7 Hymn Book: Psalms

King David

Click here for  details on biblical musical instruments

A psalm is a sacred song or hymn.  There are 150 psalms in the Hebrew and Christian Bible.  They are cover all aspects of life, the highs, the lows, the hopes and fears, the joys and sadness, the frustrations and the relief of the people of Israel.  They are used in the Liturgy of Hours which we will be looking at in August 2013.  The psalms are not the only songs in the Bible, canticles (another name for songs in the Bible) are sung by people at key moments, for example, the Canticle of Mary known as the Magnificat.  

Numbering psalms
The psalms were originally written in Hebrew and translated into Greek.  At the time of the translation psalms 9 and 10, and 114 and 115 were joined together, and psalms 116 and 147 were divided into two.  This means that for psalms 10 to 148 the Hebrew numbering is one higher than the Greek.  When translated further, Roman Catholics kept the Greek numbering and Protestant writing went back to the original Hebrew.  

CCC 1156 "The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant. The Church continues and develops this tradition: "Address . . . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." "He who sings prays twice."

Psalm 150
This psalm is the final psalm and invites us all to praise the Lord.  Below the clips use art and music to enable us to reflect on these words, left video is a combination of words and drawings, the right video is the Westminster Cathedral choir, singing a familiar version to that sung by our own choir at Lancaster Cathedral.    

  

7 Hymn Book - St Cecilia

Raphael's St Cecilia
How many instruments can you see?

This week our object of faith is the hymn book.  The hymn book contains the hymns that we sing together at Mass. Music has always been used in praise of God and the psalms give evidence of this. Music continues to play an important part in the prayer and sacramental life of the Church. Singing together unites the community and the words we sing give thanks to God, express our sorrow or ask God for His help and guidance. St Augustine said: ''he who sings prays twice" and singing hymns from our heart is truly praying.

Patron of Musicians: St Cecilia
Last week on the 22^nd November we celebrated the feast day of St Cecilia who is the patron saint of musicians and Church music because as she was dying she sang to God. 

Follow the link for more information amount Saint Cecilia and for a colouring page of St Cecilia surrounded by musical instruments click here


What's your favourite hymn?  
As we'll find out later in the week the hymns we sing have both liturgical significance and can remind us of the very important days or events in our life, 'our first holy communion, a hymn we sang at school, a wedding, a member of our family.  If you'd like to share with us your favourite hymn and why it is important then please get in touch here.

6 Creed - Credo

YOUCAT: Youth catechism and website
including quotations and videos

What do you believe?  Credo is the Latin for I believe - it is the opening phrase we say in both the Nicene Creed and the Apostles' Creed.  As individuals we join with the Church to say together what we believe.  A creed is a statement of belief, as we have heard in the Curious about talks the Ecumenical Councils of the Church have issued new creeds that help make clear what the Church believes.  

CCC 192 Through the centuries many professions or symbols of faith have been articulated in response to the needs of the different eras: the creeds of the different apostolic and ancient Churches, e.g., the Quicumque, also called the Athanasian Creed; the professions of faith of certain Councils, such as Toledo, Lateran, Lyons, Trent; or the symbols of certain popes, e.g., the Fides Damasi or the Credo of the People of God of Paul VI.

Mass in the extraordinary form 
On the 4th Sunday of every month at 12.15 the Mass is celebrated in the Extraordinary Form at Lancaster Cathedral.  Although it is not always sung, the video below is designed to help those wanting to learn the Latin Credo. 

6 Creed - are you a robot

What do you mean when you say the creed? This provocative title comes from the short video which asks some interesting questions.  Although it doesn't go through either the Nicene or Apostles' creed it asks some interesting questions and reminds us what some of the underlying statements of faith mean and links these to passages of scripture.  Why not watch it with others and discuss what questions it raises for you?

  

6 Creed - Apostles

CCC 194 The Apostles' Creed is so called because it is rightly considered to be a faithful summary of the apostles' faith. It is the ancient baptismal symbol of the Church of Rome. Its great authority arises from this fact: it is "the Creed of the Roman Church, the See of Peter the first of the apostles, to which he brought the common faith".

