The Ultramontanist

I Second That...

2012-02-15T21:00:00.001-05:00

From Cardinal Mahony (http://www.cardinalmahonyblogsla.org/) of Los Angeles:

Mr. President, you are trying to resolve the wrong problem. Your HHS new federal rule governing mandated health care services is not just about women's services and who pays for them.

Rather, the real question is what protections and guarantees are afforded Americans and our various institutions by the Constitution. Your ill-placed focus should be frightening to all Americans.

Freedom of conscience and religious liberty are not concessions grudgingly granted by the Federal Government--either directly, or by way of exemption or exception. Our nation was founded on those basic and inalienable rights as the bedrock of who we are as Americans. Our Constitution was written precisely to reject and to avoid the dreadful English model whereby the king and the government are the granter of all rights, including religious rights--as well as the single power to withdraw, limit, or negate those rights.

As a Catholic American, I am outraged not only by your incredulous contortions to justify your untenable position, I am insulted that you would think that Americans who value and treasure our Constitutional freedoms would even question your overreaching infringement on individual freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.

Your "accommodation" actually makes the entire matter far worse. Every effort must be undertaken to reverse your ill-conceived revocation of our Constitutional rights.

I encourage all Catholics and millions of others of good will in our country to challenge candidates for election to Congress and to the presidency to take a strong stance in favor of guaranteeing and protecting our nation's Constitutional rights.

I fear, Mr. President, that you are knowingly and intentionally trampling upon and reversing our Constitutional rights.

Odds and Ends, and a New Assignment...

2012-01-16T21:14:00.001-05:00

Once again, it has been a while since I have posted anything here. Advent has come and gone; Christmas has come and gone. And a new responsibility/assignment has been assumed.

Effective at the stroke of midnight, January 1, I became Judicial Vicar and director of the tribunal for the archdiocese. This while remaining pastor of All Saints and St. Francis Xavier. It's a tremendous responsibility, and I'm humbled that Archbishop Kurtz has asked me to fulfill this new office. I'll be relying tremendously upon the help of our Vicar General Fr. Mark, and our Adjutant JV Fr. Philip, for their advice and expertise. As far as JCL's are concerned around here, I'm the new guy on the block, and I'll be anxiously learning the ropes as far as applying the law that I have been studying for the past three years in Washington.

Christmas went very well in the parishes. Seeing that it fell on a Sunday meant that us priests got a bit of a break, Mass-wise. All Saints and St. Francis normally have five scheduled Masses a weekend, of which four are celebrated by yours truly (I'm very grateful for the help of a wonderful retired priest, Fr. Murphy, who generally celebrates one of the two Saturday evening Masses). Since Christmas fell on Sunday this year, however, I ended up with only three Masses for the weekend. One of these was a midnight Mass at St. Francis. While it was WAY past my bedtime, I celebrated a true midnight Mass, not taking the creative interpretation of claiming a midnight Mass because it ENDED at midnight (a.k.a. an 11:00 O'clock "midnight Mass"...).

Finally, as we speak, I'm in Washington, DC. Through the generosity of the Oblates of St. Francis DeSales, whom I lived with for my three years of studies, I have a place to lay my head in DC. I'm taking advantage of their generosity and spending a few days catching up with friends. I've been visiting with friends here in DC, as well as taking a train up to Boston to catch up with some of my Capuchin friends up there. My good friend Br. James is in charge of their formation house (Friary of S. Lorenzo) in south Boston while working on his dissertation for the JCD. Did I mention that the Sam Adams brewery is only a block away? What a great tour and even greater tasting. The true highlight of the weekend, though, was that we had the privilege of sharing a very enjoyable lunch with Cardinal O'Malley yesterday, who himself is a Capuchin. It's been a great few days, but it's time to get back home.

Good ol' DC Metro:

There it is. My thesis was on the shelf in the university library. I have my own Dewey Decimal now...!

Riding Amtrak up to Boston (here's the New York city skyline):

With Fr. John, Fr. Dan, and Cardinal O'Malley:

At the Boston Cathedral with Capuchin friends Br. James and Fr. Charles:

No trip to DC is complete without a visit to Shelly's!

On the Eve of the Implementation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal...

2011-11-25T19:42:00.002-05:00

Like all others, I suppose, I approach this weekend - the implementation of the newest translation of the Roman Missal - with some trepidation. But as I told my congregation last week at the two parishes, we'll probably look back at ourselves in six months and wonder what all the fuss was about. We're as prepared as we likely can be, and there will no doubt be some stumbling along the way ("and with your spirit, and with your spirit, and with your spirit..."), but I am of the mind that this will be only minimally disruptive. I will be able to return to celebrating Mass with my eyes closed before too long. And in the end we will be better for this, if for no other reason than it will force us to be more attentive and appreciative of the words we speak to God.

I heard someone (a priest friend) say a few months ago that this whole process had gotten him to pay closer attention to the words he was currently using in celebrating the Mass; how the language of many of the orations seemed to be directing God to do this or that for us; that the translation we have been using for so long now is in the indicative voice, rather than the more pleading tone of the subjunctive voice. I have to say that it got me noticing the same thing. As one who has had the privilege of celebrating in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (the "Latin Mass," aka "Tridentine Mass") for many years now, I have to say that the difference is striking. The voice of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form is almost always in the subjunctive. A common phrase in all the orations is "quaesumus Domine" ("we humbly entreat you, O Lord"). I must confess that I think it a good thing that we are making a return to this type of language in the Ordinary Form. Not because it lowers our status (I don't think it does), but rather because it elevates God's. The inconvenience involved for me to learn some new words seems to pale in comparison to the benefit gained in speaking in a more humble way to God.

Tomorrow morning I will celebrate for the last time using the text of the Mass which has become so familiar to me in my ten years as a priest. I can literally do it with my eyes closed. As is so often the case, there is a certain sadness in parting with comfortable familiarity. I do think, however, that what we are receiving is an improvement. Therefore, I look forward to this weekend!

As an aside, the new translation has brought to birth a whole new corpus of liturgical music that evokes the rich musical tradition of the Church. Informed by - and in keeping with - the conciliar documents such as Sacrosanctum Concilium, they give pride of place to Gregorian chant, all while fostering full, active, and conscious participation of the faithful in the Mass (hardly anything bugs me more in the Ordinary Form than the use of Mass settings - both new and ancient - that the people can't sing and have the air of being mere "performance"). I've been following with great interest blogs such as chantcafe.com that have been chronicalling these new developments, and I include a link below to some particularly well done (in my humble estimation) settings of the Gloria. Check them out:

http://www.chantcafe.com/2011/10/more-english-mass-settings-watershed.html

Young Fogeys: The storm on the horizon and my grief about it

2011-11-01T23:17:00.000-04:00

Young Fogeys: The storm on the horizon and my grief about it: No, I'm not talking about weather. For two times in the last four days, I've been contacted to anoint someone who is dying. Certainly, thi...

Been a While...

2011-10-28T19:42:00.001-04:00

Ok, it's been quite a while since I put anything on here (in case anyone actually looks at this blog anymore...). Hard to believe that it has been four months since I began my new assignment as a pastor of two parishes and judge in the tribunal. It feels like my time as a canon law student at CUA was a long time ago. Things have been very busy just getting the lay of the land, trying to learn new names and faces (I'm horrible with the names...), figuring out which keys are for which doors, etc, etc. All the usual challenges of starting a new assignment. Things seem to be going well in spite of me, however. The people here are wonderful.

It hasn't been "all work and no play" however. I have been on the golf course a few times trying to rediscover my game (with mixed results), and have been doing some fishing. On that topic, my latest adventure is pictured below: a fly fishing pontoon. Came across a GREAT deal on this little bad boy (hereafter named "Sacerdos II") and it has been a lot of fun. Instead of being restricted to where I can only walk in and wade fish, this little boat means I can hop in and float large stretches of otherwise unreachable water, anchoring off wherever I see fish rising. A golfing buddy of mine, who has also been bitten hard by the fly fishing bug, has one of his own. We recently loaded them up and drove down South on I-65 where we floated the upper stretch of the Cumberland River in Southern Kentucky. Another buddy of mine, recognizing the sheer genius in this move of mine, has purchased his own pontoon and plans on joining in on future trips. Did I mention the boat has a rack for a cooler too?

What I'm attempting not to do:

God Bless America...

2011-09-10T21:06:00.001-04:00

Good News For Vocations...

