To help the parish community recognize that the Eucharist is the source of nourishment for their lives as Christians, all liturgical ministers need to have a deep understanding of the Mass. This gathering offers participants the opportunity to reflect on the power of the liturgy for themselves and those they serve.
In the liturgy, the faithful experience and celebrate the presence of Christ among them in Word, in sacrament, and in their brothers and sisters. From the liturgy, the faithful are sent to be, to enact, and to proclaim that presence in the world so that all may come to know Christ, to be welcomed into the Kingdom he proclaimed, and to participate in the praise and worship of God in the liturgy here on earth and in eternity. Through catechesis, storytelling, Church documents, art, music, and videos, participants renew their insight and energy for their ministries.
In the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the Church proclaims that “Christ is always present in his Church, especially in its liturgical celebrations. He is present . . . in the person of his minister, . . . in the eucharistic species, . . . in the sacraments, . . . in his word, . . . [and] when the church prays and sings” (7). In this presentation, we will consider how we might better recognize, welcome, and revere the presence of Christ in our liturgical celebrations. Reflecting on those moments where we might consciously think of Christ as more present than others, we will discuss ways to enhance participation and deepen the liturgical understanding of our parish communities through prayer, formation, and catechesis.
The Catholic liturgy is a rich celebration composed of music, spoken word, silence, symbols, signs, postures, gestures, and ritual actions. Each of these elements serves to open our hearts, minds, and bodies to the presence of God, allowing us to deepen our participation in the mystery we celebrate. In this session, participants will explore the various elements of the liturgy, focusing on the role of the human body in our liturgical prayer.
liturgy coordinators, liturgy committee members, ministry coordinators, liturgical ministers, priests, deacons, seminarians, pastoral associates, directors of catechesis, lifelong Catholics, and those who have recently received the sacraments of initiation
150 copies of two relevant LTP resources (up to $3500 value)