In the middle ages it was believed that the apostles inspired by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost wrote the Apostles' creed. The idea was that each of the 12 apostles suggested one of the 12 articles or statements in this creed. As the first of the spirituality sessions on the Apostles' creed illustrated there is great richness in each of these articles.  For further information see the links to the catechism below.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, CCC 199 - 421

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, CCC 422 - 455 
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, CCC 456 - 570 

suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; CCC 571 - 630 
he descended into hell; 
on the third day he rose again from the dead; CCC 631 - 658

he ascended into heaven, and is seated 
at the right hand of God the Father almighty; CCC 659 - 630 
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. CCC 668 - 686

I believe in the Holy Spirit, CCC 687 - 747

the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, CCC 748 - 795

 the forgiveness of sins, CCC 796 - 987

the resurrection of the body, CCC 988 - 1019

 and life everlasting. Amen. CCC 1020 - 1065

Who were the twelve apostles?

For a quiz on the names of the apostles click the image

6 Creed: Nicene

The Nicene-Constantinopolitan or Nicene Creed draws its great authority from the fact that it stems from the first two ecumenical Councils (in 325 and 381). It remains common to all the great Churches of both East and West to this day.  CCC 195

When the new translation of the Mass was introduced in Advent 2011 many of the prayers in the mass needed new music.  Although we don't often sing the creed at Sunday mass, the video below is an English chant of the Creed.  

I believe in one God

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth

of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only-begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; 

through Him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

He came down from heaven.

(at the following words, up to and including “and became man”, all bow) 

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate

of the Virgin Mary, 

and became man.

For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

He suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead.

His kingdom will have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets;

And in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Spirituality Sessions on the Apostles' Creed

Focal area for the 1st session - I believe in 
God the Almighty Father creator of heave and earth ...

If you'd like to use the Year of Faith as an opportunity to learn more about what we believe then why not come along to the spirituality sessions delivered by the Ursuline sisters at St Thomas More.  On the 2nd Monday of each month at the end of the Drop in Day of Prayer there is a time to learn more about the Apostles' Creed.  

 + For leaflet and details on Spirituality Sessions: The Apostles' Creed led by Ursuline Sisters, 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30 to 9.00pm at St Thomas More's, 

5 Our Father: 7 petitions

Word cloud for the Our Father

For younger readers a video of Jesus teaching the disciples how to pray.  Is it from Matthew or Luke's Gospel?  And if they are interested in the wordle why not create your own based on a prayer and send it to us for a future post in the parish blog,

Petitions of the Our Father
As the catechism explains that the prayer includes seven petitions: 

CCC 2803 After we have placed ourselves in the presence of God our Father to adore and to love and to bless him, the Spirit of adoption stirs up in our hearts seven petitions, seven blessings. The first three, more theological, draw us toward the glory of the Father; the last four, as ways toward him, commend our wretchedness to his grace. "Deep calls to deep."

         1)        Hallowed be Your Name

         2)        Your kingdom come

         3)        Thy will be done

         4)        Give us each day our daily bread

         5)        Forgive us as we forgive others

         6)        And lead us not into temptation.

         7)        Deliver us from evil

Our videos today includes 3 translations of the Our Father, reminding us that not only has this prayer been translated into different languages but has been a prayer sung and prayed throughout the ages since Jesus first gave the prayer to the Apostles.

There are lots of versions of the Our Father - including versions by popular artists, listening to these can help us to appreciate this prayer in a different way.  

Andrea Bocceli - The Lord's Prayer

Charlotte Church - The Our Father

Cliff Richard's - Millenium Prayer and Lord's Prayer and in Hungarian - which the post says is because the person who posted this video is Hungarian 

Mario Lanza Our Father for older readers

And the Our Father in Latin - Pater noster gregorian chant

5 Our Father - two versions

There are many prayers which have their origin the scripture.  Unlike some, the Lord's Prayer appears in two places within the Bible, Mt 6: 9-13 and Lk 11: 2-4.  What do you notice by reading what happens before and after the prayer itself?  