2011-09-10T10:13:00.002-04:00

People often comment to me how sad it is that our seminaries are empty and there are no young men entering the priesthood these days. It strikes me that this is by and large everyone's assumption of what the state of affairs is for vocations these days. Many are surprised when I tell them that things are changing in this area. No doubt, gone are the days when we ordain a dozen at a time to the priesthood, and it's true that we here in Louisville could be doing even better than we are, but the tide is beginning to turn. Here's a good example compliments of a friend of mine (Fr. John) who is from St. Paul, MN.

Another Film on Religious Life...

2011-08-15T14:36:00.003-04:00

Akin to "Into Great Silence" (a film journal of life in a Carthusian monastery), a somewhat similar movie is being released chronicling life as a Carmelite Nun.

Pics from Rome, a year+ late...

2011-07-17T17:59:00.001-04:00

Received some pictures from my canon law class's trip to Rome in the spring of last year to visit various of the Roman Dicasteries. Here's a sampling:

With Cardinal Burke at the Apostolic Signatura:

The Roman Rota:

Sunday Mass at St. Peter's. I was asked to participate in the prayers of the faithful for the Mass:

ETC...

2011-07-08T11:33:00.008-04:00

Some random shots from what's been going on for the last couple of weeks...

Visit to South Holston Lake for a couple days fishing before I began new assignment:

Welcome to the Parish:

My new office at the Tribunal:

Trip to Evansville for Bishop Thompson's Consecration & Installation:

New Bishop...

2011-07-08T11:20:00.002-04:00

Last week I was privileged to attend the consecration and installation of a priest of the archdiocese as bishop of Evansville, IN: Bishop Charles Thompson. He is a fine priest, and will be an excellent bishop. Came across this video of the Mass:

Down to the final week...

2011-06-14T20:38:00.001-04:00

I've come to the final week before my pastoral assignment begins at St. Francis Xavier and All Saints parishes. My classes at the university these past three years were a great experience, and now I'm looking forward to putting my degree to work at the tribunal and getting back into the parish. Last week was our annual presbyteral assembly for the priests of the archdiocese at St. Meinrad, and the week before the guys and I went on a little fishing trip down to East Tennessee. The weather was HOT, so standing in an ice-cold river fishing for trout was perfect. All told, about a dozen fish were caught. Here's a few pics:

Anniversary Mass Video...

2011-05-26T17:35:00.000-04:00

A Busy Week...

2011-05-24T23:04:00.001-04:00

I have completed the move back home. For good. This past week has been busy with moving my things, celebrating the Solemn Mass at St. Martin's for my tenth anniversary, hosting my friend Fr. John from Minnesota, and reacquainting myself with my home city. It is slowly sinking in that I am back for good.

The Mass last Thursday for the anniversary was quite memorable. Many friends and family members were there, the Mass was very well done, the music (also very well done) added to it's beauty, and it was great to spend time at the reception afterwards with all my guests. I will remember it fondly for a long time to come. A great way to mark ten years!

Here's some pics:

A group of my soon-to-be parishioners at the reception after Mass:

Graduation Weekend...

2011-05-15T19:49:00.010-04:00

Wrapping things up here in Washington. Graduation was yesterday, the family has been here for the past few days, and I am trying to pack my things for the drive back home on Tuesday (it's amazing how much junk one can accumulate in three years...). Here's a few shots of the weekend activities:

JCL: Mission Accomplished...

2011-05-07T08:22:00.004-04:00

Many thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouragement. I took my comprehensive exam yesterday morning, and have now completed my studies. Believe it or not, the letters "JCL" now belong after my name. I pray that I will be able to use it for the good of the Church. As for the human side of things, the sense of relief is only beginning to set in. Comps and the thesis are two things that have loomed large over me for the past three years - sometimes seeming like insurmountable hurdles. Now it's time to reflect back on how wonderful the past three years have been, to enjoy this last week in Washington with my classmates before graduation on May 14, and get ready for the flurry of activities when I return home to Louisville.

The now-published thesis:

Comprehensive Exam...

2011-05-02T09:11:00.003-04:00

Put in a good word for me, would you? 8:30am on Friday I will be taking my comprehensive exam. Three professors and me in a classroom for one hour and everything is fair game. Yikes...

St. Raymond of Penafort, Ora Pro Nobis.

Blessed John Paul II

2011-05-01T04:55:00.008-04:00

For those interested in reviewing the legislation governing the process leading to canonization - Divinus perfectionis Magister - it may be found in the back of your 1983 Code or HERE.

Wow...

2011-04-29T10:44:00.001-04:00

Check out this video from the tornado that hit northern Alabama a couple days ago. This guy is very lucky...

Episcopal Motto...

2011-04-26T22:44:00.002-04:00

With the announcement this morning that another of our priests from Louisville is being made a bishop, the talk at the house here this evening turned episcopal. Specifically, what would be some of the great (ok, the not-so-great) episcopal mottos that could be chosen? (For those of you who are unaware, a bishop usually chooses a favorite quote from scripture - usually from one of the psalms or gospels - to serve as a motto; a kind of theme for their episcopate)

Knowing the sense of humor of most of us here at the house - and apologizing in advance for it - here's what we came up with as a proposed list of great (i.e., not so great!) episcopal mottos:

"Do Whatever He Tells You"
"Behold Your King"
"This Is My Beloved Son, In Whom I Am Well Pleased"
"Surely There Will Be A Stench"
"Jesus Wept"

A Weekend in Beantown...

2011-04-18T13:52:00.008-04:00

It was a "bucket list" item: to attend a game at Fenway. Check that one off the list. This past weekend I took the chance to hop on an Amtrak train and head up to Boston with some good friends here at the house: Br. Jim and Fr. John. Br. Jim is a Capuchin who was assigned in Boston before returning to the university to obtain his doctorate in canon law. He has connections... in particular, a source for Red Sox tickets and a place to stay in Boston. Br. Jim knows EVERYBODY up there, including Cardinal O'Malley, the archbishop of Boston, who we had dinner with on Saturday night. Oh yeah, and the Sam Adams brewery is a block and a half away. This was a great weekend.

Skyline of New York:

A Random Train Shot:

On the Train w/ Br. Jim:

Fenway:

Chowder Vendor ("Chowda Venda") in the Stands:

Old Seats of Fenway:

The Guys Before the Game (Fr. Charles, Br. Jim, Fr. John):

Yawkey Way Outside the Park:

Sam Adams Brewery Tour:

Thesis: Mission Accomplished...

2011-04-12T14:36:00.005-04:00

I can hardly believe it: the thesis is done. After many, many, MANY revisions, my director and reader both signed off on the project this afternoon. An historical and canonical investigation into the Sunday Mass obligation. Chapter four contains a survey of the question: "can a Catholic fulfill his Sunday Mass obligation at a chapel of the SSPX?" I lay out both arguments (pro and con) and then make an argument of my own as to why one cannot. It's amazing all that is involved in dealing with this question: canon 1248 concerning the Sunday obligation, canon 209 concerning the obligation to maintain communion with the Church, canon 11 concerning canonical sanctions only affecting those in full communion, canon 844 concerning communicatio in sacris, canon 28 of the Eastern Code concerning the definition of "Catholic rite," etc. etc. It was an interesting (albeit a long) exercise.

The Thesis is Approved:

Assignment...

2011-04-10T20:56:00.004-04:00

OK, I alluded to it in the last post. It's official. I received my letter of appointment from the Archbishop last week and it was announced at the parishes this weekend.

As you know, I'm coming to the end of what has been a very interesting three years. It's been a great time studying canon law, living in Washington, DC (yes, I said it. I sure wouldn't want to live the rest of my life in this crazy town, but it's a fun place sometimes...), and being a student. I've made a lot of great friends up here: classmates, guys who live in the house here, and my professors. I'm going to miss our dinner conversations here at the house. With guys studying everything from canon law to moral theology to ancient languages to philosophy, the conversations can range from the idiotic to the sublime. While I could have done with a little less paper writing and other school work, I've often thought that when I make it to 70, I'm going to look back on these three years and remember them as a great time. While I'm looking forward to the future, I'm also leaving some great memories behind here.

