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FEBRUARY
2012
GENERAL NORMS FOR THE GLORIA IN MASS
Kay, Concerning
the Gloria, I would like to know the "correct" interaction of the choir
and the congregation when singing the Gloria. Currently, a member of the
choir comes to the mike, says/speaks a part of the Gloria, and invites
us all to sing/respond with "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth
Peace to Men of Good Will", then the person on the alter speaks another
part and invites us to sing again " Glory to God in the highest etc. I
feel that when the person from the choir is saying the words for me; I
would like to proclaim the words myself with the congregation. Is there
any particular rule/format that should be followed? Are both ways valid
i.e. the whole congregation saying or singing the Gloria or a choir
person singing it in parts with the congregation responding as mentioned
above? Thanks you for your help. Trish
Dear Trish, the General Norms on the Gloria are as follows: The Gloria
is begun by the priest or by a cantor or a choir, but is sung by
everyone together, or by the people alternately with the choir, or by
the choir alone. If not sung, it is to be recited either by all or by
two parts of the congregation responding to each other. Note: The Gloria
is sung or said on Sundays outside Advent and Lent, on solemnities and
feasts, and in special, more solemn celebrations. Hope this is a help.
Blessings, Kay
DECEMBER
2011
NEW BIBLE
Dear Kay, My
Bible is in tatters and I would like to replace it with a good
translation Bible. What would you recommend? I would also like to
eventually get a Study Bible. Blessings. Mary
Dear Mary, there is an old saying, "If your bible is falling apart that
probably means that you are not." It sounds like yours is well used, so
it is time to replace it. Check out the Little Rock Catholic Study
Bible, Liturgical Press:
http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Default.aspx?gclid=CObS0Krm86wCFQVwhwod1AKBTg
It is a great one-stop resource for reading, praying and
studying the bible. It uses the New American translation which is the
same one you hear at Mass. God's blessings on your journey with God's
Word. Kay
LITURGICAL
DANCE
Dear Kay, I am
having trouble accepting dancing as an appropriate form of prayer during
the Liturgy of the Word. Two young women did an interpretive dance to a
recorded hymn in front of the congregation. I know it was Gaudete Sunday
and that Gaudete means rejoice, but it is a stretch for me to see this
as a "Happy Dance for God". I really liked your explanation of the
Liturgy as God speaking to us in real time but I felt distracted and
disconnected during what our liturgical minister referred to as
"Liturgical Dance" I am just curious as to what your opinion or thoughts
on this matter might be. Have you ever been witness to this type of
thing during the mass? Am I being too unkind and judgmental in thinking
this was inappropriate? Would appreciate hearing from you on this
matter. Sincerely, Denise
Dear Denise, I have seen Liturgical Dance used in parish liturgies and
also at the Religious Education Congress. When done with dignity and
beauty it can be a lovely expression of prayer. The Constitution on the
Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, gives the norms for
adaptation of the liturgy to the character and the traditions of the
various peoples: "In matters which do not affect the faith or the
well-being of an entire community, the Church does not wish, even in the
Liturgy, to impose a rigid uniformity; on the contrary, she respects and
fosters the genius and talents of various races and people. Whatever in
their way of life is not indissolubly bound up with superstition and
error, she looks upon with benevolence and if possible keeps it intact,
and sometimes even admits it into the Liturgy provided it accords with
the genuine and authentic liturgical spirit."
In favor of the insertion of artistic dancing into the liturgy,
reference can also be made to the text of Gaudium et Spes, nn.
53, 57, 58. The cited texts speak of manifestation of culture in
general, and of art which elevates with the true and beautiful. They do
not speak of dancing in a specific manner. Dancing also can be an art.
As an art which, by means of the body, expresses human feelings, the
dance is especially adapted to signify joy. Thus, among the mystics, we
find intervals of dancing as an expression of the fullness of their love
of God. Recall the cases of Saint Theresa of Avila, Saint Philip Neri,
Saint Gerard Majella. When the Angelic Doctor wished to represent
paradise, he represented it as a dance executed by angels and saints.