As we pray the Our Father, it is in union with Christ who gave us this prayer.  Over the coming days try to reflect on the different phrases and petitions of this prayer and see how they connect with parts of our daily life.  See entry on Sunday for further details about the seven petitions of the Our Father.

Finding bible passages
When looking up passages in the Bible we look for the Book, chapter and verse.   

Book Matthew chapter 6 verses 9 to 13 Mt 6: 9-13
Book Luke chapter 11 verses 2 to 4  Lk 11: 2-4

The video today is inspired by the Lord's prayer, the words appear alongside a soundtrack.  Sometimes when we experience something familiar in a new way we can find we gain a new understanding and appreciation of what we thought we already knew.

For younger readers, a colouring page of the different parts of the Our Father

5 Our Father - who taught you?

CC 2775 It is called "the Lord's Prayer" because it comes to us from the Lord Jesus, the master and model of our prayer

Who taught you?

Although Jesus taught the disciples to pray this prayer, and in turn they have passed it on, there is much to be gained in thinking about who taught you this prayer.  What memories do you have of when you were taught to pray the Our Father?  Have you ever taught someone this prayer, or helped someone to understand what it means?  In this year of faith we are encouraged to think about and share our faith, perhaps talking about the Our Father, is one way of learning from others, including our children and young people, and    increasing our appreciation of this traditional prayer 

CCC 2765 The traditional expression "the Lord's Prayer" - oratio Dominica - means that the prayer to our Father is taught and given to us by the Lord Jesus. The prayer that comes to us from Jesus is truly unique: it is "of the Lord." On the one hand, in the words of this prayer the only Son gives us the words the Father gave him: he is the master of our prayer. On the other, as Word incarnate, he knows in his human heart the needs of his human brothers and sisters and reveals them to us: he is the model of our prayer

Today's video is a more contemporary version of the Our Father that includes images and quotes from the Bible.

5 Our Father: The Lord's Prayer

Jesus taught us this Christian prayer when one of his disciples saw him praying and asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray,” (Luke 11:1).  It is found in Matthew and Luke's Gospels although the Church uses Matthew's version.

(Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4):

 

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

The Lord's Prayer has been called 'the perfect prayer' (Saint Thomas Aquinas) and we use it every time we celebrate Mass at the start of the Communion Rite.

CCC 2761 The Lord's Prayer "is truly the summary of the whole gospel." "Since the Lord . . . after handing over the practice of prayer, said elsewhere, 'Ask and you will receive,' and since everyone has petitions which are peculiar to his circumstances, the regular and appropriate prayer [the Lord's Prayer] is said first, as the foundation of further desires.

Our Father

This week we will feature a number of videos with versions of the Our Father.  If anyone wishes to send us a link to one they like we'd be pleased to hear from them. 

4 Saints - Saint Peter's Key's

St Peter's Keys
In recent months, readers of the Cathedral Parish blog have read about where parishioners have taken St Peter's keys.  At the end of this post we provide links to where parishioners have visited with the keys and taken photographs of other churches.  Finding out more about where St Peter's keys have been taken has provided a great opportunity to learn more about our faith, about other saints and other parish communities. 

The power of the keys

CCC 881 The Lord made Simon alone, whom he named Peter, the "rock" of his Church. He gave him the keys of his Church and instituted him shepherd of the whole flock. "The office of binding and loosing which was given to Peter was also assigned to the college of apostles united to its head." This pastoral office of Peter and the other apostles belongs to the Church's very foundation and is continued by the bishops under the primacy of the Pope

St Peter with keys and St Peter's Lancaster and Rome

Did you know?

• St Peter is the patron saint of the Cathedral 
• St Peter's life is illustrated in a series of 12 stained glass windows 
• St Peter's life provides the background to our confirmation programme St Peter's Way
• A replica of a statue of St Peter is located at the back of the Cathedral - for images of St Peter decorated for the 150th Anniversary click here
• There is a stained glass window of St Peter's Lancaster and St Peter's Basillica, Rome.