Allright, no more suspense. I've been assigned as pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Mt. Washington, KY, and All Saints in Taylorsville, KY. The effective date is June 22. I am really pleased with the assignment. Both parishes have wonderful reputations; faithful people who are dedicated to the Church. I've already received several nice e-mails from parishioners welcoming me. I can't wait to get home and begin the assignment. The parishes are about twenty or so miles south of Louisville. I'll have additional responsibilities at the tribunal (putting my JCL degree to work), as well as continuing to celebrate the Extraordinary Form Mass in Louisville. No pastor has only one job nowadays - and my plate will be plenty full - but after three years as a student I'm ready to get back into the life of being a parish priest. If I've learned anything these past three years (other than a healthy dose of canon law), it's that my heart lies in a parish.

The Parish Website is HERE.

All Saints Parish, Taylorsville:

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Mt. Washington:

Next Month...

2011-04-06T10:08:00.002-04:00

A lot of things are going to be taking place in my life in the next month or so: I'm just about ready to submit a thesis to my reader, I'm finishing the last classes of my (illustrious) canon law schooling, taking (and hopefully passing) my comprehensive exams, returning home in time to celebrate my tenth anniversary with a solemn high Mass at my home parish, vesting Deacon Matthew Hardesty at his priesthood ordination and preaching his Mass of thanksgiving, and beginning a new assignment (official announcement coming soon...).

The choir at the home parish has been very gracious in accommodating my demanding requests of music for the anniversary Mass. Here's a sampling of the pieces they have agreed to sing for the Mass:

For the offertory

Communion

The Solemn "Te Deum" will be chanted at the end of Mass

The Recessional

List This Under Something I'll Do One of These Days: the Chartres Pilgrimage...

2011-04-05T20:06:00.014-04:00

One of these days I'm going to make this pilgrimage. A walk of about 75 miles over three days from Notre Dame in Paris to the Cathedral in Chartres. Along the way Masses are offered (in the "Extraordinary Form") and confessions are heard at various stations. The pilgrimage culminates with a Solemn Mass celebrated at Chartres. First made in the 12th century, interrupted from time to time, but more or less an annual event for 800 years. Check out the website (in English) HERE. Check out some pictures below:

Video of Pope Benedict's Ordination to the Priesthood...

2011-03-31T11:31:00.003-04:00

Some video of the future Pope Benedict's ordination to the priesthood in 1951 in Freising. Amongst those also ordained that day was his brother, Georg Ratzinger. Too bad there is no audio.

Cherry Blossoms at Sunrise...

2011-03-29T14:48:00.009-04:00

A group of us made the trek downtown this morning to catch sunrise over the tidal basin and the famous cherry trees, which were predicted to be at their peak today. It was a beautiful (if albeit early) start to the day. I snapped a few pictures with the cell phone:

Hello to the Singletons...

2011-03-19T12:29:00.003-04:00

Some good friends of mine (Tony and Jacque) are up visiting for a few days with their "rug rats." They came up on the train yesterday (See pic below) and are staying in the guest room here at the house while they tour around our nation's capitol (sans me, I'm too busy writing). Check out their blog HERE for updates on their trip. It's kind of got me a bit nostalgic: my parents brought my sister and I up to DC via Amtrak when we were about their age. Apparently their boys were glued to the window the whole trip:

New Blog...

2011-03-18T12:00:00.001-04:00

Adding a new blog to the blog list at the lower right-hand corner of this page:

http://sacramentary.blogspot.com/

A Beautiful Morning in DC...

2011-03-18T11:50:00.001-04:00

70 degrees and sunny. Taking the workstation out-of-doors to the patio for my day of writing...

Spring Break Fishing Report...

2011-03-14T11:08:00.005-04:00

Last week was Spring Break here at the university. I had the opportunity to go home for a few days (and work on writing papers there...). I also had the chance to squeeze in a couple days fishing. Here's some shots of an enjoyable couple days relaxing before we start the final push to the end here in my canonical studies:

A slice of heaven: the crackling of a fire after a long day fishing, sitting at the river's edge:

New Jazz CD...

2011-03-01T13:36:00.003-05:00

I usually don't care for Jazz that is anything than the classic ballads of Bill Evans, John Coltrane, the classic Miles Davis, and the like. Very few modern jazz musicians interest me, and its rare to find one that has that classic sound. I must admit, though, that I have recently been enjoying the group "E.S.T." - the "Esbjorn Svensson Trio" (I actually bought the cd, and it's been a while since I bought a cd). Check them out:

(Thanks to Ben J., who originally posted this video on Facebook, from whence I first heard of this group. Sadly, the pianist died in a scuba diving accident back in 2008.)

Halfway...

2011-02-28T19:23:00.002-05:00

We're halfway through the final semester. Other than meaning that comps are only two or so months away, it also means that time is coming due for my thesis to be done. I just turned in my first draft of the third and final chapter. A couple revisions, and then comes the final polishing before it's done. Spring break is next week, and none too soon. I am looking forward to getting back home for a few days. Hope to do a little fishing while I'm home, among other things. Here's something to whet the appetite:

Autumn Fishing from Steve Omischl on Vimeo.

fly fishing trout HD / l'hiver en 2nd sur le No Kill du Salat from COX on Vimeo.

St. Valentine...

2011-02-14T12:56:00.003-05:00

Celebrated Mass this morning. It was a ferial day with a commemoration of St. Valentine, Martyr (in the Ordinary Form today is the feast of St.s Cyril and Methodius):

CUA Southside...

2011-02-13T11:44:00.013-05:00

The southside of the campus has always been a bit "ghetto," all things being equal. It has been remarkably so this year since the abandonment of Spellman and Spalding Halls (former residence halls for undergrads), just around the corner from where I live. Since last semester the buildings have been sitting vacant, and the place has gotten decidedly more Beirut-like: kind of like a scene from some post-apocalyptic movie. I hate to say it, but I almost miss the smelly little undergrads. Things used to be so lively in our neighborhood here. Well, walking to Mass at the Shrine this morning I took a glance up to see that the wrecking ball has finally begun its work on Spellman. I imagine that it won't be too long before it's gone.

Spellman Hall:

I guess that having been here for three years qualifies me to get nostalgic about the place. They used to call this neighborhood "The Little Vatican" because of all the religious houses nearby campus that housed the many priests and sisters who did their studies at the university. You can still see an array of religious habits walking around, but it's nothing like it was back in the day. I came across some historic photos from years gone by and thought I'd post them here. As you can see, parts of campus are really quite nice:

A religious procession across campus:

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception:

Caldwell Hall, Home of the School of Canon Law:

The Statue of the "Sedes Sapientiae" Just Outside Caldwell Hall:

McMahon Hall:

Looking Past McMahon Hall to the Shrine:

The Library:

CUA Football, 1936 Orange Bowl Champs (Believe it or not...):

Some of Our Distinguished Faculty Members:

Missa in tempore belli...

2011-02-10T17:22:00.007-05:00

Mass in the time of war...

Civil War:

World War I:

World War II:

Modern Day:

Pontifical Solemn High Mass at the Shrine...

2011-02-09T10:30:00.003-05:00

It has been announced that there will be another Pontifical Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the Basilica across the street on 9 April 2011. See the announcement HERE. Archbishop DiNoia will be this year's celebrant and homilist.

A New Motu Proprio?

2011-02-09T09:54:00.003-05:00

Rumors have been spreading, and have now been seemingly confirmed, that there will be a new motu proprio coming out from Pope Benedict reorganizing some of the competencies of the Roman Dicasteries (namely, the Rota and the CDW), transferring competence for "non consummatum" marriage dissolutions from the CDW to the Rota. What is of greatest interest here is the second aim of the motu proprio: the creation of a new section of the CDW to deal specifically with the implementation of "a new liturgical movement" that will be charged with implementing the reforms of Vatican II with greater fidelity. News of it (in Italian) can be found in an article printed HERE. According to the article, the document has already been reviewed by the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts and is subject for promulgation in the very near future.

Ok, this is funny...

2011-02-08T16:14:00.003-05:00

New Blog on the Liturgy...

2011-02-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

Came across a new blog that will interest those of you out there in regards to the Extraordinary Form, the "Reform of the Reform," etc. It's in Italian, and you might protest: "mi dispiace, non parlano la lingua italiana!" Check it out, you'll get the jist... Click HERE.

2011-02-08T13:33:00.002-05:00

Maybe it's a bit worldly, but let me just say: I aspire to have a library like this someday...

Straub's Brewery and the "Eternal Tap..."