The dance can turn into prayer which expresses itself with a movement
which engages the whole being, soul and body. Generally, when the spirit
raises itself to God in prayer, it also involves the body. When King
David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, "David danced before
the LORD with all his might" [2 Sam 6:14]. Blessings and Joy of Advent,
Kay
LORD IS MY SHEPHERD PRAYER
Kay, Do you know
the title and the full version of the prayer that contains the
following: "Heal the sheep who are wounded, touch the sheep who are in
pain, clean the sheep who are soiled, warm the lambs who are cold."
Thank you, Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, I found the prayer under two titles, The Lord Is My
Shepherd and Prayer for Renewal. The full text is below. Blessings of
Advent. Kay
Lord, we are Your people, the sheep of Your flock.
Heal the sheep who are wounded,
touch the sheep who are in pain,
clean the sheep who are soiled,
warm the lambs who are cold.
Help us to know the Father's love
through Jesus the Shepherd and through His Holy Spirit.
Help us to lift up that love, and show it all over this land.
Help us to build love on justice and justice on love.
Help us to believe mightily, hope joyfully, love divinely.
Renew us that we may renew the face of the earth.
Amen.
NOVEMBER
2011
DAILY WORD OF LIFE
Kay, I look
forward to your daily reflections as I do my meditations. I usually
print them out a week at a time and share with my wife. Thank you for
your ministry. John
LECTIONARY
BASED BIBLE STUDY
Kay Murdy, This
is a wonderful website thank you for creating it. I am a Youth Minister
at Saint Mary Magdalene Parish in Waupaca, WI. I am currently trying to
start a Lectionary based Bible Study for high school juniors and
seniors, but I am having trouble finding a good resource. I am wondering
if you have any recommendations? Thank you and God Bless,
Joseph
Dear Joseph, thank you for your kind words. Lectionary based bible
studies are my favorite. I facilitate a group of 50 people, mostly
retired, every Friday morning after Mass. People tell me how much it
enriches their Sunday worship. The resources I use are: Foundations in
Faith (Year A, B, C) published by RCL, Resources for Christian Living;
The Paulist Liturgy Planning Guide (Year A, B, C) published by Paulist
Press, and Living Liturgy (Year A, B, C) published by Liturgical Press.
You could probably find these on the publishers' web sites. Of course
these are only springboards for what I do from week to week. I usually
start with someone lighting a candle, saying a prayer for their
intentions, and then playing appropriate music. Then I read the first
reading with a brief commentary as to its meaning when the text was
written. I do the same for the second reading and the gospel. Then I ask
questions related to their lives to be shared together in the large
group or in small groups. Sometimes I have an activity of one sort or
another. I like to keep changing it up so they don't get bored with the
same format. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. I hope this helps.
Blessings on your service to our youth. Happy Advent, Kay
LOOKING FOR PRAYER
I have been
attending Spanish Mass and they conclude the celebration with a
response-type prayer that I've never heard in English. My Spanish is
"iffy" at best but some of the responses are "Cleanse me" or "Wash me",
"Hear me", "Call me". It concludes with a longer communal prayer that
goes too fast for me to keep up with. I asked Fr. Raymundo to send it to
me and gave him my email... but now he's on Sabbatical in Rome. Any
clues?? The Spanish version would be best since that's what they are
using in Mass. Thanks in advance, Michael
Dear Mike, I think the prayer you are looking for is the Anima Christ,
or Soul of Christ. Blessings of Advent, Kay
SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity.
Amen.
