The revised General Instruction of the Roman Missal (G.I.R.M.) notes the importance of directions about the preparation of people’s hearts and minds, and of the places, rites, and texts for the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist (No. 1). It clearly acknowledges that since liturgy is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian Spirit…the entire celebration is planned in such a way that it leads to a conscious, active and full participation of the faithful both in body and mind (No. 17).
Purpose
The purpose of the Liturgy Committee is to serve our parish through the ministry of liturgy. We hope to build the faith of our community through an understanding of the rituals and traditions of both our Catholic Church and our Portuguese culture, and through the art of finding the most helpful expression of those traditions for our parish and its people. Committee members should have authenticity, integrity, respect, flexibility, courage, humility and a passion for making things better because they understand the power of the liturgy to transform hearts, lives and communities.
Authority
The Liturgy Committee is a consultative body to the pastor of the parish.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Liturgy Committee can be grouped into four areas:
- Preparation
- Coordination
- Formation
- Evaluation
Preparation
For Sunday Mass and other celebrations, the liturgical books set out the order of service with opening prayer, prayer over the gifts and prayer after communion. The readings for the day are also set out. On certain occasions there is also a set preface to be used.
Other parts of the Mass however, are more flexible. Among the variable aspects are the introductory rites, intercessions, Eucharistic Prayer and the music. Even among the ‘fixed’ parts, there is often a choice of opening prayer or the option of using a shorter form of a reading. Liturgical ministers need to be enlisted and instructed.
In addition to immediate preparation for celebrations, the Liturgy Committee also needs to undertake long-term planning. This involves oversight of the ‘big picture’ of parish liturgies across the entire liturgical year, establishing parish policy on matters of worship and setting goals for the liturgical life of the parish. A long-term goal might be to improve the standard of proclamation of the scriptures at the Mass over the next six months or to overhaul the parish music repertoire in the coming year.
Coordination
Liturgical ministries are planned and performed by those who have the necessary knowledge and skills. For example, those in music ministry select appropriate music and artists shape the liturgical environment. It is the responsibility of the Liturgy Committee to co-ordinate these various ministries and to ensure that they are carried out with a common understanding of the spirit and structure of the celebration.
The Liturgy Committee is the avenue for communication between the different liturgical ministry groups in the parish. For example, it needs to ensure that scheduling for Ministers of the Word and Ministers of Holy Communion are drawn up in such a way that an individual has only one liturgical ministry at a particular Mass.
Formation
In-service training is as important for those involved in liturgical ministry as it is in any job. Another role of the Liturgy Committee is to provide opportunities for spiritual and practical formation for its own members, for the various liturgical ministers and for the parish as a whole. This can be done by arranging guest speakers, and by including information about liturgy in parish bulletins or handouts for the ministers.
Evaluation
Looking back at the way feasts and seasons were celebrated is an important learning experience for those who prepare the Liturgy.
- What worked well and what should be retained?
- What needs to be revised, improved or eliminated in the future?
Some of the big questions that the Liturgy Committee might ask include:
- Are our liturgies life-giving?
- Are parishioners able to participate easily in the liturgies?
What criticisms are people making and how do we address them?
Membership
The parishioners making up the Liturgy Committee are:
Lúcia Soares, Chairperson
Rev. Fr. Manuel Pato
Anthony Pinheiro
Celina Belém
Champion Avecilla
Flor Lopez
Gorette Cardoso
Luis Cardoso
Mary Vargas
Michelle Vargas-Salguero
Rosie Soares