2011-02-01T20:50:00.004-05:00

Ok, so last weekend we left earlier than planned so that we could make a stop on our way to Punxsutawney. A professor of ours is known for his great stories about the funny events and places of the great state of Pennsylvania. What's amazing is that not only are these stories incredibly hilarious, they are relevant to what we are talking about in class too. Just last week a great story was told about the town of St. Marys, PA and Straub's Brewery which is located there. The brewery actually has what they call an "eternal tap." That's right, 365 days a year, anytime of the day or night, you can stroll over to Straub's brewery and pour yourself a cold one off of the "Eternal Tap." For free! This isn't a "most of the time" tap. Not an "occasional, when we feel like it" tap. No, no, no. This is the "Eternal Tap." That's right, they'll be pouring cold ones off this baby until the second coming! What a great idea... The other part of the story? You'll just have to listen:

Reporting Live from Gobbler's Knob...

2011-02-01T15:29:00.003-05:00

It's a "bucket list" item for sure. Everyone, before they die, should take time to visit the "weather capital of the world:" Punxsutawney, PA around Groundhog Day, which is exactly what I did this past weekend. A classmate of mine (Fr. Martin) and I took time off from paper writing, piled into "Sacerdos 1," and drove the four hours to West-central PA; first to visit St. Marys, PA and the "Eternal Tap" at Straub's Brewery (more on that part of the weekend later...), and then to meet up with a former classmate (Fr. Chris) in Punxsutawney. The pastor at the local parish was kind enough to let us be his guest for the weekend.

While it is true that the movie was filmed not in Punxsutawney, but in some town in Illinois, it still captures perfectly the quirky little Pennsylvania town that is home to the most famous groundhog weatherman in the world: Punxsutawney Phil. We had tickets to all the big events, including the very exclusive "Groundhog Breakfast" at the Punxsutawney Elks Club, which meant up-close encounters with the famous marmot himself. We were able to visit "Gobbler's Knob" just outside of town, where the famous prediction actually occurs. We met the "Groundhog Inner Circle" (a.k.a. "The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" - many of whom are Catholics...) who were most generous (they dropped off a whole load of groundhog memorabilia to us at the rectory one night). It was hard not to get a little too worked up over the whole experience. I mean, who doesn't love an ill-tempered groundhog that is reluctantly pulled out of a stump once a year to make a prediction about the weather?

In the accompanying video (which is sure to go viral on Youtube...), you can detect the uncontrollable giddiness that comes with simply being in a place such as Punxsutawney, where life revolves around an animal with supposed mythologic powers. Enjoy! And by the way: Happy Groundhog Day!

Road Trip...

2011-01-27T10:57:00.003-05:00

A few HINTS where I'm going this weekend...

More Chant in the Vernacular...

2011-01-23T12:31:00.002-05:00

Continuing the theme of our last post, check out this website that has a wealth of chants for the soon to be implemented new translation of the Roman Missal. Good stuff. Hope to see a lot of these being put to use in our parishes...

www.chantcafe.com

English Chant Propers...

2011-01-22T15:05:00.002-05:00

I came across this post at The New Liturgical Movement. It is a chant setting for the newly translated Gloria that will be implemented with the new missal later this year. I think it is a beautiful setting of the vernacular and a fine representation of the principle of Sacrosanctum Concilium: that Gregorian Chant should have the pride of place in the Roman liturgy. Let's hope we see more and more liturgical music of this quality in the coming years.

ENGLISH CHANT MASS • Richard Rice • GLORIA from Corpus Christi Watershed on Vimeo.

More Hockey...

2011-01-17T11:25:00.003-05:00

The more I learn about hockey, the more I think I like it... One could waste some serious time at this website. The best hockey fights E-V-E-R. So much for peace, love, and butterflies...

Holiday Weekend II...

2011-01-16T22:23:00.005-05:00

So, a couple of the guys at the house here are from more northern climes and are pretty rabid hockey fans. Growing up in Kentucky hockey has been a pretty non-existent sport to me (save the ill-fated "Louisville River Frogs" minor league hockey team that lasted all of three or so years back in the 90's). It was something akin to soccer, only played on ice. So, I went to a hockey game this afternoon with a couple of the guys (Fr. John and Br. Jim). Must say that it was a good time. The Capitals ended up winning three to one, scoring three goals in an exciting third period. Hockey fans, it seems to me, are a pretty enthusiastic bunch. They hardly stop cheering, are nearly all clad in a hockey jersey, and seem to be really in to the sport; all things which I can dig. It's fast-paced and I can appreciate the skill involved to stay erect on ice skates without breaking bones. But alas, should there be a budding hockey fan here, I will soon be returning to the land where hockey is but an obscurity on the sports spectrum. I hate to say it, but after this afternoon, that might be a bad thing...

Holiday Weekend...

2011-01-15T19:19:00.003-05:00

40 Degrees; Saturday; Holiday Weekend. Yeah, I went fishing...

(BTW, for those who would protest: chapter one of the thesis has been submitted for review, chapter two is officially underway...)

The Characters of the School of Canon Law...

2011-01-13T20:52:00.003-05:00

One of the three classes I have left to take for the JCL degree is titled "Comparative European Legal History: Roman Law and the Ius commune," or just "Roman Law" for short. Our professor couldn't be any more the stereotypical, somewhat disheveled, living in the 13th century... well, let's just say he is a character. While he is passionately in love with everything pre-15th century (mention the name "Gratian" and stand back...), when it comes to the internet he has a considerable amount of savoir-faire. In fact, he has an extensive website that is hosted by the university. Click HERE for Dr. Pennington's general website, and HERE for our specific class website. You can even check out video recordings of the class and access a plethora of material that has been scanned and posted.

2011-01-13T18:58:00.002-05:00

Click HERE to link to an interesting website (kind of a Catholic Youtube) with videos posted of various Catholic themes. I've been aware of it for some time, but hadn't gotten around to posting a direct link to it. There's some real gems on here if you search for them.

AT&T, And The Song That's Stuck In My Head...

2011-01-10T15:38:00.004-05:00

You've probably seen that AT&T commercial with all the orange drapes? Yeah, I have AT&T and if those drapes represent their coverage area, then I know several places that aren't "draped." But anyway, I digress. The song from that commercial I thought was pretty catchy. I found that the original was done by this English musician Nick Drake. Never heard of him, but I downloaded some of his stuff. It's pretty good, in a mellow sort of way. Anyway, this song has been in my head for the past couple days:

Christmas Break...

2011-01-06T09:24:00.002-05:00

I've been home for Christmas break from the university for the past two weeks. Been enjoying helping out at various parishes, catching up with some friends, and just enjoying relaxing at home. I had the opportunity to get a few days fishing in down in Bristol at the South Holston last week. Alas, the break is coming to a close, and I'll be headed back to CUA in a couple days. Can't believe this is gonna be the last semester. Three classes left to take, a thesis to finish, and comprehensive exams to pass. Here we go...

Adventures in Great Liturgy...

2010-12-07T20:10:00.006-05:00

Continuing on a recent theme (See the post: The Mother of all Thuribles), how would you like to show up at your local parish this coming Sunday morning and see this going on:

I don't know about you, but I would be VERY excited. Apparently, this is what is referred to as a "faro" in the Ambrosian Rite (celebrated in Milan). It is constructed of cotton, hoisted in the sanctuary, and set ablaze on the feast days of martyrs. I don't know for sure, but the fire department in Milan must be a very nervous lot...

It just goes to show: when it comes to the liturgy, you're really not doing it right if there's not at least a reasonably good chance you'll burn the place down.

A Saintly Smack-Down...

2010-12-07T14:19:00.006-05:00

St. Nicholas' feast day passed by once again without me posting about one of the greatest stories ever told (in my estimation) about the goodly saint. Remembered almost exclusively nowadays as the archetype for "Santa Claus" and a kindly grandpa-like figure who brought poor children gifts, he was perhaps the first saint to ever put the smackdown on heretics (literally). Nicholas was a bishop present at the Council of Nicea when the heretic Arius, who denied the full divinity of Christ, was called before the council to defend his position. Nicholas, who apparently had had enough, proceeded to punch Arius in the face. Here, here! The event has even been recorded in some early artwork portraying the council:

(Nicholas, fist raised, while Arius cowers on the floor)

Here's another one, a detail of the pugilistic moment:

So just remember: He knows when you've been naughty, he knows when you've been nice... And he's not afraid to come and rearrange your face.

Italian Religious Processions...