BIBLE VERSION
Hello Kay, I
purchased a new American bible as recommended in your web page. I saw
you recommended the New American bible catholic study bible from oxford
university to someone in an email. Do you prefer that one from that press
to other new American bibles? Also I was interested in buying a good
news bible, but was discouraged by reading other peoples' feedback, that
it was not translated correctly. I saw some examples, and it is written
in a more simple way that people can understand. What do you think? And
is there one you prefer and of which press? Thank you. Armando
Dear Armando, the New American Bible is an accurate translation and the
one we hear at Mass, which is why I recommend it, especially if you get
the Study Edition. Collegeville as a new version that is very helpful
for this purpose. The Good News Bible is not a paraphrase but written in
simple language, especially for young people. It is a good version for
your own personal reading. The choice is up to you. Blessings, Kay
CATHOLIC PRAYERS
Dear Kay Murdy, I'm Brazilian in Caçapava, a little city in the State of
São Paulo. I have 43 years old, I'm married with Regina, with who I have
two teenagers - one girl and one boy. I work in Johnson & Johnson for
three years and for this I have necessity to talk in English. I studied
for many time and I don't get to speak English yet then I decided to
learn prayers in English and I found your site. I loved it, and now I
want to thank you for beautiful prayers in your site. I wish the
blessing of our God, Father Almighty, for you and your family. Sergio
Dear Sergio, thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you like the
prayers on my web site and hope you find other things that interest you.
Check out my daily readings and Home Bible Study. You can access these
pages below. Blessings, Kay
OCTOBER
2011
DAILY READINGS
Hi my name
is Carmel and I would like to get a daily Bible verse emailed to me. I
am a Catholic and attend Sunday Mass but do not understand the Bible.
Would you know how I can get it. Carmel
Dear Carmel, you can get my commentaries on the
weekday and Sunday readings of the Mass on my web site. I also have a
home bible study that you can access. Check out:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Blessings on your journey
with God's word. Kay Murdy
LECTIONARY
What bible verses
are not used in the three year mass cycle?
Hi David, Check out Fr. Felix Just's website as he has compiled a list
of readings used in the mass. Blessings, Kay
http://catholic-resources.org/Lectionary/Statistics.htm
 PRAYER
TO GUARDIAN ANGEL
I am looking for
a prayer called the Angel of God for my aunt. Her husband is not doing
very well and she asked me to look on the internet for it but I am
having a hard time finding it. Could you please help me. Harmony,
Kamloops, BC
Dear Harmony, here is the prayer to our Guardian Angel that you are
looking for. I will put your Aunt's husband on my prayer page of my web
site. Blessings and Peace, Kay
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: "From infancy to death human
life is surrounded by the angels watchful care and intercession. Beside
each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to
life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the
blessed company of angels and men united to God." [336]
AUGUST
2011
HOME BIBLE STUDY
Hello Kay, How
can I buy a copy of the Home Bible Study? It sounds like just what I've
been searching for. Thank you so much. Louise
Hi Louise, I don't have a printed copy of my Home Bible Study, but you
can access it on my web site:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com Go to Home Bible Study on the menu
of the home page. Then you can open the introduction or whatever page
you wish. Thank you for your interest. By the way, I have a book titled:
"What Every Catholic Needs to Know about the Bible" published by
Resource Publications: http://www.rpinet.com/allw.html. It sells for
$9.95 plus shipping. Blessings, Kay
JULY
2011
WEB SITE AND PRAYER
Thank you for
your website. I appreciate the guidance you provide in understanding our
daily and Sunday readings. Sometimes I run into what I call "brain lock
and block" and forget to receive His word with my heart. Your comments
help me unlock the block and start receiving His word without
frustration and with my heart. I would also like to share a prayer with
you that brings me comfort. The chaplet of The Divine Mercy is very
important to me
and helps keep me focused on why our Savior was sent to us. The
inexhaustible mercy of our Father is our true source of life and I feel
so blessed that my heart has been opened to receive this gift. When I
run into difficulties or feel down or just need reassurance I say the
following prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior of all mankind,
fountain of our Father's Mercy, I trust in You. The prayer is my
adaptation of the prayer on the Divine Mercy painting of Jesus our Lord.
This short prayer reminds me of who Jesus is, His purpose for coming,
what He continues to bring us and where my trust for true meaningful
life should be. Thank you, Robert
Dear Robert, thank you so much for taking the time to write. I
appreciate your reflections on the meaning of prayer in your life. Your
Divine Mercy prayer is beautiful. I'll check to be sure I have it on my
web site. Blessings and Peace, Kay (Check out my web page on prayer by
accessing the link on the bottom of this page.)
