On Wednesday 1st March at 7pm, there will be a performance of Stainer's Crucifixion given by the combined ranks of York Oratory's Choral Scholars, Schola and Choir. Something not to be missed.
Arthur Cardinal Roche, formerly Bishop of Leeds, but now Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, has today issued a statement concerning two aspects of the "implementation of the motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes" of July 16 2021. He states that two specific dispensations are reserved ti the Apostolic See.
The two dispensations are:-
- the use of a parish church or the erection of a personal parish for the celebration of the Eucharist using the Missale Romanum of 1962 (cf. Traditionis custodes art. 3 §2);
- the granting of license to presbyters ordained after the publication of Motu proprio Traditionis custodes to celebrate using the Missale Romanum of 1962 (cf. Traditionis custodes art. 4).
In the original document, it is not completely clear whether individual bishops have the authority to grant these dispensations, and many have argued that, since the purported intention was to give bishops greater control over the celebration of the older form of the Mass, it would be logical for these two issues to be within the competence of local bishops.
It is clear that the intention of this latest instruction is to further limit the availability of the Latin Mass, but it is much less clear how things will work out. In the Diocese of Middlesbrough, Latin Masses are offered publicly and regularly in three parish churches. This is done with the full approval, and indeed the encouragement, of Bishop Drainey. The new instruction would seem to require that application must be made to Rome to seek permission for these to continue. I cannot see this happening any time soon.
This is a reminder that there will be a gathering of the northern chapter of the Guild of St Clare at the York Oratory after the 9.15am Mass. Anyone with an interest in the making or repairing of vestments, or ecclesiastical sewing and embroidery more generally is invited to attend, regardless of experience.
As this picture shows, the Guild is not totally a female organisation.
Wednesday 22nd February is Ash Wednesday. Ashes will be blessed and imposed at the following times at the York Oratory.
8.15am Low Mass
6pm Missa Cantats
On Saturday 25th February between 10am and 3pm, the northern chapter of the Guild of St Clare will be meeting in York. Members of the Guild will gather in the upper room of St Wilfrid's church after the 9.15am Mass to undertake various needlework tasks, principally the making and repair of vestments.
Anyone interested in vestments, whether experienced in needlework or not, would be most welcome. Tuition and advice will be available for beginners.
If you have your own needlework project, whether ecclesiastical or not, bring it along to work on. That way, you will have something to do whilst being inspired to greater things. If you do not have any work in progress, you will be able to assist someone else, until such time as you are confident to take on something new.
Please bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and usually biscuits will be provided.
