INTRODUCTION & AMERICAN BENEDICTINE WOMEN: COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP
1. Discuss the two factors named in the Introduction that give impetus to the increased emphasis on the Liturgy of the Hours.
2. We are a part of a long, deep heritage of the scriptural tradition of Benedictine life. How do you see your com- munity prayer as continuing, developing, and enriching this long, deep heritage?
3. Benedict drew on the living prayer traditions of his day. On what
living prayer traditions do you draw today?
4. How can we, as Benedictine women, take more responsibility for liturgical
growth and be creative in liturgy, given our dependence on ordained ministers?
5. When you pray the Liturgy of the Hours alone or in a small group, do you feel you are the community at prayer just as much as the motherhouse group is when it prays?
THEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES
6. Not insignificant is our growing concern for an inclusive language for
public prayer. How do you react to the use or non-use of inclusive human
and God language for communal worship?
7. Discuss the three symbols mentioned and their place in your community prayer.
8. What relationship do you see between the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours?
What is meant by the idea that dailiness is not equivalent to centrality? Do
you agree?
PRINCIPLES OF CELEBRATION
9. Each community has its own character, and an authentic celebration by that community will reflect its spirit and help to create it. How do your Monastery Norms describe the character of your community and how is this reflected in your prayer?
10. How do postures, gestures, movement, and silence con- tribute to the richness of your community prayer?
CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
11. What are the implications of the three factors which affect the liturgical
life of women's monasteries?
12. Is undue emphasis put on eucharistic liturgy as the exclusive measure
of the spiritual environment and too little focus on the liturgical possibilities
of our communities themselves?
13. How can we extend our prayer to include lay people? At the motherhouse? Elsewhere?
14. What is your level of satisfaction with the Liturgy of the Hours as celebrated
in your community? What suggestions would you give for improvement?
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Page created: January 13, 2002
©Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses, 2001-2006