CATHOLIC BIBLE
Hi I was
wondering what would be a good bible version to use. Thank you , Betty
Hi Betty, I use either the New American Bible or the New Revised
Standard Bible. Both are acceptable for Catholic use. Check out the new
Little Rock Catholic Study Bible:
http://www.littlerockscripture.org I had the opportunity to
review a copy and I am very impressed at the great resource it provides
for bible study. Blessings, Kay
Prayer for Travelers
Hi Kay, I was
wondering if you could suggest a prayer or Novena I can say for my son
who is traveling (by Car) from Massachusetts to South Dakota to build a
home for a poverty stricken family on an Indian Reservation. I have been
looking for a prayer or Novena but, I am confused on which one might be
best. I want to do some type of prayer for safety. Any help you can
offer would be appreciated. Thank you, Lauri
Dear Lauri, hear
is a prayer I found on
www.beliefnet.com which you can use in praying for your son,
although any prayer is heard by God. Blessings, Kay
O
Almighty and merciful God, who has commissioned your angels to guide and
protect us, may they be our companions from our setting out until our
return. Clothe us with their invisible protection; keep from us all
danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of falling; and finally,
having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, guide us to
our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
WEARING A CROSS
Dear Ms. Murdy, I would be
very grateful to you if you would provide me with a quotable source of
Father Murphy-O'Connor's comment regarding the wearing of a cross being
like wearing a miniature electric chair. My sincere appreciation to you.
Best wishes, Bob
Dear Bob, I was unable to find the quote you are looking for about
wearing a cross is like wearing a miniature electric chair. But whoever
said it, the quotation emphasizes that as far as the forms of execution
go, the cross was one of the cruelest known. It was abolished in 315 AD
because it was so cruel. Nevertheless, the cross is the symbol of our
Christian faith and we wear it out of love for our Lord who died on the
cross to save us. For that reason, we wouldn't wear a miniature electric
chair or noose or other forms of capital punishment (which I hope will
be abolished one day). Blessings, Kay
JUNE
2011
Dear Madam, I recently got a
hold of the wonderful publications you are doing and wish to get these
regularly. Could you please advise on how to subscribe for the same so
that may have these publications? Best Regards, Francis, Tanzania
Dear Francis, you can check out my daily commentaries and bible studies
on the web at:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com If you have a cell phone with aps,
you can subscribe to iGodtoday for a one time fee of $1.99 for my daily
video commentaries. My books and the magazine I write for can be
purchased from Resource Publications, Inc. at www.rpinet.com. Thank you
for your interest. Blessings, Kay Murdy
APRIL
2011
DAILY WORD OF LIFE
Ms. Murdy, We have been using your Daily Gospel at the VA in Long Beach
for a few years, but now I receive a message that the page is no longer
available. Is there another title that we should use? We use you message
for both Catholic and Protestant services. Thanks for your past
meditations and I look forward to using them again in the future. In
Christ, George V., D.Min, BCC, Chief, Chaplain Service
Hi George you should be able to access the home page at:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com.
If you are going directly to the daily gospel readings go
to:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com/daily_word1.htm.
I had to change that page due to some copyright issues
regarding graphics I was using. Hope you continue to use my daily
commentaries and that they will bless God's people who have served our
nation. Blessings on this Easter Day. Kay Murdy
HOME BIBLE STUDY
Hi Kay, the non
Catholics have a five year plan for reading the entire bible from start
to finish. Do we have a home program to do the same? Don
Hi Don, I don't know of a specific five year reading plan but I highly
recommend the new Little Rock Catholic Study Bible that offers a wealth
of information in a single volume. It will be published in June but you
can check it out on line and order a copy if you like. Little Rock also
offers numerous materials for group or personal study of God's Word.
http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Detail.aspx?ISBN=9780814626795
I also have a home bible study on my website that may offer
some help.
