Can we talk about something other than Covid19? What about Catholic jokes? Will that do? I usually enjoy religious humour. It seems to come from solid faith that is without doubt or fear. And sometimes the laughter it evokes, unwraps a little parable that stays with me. I still carry an old Marist Messenger confessional Read more
The Catholic Church was unprepared for COVID-19. Nothing particularly new there, countries have been caught unprepared; the transmission speed of this COVID-19 virus around the world has been unstoppable. The Decree released by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from Rome on 25th March 2020, was unusually brief and not Read more
During two months of social isolation, the work of American business has migrated, ready or not, into the home. If pajamas have become the new workplace attire and the sofa has been transformed into the new desktop, where does that leave a U.S. Catholic Church yearning to stay connected with its parishioners through Zoom liturgies Read more
The last time I “went to church,” there was no priest, no choir and no church building at all. By Saturday afternoon, a fellow theology student and I had cobbled together an order of service complete with that Sunday’s readings, hymns and a reflection on the Gospel. She and I texted a few of our Read more
Catholics in Ireland, who deserted their churches in droves in recent years, seem ready to return in some numbers. Far be it from me to make the prediction, but I have a feeling that religion in Ireland is getting a boost from coronavirus. There could be a massive upsurge in attendance at Masses in church Read more
Michelle Muller has known since the night she met her husband that, if he got his way, she would end up the wife of an MP. Todd Muller is the Bay’s newest National MP and told his wife of his political aspirations at their first meeting in 1998. “He told me that one day he Read more
The coronavirus pandemic has seen a flurry of new activity in Catholic liturgy. Clergy are streaming live coverage of themselves celebrating the Eucharist and inviting others to join in by watching. As lockdown eases in some places, the latest desire is to have a system – similar to that used for social distancing in shops Read more
“Always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope you all have. “Give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience, so that those who slander you when you are living a good life in Christ may be proved wrong in the accusations that they bring. “Moreover, Read more
Considering worship without congregational singing are words the Rev. John Witvliet, an expert on Christian worship, never thought he would hear himself say. “Based on the science that we are learning about this week, we are urging and I am personally urging extreme caution,” said Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship in Read more
Unprecedented times have led to previously unseen disruptions for Christian congregations across New Zealand. COVID-19 has not only greatly impacted our economy and daily lives but has also altered our patterns of worship, fellowship, and faith. We should all feel proud of the success we have been able to achieve together during this crisis. However, Read more