This is an ecumenical website of resources and reflections on liturgy, spirituality, and worship for individuals and communities. It is run by Rev. Bosco Peters.
THE ALTAR is a primary sign and symbol in the worship space. I noticed something recently. A bishop was writing about standing behind the altar. Standing behind the altar. Such a use of language not only suggests a particular understanding of Eucharist and of leadership in the Eucharist, but it also, to me, speaks of… Continue Reading
Yesterday I was a guest at the meeting of the Common Life Liturgical Commission. This is the highest liturgical body in our church with representatives from each tikanga (Maori, Pakeha, Polynesia). I was invited by the chair, Bishop Kito Pikaahu, and they welcomed me very graciously. The commission worked systematically through issues – the unanimously-passed… Continue Reading
A recent post at the wonderful Pray Tell blog highlighted an intriguing question: how would you consecrate for one and a half million people at a Eucharist? Is the Eucharist appropriate for such a huge gathering? Should a Eucharist be celebrated if there is no way to communicate those who would like to receive? Fr…. Continue Reading
Two recent articles from New Zealand criticise different aspects of the new RC missal translation. NZ was the first country to introduce the new translation. In one article, a RC bishop is scathing in his critique (the bishop urges people to ignore some of the translation), the other regrets the loss of the ecumenical Lord’s… Continue Reading
I find it irritating when being at a Eucharist and suddenly there is an ostentatious ritual being made of cleaning hands with hand sanitizer. I had considered writing a post about it. When teenagers spoke to me about how unnecessarily distracting it was at services they had been to, I knew that I should carry… Continue Reading
The Revised Common Lectionary (and its Roman Catholic equivalent, the three-year cycle of Sunday readings) has three readings and a psalm. My friend and colleague, Peter Carrell, is the Director of Education for the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. He is one of the people who would have a very good overview of the worship life… Continue Reading
If Ashes to Fire is “authorised” will all other possibilities from Ash Wednesday until the Day of Pentecost be illegal? Currently everything in Ashes to Fire (a resource for the Lent and Easter Seasons) is allowed to be used. But currently you can also use resources from the Canadian Book of Alternative Services, from the… Continue Reading