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com Blessings, Kay
FEBRUARY 2011
MEANING OF TERM
'LITURGY'
Hi Kay, I'm
trying to know the difference between Liturgy and Mass. I've read a lot
of the history on the net, but, LA Cathedral's site has Sunday "Mass"
and Tuesday confession listed as " Liturgy." I thought they where the same.
Thank you, Jerry - a Catholic.
Dear Jerry, Liturgy (leitourgia) is a Greek word meaning
originally a public duty, a service to the state undertaken by a
citizen. In Christian use liturgy meant the public official service of
the Church, that corresponded to the official service of the Temple in
the Old Law.
Liturgy often means the whole complex of official services, all the
rites, ceremonies, prayers, and sacraments of the Church, as opposed to
private devotions. So liturgy means rite; we speak of the Byzantine Rite
or the Byzantine Liturgy. In the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern
Orthodox Church there are seven traditional 'rites' accepted as
instituted by Jesus: Baptism; Confirmation; Eucharist; Penance; Holy
Orders; Matrimony and Anointing of the Sick. In the same sense we
distinguish the official services from others by calling them
liturgical; those services are liturgical which are contained in any of
the official liturgical books of a rite. In the Roman Church, for
instance, Compline is a liturgical service, while the Rosary is not. I
hope this explanation helps. Kay
ON-LINE BIBLE
COURSES
Dear Kay, Peace
be with you. I am looking for a Catholic Bible College or on-line
scriptural studies program that is accredited. Could you please email
any resources I can follow-up on? Thank you so much, Elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth, check out:
http://scriptureschool.org/biblestudyprograms.aspx
I hope it is a help to you. God's blessings on your life-long
study of God's Word. Kay
COPYRIGHT ISSUES
Dear Kay Murdy, I do appreciate your Daily Word Of Life/. A BIG Thank
You. I use it almost every day. Thus I think it incredible IRONY that
You should write today: "Please Note: Due to issues regarding copyright
images ...." etc. and "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God
what belongs to God." Yours is after all a free site and ALL beauty +
creativity and even Copyright belongs to Jesus + Heavenly Father!!!
Anyway I am truly SORRY if this Issue has caused You difficulties. Best
Wishes, *HUGS* God's Peace Is With You, Geoff
Dear Geoff, thank you for your kind words.
Due to issues regarding copyright images, I am removing many
graphics until I can verify my right to use them or to replace them with
others. Blessings, Kay
MASS CHANGES
Hello Mrs. Murdy,
I love your work, " Daily Word of Life" Liturgy of the Word. Will you
becoming out with a revision since changes are coming up? I again
appreciate you visuals and language used, it is so easy to work with
when I teach religion. Thank you for your time, Yolanda, Lomita, CA.
Dear Yolanda, as far as I know the changes in the Mass to be implemented
in Advent, 2011, will only affect the Sacramentary (prayers of the Mass)
and not the Lectionary readings. Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad
that my work is a help to you. Blessings, Kay
DAILY WORD OF
LIFE
Dear Kay, thank
you for the site and for having the grace and love of our Lord to
support each other in Prayer. Your site is a true blessing and I have
genuinely been touched by all the work that has been done on your site.
as a convert of six years to Catholicism your site allows me to be able
to truly have material for my growth and knowledge. Kerrie
DAILY READING
GUIDE
Dear Ms. Murdy, I
came across your name as I was searching for a bible study guide. For
the last several years, I used the God's Word Today booklet. I
especially liked the "book" theme that allowed me to be focused on a
specific book of the Bible. Then, last year in June, they discontinued
publication and transferred subscribers to The Word Among Us. It
is good, but there is no monthly theme...which I really liked. So...this
evening I was doing a search on-line for something that might be closer
to a monthly theme-based study. Are you aware of one? Would you
recommend one? Thank you for your consideration of this request for
information. I do appreciate it. Best! Joan
Dear Joan, I use The Word Among Us for my lectionary based study
group in the parish. People find that studying the readings for the
upcoming Sunday Liturgy gives them a better understanding of God's Word.
