Saturday, January 21^st, 2005 found adult faith development participants gathered with presenter, Professor Normand Bonneau, OMI, Dean of Theology at St. Paul University and a specialist in the Sunday lectionary. His dynamic leadership helped participants gain wonderful new insights into the Sunday lectionary. Normand spoke about a “liturgical spirituality” as the most fundamental spirituality of our catholic community. The liturgy is not simply an event we attend or an action in which we engage. Rather, it shapes us and molds us into the Body of Christ through the paschal mystery. As a foundation for exploring the Sunday lectionary, our presenter highlighted the way the Word of God is a fundamental way that Jesus is incarnate in our worshipping community.

Prof Normand Bonneau explains how the scripture readings are arranged during the Lenten season.

Some partipants listen intently to an excerpt from Prof. Bonneau's Book, "The Sunday Lectionary: Ritual Word, Paschal Shape

Professor Bonneau led participants through an exciting exploration of the Sunday Lectionary, examining how it is put together, why certain scripture readings are chosen for certain occasions and liturgical seasons, and how they may shape the believing community. He was able to provide wonderful gems of insight from his book, The Sunday Lectionary: Ritual Word, Paschal Shape as exemplified by the following: Referring to the liturgy as the “scripture’s home” he uses the words of the lector that end the reading to “epitomize its liturgical function...Simple and now quite routine, it is a formula fraught with numinous power, for it declares what is happening in our midst to be “The Word of the Lord.” In the name of all creation we can only respond, “Thanks be to God!’” (p. 165)

With good humour and good humanity, participants in this session were challenged to a deeper view of the place of the lectionary in our lives as Catholics in the world today. Participants pointed to many challenges, deeper understanding and rich meaning that were emerging for them from this session. It was certainly a challenge to “Put out into deeper waters!”

Our question, “What does it Mean to be People of the Word as Catholics in the World Today?” Will be addressed, again, on February 18^th when New Testament specialist, Maureen Duffy, Phd. Will lead participants in an introduction to the New Testament. All are welcome! 738-5025 (x217) to register.