Dear Friends,

It is with sadness that I write that Jerome Hall, SJ, the author of the "Preparing for Sunday" article, has died. Hall died on March 11, just a little more than a week after he turned in the article that appears in this issue. The feature that Hall wrote was a favorite among readers, who looked to it for insights into the readings and prayers of each Sunday. The associate professor of Word and Worship at Washington Theological Union felt it a privilege to write the pieces. And with his background in formation of the priests and laity, he was an ideal author of the piece.

When we live in faith, we remain open to entering into the mysteries we face. This issue's feature, "Funeral Liturgies: Preserving the Vision of the Rites," by Darren M. Henson, STL, explores the challenge of leading people to the liturgical tradition that offers a reverence for death and a profound sense of the transcendent. All in pastoral care will find that the article enriches their understanding of how to guide people who are grieving a loved one. Related to that article is a query in Q&A about whether the U.S. flag can be draped over a coffin.

In the fourth installment of the study of Sacrosanctum Concilium, Thomas Scirghi, SJ, examines the meaning of active participation. The article "The Presence of Christ in the Assembly" notes that "the whole people of God has a priestly function that needs to be recognized and expressed." Download the article, and gather with your liturgy commission to discuss the questions for reflection at the end of the article.

Mary Patricia Storms's article, "Treasures of the Church," will aid liturgical art and environment teams in addressing the decor of the parish during the celebrations of the feasts of patronal saints to the feasts and solemnities of Mary.

All who work with children will want to read Suzanne M. Lewis's article, "The Richness of the Resurrected Life." There, Lewis explains that death and the resurrected life may be approached gently through the parable of the grain of wheat.

In the "Youth and Liturgy" department, Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart demonstrates the importance of allowing youth to talk about their experiences serving the Church. She suggests that youth have opportunities to talk intergenerationally about their experiences. Such exchanges will help the youth feel more a part of the parish community.

Many in parish life find that it is hard to be both strategic and visionary. Zeni Fox, PhD, explains that is possible in the review of Thomas Sweeter's book, Keeping the Covenant: Taking the Parish to the Next Level. Fox notes that Sweetser shows both how good parishes can become better and explores the realities of parish life in the twenty-first century.

Finally, you will want to reproduce the article "Does the Catholic Church Allow Cremation," inserting it with your bulletin for all to read. Kristopher Seaman explains that cremation is allowed but that it is preferred that the body be present at the funeral. He writes that the incensing, sprinkling, and praying over the body affirm the dignity and worth of the physical body.

As the summer winds down, remember to take the opportunities for renewal. Take to heart the words of the Gospel during the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted time and rest awhile."

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!