Liturgy Commission Guidelines

Section A. Purpose

  1. To assist the pastor and parish liturgist in facilitating the liturgical prayer of the community.
  2. To nourish and give direction to the liturgical worship of the parish, including the elements of spirituality, music, environment, liturgical ministers, and attention to liturgical norms.

Section B. Membership

  1. The pastor who, in the name of the bishop, is the principal liturgist.
  2. Staff persons associated with liturgy: priests on staff or in residence, parish liturgist.
  3. Coordinators or representatives of various liturgical ministries: lectors, Communion ministry, liturgical music, hospitality ministry, art/environment, sacristans, Mass coordinators, video production, linen care, etc.
  4. At-large representation from both resident and student parishioners.

Section C. Functions

  1. To engage in its own ongoing formation in order to develop an understanding of liturgical theology and liturgical spirituality.
  2. To implement the liturgical guidelines issued by the universal Church and the Archdiocese.
  3. To initiate and discern the need for liturgical policies in the parish, and to assist the pastor and parish liturgist in setting appropriate policies.
  4. To collaborate with the pastor and parish liturgist in order to prepare liturgical celebrations consistent with the theology and practice of the universal Church.
  5. To assess liturgical celebrations with a view toward their strengths, weaknesses, and needed improvements.
  6. To promote awareness of the liturgical year through various celebrations and prayer services and through aesthetic environment.
  7. To identify people qualified for various liturgical ministries of the parish, e.g., lectors, Communion ministry, liturgical music, hospitality ministry, art/environment, sacristans, Mass coordinators, video production, linen care, etc. and to assist in recruiting them for the appropriate roles.
  8. To oversee formation for liturgical ministry, both specific to the roles, and in general to the liturgical ministers and the parish.
  9. To assess the performance of liturgical ministers.
  10. To communicate the work of the committee to the pastoral council via written report or liaison.