Dear Friends,

In just weeks, the end of summer will be upon us. In September, the pace in churches picks up. In many parishes, committees meet less often, or not at all, during the summer. As we resume tasks we have put aside, let us do so in an unhurried, contemplative way. When we proceed at a frantic pace, we often do not notice the abundance of gifts God has showered upon us. During this time of year, we are more cognizant of the harvest as a gift from God. But we always need to treasure each other as gifts from God.

In this issue's "Preparing for Sunday" article, Jerome Hall, SJ, prompts us to examine our disposition as we do God's work. Reflecting on the readings of the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Hall asks, "In what ways are we stretching a hand to the outcast, rather than ministering only to the righteous? In what ways, by God's grace, are we being sons and daughters of the merciful Lord and followers of Jesus? How is the liturgy calling us to be changed?" The insights offered on the readings and prayers of each Sunday may help us let the liturgy transform us.

This issue's study of Sacramentum Caritatis delves into the final section of Pope Benedict XVI's exhortation on the Eucharist. The authors of this issue's study, Rev. Ronald Lewinski and seminarian Andrew Liaugminas, help us understand how the Eucharist transforms us into a more alert companion of God in the world. Our reception of the Eucharist changes both us and our relationships, the authors write. "As we receive the Eucharist, we begin to be more conscious of how we are related to all others in the mystical body of Christ." The article, along with its study questions, can be downloaded from the magazine's Web site. Consider gathering with others to reflect upon how receiving this sacrament affects our lives.

Though Advent may seem far off, the time to prepare for that season is close at hand. In the feature, "A Contemporary Spirituality of Advent and Evening Prayer," Julianne E. Wallace suggests celebrating the manifestations of Christ present. "Bringing the present into Advent spirituality beckons the people of God to recognize the always-present Christ," Wallace says. Accompanying the article on PastoralLiturgy.org are Wallace's four outlines for Evening Prayer during Advent.

During this year, the Liturgical Environment articles have guided readers through the church building as well as the grounds. In this issue, Carol Frenning's consideration of the guidance that Built of Living Stones offers regarding the sanctuary, we learn more about the placement, relationship, and design of the altar, ambo, and the chair of the priest celebrant. "Great care is required in the design decisions for the altar," Frenning writes. "It is the most important of the liturgical furnishings and while it stands alone in its use during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the visual language used in its design should be reflected in other liturgical furnishings."

Our "Youth and Liturgy" writer Lisa Calderone-Stewart, helps us look at saints in a way that will inspire young people. She relates saints as "good folks who started out as ordinary, decent teenagers, thinking about how they could do something meaningful with their lives." All of us need to understand that sainthood is within our grasp.

May you be open to the transformation that Christ offers you throughout this season.

Bishop Joseph N. Perry
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

Using the liturgy as its source, Pastoral Liturgy® has been intentionally designed to be of service to the whole parish with resources for leaders and parishioners, those who are just beginning to learn about liturgy, and those who are seasoned volunteers and professionals.

The six 32-page, full-color issues follow the course of the liturgical year to provide guidance for liturgy preparation, faith formation, liturgical art and architecture, and the many areas of parish ministry that flow from the liturgy to witness the Gospel and build the kingdom of God.

Pastors, parish staffs, liturgy committees, catechists, musicians, architects, and everyone seeking to learn more about how the liturgy forms and informs all of parish life will find this resource a valuable support to understanding the liturgy more fully and incorporating it as the source for all they do. That's why Pastoral Liturgy® magazine is the liturgy magazine for the whole parish!