After reflecting on my personal experience with the new translation of the mass, I wanted to write a little about research on liturgy within sociology.  While changes in Catholic liturgy following Vatican II led to much discussion about the relative merits and demerits of liturgical change, I am aware of surprisingly little systematic research on this topic within sociology–at least in the US. Continue reading →

Last Sunday, I had my first experience with a mass using the new translation of the Roman Missal.  In the days since, I have been reflecting on my own experience and listening to others discussing their experiences as well.  Regarding my personal thoughts, I have two simple observations:  Change is hard.  Gaining perspective is important. Continue reading →

While I might post a few items over the next couple months, we will begin regular posting in January!  So, be sure to check us out again in the new year…

I just read Jennifer Beste’s article in Sociology of Religion on Catholic second graders’ experience of the sacrament of reconciliation.  It is a delightful article that helps us to view the sacrament of reconciliation through the eyes of the Catholic second graders engaging in it for the very first time. Beste took inspiration from Susan Ridgely Bales’  When I Was a Child:  Children’s Interpretations of First Communion.  As a result, her approach is child-centered, and she describes it as rooted in a childhood studies approach that sees children as co-constructors of meaning.

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