Convener 2003

Mark Francis, C.S.V. (resides in Rome; superior general for the Congregation of St. Viator)

Seminar Participants 2003

Members: Denise Anderson, Eleanor Bernstein, James Brauer, Arlo Duba, Ruth Duck, Mark Francis, Raúl Gómez, Michael Hawn, Clare Johnson, Keith Pecklers, Thomas Richstatter, Julia Upton

Visitors: Richard Leonard, Chris Wilcox

Seminar Report 2003

After an initial organizational meeting the group held a session with the Exploring Contemporary Worship Seminar for a presentation by Eileen Crowley-Horak entitled “Current Realities of Media in Worship.” The presentation proved to be an excellent status quaestionis on the topic of the use of media in the worship of U.S. churches, from its initial beginnings at the turn of the twentieth century to the present. While denominational differences as well as liturgical tradition influence the manner in which the new technology and media are used, Roman Catholic as well as evangelical Christians are still at the initial stages in exploring the full potential of media in worship.  Crowley-Horak’s presentation, through lecture and videotapes, provided criteria for its development and use. She also called for a real change of consciousness on the part of church leaders and media practitioners to see media as more than just presentation technology but as a new liturgical ministry and art form. Consequently, there is a great need for formation that goes beyond the technical and which needs to include spiritual, liturgical, biblical, theological, ethical, and aesthetic components. Since media is being adopted by the churches at an ever-increasing pace, Crowley-Horak’s presentation made the case that there is an urgent need for interdisciplinary cooperation in helping it serve the worship of the churches.

Our second presentation by Clare Johnson was entitled “Hermeneutical Paradigms and Liturgiam authenticam.” This presentation was based on an article to appear in Worship. After Clare offered a thorough comparison with the 1969 instruction Comme le prévoit that pointed out many of the weaknesses of LA, and after presenting some further reflections on liturgical translation since the promulgation of this document, the group engaged in a lively exchange on the ecclesiological and disciplinary ramifications of the implementation of LA for the life of the English speaking Roman Catholic Church.

Raúl Gómez then followed with “Warrior and Mystic: A Comparative Study of Two Aspects of Popular Religion in the U.S.”  This presentation compared general descriptions of the “Dia de los muertos” in Hispanic popular Catholicism (especially practiced by Mexican and Central Americans) and U.S. civil religion’s celebration of Memorial Day (drawn principally from Robert Bellah and other sociologists of religion.) The study surfaced some fascinating perspectives on the essential difference in perspective on values such as life, death, community, and violence between the Euro-American and Hispanic world views.

Finally, Michael Hawn, using lecture and videotaped examples, presented practical illustrations of “The Role of Musicians and Music in Enabling Multicultural Worship.” The basis for this presentation is a chapter in his forthcoming book, One Bread, One Body.

Plans for 2004

Our final time together was dedicated to a discussion of the direction the seminar would take next year. It was decided that we would take advantage of the multicultural reality of New York to engage in participant/observation at a multicultural church. Michael Hawn, Ruth Duck, Julie Upton, and Keith Pecklers will work on the place to visit.  The group will prepare for this experience beforehand by reviewing the following documents:  (1)  a paper on participant/observation by Clare Johnson;  (2)  part of  Michael Hawn’s new book, One Bread, One Body:  Exploring Cultural Diversity;  (3)  the “Nairobi Statement” of the Lutheran World Federation; 4) Mark Francis’ Multicultural Celebrations: A Guide published by the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions; and  (5)  a summary of some of multicultural theorist Eric Law’s basic ideas to be prepared by Denise Anderson.

Because Mark Francis was not sure he will be able to attend this meeting, Julie Upton graciously agreed to become convener of the group.