The Catholic Church is responsible for some of the most sublime art ever created. It is no exaggeration to say she knows the code to the human heart. But over the last half century, it seems some of that spark has been lost.

This newsletter is for those who are not content to let that be; for those who love the Church deeply, and who want to explore new and innovative ways to show the face of Christ to a world so desperate to gaze upon it.

By subscribing to this content, you are joining a conversation that is gathering pace in the contemporary Church. A generation is rising for whom the watchword is authenticity - in all areas of life; from the way we behave to the way we worship.

Such integrity is the key to reconciling what might otherwise be conflicting strands: how is it that younger Catholics like contemporary Christian music, and more traditional worship at the same time?

The answer is because both demonstrate the kind of conviction that can only come from an authentic relationship with Christ; where he sets the agenda and the world follows, as opposed to the other way around.

The recipe for such authenticity is no secret, but it does require a commitment to excellence. This runs somewhat counter to an emphasis in Society on participation and everyone ‘having a go.’

However, to renew the Church in her artistic output there is no substitute for an insistence on excellence. The great cathedrals, or the masterpieces of art and music speak more eloquently of God because they demonstrate the highest expression of skill.

Sursum Corda is the place for this conversation: a stirring of hearts to insist upon Beauty in the world, and to call for the Church to renew once again her commitment to it.

Mass in the Dark?

A trend undeniably on the rise in recent years is the explosion of ‘Rorate’ Masses in the days of Advent. They take their name from the Introit: Rorate caeli desuper: et nubes pluant iustum ‘Heavens, drop down dew from above: and may the clouds rain down the Just One’ (Is. 45:8.)

Why are they so popular? Well, it seems people are not afraid to push themselves when it comes to something they consider truly worthwhile. Getting up early for Mass once a year isn’t exactly a marathon, but the warmth and stillness of the sacred mysteries in the quiet of the day is hard to beat.

Perhaps it’s the anxiety of social gatherings this time of year that leads many to crave the Rorate Mass. For some people, such activity is a real psychological challenge.

Just at the moment it all seems too much, Holy Church reaches into her treasure house, and reveals the perfect tonic: time alone with the Lord. Coming soon to a church near you:

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