Liturgies
Preparing Liturgies: Sundays and Liturgical Seasons
Prelude: PRAY!
1. Planning teams will consist of pastor, deacons, ministry representatives, and others gifted or interested in liturgy.
2. Preparation will be scheduled according to the planning calendar. (Download a sample calendar: 41k Word doc or 138k PDF doc)
3. The liturgy preparation committee members are expected to (know how) to use the following basic resources:
- Lectionary
- Sacramentary/Roman Missal
- General Instruction to the Roman Missal (Revised)
- Ordo
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
- Order of Christian Funerals
- Other Rites: Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Anointing
- Music in Catholic Worship & Liturgical Music Today
- Built of Living Stones
- Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest
- Publications on the liturgical seasons
- Sourcebook for Sunday and Seasons, LTP
- Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers. LTP
- Living Liturgy:Spirituality, Celebration, Catechesis for Sundays & Solemnities, LitPress
- Preparation resource:
- Preparing Parish Liturgies: A Guide to Resources, LitPress
- Online liturgical preparation sites (see Online Liturgical Resources)
4. Decisions and suggestions will be reached by consensus of the preparation team, including the presider.
5. Environment and art should consider available natural materials, live and dried plant materials.
6. Choice of music is more than a musical decision. The following should be considered:
- scripture readings and mass prayers
- mood of season
- liturgical rites
- available resources – hymnals, musicians, etc.
- ability of congregation
- copyright permissions – indispensable!
7. Special observances, such as RCIA rites, may be announced ahead to the community through the parish bulletin to promote awareness of the liturgy, to educate, and to encourage participation.
8. Liturgies should be evaluated critically, especially feasts and special rites.
