My motion to Christchurch Diocesan Synod
4. Church Calendar
Mover: the Rev. Bosco Peters
Seconder: the Rev. Dr. Geoff Haworth
That this Synod requests the Common Life Liturgical Commission to review the calendar so that it
a) continues and highlights the traditions that feasts, holy days, and other commemorations interrupt the systematic reading of scripture as little as possible, and do not detract from the primary focus in major liturgical seasons;
b) restores our celebrations to be in step with others in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, and of the universal church by allowing for more than one option for celebration each day;
c) increases, refreshes, and enriches the offering of the example of people whose lives and work give special encouragement to others of all ages, and to those engaged in various aspects of the Church’s life and witness;
and that in this review
d) reference be made to the recent calendar refreshment in the Church of England and the calendar in the New Zealand book Celebrating Eucharist
and that,
e) thought be given to including:
16 August Brother Roger of Taizé, Prophet of unity, Encourager of youth, 2005
5 September Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Foundress, Missionary of Charity, 1997
22 November C. S. Lewis, Apologist and Spiritual Writer, 1963
10 December Thomas Merton, Monk, Spiritual Writer, 1968
Explanation
a) continues and highlights the traditions that feasts, holy days, and other commemorations interrupt the systematic reading of scripture as little as possible, and do not detract from the primary focus in major liturgical seasons;
This motion seeks to increase the number of exemplary people being offered to commemorate. The intention is to increase options, possibilities, suggestions. Those communities and individuals who follow a discipline of daily prayer (eucharist and/or office or other devotion) are encouraged in their systematic reading of the scriptures. Commemorations need not interrupt reading schemes, they can be remembered in prayers, the collect of the day, a homily, etc. This clause continues the renewal that promotes the great seasons of the church.
Those communities and individuals who appreciate celebrations, possibly from time to time, with a focus on a commemoration will also find their needs being met with more being offered.
b) restores our celebrations to be in step with others in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, and of the universal church by allowing for more than one option for celebration each day;
The current calendar [except July 25] only allows for one person celebrated each day. The church traditionally celebrates on the date of someone's death. The current calendar moves some commemorations from the traditional date to a nearby "open" date. Hence, New Zealand Anglicans can celebrate out of step with our sibling Christians locally and with the universal church (including other Anglicans internationally). Eg. William Tyndale died 6 October 1536 (NZ celebrates him 7 October), Hugh of Lincoln is normally celebrated 17 November, we celebrate Hilda that date, and move Hugh to 18 November, Mechtild of Magdeburg died 19 November 1280, but NZ celebrates her 20 November, because Elizabeth of Hungary already has 19 November. If we are going to increase the number of people we might celebrate, then doubling up will increase, and this clause suggests that more than one option on a date is not such a problem: choice might be made (alternating year to year, even).
Communities and individuals can still, of course, move ("transfer") celebrations to a day more convenient or appropriate to them. If, for example, a community has a regular Wednesday eucharist, they might celebrate a nearby commemoration even though it does not fall on that date.
c) increases, refreshes, and enriches the offering of the example of people whose lives and work give special encouragement to others of all ages, and to those engaged in various aspects of the Church’s life and witness;
The New Zealand calendar was very good for its day. It is particularly helpful in the way it celebrates people of local significance. Some names, however, are surprisingly omitted and it is time to add them. Why is Teresa of Avila included and John of the Cross not? Peter Chanel and Mary McKillop are of local significance, but missing. And so on.
d) reference be made to the recent calendar refreshment in the Church of England and the calendar in the New Zealand book Celebrating Eucharist
and that,
e) thought be given to including:
16 August Brother Roger of Taizé, Prophet of unity, Encourager of youth, 2005
5 September Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Foundress, Missionary of Charity, 1997
22 November C. S. Lewis, Apologist and Spiritual Writer, 1963
10 December Thomas Merton, Monk, Spiritual Writer, 1968
This is merely pointing out some useful starting points internationally and locally and highlighting a few more obvious possibilities for addition.
Celebrating Eucharist Calendar (PDF)
Some reflections on an August Calendar