Journal
1558 L Thu 28 Feb 2002
Last night I went to my first class for the year at Catholic Theological College. The only subject I am doing this semester is: DL101 Introduction to Liturgy A. The lecturer is Reverend Elio Capra, SDB. Here is a description from the Handbook:
The unit is a study of the major liturgical areas: the theology of the liturgy; the liturgical assembly; the role of symbols in the liturgy; the liturgical year; the liturgy of the hours; the criteria of liturgical preparation; the role of music in the liturgy; celebrating liturgy with children; the liturgical gestures and movements; the language of the liturgy and the liturgical space.
There were 22 students: 14 males and 8 females. Half of the 22 were religious or seminarians.
Our first assignment of 1000 words is due on 10 April:
"We have analysed in depth the presentation of a major theological assumption expounded in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, namely, that the source and goal of all liturgy, sacramental and nonsacramental, is the action of God: a God who blesses, a God who blesses the world with a paschal mystery, a God who encounters, acts, recalls meaning, gives spiritual understanding, makes present the unique mystery of Christ, transforms and brings us into communion with the divine."
Kenan Osborne, Christian Sacraments in a Postmodern World, (New York/Mahwah: Paulist Press, 2000), 139.
Give an analysis of this quote. Your comments must deal with the following questions: What is liturgy? What are the essential elements and characteristics of liturgy? What is the aim and purpose of liturgy? What is the role of God in the liturgy? How are human beings called to respond?
The reading for it includes the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1076-1209, and two commentaries on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (the first document of Vatican II).
Copyright J.R. Lilburne, 28 February 2002.
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