Ping!
As a choir member, I noticed that the music changes of years ago which had eliminated the words Man, He, Him and other masculine references wherever possible were now being restored to their original wording. Bravo!
Pope cites waning strength as reason for resignation
Report: Brother Says Pope Was Considering Resignation for Months
Some Notes About the Upcoming Conclave
An Evangelical Looks at Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedicts Resignation in Historical Context
Virtually unprecedented: papal resignation throughout history
Pope Benedict XVI:a papal timeline
"I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome" [Full Text]
Pope Benedict's Address on Resignation of the See of Rome
POPE BENEDICT XVI WILL RESIGN AT THE END OF THIS MONTH, VATICAN PRESS OFFICE TELLS FOX NEWS
All of my sons live in the general area of Baltimore. While visiting one of them, I have attended Mass at 3 different churches in the are. I am quite happy with the one that I have finally settled upon, although it is not as close as the other 2.
The Catholic church that is closest to this son’s house is very modern and ugly, and it has no kneelers! They saw the last of me after only one Mass, during which one of our songs was (I’m not making this up) “Shine, Jesus, Shine”.
On 3 subsequent visits, I went to Mass at another parish, a beautiful old but well kept structure, where I found nothing particularly offensive in the Saturday evening Masses. But my third experience involved a very well-attended 11:30 Sunday service.
The sanctuary contained a group of young singers and a band of 14 pieces! This was about 3 years ago, and I no longer remember what all of the instruments were. But I do remember counting 7 electric guitars and a drum kit that was inhabited by a very enthusiastic young man.
The place was rocking! I felt like I was attending a musical venue. I was most unhappy, but the congregation was digging it. And the comportment of the attendees — young and not so young — was also consistent with a musical performance. Most distracting.
Subsequently, I found yet another parish, another old beautiful church. So far, no rock and roll liturgies. Fingers crossed.