Ordered Worship: Thoughts on the Sacred

  • The Role of the Subdeacon in the Early Novus Ordo Mass

    The Role of the Subdeacon in the Early Novus Ordo Mass

    Paul VI’s new order of Mass went into effect on the First Sunday of Advent, 1969. At that time, there were still three major orders in the Catholic Church: Priest, Deacon, and Subdeacon. The office of the Subdeacon was not formally suppressed until January 1, 1973. For about two years, there was a curious overlap, the new Missal was in use, yet the Subdeacon remained.

    It has always been a great matter of curiosity to me what role the Subdeacon had in the revised Mass. It is often assumed that the Subdeacon must have had little or no responsibilities in the Novus Ordo. However, this is not the case. While his role was not as pronounced as in the Traditional Latin Mass, the Subdeacon had distinct and meaningful duties in the early Ordinary Form.

    (more…)
  • Why We Pray for the Dead — Even the Pope

    Why We Pray for the Dead — Even the Pope

    How we pray as a Church shapes what we believe as a Church. During the reforms of the funeral rites after Vatican II, many changes were made. The most striking was the removal of the sequence Dies Irae.

    Some argue that the language of the Dies Irae was too harsh, not hopeful enough, and should have been excised. But take a moment to read it—it is striking and powerful:

    (more…)
  • Why Ordered Worship

    Why Ordered Worship

    Welcome to Ordered Worship.
    I’ve long found a deep peace in the beauty, structure, and rhythm of Catholic liturgy.
    In this space, I hope to reflect quietly on why ordered worship speaks to the soul, and what it reveals about the mystery of God.

    (more…)