2010-12-06T11:29:00.005-05:00

My God, the Italians know how to put a religious procession together. Several years ago I found myself in Florence on the feast of the Epiphany, where my buddy Joe and I ended up in the middle of a procession, complete with a canon (which the Italians fired on every street corner), people dressed in Medieval garb, marching bands, a complete Nativity scene, you name it. As further evidence that the Italians do it right, check out this video of the feast of San Clemente in Rome:

Check out a procession that Joe caught on the last trip to Rome. This was near the Piazza Navona:

Video of the Epiphany procession in Florence from January, 2005:

The Mass...

2010-12-05T18:31:00.008-05:00

A collection of favorite images of the Mass/Eucharist:

During American Civil War:

During World War I in Belgium:

St. John, Silver Spring

2010-12-05T09:52:00.004-05:00

St. John Church, Silver Spring, before the 8:00 AM Extraordinary Form Mass this morning...

Last Friday of the Semester at the Gunpowder...

2010-12-04T11:35:00.007-05:00

The papers are done and studying for the final exams has begun. This week has been the calm before the storm as I come to the end of another semester. Yesterday afforded the opportunity to get away to the Gunpowder River for a little Friday fishing. The weather was pretty cold (about 40 for a high), but the fish were still looking up and taking flies off the surface. My last trip to the Gunpowder a few weeks ago I got skunked: not a fish was caught. I did, however, notice a hatch of some tiny little tan-colored insects coming off. I didn't have a fly in my box that came close to imitating it. In the effort to imitate this tiny fly, I spent about an hour at the fly tying vise and came up with this, tied on a tiny size 22 hook:

I tied up about four or five and threw them in my fly box. It proved effective yesterday. The same hatch was coming off sporadically throughout the day (in spite of the cold weather) and I caught three fish on this handy little pattern. I'll be tying more of these...

Here's a few pics and a video of what was a cold, but beautiful day on the river:

(notice the new fly successfully hooked in the top of its mouth:)

Thanksgiving Break, Advent, and the End of the Semester...

2010-11-30T20:01:00.005-05:00

The title of this post just about sums up what's been going on the past week and a half. Enjoyed a nice trip home for the thanksgiving holiday where my sister KATIE prepared a fantastic thanksgiving meal, and now I'm back for the final push of the Fall semester. All the writing is done and now is the calm before the final exams. Advent has begun, and so I include my favorite hymn from this time of the year below.

An overflowing thanksgiving plate:

The master chef at work:

Dinner with friends at "the castel:"

Goodbye, Sadie Girl...

2010-11-19T16:01:00.004-05:00

One of the best dogs I've ever had...

Congratulations to Vice-President Kurtz...

2010-11-16T15:53:00.004-05:00

Archbishop Kurtz, from my own humble see of Louisville, was today elected as Vice President of the national bishop's conference. In and of itself, it doesn't seem to be coming as too much of a surprise to people out there in the "blagosphere." He seems to be well respected by all. Of course, all the buzz is not about this, but the fact that the bishops broke from their long-standing protocol and voted someone other than the standing vice president into the president's office. Naturally, much is being made about this on "both sides of the aisle" (so-to-speak).

(And now, my rant...)
I'm amused and saddened at the same time by many of the comments being posted on various blogs (try HERE): one side or the other crying victory over the other, as if this is a political election. Mudslinging, truly, is not reserved to political races it seems. Cries of condemnation. Conspiracy theories abound. Bitter name calling. I must say that I am still shocked by the vitriolic nature of it all.

Maybe I'm mistaken. Maybe I'm overly charitable, but I think enough of our bishops nowadays to trust that by-and-large they have the best interest of the Church in mind, and like your typical priest, just want to serve in the best way they know how (gasp from the crowd... did he just say that?). You can disagree with me on that (and I know some that will - you can chide me in your comments), but I guess I'm just naive enough to still believe it. We're not here to advocate one "side" over another. As Catholics, are we not one side already, witnessing to the Truth of faith? Is it not our task to conform ourselves to the gospel, as found in the teachings and Tradition of the Church, and not to campaign for one candidate over another? But alas, the kind of true openness to the gospel and the Church's authentic leaders that such requires is still lacking today. Faced with the challenge of self-abandonment to the gospel and all that it entails, we still prefer our own little lines of demarcation. We still say "I'm so-and-so type of a Catholic." I agree with this or that only, but refuse the type of "obsequium religiosum" that we must make to the entire gospel. If "your man" gets elected to leadership, then praise God. I trust that he (whoever he is) will have the best interest of us all at heart. But if "your guy" didn't get elected, then how about some openness to the guy who did, and trust that the Holy Spirit is still at the helm? It seems to me that the sooner we can get that in our heads, the better. Perhaps today we just got an important insight into why the election of the pope is not broadcast on cable news networks. And thank God, as far as I'm concerned... Can you imagine? All the political satirists and pundits sitting there in a corner of the Sistine Chapel as the Cardinal Camerlengo solemnly reads the votes aloud? Rachel Maddow and Glenn Beck, voices hushed, analyzing how many votes one cardinal got compared to another, and what it all means for the perceived "triumph" of this group over that? How can that be anything other than fracturing of the authentic oneness of faith that we are all called to? Let me be counted as one who thinks that that would be a horrible idea, and suggest that the Bishops conference should give serious thought to not indulging us when it comes to vote counts and the like. Just tell me that Archbishop Dolan was elected president, and not "that he defeated Bishop X by 17 votes." Maybe what I long for is just a bit more unity amongst Catholics ("orthodoxy" in it's truest sense, perhaps?). Just my two-cents. Now, back to my little cave of canon law...

The Mother of all Thuribles...

2010-11-14T10:57:00.002-05:00

Any liturgist will tell you: if you're going to use a symbol, then USE the symbol... somehow, I think they might not have had this in mind. I stand in awe:

Cool Video...

2010-11-13T15:35:00.002-05:00

OK, so I've been killing time recently (taking breaks from paper writing...) and watching some cool documentaries on NASA and the space program. I put the documentary series "When We Left Earth" in my Netflix queue a while back and have been watching them recently. I came across a very cool video of a shuttle launch that was posted on Youtube. It's a video taken by a camera they mounted on one of the fuel boosters. It provides a pretty cool external view of the shuttle launch, and even records the boosters separation and fall back to earth. Check it out:

The Studium Rotale...

2010-11-13T10:31:00.006-05:00

Came across some interesting (and relatively rare) photos of the administration of the oath to new students of the Studium Rotale - the school of canon law attached to the Roman Rota. The oath is taken in the Cancellaria: the long-time home of the Rota and Apostolic Signatura on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in Rome. It is interesting to see the Rotal Judges in their traditional togae. It was just this past March that I was in this very same room of the Cancellaria with my JCL class meeting with two of the Judges myself.

Weekend Road Trip...

2010-11-09T21:01:00.007-05:00

Just got back last night from a weekend getaway: getting in some fishing down at the South Holston River in East Tennessee. Met up with a buddy of mine (Joe) who drove down from Louisville, and spent the weekend fly fishing. Had a great time, caught a good number of fish, and braved the elements doing so. Saturday it actually snowed on us for a while! The fish were still biting in spite of the elements. I had to put some extra school work in to be able to get away, but it was worth it. Here's a few pics and a video:

And This Week's Ground for Marriage Invalidity is...

2010-11-04T09:34:00.003-04:00

"Canon 1103: a marriage is invalid if entered into out of force or grave fear inflicted from without, even if unintentionally inflicted, so that a person is compelled to choose marriage in order to be free from it."

Chesterton on Cigars...

2010-10-27T09:37:00.003-04:00

Myself and a good number of my priest friends often times enjoy sharing a cigar. While some would argue this constitutes a vice, I on the other hand choose to see it as a virtue, enhancing the qualities of fraternity and relaxation. In honor of this belief, I offer a few humorous quotes about the enjoyment of a fine cigar by G.K. Chesterton:

"To have a horror of tobacco is not to have an abstract standard of right; but exactly the opposite. It is to have no standard of right whatever; and to make certain local likes and dislikes as a substitute. Nobody who has an abstract standard of right and wrong can possibly think it wrong to smoke a cigar. It is a vague sentimental notion that certain habits were not suitable to the old log cabin or the old hometown. It has a vague utilitarian notion that certain habits are not directly useful in the new amalgamated stores or the new financial gambling-hell. If his aged mother or his economic master dislikes to see a young man hanging about with a pipe in his mouth, the action becomes a sin; or the nearest that such a moral philosophy can come to the idea of a sin. A man does not chop wood for the log hut by smoking; and a man does not make dividends for the Big Boss by smoking; and therefore smoking has a smell as of something sinful."

