July 2022 Praenotanda

Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis: Desiderio Desideravi (On the liturgical formation of the People of God)

On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29), the Holy Father released a new Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, on the liturgical formation of the People of God. Its title is drawn from Luke 22:15 – “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” It is an exquisite summary of liturgical theology and a call for “serious and vital liturgical formation.” Pope Francis addresses the nature of sacramental encounter, of symbols and symbolic language, of ars celebrandi, and the need to engage all the baptized in the fruitful celebration of the Paschal Mystery.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear friends and colleagues,

I hope the summer is offering you some downtime, even a chance to get away from the day to day of liturgical and sacramental ministry in your faith community.

As we begin Phase 1 of pastoral planning in Beacons of Light, the digital platform for the Pastoral Planning Pathway is now live! More and more resources will be added continually, and access for parish leaders (including staff) will roll out throughout the coming weeks. Pastors will receive notice shortly after July 4 on how to get logged in, and then other parish leaders will follow. As always, you’ll find everything you need for pastoral planning at pathway.catholicaoc.org.

As you know, to better support you in your efforts at pastoral planning, the Pastoral Center has formed a new Center for Parish Vitality. You can read more about that below.

In this month’s issue of Praenotanda, you’ll also find information about our annual evenings of renewal for pastoral musicians as well as other resources to assist you in sacramental and liturgical ministry. The USCCB has also launched the multi-year Eucharistic Revival with a diocesan phase through the summer of 2023. More info can be found below and we’ll continue to share events and initiatives as they develop.

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

Important Dates

The annual Evening of Renewal for Archdiocesan musicians has been scheduled. Our first night will be in Dayton at St. Charles Borromeo (Kettering) on Monday, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Our second night will be at St. Michael Parish (Cincinnati/Sharonville) on Tuesday, August 23rd at 7:00 p.m. We begin with evening prayer followed by a short presentation recognizing those who have reached milestone years in their ministry in the Church, followed by a reception.

This year’s musician’s retreat, sponsored by NPM Cincinnati, will be at St. Meinrad Seminary beginning October 23rd and ending on the 25th.

Tuesday, November 15th, the Cathedral Basilica will host a hymn festival (more on that to come in a future edition).

And mark your calendars for August 29, 2023. The Cathedral Basilica will host our Archdiocesan Evening of Renewal with Archbishop Schnurr presiding at evening prayer and speaking with our group. Much more information will be forthcoming as plans are finalized.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Matthew J. Geerlings
Music Director

My Flesh for the Life of the World: National Eucharistic Revival

June 19, 2022 kicked off the multi-year National Eucharistic Revival led by the Catholic Bishops of the United States. The first year, concluding in summer of 2023, is a diocesan phase. Our emphasis will be on building Eucharist-centered faith communities in our Beacons of Light initiative. In addition, we’ll focus on re-engaging Catholics who have been away from Sunday Mass through our TOGETHER initiative. Stay tuned for more events and ways in which the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will engage in the Eucharistic Revival.

Q. How many intentions must there be for the Universal Prayer at Mass?

A. The Church does not specify precisely how many intentions may be included in the Universal Prayer, only that they should be "sober, be composed with a wise liberty and in few words, and they should be expressive of the prayer of the entire community." (GIRM 71) Normally, 4-6 is sufficient. The sequence of these prayers should normally flow from the needs of the Church to the needs of the world, then for those in any difficulty, and finally for the local community. (GIRM 69)