For the last several weeks we’ve asked you to submit your vote for your favorite Ministry Monday episode of 2020. Just like we did in 2019, we are going to share the fan favorite episode from this year, and showcase it in January. So email us and let us know what episode you liked the most! (And if you can’t remember the title, simply describe the topic to us and we can help.) Email us at ministrymonday@npm.org. Today, January 11, is the deadline, so get your email in and tune in next week to see which one got the most votes!
So today is the week of the Baptism of our Lord, and yet my mind is starting to think forward again. After almost a year of, “what in the world are we going to do next week, much less next month?” I feel prepared to make plans for the rest of Ordinary Time and Lent..and yet, there are still so many unknowns we need to consider.
How do we celebrate the feast of Saint Blaise and the blessing of the throats this year?
What about Ash Wednesday and the distribution of ashes?
These are just a few of the many questions swirling around in my head, as I’m sure they are for you as well. Whether we have addressed it or not yet, the upcoming months will be a blend of pastoral considerations within normal expectations, along with a myriad of health and safety considerations that we would not normally consider for the Lenten season.
How do we plan? What do we do?
I called Fr. Paul Turner to share his wisdom and expertise. Fr. Paul Turner is pastor of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri. A priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, he holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome.
Fr. Paul has written numerous books with Liturgical Press, World Library Publications and Liturgy Training Publications, and serves as a facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy.
When it comes to finding a blend between the pastoral and practical needs of a community, while considering the guidelines set forth by the Church, Fr. Paul is an excellent resource.
Now, before I begin my interview with Fr. Paul, let me give one very important disclaimer: While Fr. Turner provides great reflections in light of Church teaching and the documents as to how to best proceed during these next few months of the pandemic, his advice is not intended to replace any guidance from your local Diocese. Please defer to any local Diocesan guidance, and contact your local Diocesan office for clarification on what would be best within your local context.
SHOW NOTES
Bio: Fr. Paul Turner
Paul Turner is pastor of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri. A priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, he holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome.
His publications include Guide for Celebrating Confirmation (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2016), Whose Mass Is It? (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2016), and Pastoral Companion to the Roman Missal (Franklin Park: World Library Publications, 2010). He is a regular contributor to Worship magazine’s “The Amen Corner”. He is a former President of the North American Academy of Liturgy, a member of Societas Liturgica and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. He is a recipient of the Jubilate Deo Award (National Association of Pastoral Musicians) and the Frederick McManus Award (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions). He serves as a facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and as the Ecumenical Officer for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
He enjoys the Kansas City Symphony and the Kansas City Royals.
Visit Fr. Paul‘s blog by clicking here.
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