Church Documents that support and direct liturgy preparation
"...four key Church documents that liturgy committees and teams should understand...."
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The launch of Liturgia in your parish is an opportunity to review how you prepare liturgy. Here are the four Church documents every planning team should consider:
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (CSL) – 1963 The very first document of Vatican II was both evolutionary and revolutionary. It set the tone for the entire Synod: liturgy revealed who we are, foundational to our identity. At the time, it directed some noticeable outward changes: Latin to English, removal of the high altar, etc. However, the causes of these changes are still important because they are the principles of good liturgy. The necessity for Pope Francis’ recent Moto Priopio demonstrates that we are still coming to terms with the norms established by CSL. Key points:
Great quote: “The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows. For the aim and object of apostolic works is that all who are made sons of God by faith and baptism should come together to praise God in the midst of His Church, to take part in the sacrifice, and to eat the Lord's supper.” (Pope Paul IV) Resouce:
General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) - current edition 2008 The ‘GIRM’, as it is affectionately known, is perhaps the most important document in this list for busy people working in parishes today. It a short but definitive text that provides very clear directions about how to prepare and celebrate Mass. From questions about the order of who stands where in a procession to which minister should finish the chalice after communion, this comprehensive document can provide quick answers to many liturgical questions. Note, use the Australian Bishops Conference version. Key points:
Great quote: “The eucharistic celebration is enhanced when priests and liturgical leaders are committed to making known the current liturgical texts and norms, making available the great riches found in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the Order of Readings for Mass. Perhaps we take it for granted that our ecclesial communities already know and appreciate these resources, but this is not always the case. These texts contain riches which have preserved and expressed the faith and experience of the People of God over its two-thousand-year history.” (Pope Benedict XVI) Resouces:
Lectionary for Mass: Introduction (LMI) – 1981 The introduction to the 1981 text provides insight into the rubrics and underpinning theology of the Liturgy of the Word. (Tip: the introduction to any rite provides an excellent summary of both theology and praxis). Australia is hoping to get a new lectionary soonish…possibly...maybe. The President of the Australian Bishops Conference has recently submitted a text to Rome. Our current text is from the 80s and a new lectionary was expected in the 90s. Key points:
Great quote: “Throughout the liturgical year, but above all during the seasons of Easter, Lent, and Advent, the choice and sequence of readings are aimed at giving the faithful an ever-deepening perception of the faith they profess and of the history of salvation.” (LMI60) Resouces:
Directory for Masses with Children (DMC) - 1973 Vatican II ensured that liturgy was in the vernacular so that the faithful can hear the Word of God in words and language they can understand. The Directory for Masses with Children followed closely (both in time and thinking) by applying this mandate to children under 10. It directs parishes to allow for accommodations (with caveats) for children like only having one reading and what to do if the readings are inappropriate for small children. Importance was placed on singing and children's responses during the Eucharistic prayer. Key points:
Great quote: “… even in daily life children do not always understand all their experiences with adults but rather may find them boring. It cannot therefore be expected of the liturgy that everything must always be intelligible to them. Nonetheless, we may fear spiritual harm if over the years children repeatedly experience in the Church things that are barely comprehensible…” (DMC 2) Resouces:
James Robinson is the Education Officer at Liturgy Brisbane (with thanks to Elizabeth Harrington for naming the four documents in a recent workshop at Liturgy Brisbane).
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