The Sacramental Life of the Church: Whilst there was a strong focus on participation in and renewal of the celebration of the Eucharist there was little mention of the other sacraments and their importance for Christian discipleship and a personal and communal relationship with Jesus Christ. Notable Issues That Were Not Strongly Present from the Consultation There was also a sense that in the future, people may not be reached through liturgy, so a prior step is required in relation to encountering Jesus on a personal level.Īt the end of the synthesis document there are some observances on what didn’t emerge from the Synod discussions: There were requests to move Mass times, so they did not clash with working hours, family time or sporting occasions. It was requested that Laudato Si’ and a greater presence of environmental issues be part of our liturgies, particularly at certain times of the year. Some participants long for the return of House Masses, Station Masses and particular feasts. Some participants felt a great sense of love for our devotional practices and others talked about the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The power of prayer was very much valued, as well as the presence of music and song. There was a clear call for simpler, user-friendly, inclusive vocabulary. Church language in the Liturgy is seen as archaic, non-inclusive and hard to understand, particularly the language in the Old Testament readings and liturgical prayers. Homilies were frequently described as being too long, ill prepared, irrelevant, monotonous and not always connected to life. There was concern that the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation are seen solely through the lens of the school and a desire that those presenting for the Sacraments would participate in the whole life of the Church. It was clear that the Eucharist is highly valued so much so that, there is a desire for all to be able to receive, including those who are currently excluded. A minority view seeks a return of the Latin Mass and pre-Vatican II celebrations. There was a desire expressed by respondents for the full participation of the laity throughout the liturgy and for a wider more diverse group of people, including women, to take part. Some feel the Church’s liturgies are boring, monotonous, jaded and flat that they no longer speak to people’s lives. There is a sense that funerals and special occasions are celebrated extremely well, but there is a need for more creative and engaging liturgies to connect with families and young people. There is a section in this document on the liturgy. Earlier this week the Irish Bishops’ Conference published the Synthesis of the Consultation in Ireland for the Diocesan Stage of the Universal Synod.
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