I've heard priests ask "why is it so hard to get an organist these days" and I've seen priests spend hundreds of pounds on digital hymnals (electronic automatic organists) but I've yet to see a priest spend any money on the training of musicians. Across our diocese, how many young people and teenagers are being sponsored by the Church to take lessons as organists? Why is it so hard to get an organist these days? It's not rocket science.

Training of "extraordinary" ministers - Yes. Training of "ordinary" musicians - Nope.

Don't even get me started on chant.

A Church which only makes use of 'utility' music has fallen for what is, in fact, useless. She too becomes ineffectual. For her mission is a fair higher one...The Church must not settle down with what is merely comfortable and serviceable at the parish level; she must arouse the voice of the cosmos and, by glorifying the Creator, elicit the glory of the cosmos itself, making it also glorious, beautiful, habitable and beloved. Next to the saints, the art which the Church has produced is the only real 'apologia' for her history...The Church is to transform, improve, 'humanize' the world--but how can she do that if at the same time she turns her back on beauty, which is so closely allied to love? For together, beauty and love form the true consolation in this world, bringing it as near as possible to the world of the resurrection. The Church must maintain high standards; she must be a place where beauty can be at home; she must lead the struggle for that 'spiritualisation' without which the world becomes the 'first circle of hell'.

[link]

First circle of hell? That reminds me of something...

Interview With President of Pontifical Communications Council

Q: What is the main challenge for the Church in our current digital era?

It is something very strange. The means of social communication are a challenge, because we're no longer dealing with having or not having means of communication....

...it is a challenge, because it presents us with a reality we have to understand and serve, that we have to love. And, therefore, we have to be present...

Q: Is this digital culture new mission territory?

...the means of social communication are a great opportunity to find help in spreading the Gospel. There is a statement from Pius XII, in which the Pope refers to the means of communication of his time, defining them as "a gift of God." Imagine if he lived today. It is undeniable that these means place many possibilities at the disposal of one who wants to be a missionary.

Apparently my first blog entry about our new bishop was "too negative". Sheesh! If you want negative try Berenike or Fr Ray Blake. I just thought it might be funny to offer him a cup of tea sometime...

I am honestly, genuinely, I promise, without reservation, happy to have a Bishop at last. Also (let my yes be yes and my no be no) I have not decided anything along the lines of "this guy is a bad/good bishop". I'm not in the business of judging who is good and who is bad - Bishops or otherwise. Who do you think I am? Fr. Christmas?

So, what's this Digital Teacher stuff all about then?

I'm glad you asked.

I'm quite excited to read this, while president of Ushaw, Bishop Drainey was involved with a programme of web based study for the permanent diaconate... he said:

"This is an online course, which is as interactive as a classroom full of students. It isn't 'distance learning' which is a one-to-one course, but is extremely interactive,"

Sound's fantastic.

The age old problem when it comes to Adult Formation has always been, too many people, not enought time. The department for Adult Formation are brilliant and yet they have their limits. Fr Lumley and Jane cannot possibly visit every parish even once a month. So you wait a month and get your hour long session most of which is spent drinking tea and being congratulated for turning up.

Imagine interactive online catechesis (chat-echesis?). You log on, you read the materials (at your own pace) you can leave comments and read other's comments (interactive) and you can get to know people hundreds of miles away. People from parishes across the Diocese can get to know each other. You get tea just the way you like it (you make it yourself) and you can do it in your own time (if you work nights, or are housebound, or just can't stand the kind of people you meet in Churches). The opportunities for evangelisation are tremendous. You could run courses for people interested in the Catholic faith who might not feel comfortable entering a Church but might be happy to log on during their lunch break. You don't need a babysitter. It would also be ideal for people like myself who always think of a question the next morning.

Hows that for positive...

If you can't wait for that, the good folks at the Catholic Home Study Service do offer free distance learning. They lack the interactive element that Bishop Drainey spoke about above but they will send you a free textbook and workbook and then you send your answers in online. It's better than nothing. Also, don't forget that, the Department for Adult Formation does have courses available and Jane Cook is already writing online.