The Great War

[BobHayes]

What have parishes been doing to mark the commencement of the tragedy that is The Great War?

Our parish marked the event with a Solemn Requiem Mass for the Dead this evening. This was preceded by the PP reading out of the names of parishioners killed in the conflict, while young parishioners lit a candle for each of the dead.

The Mass gave an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy on a day when media coverage has been largely about sound bites.

[Southern Comfort]

The Mass gave an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy on a day when media coverage has been largely about sound bites.

Nut sure that what happened in Westminster Abbey last night can be termed a sound bite....

[HallamPhil]

I was in St Marie's Cathedral in Sheffield and at its 1030 Sunday Mass with Bishop Ralph they also celebrated a Mass for the Dead. The music included John Bell's 'What shall we pray?, Abide with me, Russian Kyrie and plainsong ordinaries.

[JW]

Our main Sunday Mass started 30 minutes early (appropriate notification of the time change was given). The Mass Intention was for all who died in WW1, though the Mass was of the Sunday, not a Requiem. The altar steps were decorated with poppies, plus large crucifix and tea-lights. After Communion, and with the approval of the Episcopal Vicar for Kent, a short commemorative service was held:

1) Abide with me whilst the clergy left the sanctuary and changed into purple
2) A prayer and Gospel reading.
3) Everyone in the church laid a cross or a poppy at the foot of the altar, the poppies had been made by the children of our school. Whilst this was going on the poem 'In Flanders Fields' was read, and 'Nimrod' played on the organ.
4) The Last Post (on CD)
5) 2 minutes silence
6) Reveille (on CD)
7) Vatican Council Prayer
8. Final Blessing
9) 'O God our Help in Ages Past'

The Anglican parish church held an exhibition all day yesterday and a short prayer vigil yesterday evening, which a couple of us attended.

Note for the Moderator: not sure why the number eight followed by a bracket turns into a "Cool" emoticon?

[JW]

There are details (plus a photo of the decorated Sanctuary) on our http://www.rcrainham.co.uk/parish-news.html.

[BobHayes]

The Mass gave an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy on a day when media coverage has been largely about sound bites.

Nut sure that what happened in Westminster Abbey last night can be termed a sound bite....

Was referring to the mainstream coverage during the day up to the time of my posting SC.

[JW]

Whilst the iron's hot, our bishops have asked us to commemorate other dates over the next 4 years. Here's the text of a resolution published on 9 May 2014. Note the final paragraph, i.e. we are asked to offer a Mass on the nearest Sunday etc.

"To mark the centenary of the First World War and remember all those who lost their lives in the conflict, the bishops of England and Wales encourage the Catholic community to participate in local civic or ecumenical celebrations.

The bishops will celebrate Requiem Masses in their Cathedrals on or near the six key dates which have been identified as part of the anniversary celebrations.

4 August 2014 Centenary of entry of the British Empire to the War
25 April 2015 Gallipoli campaign
31 May/1 June 2016 Battle of Jutland commemorating the war at sea
1 July 2016 Battle of the Somme
31 July 2017 Start of the 3rd Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele)
11 November 2018 Armistice Day

Catholic parishes are asked to mark these important anniversaries on the nearest Sunday by offering Mass for all those who died and to pray in the intercessions for those currently serving in the armed forces, and for peace."

[musicus]

Note for the Moderator: not sure why the number eight followed by a bracket turns into a "Cool" emoticon?

This sounds like a preference setting. Try this: go into your User Control Panel via the link near the top of the page; select Board Preferences; make sure 'display smilies as images' is set to 'No'.

[JW]

Thanks Musicus, have done as instructed.

Re the topic, the Church of England really does seem to have been well ahead of us on this one, and they've published an excellent resource bank: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/1942025/general%20resources%20for%20commemorating%20world%20war%201.pdf.
We aren't so distant from such madness as we think we are.