Year 6 Pilgrimages to St Peter's Cathedral, Lancaster
In this year of faith, young people from all the primary schools in the Diocese are travelling on pilgrimage to visit St Peter's Cathedral, they have a chance to see the many images of the keys that decorate the cathedra, the statue of St Peter and his big toe! 

The Cathedral's statue of St Peter is modelled on the one in the Vatican.
Many people touch the foot of the statue as they enter or leave the Cathedral.
As they do so they say a short prayer, usually asking the help of our patron.

St Peter's Keys (Click highlighted word to find out more)
St Peter's Keys in Germany
St Peter visits Scotland and St Kessog 
St Peter visits St Bernard and Hyning Hall
St Peter visits Our Lady Star of the Sea 
St Peter visits a little piece of heaven the church of Cachito de Cielo in Madrid
St Peter visits St Pius X in Barrow 

Coming soon
St Peter visits Slovakia, the Holy Family in Derby and Christ the King in USA 

Litany of Saints: You are never too young ...
Perhaps not the most tuneful of this weeks litanies, but this 2 minute video shows how children can be involved in singing their own litany.  At children's liturgy last Sunday children asked us to join them in asking the saints after whom they have been named to pray for us. Maybe as a family you could include a litany of the saints after the saints you have been named after.

4 Saints - Communion of Saints

What does the catechism say about the communion of saints and what two prayers do we mention and remember the communion of saints?

CCC 948 The term "communion of saints" therefore has two closely linked meanings: communion in holy things (sancta)" and "among holy persons (sancti)."

Sancta sanctis! ("God's holy gifts for God's holy people") is proclaimed by the celebrant in most Eastern liturgies during the elevation of the holy Gifts before the distribution of communion. The faithful (sancti) are fed by Christ's holy body and blood (sancta) to grow in the communion of the Holy Spirit (koinonia) and to communicate it to the world.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints

We remember the communion of saints when we say the Apostles Creed.  We also recall the saints in Eucharistic Prayer 1

In communion with those whose memory we venerate, especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord,Jesus Christ, and blessed Joseph, her Spouse, your blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, (James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Jude: Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian) and allyour Saints: we ask that through their merits and prayers, in all things we may be defended by your protecting help. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.) ... To us, also, your servants, who, though sinners, hope in your abundant mercies, graciously grant some share and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John the Baptist, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, (Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia) and all your Saints: admit us, we beseech you, into their company, not weighing our merits, but granting us your pardon, through Christ our Lord.

Litany of Saints

4 Saints - Patron Saints

What is a Patron Saint?
Many of the saints become a patron or supporter for  places, churches, schools, hobbies, activities, people with a particular illness, job or profession, service, or members of areligious order. Many people pray to the saint who they are named after or the saint we choose when we get confirmed.  In this year of faith, why not find out who the patron saints are for your interests.

          

           St Christopher:

               Patron of Travellers

       

St Stephen
Patron of Altar Servers

   

St Angela Merici:
Patron of Ursulines

For a quiz on patron saints click here

Do you know who the patron saint of the Lancaster diocese is?

And an easy one for the year 6 pupils who have visited Lancaster Cathedral - who is the patron saint of the cathedral?

Litany of Saints

This is a shorter litany for about 2 minutes and shows different icons of saints.  The chorus (refrain) is ora po nobis which is Latin for pray for us.  If any family or school would like to make their own litany with icons or their drawings of saints we'd like to share it on this blog, please use the contact form to get in touch.

4 – Saints

This week our object of faith is the saints.  We will find out more about patron saints, communion of saints, what the catechism says about saints, and in each post include a different litany (list) of saints. 

  Madonna and Child Enthroned between Angels and Saints
Domenico GHIRLANDAIO, 1486

The word 'saint' means 'holy' and it is used in different ways. Catholics use the word to describe people who have led good lives, following Jesus' example and teaching, who have died and now live in heaven. Canonised saints are those people who are recognised throughout the world as saints and have gone through a process called canonisation which is led by the Church. Saints are important in our faith because they offer examples and role models for us to strive to follow. They show how others have overcome struggles in trying to follow Jesus and live like Jesus. A patron saint is a saint who we ask to pray for us. We may choose a saint whose life particularly inspires us and we may ask that saint to pray for us as we try to follow their example. The 'communion of saints' refers to the spiritual union of all members of the Church alive on earth with those who have gone before us who are now in heaven.

