LATEST NEWS

2012-05-18

46th World Day of Social Communications

The 46th World Day of Social Communications is celebrated May 20, 2012. This year, the Holy Father's Message is entitled "Silence and Word: Path of Evangelization".

2012-05-18

New Auxiliary Bishop appointed for Toronto

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI today appointed Monsignor Wayne Kirkpatrick, P.H., as Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, Ontario. Read the complete statement here.

2012-05-15

Youth Summit is coming!

In a few days, hundreds of young people will gather in Montreal for various activities during the Youth Summit. Here's how you can also participate in this event!

Catholic Church of Montreal > What We Believe > Sunday Worship

Signs and Symbols in the Liturgy

The liturgy is composed of a universe of signs contained in the sacraments, expressing the presence of God at the heart of human life. In his Dictionnaire de liturgie, Dom Robert Le Gall specifies that the actual sacramental signs are the bread and wine of the Eucharist, affusion or immersion by water in baptism, the anointing of the holy chrism at confirmation, the anointing of the sick in the sacrament of the sick, the laying on of hands upon ordination, the sign of the cross for the sacrament of penance, and the joining of hands in matrimony.

The Liturgy in Christian Life

There was a time when pastoral workers concerned with the liturgy would hear from colleagues, "There are more important things than that. Why not rather concern yourselves with catechesis or Christians' engagement in the world?" Now, it is indeed true that growth in faith, like fraternal life and the commitment to build a more just and humane world, is of capital importance in the Church.

A Sabbath Rhythm for our Sundays

In a wonderful little book entitled Disciplines for Christian Living, Fr. Thomas Ryan, c.s.p., comments on the importance of such practical spiritual habits as "exercise and play", "prayerful living", and "fasting". One chapter has the surprising title: "Living with a Sabbath Rhythm". Fr. Tom is a master at providing practical tools for Catholics to incarnate gospel living into daily life. Living with a Sabbath rhythm is what this article understands by "keeping the Day of the Lord".

Why Catholics Receive the Eucharist

A reader sent in this question: My boyfriend and I went to mass together and afterwards he asked me, "Why do Catholics receive Eucharist?"Why do we "eat the body"? I understand that Jesus asked us to during the last supper, but I'm at a loss for explaining beyond that point.

A View from the Choir Loft: Confessions of an Organist

When I sit down to honour the Lord's presence with music, I am performing on one of the worst organs in the diocese of Montreal. I know my greatest challenge is to find a way to make that instrument sound beautiful. The Church used to be excessively concerned with beauty, and I understand the change of focus. But I, as an artist, can't help it; beauty is my field of vision. Unfortunately, the role of many organists is that of a functionary, and has little to do with artistic endeavours, not to speak of celebrating the victory of life over death. The following is my view, from far above in the choir loft, of the role played by music in the Eucharist.

Source and Summit

Rituals and celebrations lend rhythm to our days, whether it is tucking in a child, throwing a birthday party, or coming together for an engagement. Just as a spring draws from its tributaries, such rituals are meaningful because they draw from the powerful bonds of family, friendship and love, and the joys and hardships of our lives.