recorded in Holy Scripture, underscore and point to the themes and spiritual ascetic of Epiphany: the revelation of Christ to all nations not just Israel; Christ as the Light of the World

The Sunday after Epiphany is the feast day for the celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ. From the Gospel of St. Matthew 3:13 we read: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.”  But have you ever wondered why?  Why did Jesus, who was without sin, consent to be baptized in like manner with others who were repenting for their sins?  In fact St. John the Baptist

You will recall that in a previous Insight Into Liturgy it was observed that the Liturgical Calendar is shaped by the events in the life of Christ, and that setting the date for the celebration of Easter sets the unfolding of all the various Liturgical Seasons in motion. We are now in the Season of Epiphany, so what are the singular events in Christ’s life we now focus on and celebrate? The following are principal

The events of Christ’s early life, as detailed in the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke, namely his circumcision, Presentation in the Temple, the Flight into Egypt, the return to Nazareth, and the Finding in the Temple are all we know from Scripture about Jesus’ early family life. As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family on this Sunday after Christmas Day, it is worth our effort to delve into how the Holy

The liturgical history of the celebration Christ’s birth, Christmas, on December 25th is captivating from a variety of viewpoints. There are various sources cited for its celebration on this date; some pagan in origin, some scriptural/historical, some prophetic. Nevertheless in meaningful and important ways these efforts by the Early Church to fix a date for Christ’s birth can enrich our appreciation for God’s plan of redemption and salvation through his son, our Lord and Savior,