From the Gelasian Sacramentary (7th Century) until the calendar reforms of Vatican II, the eighth Sunday before Easter was called “Sexagesima”. Sexagesima was a term already used in the Fourth Council of Orleans in 541. The Ordo Romanus, Alcuin, and others count the Sexagesima (60 days) from this day to Wednesday after Easter. I’m still
The joy of Sexagesima Read More »
I have written about this previously, but for people newer to this site – some of this is worth repeating! In 1752 England and the British colonies in America upgraded from the Julian to the Gregorian Calendar by removing 12 days from the year to bring it back to the way the seasons were in
As we plummet towards Lent, many parishes, Christian communities, and individuals will be gearing up for the busyest time of the church year. This site is dedicated to quality worship and contemplative spirituality – counter-cultural values. Sadly, often counter-cultural for Christian communities. The Archbishop of Canterbury recently dedicated St. Mark’s pro-Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt, and
Don’t just do something – sit there Read More »
A reflection starting from a collect for February 15 Introductions to the readings for February 15 Shrove Tuesday reflection Lent reflection Ash Wednesday liturgy outline Lent preparation (catechumenate) Lent liturgy outline Previously, those who subscribed to the home page RSS feed would have had these updates sent to them. This post is because both feeds
New resources for Sunday and Lent Read More »
This site now has a single RSS feed. Previously there were two separate feeds – one had updates to the “home page” and parts of the site. A completely separate one gave updates for the blog. Those who used the “site” RSS feed will now find that they – by magic (technically called a 301
RSS changes and other improvements Read More »
There has been much internet speculation that the Vatican will establish an Anglican personal prelature for unhappy Anglicans. Opus Dei is currently the only personal prelature. Unlike most church governance, which oversees a geographic territory, a personal prelature has a prelate, appointed by the pope, who oversees those linked by a particular agreement rather than
“Anglican” personal prelature? Read More »
I have been asked to provide suggestions towards revising our church calendar. The Common Life Liturgical Commission of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia received my motion to review the calendar. They set in motion adding five names to the calendar: August 8 Mary MacKillop, Teacher, 1909 August 16 Brother Roger of
Revising the February calendar Read More »
Whilst February 22 Roman Catholics, New Zealand Anglicans and others will be reading Mark 2:1-12 etc., those following the Revised Common Lectionary will generally be celebrating the Transfiguration with the following readings. Mark 9:2-9 This describes an altered state of consciousness understood and experienced in 90% of cultures studied by anthropologists, but blocked in the
Reflect on Transfiguration Sunday (Sunday before Lent) Read More »