CCC 1195 By keeping the memorials of the saints - first of all the holy Mother of God, then the apostles, the martyrs, and other saints - on fixed days of the liturgical year, the Church on earth shows that she is united with the liturgy of heaven. She gives glory to Christ for having accomplished his salvation in his glorified members; their example encourages her on her way to the Father

Litany of Saints
A litany of saints used during the funeral of Blessed John Paul II. Later this week more about the stage of being recognised as a saint.

3 The Bible - Characters

CCC 58 The covenant with Noah remains in force during the times of the Gentiles, until the universal proclamation of the Gospel. The Bible venerates several great figures among the Gentiles: Abel the just, the king-priest Melchisedek - a figure of Christ - and the upright "Noah, Daniel, and Job". Scripture thus expresses the heights of sanctity that can be reached by those who live according to the covenant of Noah, waiting for Christ to "gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad

Sharing our story - who is your favourite character
The Bible is the story of God's people.  We have lots to learn about God and his love for his people by reading stories about the characters from the Bible.  We hear of the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, the songs of David and about the generosity of Abraham our Father of Faith.  But there are so many others: why not share with your family who is your favourite character in the Bible? Many of us hear about the characters in the Bible as a child ... or have a children's Bible with images which we remember fondly.  There are also many characters captured in art.  

The video above shows many characters, some are easier to spot with others - by turning the volume down you can take it in turns to guess who the characters.  Remember that during this coming week which is Half Term the Cathedral Parish Blog will have videos, colouring and songs linked to the Bible - related activities.

3 Bible - Translations

The object of faith this week is the Bible.  There are lots of translations of the Bible.  On Sunday in England the translation in the Lectionary (the book with the readings for Mass) is the New Jerusalem Bible.  When the new Roman Missal was introduced (Advent 2011) the readings and translation in the Lectionary did not change.  However, the Liturgy Office says that:  

A new publication of the Lectionary is in preparation. The selection of readings will remain the same but the text will be drawn from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.  The date of publication is not yet known.

For an online version of the New Jerusalem Bible click here

The Bible has been translated into over 450 languages and some sections have been translated into over 2000 languages. The original versions of the Old testament were written in Hebrew and Aramaic and the New Testament was written in Greek. 

Remember that during this coming week which is Half Term the Cathedral Parish Blog will have videos, colouring and songs linked to the Bible - related activities.

3 - The Bible - Scripture

Finding things in the Bible

Ever wondered how to find books in the bible? 

This is something children particularly like to learn how to do and can get a real sense of achievement when they can find the readings.

Did you know?

All the books in the bible are made up of chapters

All the chapters are divided into verses

How to find a specific verse you need to:

1) Find the Book              John

2) Find the Chapter        14

3) Find the Verse             6     

I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)

Scripture Group for 18-35 year olds

STOP PRESS - Session tomorrow 2nd November 2012 (see events for other dates)

All sessions will take place on 1st Friday of the month 7.30 to 9.00pm 

St Thomas More Walk, off Willow Lane, Lancaster, LA1 5PT

What happens?

1. Following an opening prayer the chosen passage is then read to the group, and this is followed by a few minutes of silence to meditate on the passage. 
2. The passage is then read out again, each of the group who are willing take turns to slowly read out loud a few sentences or a paragraph. 
3. Individuals then mediate again and read the passage slowly and quietly to themselves 
4. After a few minutes everyone is invited to share a phrase, passage or word that may have stood out or struck them. 
5. This is then followed with a discussion where individuals can elaborate on any points that may have come up or ask questions as to the meaning of any particular phrase or word. 
6. There is then a closing prayer

Finally, a chance for tea and biscuits!

If you require any further information or would like a chat about the group Please contact either Sister Maureen Coyne   Tel: 01524 32616  Email Maureen.Coyne@btinternet.com

Stephen Talbutt Tel: 0777 198 7232  Email stevetalbutt@googlemail.com