Getting started

I've been a student of Catholic liturgy since I was about 9 years old, when I received a Maryknoll Missal as a Christmas present from my parents. I was intrigued then — and still am — about the words we use, the gestures, and the theological and ecclesiastical manifestations in all that we do liturgically as Catholics. 
       In this blog, I hope to convey information in a balanced and accessible manner to Catholics in the United States. Along the way, I hope to learn from the readers what unanswered questions are out there in the minds of Catholics as to why we do what we do, and what it means. Please write to me with those questions and I promise to do my best to answer all of them.
       Whenever speaking on the liturgy, I often get asked, "Are you a 'traditional' Catholic or a 'progressive' Catholic?" I prefer to avoid those labels (and to some extent, my views probably defy those labels). Rather, I'd like to answer that question by telling you about my two patron saints. They are St. Peter and Blessed John XXIII.

• I chose Peter as my Confirmation name because I admired that, although he didn’t always get it right, he never despaired of Jesus’ love and mercy. The Catholic Church is built upon people like that. 
• I chose Blessed John XXIII as my patron for ordination because of the great openness and revitalization he brought to the Church, and the Catholic Church is also built upon people like that.

       And so I ask their guidance and intercession as I embark on this effort.