"Incidentally, I must say I can bear witness to this queer taboo about tobacco. Of course numberless Americans smoke numberless cigars; a great many others eat cigars, which seems to me a more occult pleasure. But there does exist an extraordinary idea that ethics are involved in some way; and many who smoke really disapprove of smoking.

I remember once receiving two American interviewers on the same afternoon; there was a box of cigars in front of me and I offered one to each in turn. Their reaction (as they would probably call it) was very curious to watch. The first journalist stiffened suddenly and silently and declined in a very cold voice. He could not have conveyed more plainly that I had attempted to corrupt an honorable man with a foul and infamous indulgence; as if I were the Old Man of the Mountain offering him hashish that would turn him into an assassin. The second reaction was even more remarkable. The second journalist first looked doubtful; then looked sly; then seemed to glance about him nervously, as if wondering whether we were alone, and then said with a sort of crestfallen and covert smile: "Well, Mr. Chesterton, I'm afraid I have the habit."

"The Catholic Church is like a thick steak, a glass of red wine, and a good cigar."

Observations on the Post-Conciliar Liturgical Reform...

2010-10-25T11:05:00.013-04:00

I am currently working on a paper involving liturgical law and the reforms which took place following the landmark Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium of the Second Vatican Council. This involves an analysis of the various instructions that came from the Sacred Congregation of Divine Worship directing the implementation of the precepts set forth by the Constitution. I came across a great quote from one of these later instructions, Liturgicae instaurationes, of 5 September 1970.

Regular visitors to this blog will know that I have an affinity for the "Extraordinary Form" of the Roman Rite, and that I have been celebrating it for many years now. It has always been my observation that this form of the Mass has had a particular attraction amongst younger people of my generation. This has always come as a bit of a surprise to those not in favor of this form of the Mass, who often characterize this attraction on our parts as a misplaced longing for the past, a fruit of a kind of liturgical scrupulosity, or worse. I don't believe that this is truly the case for most, however. It seems to me (speaking personally) that the attraction of younger people to the "Extraordinary Form" is based primarily on two things. First is that participation in that form of the Mass recalls so poignantly that what one is engaging in in the Church's liturgy transcends the boundaries of one's limited community of the faithful (granted that the conditions of the local community do have a part in the liturgy, especially in the content of the homily, the choice of various legitimate styles of music and vesture, and various other elements of the Mass). This longing for membership in a larger community - an identification with the Church universal - is particularly strong for us. Secondly, this form of the Mass emphasizes the nature of the liturgy as both a spiritual and physical directing of the community towards God. I would argue that this is due largely to the common orientation of the priest and congregation ad orientem, and thus strictly speaking is not unique to the "Extraordinary Form."

As I read these various documents of the liturgical reform, I can't help but identify these liturgical principles present in them. It also seems to me, a person born well after the council (i.e. 1975) and after this initial period of liturgical renovation, that there is a bit of objectivity that one can bring to bear on the liturgical reforms that ensued. It seems that as the reform progressed, there was a greater drawing-back and reigning-in of the liturgical experimentations that were occurring. At least one gets the sense of that from the tone of the various instructions as they were issued one after another. I keep reading these documents and keep thinking that in some ways the liturgical experimentations can be likened to a gorilla who was let out of its cage, and these instructions were attempts to coax him back in. Perhaps we're still trying to accomplish that. Anyway, I post one of the more interesting quotes from the document here. I think that Sacrosanctum Concilium and all of these instructions should be mandatory reading for all those involved in the Church's liturgy today:

The effectiveness of liturgy does not lie in experimenting with rites and altering them over and over, nor in a continuous reductionism, but solely in entering more deeply into the Word of God and the mystery being celebrated. It is the presence of these two that authenticates the Church's rites, not what some priest decides, indulging his own preferences.
Keep in mind, then, that the private recasting of ritual introduced by an individual priest insults the dignity of the believer and lays the way open to individual and idiosyncratic forms in celebrations that are in fact the property of the whole Church.
The ministry of the priest is the ministry of the universal Church: its exercise is impossible without the obedience, hierarchic communion, and the will to serve God and neighbor. The hierarchic character and sacramental power of the liturgy as well as the respectful service owed to the believing community demand that the priest fulfill his role in worship as the "faithful servant and steward of the mysteries of God," without imposing any rite not decreed and sanctioned by the liturgical books

(Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship; Instruction Liturgicae instaurationes, 5 September 1970: AAS 62 [1970] 692-704. Art. 1)

Fall Break II: Extraordinary Form Nuptial Mass...

2010-10-22T21:36:00.007-04:00

While I was home for fall break I had the privilege of celebrating a wedding Mass in the Extraordinary Form at St. Martin's. Congratulations to Scott ("Scotus") and Emily ("Aemilia"). Thanks also to Charlie for the pics:

Fall Break...

2010-10-18T17:40:00.003-04:00

I'm just getting back to DC after a week spent at home during the school's fall break. Had a great week catching up with friends, getting in a little fishing, celebrating Mass at St. Martin's (including a wedding last Saturday in the Extraordinary Form), and just generally doing my best impersonation of a bump on a log. As always, it was nice being home, seeing the guys, and being reminded that my time in JCL studies will soon be coming to an end...

Here's a quick video of some of last week's fishing:

A few pics of a particularly beautiful sunrise on the drive back to DC this morning:

And a Reds Fan Weeps...

2010-10-06T20:49:00.002-04:00

And here I thought that being a Reds fan was going to be less painful this year...

Continuing the Baseball Theme...

2010-09-30T08:26:00.003-04:00

Since we're on a baseball kind of theme around here right now, here's a video of some baseball memories of mine growing up. The late 70's and 80's are filled with memories of going up to Cincinnati to watch Reds games, spending most weeknights at the old Cardinal Stadium watching the Redbirds play, or stopping to catch the occasional UofL college game over at the old Parkway Field. Here's a few pictures I've come across of them all:

Reds: NL Central Division Champs!

2010-09-29T10:15:00.007-04:00

What a game it was last night. Won on a solo homerun by Jay Bruce in the bottom of the ninth, the Reds clinched the National League's central division for the first time since 1995. It's their first season in 9 years to have a .500+ winning percentage. Finally, it feels good to be a Reds fan again! I guess that little shrine my sister set-up did the trick...

ahh, remember when...

The Magic Number is ONE!

2010-09-28T16:45:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it... barring any last-minute horrendous disasters, my Reds look to have made the playoffs! The last time this happenned: 1995. And I was there. The Reds swept the Dodgers in round one of the NLCS, lighting up Hideo Nomo in the last game of the series in Cincinnati before getting miserably handled by the Atlanta Braves. Now all they have to do is beat the Astros TONIGHT!

Props to my sister Katie for her (frightening?) shrine she has built for tonight's game:

When will it happen at my Alma Mater? (An Extraordinary Form Rant...)

2010-09-28T13:15:00.006-04:00

Three-plus years now after the promulgation of the motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum," it still amazes me how the now-called "Extraordinary Form" of the Mass has seen such tremendous growth. And who says things don't change quickly in the Church? I mean this not only in the number of Extraordinary Form Masses taking place on any given Sunday in parish churches across the country and world, but also by the greater "normalcy" that is given to its celebration. Gone it seems are the days when the "Tridentine Mass" (as it was called) possessed such a stigma. Just last week I celebrated a Mass in the Extraordinary Form for a group of students here at CUA over at the National Shrine. Such things are relatively normal nowadays.

I remember my own days in seminary (not too long ago now) when - God forbid - the seminary faculty discovered that you were not disgusted by the mere thought of the Mass in Latin! Such was grounds - if not for dismissal - at least for intensive psychotherapy... aimed at purging one of their dangerous, radical, anti-establishment tendencies. How surprising it still is for me - given my own experiences in seminary - to hear word and see pictures of the traditional Mass being celebrated with reverence and devotion in seminaries! Seminary faculty members are now celebrating it in the chapel. Bishops are attending in choir. Seminarians are being encouraged to understand and participate in that form of the Mass! It was hardly more than 15 years ago now that the words of consecration at the seminary Mass were (and sadly, I quote:) "Except for the raisins, This is my Body." Amazing...

And what brought on this rant of mine, you ask? I just came across a post over at the New Liturgical Movement blog about a Mass celebrated in the Extraordinary Form at Notre Dame seminary in New Orleans. The post is HERE.

So: WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN AT MY ALMA MATER???

Fr. James Lichtefeld, R.I.P.

