Friday, February 19, 2010

Ashes from this lay perspective...

There seems to be a big flap about clergy meeting people at public venues like the subway to give them ashes without the liturgy that normally accompanies Ash Wednesday. There are opinions here and here and here and here. I find the Ash Wednesday liturgy especially moving whether in my former Lutheran or current Episcopal setting. Part of the flap is the perception that getting ashes without the accompanying liturgy is meaningless, symbolic of the superficiality of today's culture. I have mixed feelings about it. While I agree that something is missing, I believe that those who sought the dirty forehead still have some connection to faith in spite of what many are doing to alienate people from Christianity. If there are clergy who are willing to get up at the crack of dawn, endure nasty weather and provide even this almost remote connection to the Gospel to anyone who asks, they should be celebrated or at least thanked. Who knows how many of those folks will one day return to a parish? No matter how tenuous, the connection needs maintained somehow.

Friday cat blogging

I opened the kitchen window yesterday when PuddyTat wanted attention. I scritched and petted her for many minutes while Little One and Dude watched. They do not fool with the matriarch.

Friday shuffle

1. Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney
2. Blue Velvet - Bobby Vinton
3. I Wanna Be Loved By You - Helen Kane
4. You Don't Own Me - Leslie Gore
5. Body and Soul - Ray Brown
6. If I Were Your Woman - Gladys Knight & Pips
7. Persichetti: Celebrations - Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
8. Chicago Land Polka
9. I Love the Nightlife - Alicia Bridges
10. Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
11. PDQ Bach: Prelude to Einstein on the Fritz

Monday, February 15, 2010

Memorial evensong in Erie, PA

RC Bishop Donald W Trautman spoke of Bishop Robert Rowley's involvement with ecumenical relations in Erie at the memorial service on 14 February 2010. The Honorable Dr. Stephanie Domitrovich spoke of Rowley's involvement with the fellow lawyers in Erie. Bishop Sean Rowe reminded us that he was working in a history professor's office at Grove City College when he first met Bishop Rowley. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever expect to be the person to succeed him as bishop of the diocese. The service was appropriately contemplative and celebratory. The music was excellent, of course.