There is a unity and continuity to the liturgical readings which you
will discover as you read from Sunday to Sunday, or even daily,
especially with the Old Testament and Gospel readings. In addition to my
daily gospel readings on my web site, I have a home bible study that you
can check out:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com. Go to the bottom of the Home page
and click on Home Bible Study. I have all four gospels and the Book of
Revelation there as well as many pages on how to read and pray God's
Word. Liturgical Press has many resources for study of a particular
book. Check www.litpress.org. And
Stephen Binz has many commentaries on various books at Brazos Press:
www.brazopress.com. I hope this
is a help to you. Blessings, Kay Murdy
DAILY COMMENTARY:
Mt 5:17-37
Thanks for the
commentary. I read the above gospel last night in preparation for
Minister to the Sick last night and said to myself…”what will I say?
What is my message…?” Your insight was a big help to me as I have been
able to combine my thoughts with your commentary for a message for the
parishioners of Silver Sky Assisted Living. God Bless, Vince, St.
Joseph, Las Vegas, Nevada
JANUARY 2012
DAILY GOSPEL
READINGS
Hi Kay, I
hope you are fine and carrying on the Ministry of Catechizing God's
people. I have just read your profile on the net about your apostolate
in the Catholic Community. I'm Called Fr. Boniface Barasa, a Catholic
Priest in the Contemplative Evangelizing Congregation in Kenya Africa. I
hold a Masters Degree in Sacred Liturgy from The Catholic University of
Eastern Africa in Kenya Africa. Concerning your Apostolate, would it be
possible for you to to please be emailing your daily Scriptural
meditations on the Daily readings? Be blessed and may God's great work
go head through your commitment to your ministry. Yours In Christ and
Mary. Fr. Boniface Barasa
Dear Fr.
Boniface, thank you for your kind words. I do not email my daily
commentaries as they can be easily accessed on my web site. They are
always updated two weeks in advance. I also have a section on Liturgy
which can be accessed from my home page:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com. I hope this will be of help to
you in your ministry in Kenya. Blessings and Peace, Kay Murdy
RIGHT WORDS TO
PRAY
Hello Ma’am, This night-prayer was taught to me by my grandmother, and I
have been saying it ever since. However, I feel it might contain some
mistakes, and even though I have checked various sources, it seem to be
unavailable; except for similar versions, and that too only in part. So
if you happen to know about it, I request you to kindly read and correct
it.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul;
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony;
Jesus, Mary and Joseph; may I breathe forth my soul in peace__? A
blessed company.
God bless this house from roof to floor,
Twelve apostles guard the door,
Four great angels sit at my bed-
Two at my feet, two at my head;
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Bless the bed which I lie on
And if I die before I wake,
I pray to God my soul to take.
Thank You, Sincerely, Tessy.
Dear Tessy, first of all there is no wrong way to pray. The words that
touch your heart are the ones you should use. There are many versions of
your grandmother's prayer on the internet. You can see by the variety
that your intention in praying is the most important. Blessings and
Peace in your home and family. Kay
WHO IS THE
BELOVED DISCIPLE?
Dear Kay: thank
you for daily gospel and would you kindly clarify this: is John the
evangelist the same John the Beloved Apostle- thank you for your answer
and time. Nella
Dear Nela, thank you for your kind remarks. Regarding your question, the
title "beloved disciple" is attributed to Jesus' disciple John as he
laid his head in sorrow upon Jesus' breast at the Last Supper (Jn
13:23). And he was the only one of the Twelve who did not forsake Jesus
in the hour of his Passion. He stood faithfully at the cross when Jesus
made him the guardian of his Mother (Jn 19:26). John is credited with
the authorship of three epistles and one Gospel, although many scholars
believe that the final editing of the Gospel was done by others shortly
after his death. He is also supposed by many to be the author of the
book of Revelation, also called the Apocalypse, although this
identification is less certain due to the difference in style and
language. I hope this helps. Blessings, Kay |