2010-09-21T17:34:00.005-04:00

I ask your prayers today for a priest back home who just passed away: Fr. James Lichtefeld. A consummate character, I will always remember Fr. Jim as the pastor of the parish where I grew up. An intimidating man, the pronunciation of his last name was always sure to spark a debate with him. I remember how, upon hearing of the (ahem) "alternate pronunciation" (think "lick your face") that the grade schoolers had developed for him, he marched from room to room (from first grade to the eighth) where he gave a 15 minute lecture on how to correctly spell and pronounce his last name (L-I-C-H-T-E-F-E-L-D!). I was in seventh grade at the time. Years later, after I was ordained, he swore to me he never did that... oh well. Underneath his gruff exterior was a good man and a good priest. It took me some time to realize that, but thank God I did. During a turbulent time in the Church's history, Fr. Jim proved faithful, and there's a lot to be said for that alone. I've come to think over the years that there is no priest who does everything well. Each has their own particular thing that they are better at and enjoy the most. For Fr. Jim that was hospital visitations. Many, many people would recount how faithful he was at their bedside during a time of illness. Or how he was so good with their parent or spouse who lie dying. He was a tremendous help at our tribunal, too, where he functioned as a Defender of the Bond. So, say a prayer for this good man who today went to his reward. May God forgive his faults, and grant him the reward of his goodness. Amen.

UPDATE: arrangements for Fr. Jim include visitation on Thursday, September 23 from 1-8PM at Ratterman's (3800 Bardstown Rd.), with Funeral Mass on Friday at 11:00AM at St. Stephen's.

Anyone for a carriage ride?

2010-09-21T06:24:00.003-04:00

This must be the season to celebrate parish anniversaries. St. Vincent DePaul in New Hope, KY (one of the prettiest churches in the archdiocese, in my humble opinion) just celebrated their 190th anniversary. Now that's what I call arriving in style...

Read the article from The Record HERE.

Chant Recordings from the Abbey of Gethsemani...

2010-09-21T05:54:00.002-04:00

Continuing our Kentucky Catholic theme, I came across some recordings (done in the late fifties) of the Trappist monks of the Abbey of Gethsemani (not far from Bardstown).

A short video of the bells ringing at Gethsemani:

Catholic Kentucky...

2010-09-20T08:56:00.007-04:00

Most people up here in DC are more than a bit surprised when I tell them that Louisville is not only an archdiocese (not a diocese), but that it is the oldest inland diocese in the United States. Many of their dioceses were once a part of mine! We celebrated the two-hundreth anniversary of the founding of the diocese back in 2008, in conjunction with the papal visit that year. Most people seem to think that because Kentucky is largely considered a Southern state, that there are hardly any Catholics there. But quite the opposite is true. When the Catholic migration to this country began in earnest, most came from England to the Eastern shore of Maryland. Of that group, a significant number continued West, over the mountains, and into the then-Western frontier of Kentucky. Along the way they encountered much difficulty and hardship, not least of which was the continual threat of Indian attack. The Catholic pioneers settled an area surrounding Pottinger's Creek in 1785. A small log church was soon constructed at the small crossroads in 1792. In 1823, under the pastorship of Fr. Charles Nerinckx, the current church structure was completed. Fr. Nerinckx was a Belgian, who was educated at Louvain. After enduring four years of persecution by the French, he fled Europe and arrived in the United States in 1804. Bishop John Carroll assigned him to assist Fr. Stephen Badin - the only priest serving in Kentucky at the time and the first man to be ordained a priest in the United States.

My reason for bringing all this up you ask? Well, a friend of mine (Charlie) just recently posted some pictures of Holy Cross parish's 225th anniversary celebration. Enjoy:

Some Suggested Further Reading:
An American Holy Land (A History of the Archdiocese of Louisville), Clyde F. Crews, 1987.
The Catholic Church on the Kentucky Frontier (1785-1812), Sr. Mary Ramona Mattingly, M.A., 1974.
Cathedrals in the Wilderness, J. Herman Schauinger, 1952.

It's Friday...

2010-09-18T08:05:00.003-04:00

And you know what that means...

On an exciting note, I actually caught a fish on one of my own flies that I tied: an eight inch brown was caught on a size 16 elk hair caddis. I tried to get some video of it without dropping the phone in the river (check it out at :50)...

High Flows on the Gunpowder...

2010-09-11T13:17:00.003-04:00

Water releases from the upstream dam on the Gunpowder last week have the river flowing at 350cfs (more than double its normal flows...). Makes for some difficult fishing, but I still managed a couple trout yesterday:

Fly Tying...

2010-09-08T10:34:00.004-04:00

I gave in... After several years of buying my flies with which I fished, I gave in to the temptation to learn how to tie my own. Yeah, yeah, yeah, the whole romance thing about catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself. Right, I get it. I have come to the conclusion that, even with all the different places I've fished over the past two years, the flies I use that consistently are successful only add up to about 6 or 8 in total. I can learn how to tie these few flies, right?

I purchased an inexpensive beginner's kit and set it up on my desk. Well, I hope I'm not premature in my opinion here, but I am surprised by how fly tying looked so difficult but really isn't that bad. The kit I purchased came with a handy-dandy instructional book with the basic information/skills you need, plus detailed instructions on how to tie 8 of the most common fly patterns (only three of which are included in the 6-8 that I regularly use).

So, I just spent 30 minutes fiddling around with it (taking a break from reading canon law all day, mind you...). I figured: what the heck, let's jump in the deep end of the pool and try tying a pattern that I know I'll use, but isn't one of the ones in the book with the step-by-step instructions and all the pictures. I can figure this out, right? Well, I'm surprised by how well it turned out. Not perfect, by any stretch, but not bad for a first attempt. Check it out:

While we're at it...

2010-09-04T16:48:00.001-04:00

Oh, what the hey... since I'm posting video...

Ireland Video...

2010-09-04T13:36:00.002-04:00

Just got the opportunity to upload a video I put together over the summer from the Ireland trips of '04, '05, & '07. For those who were on these trips it will bring back some good memories...

First Friday of the Semester Back at the Gunpowder River...

2010-09-03T21:36:00.006-04:00

The first Friday of the semester signals my return to the Gunpowder River just North of Baltimore for a day of fishing. This has become the tradition over the past two years, since we most often do not have classes or other obligations on Fridays. After a summer of exploring new waters (mostly in East Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia) it was nice to return to familiar waters: the river where I have really learned how to fish. Had a good day, with about 9-10 fish caught, the highlight being a nice 12" brown trout.

The beautiful Gunpowder River:

Opening Mass for the New School Year...

2010-09-02T22:09:00.004-04:00

Today was the opening Mass for the new school year here at CUA, which took place over at the Shrine (and was broadcast on EWTN). Another good turnout on the part of students and faculty. I Concelebrated with about 50 or so fellow priest-students and faculty members. The university posted some pics. Here you go...

Another full shrine:

The faculty procession:

The undergrads were there in good numbers:

Can you pick out yours truly?

A commentary on the new translation and the reform of the liturgy...

2010-08-30T20:00:00.006-04:00

I recently caught a post over at the blog "The New Liturgical Movement" of a piece written by Fr. George Rutler in the journal "First Things" on the new translation of the Roman Missal (Ordinary Form). In it he comments not so much on the new translation, but rather on the subject of "ad Orientem" for the celebration of the Mass (of the priest and congregation both "facing the East" in one common direction).
This conversation is usually always met with resistance on the part of some, who like to refer to the issue as the priest "turning his back to the people." I think Fr. Rutler does a good job, however, of noting how the whole issue of "ad Orientem" constitutes not a rejection of the community and the community's participation in the Mass (as some fear), but rather a uniting of the priest and congregation in one common posture, physically embodying the common journey of the community to the East, associated from ancient times with the second coming. It seems to me that this was precisely the point of Pope Benedict (then Cardinal Ratzinger) in his advocacy for the position in his various writings (notably his book "The Feast of Faith" and "The Spirit of the Liturgy"). Additionally, the turning of the priest in the same direction as the people can tend to lessen the undue attention that can be drawn to the celebrant such that a truly negative form of "clericalism" arises, making the celebration of the Mass more focused on the priest than on his proper role: acting "in persona Christi" - as Christ who leads to the Father. Fr. Rutlege is of the opinion (as am I) that the new translation, while no doubt important, is not really the heart of the issue like the posture of the celebrant for Mass is. Anyway, I was compelled to post a link of it HERE. Check it out.

"Ordinary Form:"

"Extraordinary Form:"

Back to DC...

