November 2021 Praenotanda

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear friends and colleagues,

As we near the end of the liturgical year, the liturgy turns our hearts and minds towards the heavenly Jerusalem, the eternal banquet of the Lamb. In the month of November, the Church celebrates the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, as well as the basilicas of Sts. Peter and Paul in Rome. We celebrate the dedication of our own Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains on November 3rd. Some parishes choose to celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of their parish church on the Sunday prior to All Saints Day. We are reminded of the important role that church buildings play in forming us in faith.

I recently had the opportunity to participate with colleagues from around the U.S. in the annual meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. In addition to prayer, study, networking, and engagement with other national liturgical leaders, we had an opportunity to reflect upon The Order of the Dedication of a Church and an Altar.

I was struck by this line in the prayer of dedicating a church: “Here may the poor find mercy, the oppressed attain true freedom, and all people be clothed with the dignity of your children, until they come exultant to the Jerusalem which is above.”

In our liturgical and sacramental celebrations, may the Church find strength and receive God’s grace to realize this prayer. Through our ministry to our parishes, schools, and other faith communities, may we always point towards the heavenly home that God has prepared for us. And for all these things, let us give thanks to the Lord our God!

As always, if there’s anything that Matt, Monica, or I can do to assist you in your worship and sacramental ministries, please let us know.

Jeremy Helmes
ODWS Director

FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

Priest assignments are one of those issues that can usually cause a bit of angst among the parish staff – especially the parish music director. Will a new pastor want to make major changes in the type of music we use? What are his expectations for me and our musicians? What if our personalities clash? These questions and more are quite normal.

In my 20 years as music director at my last cathedral, I had 5 different rectors. Some were very good, others not quite so much. All five brought different talents and skills to their jobs, just as we do in our work as musicians. The one thing I learned was that they were also apprehensive about working with an entirely new staff. As we continue through our Beacons of Light process, if you are assigned a new pastor here are some things to remember.

• Questions aren’t criticisms.
• Most priests aren’t musicians. A new pastor most likely understands other ministries and responsibilities within a parish, but music might be an area with which he has limited knowledge. Keep the lines of communication open without overburdening him with a lot of questions.
• Be open to criticism. Sometimes when a priest is critical of a music selection it allows me an opportunity to reflect on my decision and even offer an opportunity to honestly debate the merits of a particular work.
• Be ready and willing to adapt. Doing only what is familiar can lead to stagnation. Music is both discovering something new along with re-discovering a part of our musical patrimony.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Matthew J. Geerlings
Music Director

Pray for Dobbs

In the United States, abortion has taken the lives of over 60 million babies since 1973, and still well over 600,000 each year. An upcoming Supreme Court case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, could change that, as the court considers the question of whether it is constitutional to ban abortion at any point pre-viability. This could be the case that we have been waiting over a generation for, that could overturn Roe v. Wade. Please join Archbishop Schnurr for 5:15p Mass on Tuesday, Nov 30th at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter-in-Chains, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, as we pray in a special way for the dignity of all human life. Parish leaders are asked to invite parishioners to a nationwide online prayer event on November 18, to celebrate Mass, a holy hour, pray the rosary, or other liturgies on or around December 1st (the beginning of oral arguments), and to encourage parishioners to regularly pray and fast in any number of ways in the coming months until the case is decided next summer. With God, all things are possible. Let us continue to hope and pray for the unborn and their mothers, to end the tragedy of abortion in this country.

Sensory-Friendly Mass

St. Maximilian Kolbe in conjunction with the Office for Persons with Disabilities of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will be hosting a community-wide, Sensory-Friendly Mass on Sunday, November 14 at 2:00pm. A special invitation is extended to any person with sensory sensitivities, but all community members are welcome to attend. This Mass will include lower lighting and softer music. However, the biggest difference is the stigma free environment. Families and individuals are encouraged to get up and move if needed, to bring alternative seating, fidgets or noise cancelling headphones, and to participate in the liturgy just as they are. If you are interested in learning more about these liturgies, you can visit our Sensory-Friendly Mass Page or join us at this upcoming Mass to observe!

Q. Must an Advent wreath be placed in the sanctuary of the church? What about the creche/manger scene?

A. No. In fact, nothing should detract from the centrality of the altar in the sanctuary, even as regards seasonal décor. An Advent wreath or creche may be placed in the sanctuary, but it should not obscure the centrality of the altar. The U.S. bishops teach: “The altar should remain clear and free-standing, not walled in by massive floral displays or the Christmas crib, and pathways in the narthex, nave, and sanctuary should remain clear.” (Built of Living Stones 124). Consider the gathering space, foyer, side chapels, etc. for placement of seasonal devotional symbols rather than the sanctuary itself.