Whenever something new comes along it takes time time for things to settle and find their equilibrium. The new car is returned to the garage for a tweak to the engine. New software requires a patch before it works smoothly. The same is true for Ordinariates!
We who have formed the first groups of former Anglicans reconciled to full communion with the Holy See are in our infancy. We are therefore still working out the delicate balance- seeking that equilibrium between maintaining our unique patrimony/ distinctive character whilst settling into the wider family we have joined as equal members.
Focus too heavily on Anglican patrimony, that which makes us distinct, and we could so easily create a ghetto. An inward looking backwater away from mainstream life. This would be a disaster for we would not then witness to the unity at the heart of the Ordinariate vision. Thank God that there is no evidence of this happening at this time!
But forget that patrimony altogether and the reason for our existence dies. The purpose of our entering as groups not individuals is negated. It may be tempting to go native – after all the Catholic church is a comfortable place for us - but we must resist. Slipping away into the wider body, either as individuals or as groups, does not help the cause!
And that is the point. We have been called as groups to fulfil a visionary purpose. The Pope is asking us to witness to something which he passionately believes is important for the future. So out of fidelity to him we must not vanish into long grass. A one off experiment ushering in but one generation of Anglicans. No - the door which this Pope has built must be kept open for future generations. A witness to Catholic hope for the conversion of England and end to reformation divide...
There's a good bit more to read, so do head over to take a look.
Fr. Tomlinson may find that there is in fact a growing attachment for the Book of Divine Worship liturgy among his congregants and other visitors. At my parish in Boston, visitors are uniformly awed at the beauty of the service, even with our small choir and congregation to lead the singing. We all know that there are some sections in the BDW liturgy that need improvement (especially the offertory, which, lacking a good Anglican antecedent relies on the Novus Ordo rite, whereas the Tridentine rite would have been a better fit), but overall, the language and rhythm of the BDW liturgy is beautiful and provides worshippers with fitting language and ritual to give praise to the Lord and to offer up the great mystery of the Lord's sacrifice.
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