2010-08-27T19:25:00.008-04:00

Made the trip back to DC this past Wednesday. Can't believe that it is my final year for JCL studies. Like last year, my sister Katie joined me for the drive and is spending a few days visiting here before the semester kicks off. Spent yesterday at the Smithsonian and the Nationals baseball game. Today we went to Harper's Ferry, WV. Here's some pics:

Eastbound on I-64:

The Freer Gallery at the Smithsonian:

The Nats Game (they beat the Cardinals in extra innings):

Harper's Ferry, WV (the view from the railroad bridge overlooking the confluence of the Shenandoah River with the Potomac River):

The Federal Armory in Harper's Ferry (which abolitionist John Brown attacked in the 1850's):

Last Sunday's Solemn High Mass...

2010-08-22T15:22:00.002-04:00

Here's a short video of last Sunday's Solemn High Mass for the Assumption. It's hard to believe, but it had been fifteen years since our last Solemn High Mass at St. Martin's (Christmas 1995). Everything went very well, thanks to the commitment and hard work of the many participants. Enjoy...

Solemn High Mass...

2010-08-12T11:30:00.002-04:00

Our final rehearsal for the upcoming Solemn High Mass for the Assumption was last night at St. Martin's. I'm amazed how well things have come together since our first rehearsal a couple weeks ago. Credit goes to all the servers and those involved with the Mass: they have spent a great deal of time studying rubrics, and to the choir who is preparing a very special Mass setting. I'm looking forward to Sunday at 12:30. If you are in the area, do come!

The South Holston River in Tennessee...

2010-08-05T10:49:00.003-04:00

Another summer adventure to the East Tennessee - Southwest Virginia area. This time with a group of the guys. We fished the South Holston River just outside of Bristol. Monday we hired a guide, which was a good idea: it served not only as a great introduction to the river (where to access, flies to use, etc.), but also because the river rises dramatically at mid-day everyday, and having a guide meant having a drift boat for the afternoon high water. The fishing was prolific. It is estimated that the river contains between 5,000 - 6,000 trout per mile, predominantly wild, and averaging in the 12"-14" range! The majority of our fish were representative of those estimates, with a few going beyond that. In addition to the great fishing, the camaraderie was great with the guys, and the accommodations were nice (imagine a rustic cabin with a blue-ribbon trout stream passing not 100 yards from your front door...). All-in-all a fine week spent on the water...

A Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form in Louisville...

2010-07-20T10:57:00.004-04:00

August 15, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will see the first Solemn High Mass to take place in Louisville in quite a number of years. Yours truly, along with two other archdiocesan clerics, will be serving as celebrant, deacon, and subdeacon, respectively. I have served as both M.C. and subdeacon before, and am familiar with the Solemn High, so am comfortable with it. I need to help the other two (deacon and subdeacon), as well as the other ministers (thurifer, acolytes, M.C., etc...) to learn their parts, however. Knowing that many of you who frequent this blog are well versed in the Extraordinary Form, I have a question: is anyone out there familiar with any helpful resources they could recommend that could be used by those learning the Solemn High (and the Extraordinary Form in general) for the first time? I'm familiar with the Fortescue and O'Connor books on rubrics, and find them helpful. What I'm looking for is perhaps any audio-visual resources (maybe even posted on the web), or any resources you may have used in teaching/learning the Solemn High/E.F. Any help would be appreciated. And if you are in the area on the 15th, join us for what will be the first Solemn High in years in our area at St. Martin's.

Whitetop Laurel Creek

2010-07-09T18:48:00.001-04:00

A summer trip: a few days camping and fishing the Whitetop Laurel Creek just outside Damascus, VA along the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian Trails...

Otter Creek...

2010-07-06T13:59:00.001-04:00

More Fishing Pics...

2010-07-01T16:53:00.009-04:00

Some more - somewhat random - pics from Otter Creek. Less than 45 minutes away from downtown Louisville, it's been a nice retreat for me this summer. I spent some time exploring the upper stretches of the creek recently, focusing on the two or so miles of creek designated as "special trout water." Check it out...

Just below "The Pump House" where the military has set-up a pumping station to move water from the creek up to the military installation. It's the upstream boundary of the special trout section of the creek:

Some nice water - with several deep holes - a bit further downstream from the pump house:

Sunset over the creek. Evenings are a great time to be on the water:

Here's a few shots from the recent great weather we've had. Low temps and low humidity make for great time on the water. Here's a few shots from the area of the creek known as "Twin Bridges." It's normally off-limits but I recently gained permission to access the area. A buddy of mine and I fished this stretch last week, and were probably the only fishermen to hit this water for some time. Check it out:

Summer Camping/Fishing Trip...

2010-06-17T17:10:00.009-04:00

The Whitetop Laurel Creek begins in the mountains of southwestern Virginia and flows down to the small town of Damascus. Along the way it is joined by a number of other streams and eventually ends up in the Holston River. I drove from Louisville to Damascus early this week to get in a few days of fishing... and to take "Sacerdos 1" on her maiden camping trip. I must say that the fishing, as well as the overnight camping were excellent. The scenery in the mountains was beautiful, and the truck proved to be a suitable home. The mountains have received more than their share of rain this year, and the river was up and rusty in color. With a storm the day I got there, and one overnight, the river was on the rise. This didn't keep me from catching about a half-dozen wild rainbow trout in the 12" range. The wild fish always seem to have the brightest colors and the most fight in them. The rainbows lived up to their reputation of being fantastic jumpers when caught, leaping out of the water. Another notable thing about the trip was the tremendous access that the stream enjoys. The "Virginia Creeper" trail (a former railroad right-of-way that was converted into a 30+ mile biking/hiking trail) parallels the river for quite a while and provides some great access for fishermen. The Appalachian Trail also utilizes part of this right-of-way as well, before it disappears into the rhododendron of the mountains. Here's some pics:

One of the many existing trestles spanning the creek on the "Virginia Creeper Trail:"

A beautiful wild rainbow trout:

"Sacerdos 1" on her maiden voyage:

A storm blew-in overnight, but the truck kept me high and dry:

The Appalachian Trail crosses the Virginia Creeper Trail along the creek:

Another view of the creek:

My Summer, in a Nutshell...

2010-06-02T14:15:00.007-04:00

Besides spending my weekdays at the Tribunal, where I have set up my "Summer Thesis Writing Camp" (kind of like summer camp for canonists...), I have recently come upon a fishing hole here in Kentucky. If you've seen this blog then you know that I have taken up (lock, stock, and barrel) the leisure activity of fly fishing. One of the real bright spots of my time in Washington, DC (other than studying canon law of course...) has been my Fridays up fishing at the Gunpowder River in Maryland. It's a beautiful place (my "mental health getaway" during the school year). Sadly, I have been without such a place here at home. That was until this week. At the recommendation of a fly fisher here in the area I checked out Otter Creek, which runs through the Fort Knox military base, just south of Louisville. It's not quite the Gunpowder, but it has fish, and is a reasonably beautiful little stream. And, its only a 30 minute drive! After jumping through the hoops to get a fishing permit from the Army, I drove down Tuesday and spent the day exploring the new stream. While the largest fish I landed was only about 6-8", I caught a good number of them (I'm guessing a dozen or so) and the stream was quite serene. Take a look for yourself:

Here's my "Base Camp" at the Louisville Tribunal:

P.S. - What a great thing it was... applying for the fishing permit at Ft. Knox, they go over the map of the base to let you know where you are permitted to go and where you are not. A position on the map was marked in yellow and I was advised that permission to enter the area was never granted. The reason... UNEXPLODED ORDINANCE! Yeah, I'll be staying out of there.

Crazy Fish...

2010-05-27T11:05:00.002-04:00

Just saw this video posted over at Backwater Angler, a fly shop near the Gunpowder River in Maryland that I occasionally stop at. Check out the fish frantically feeding on an afternoon hatch of insects. Whatever they are eating it must be a favorite, seeing that they are literally jumping out of the water to get to the bugs. Very interesting...

Summertime...

2010-05-25T10:55:00.002-04:00

Getting settled-in for the summertime here at home. Working on the thesis at the tribunal, filling-in for the guys on the weekends. The only negative is that the Gunpowder River isn't nearby for my usual fishing excursions. I'm planning on checking out the Cumberland River, about a two hour drive south of Louisville. There is supposed to be some pretty fantastic trout fishing there and I plan on finding out. Here's a recent video post from the Gunpowder to whet the fishing appetite: