Dear Friends,

It is likely that your parish either has begun liturgical catechesis on the Mass or is preparing to do so. Since the announcement that the revised translation of the Roman Missal had received recognitio, many parishes have started to help their assemblies come to a better understanding of the Eucharist. No matter how we catechize, we must remember the words of the Pope shortly before recognitio was announced. "The change will need to be introduced with due sensitivity, and the opportunity for catechesis that it presents will need to be firmly grasped," Pope Benedict XVI said during a luncheon with members of Vox Clara.

At www.RevisedRomanMissal.org, you will find background information on the third edition of the Roman Missal, homilies, a pastoral letter, and bulletin inserts on the missal and its revision. By registering on this Liturgy Training Publications' site, you will be able to fully explore it, availing yourself of the variety of free downloads LTP is offering.

Kristopher W. Seaman, who regularly writes the bulletin reproducible articles for Pastoral Liturgy®, is writing a series of articles on the liturgy for www.RevisedRomanMissal.org. These bulletin inserts can be found in the "premium downloads" area.

For this issue of Pastoral Liturgy®, Kristopher explains that the Spirit continues to lead us to the Father during Ordinary Time. The bulletin insert "What Is Ordinary Time?" will help your parishioners gain a better understanding of this liturgical season. Download the article and insert it in your parish bulletin.

Many of us have been struck with awe as we have witnessed the fervor that young people show for eucharistic adoration. It is heartwarming to see that youth not only believe in the Real Presence but desire to worship before it. However, concerns have arisen about how youth have participated in the Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. Sometimes the ritual is separated both from the Sunday assembly and from Mass. And at times, the rite is changed and what occurs could be interpreted as a quasi-healing service. Arthur Canales' article "Catholic Youth and Eucharistic Worship" provides food for thought as we consider how we nourish a love for the Eucharist among youth.

As we continue our study of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' document Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, Ricky Manalo, CSP, examines the statement's numerous pastoral implications regarding liturgical music and culture. Significantly, the document expresses a profound appreciation for the many cultures in our midst.

You will not want to miss Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart's article "Gracefully Facing Death." As throughout her life, Ms. Calderone-Stewart has mentored teens in Christian living, she continues to do so as she anticipates dying from cancer. This issue's article considers death as a part of life, and the period of anticipating death as a time of opportunities. She notes in her article, "In many ways, my dying has turned out to be the most marvelous part of my living!" Our prayers continue to be with her.

Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

Using the liturgy as its source, Pastoral Liturgy® has been intentionally designed to be of service to the whole parish with resources for leaders and parishioners, those who are just beginning to learn about liturgy, and those who are seasoned volunteers and professionals.

The six 32-page, full-color issues follow the course of the liturgical year to provide guidance for liturgy preparation, faith formation, liturgical art and architecture, and the many areas of parish ministry that flow from the liturgy to witness the Gospel and build the kingdom of God.

Pastors, parish staffs, liturgy committees, catechists, musicians, architects, and everyone seeking to learn more about how the liturgy forms and informs all of parish life will find this resource a valuable support to understanding the liturgy more fully and incorporating it as the source for all they do. That's why Pastoral Liturgy® magazine is the liturgy magazine for the whole parish!