Church and fine art

Sacrosantum Concillium, Chapter VII

122. Very rightly the fine arts are considered to rank among the noblest activities of man's genius, and this applies especially to religious art and to its highest achievement, which is sacred art. These arts, by their very nature, are oriented toward the infinite beauty of God which they attempt in some way to portray by the work of human hands; they achieve their purpose of redounding to God's praise and glory in proportion as they are directed the more exclusively to the single aim of turning men's minds devoutly toward God.

I have had the opportunity to be in discussions where people have questioned the reasoning behind the beautiful ans expensive art in churches when there are starving children in the world. I would ask that also of government. 

We need to praise God however we are called to do so!

2012 Christmas Letter

 

Hello family and friends!

Our Christmas wish for you - peace, good health, and happiness!

This has been quite an eventful year for us, from building a lake house at Hilliard's Bay Estates to my getting a new job, to having a brand new grandbaby in the family, just last night. Let me tell you all about it.

A year ago in July, we poured the cement for the lake house and John and I, with the help of family, friends and a few paid trades people, built the lake house. John is just now painting the upstairs floor again after the dry-wall has been primed upstairs. The main floor, consisting of an attached garage, bathroom/laundry, master bedroom, living room, kitchen and large front deck, is basically finished and we've been using it quite regularly ever since we put in the flush toilet in the fall of 2011. It makes for a wonderful getaway on a Friday night. In addition, John's project as I like to call it, has kept us both busy and feeling accomplished.

This picture was taken in the spring of this year. Since then, we have added railing to both decks and finished the main floor inside. We are very happy at the way it turned out and are enjoying our time there immensely, even when it is work. We are truly grateful for the help our kids and their spouses gave us in the early stages and along the way, and we've told them already that this is their inheritance. We would also like to thank those family and friends that stopped by, picked up a hammer and stayed to help. They should know that they have a place to come vacation any time.

Here is what our main floor living room looked like right after we painted the walls and finished the floor. Since, we have put up trim. We are slowly getting furniture and making it a comfortable place to stay. We do plan eventually to move out to the lake, but right now we are busy working to pay for it all.

The upstairs is being readied to receive guests: Penny, Jamie and Jordan. We put the walls up about a month ago, and then when the hunters came, they hauled up the gyproc so we could put the walls up. The drywall is done and primed and today, John is painting the floor again.

We’ve had some fun with the grandkids this year, from going to Montreal in March for Cabane Sucre, ice fishing with Jordan,spending time at the lake watching Jordan running to the playground, beach or going boating; taking in the hot summer weather in Montreal by putting our feet in Noah and Evie's little pool and going to the beach,  watching Noah's soccer game, taking Evie and Noah to the Montreal Biodome on a field trip, taking in the Taber Pumpkin Festival with Jordan.

I've also started a new job this past September; I'm back at St. Andrew's in High Prairie, this time as vice-principal. I am loving it! I do miss the staff and students at Providence, but this is a much better move for me. I don't have to drive and I can be part of an administrative team at the school level again. I am enjoying working with high school and junior high school students again and hope I can be of service to them in their search for success at learning.

Sophie, James' partner went into labor yesterday and a grandson was born at 9:12pm, Montreal time. We did get to hear his first cries over the telephone. He sounds strong! More news as we get it!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!

 

 

Sacrosanctum Concilium

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Vatican II) document summary of Chapter I.

Jesus, at the last supper, invited all the baptized to "Do this in memory of me." christ's real presence is in the Holy Eucharist at mass. Jesus Christ is not just for the baptized - He is for all, so that all may know the true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.

Active participation is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people, as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people (1Peter 2:9, cf. 2-4-5) is their right and duty by reason of their baptism."

This chapter goes on to talk about the rites and language used.