Liturgy Commission Guidelines
Section A. Purpose
- To assist the pastor and parish liturgist in facilitating the liturgical prayer of the community.
- 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
- The pastor who, in the name of the bishop, is the principal liturgist.
- Staff persons associated with liturgy: priests on staff or in residence, parish liturgist.
- Coordinators or representatives of various liturgical ministries: lectors, Communion ministry, liturgical music, hospitality ministry, art/environment, sacristans, Mass coordinators, video production, linen care, etc.
- At-large representation from both resident and student parishioners.
Section C. Functions
- To engage in its own ongoing formation in order to develop an understanding of liturgical theology and liturgical spirituality.
- To implement the liturgical guidelines issued by the universal Church and the Archdiocese.
- To initiate and discern the need for liturgical policies in the parish, and to assist the pastor and parish liturgist in setting appropriate policies.
- To collaborate with the pastor and parish liturgist in order to prepare liturgical celebrations consistent with the theology and practice of the universal Church.
- To assess liturgical celebrations with a view toward their strengths, weaknesses, and needed improvements.
- To promote awareness of the liturgical year through various celebrations and prayer services and through aesthetic environment.
- 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.
- To oversee formation for liturgical ministry, both specific to the roles, and in general to the liturgical ministers and the parish.
- To assess the performance of liturgical ministers.
- To communicate the work of the committee to the pastoral council via written report or liaison.