Clear and accessible, this second edition of Guide for Ministers of Liturgical Environment provides even more inspiring content about the liturgy and its symbols along with practical advice for adorning and accenting sacred spaces. From instruction in design principles and construction techniques, to organizing work and materials, to developing sensitivity to the various cultures of parishioners, this guide will meet the practical and spiritual needs of ministers who care for the liturgical environment.
Participation at Sunday Mass is the most important action of the week for Catholics and it deserves careful preparation. With simple and informative guidance, this book provides a basic overview of the parts of the Mass as well as a foundational context for the celebration of the Sunday Mass. It guides readers through primary liturgical books and documents, highlights best practice, and reflects upon the catechetical and formational power of the liturgy. As part of the Preparing Parish Worship series, this book includes: -Theological reflections on the importance of Sunday Mass -Historical overview of the development of Sunday Mass -A walk-through the Order of Mass -Answers to frequently asked questions -Assistance with best liturgical practices -Inspirational and informative quotations from Scripture and Church documents
Because readers provide a bridge between the Word of God and the assembly, helping Christ speak to his people, they need to understand, believe, and love the Word of God they proclaim. The Introduction to the Lectionary calls for a preparation for lectors and readers that includes spirituality, biblical and liturgical formation, and technical instruction for proclamation. This book provides exactly that in an inviting and readable style that grounds readers in essential knowledge and inspires them to keep learning and growing. This resource includes: Theological and historical reflections on the liturgy and the ministry; Practical skill-building and advice for serving in this role; Ways to deepen your spirituality and call to discipleship; Answers to frequently asked questions; Recommended resources; A glossary; Questions for discussion and reflection
Companion to the Calendar, Second Edition has been revised to include the additional saints added to the proper calendar for the dioceses of the United States of America. While still including biographical information about the saints that are celebrated on the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar in the dioceses of the United States, the theological meaning of the various liturgical seasons, and explanations of secular days and Jewish and Muslim feasts, this Second Edition has also been revised to include additional Catholic days such as Marian and sanctoral observances, devotions from particular cultures (Hispanic, Vietnamese, etc), and other observances such as Catholic Schools Week and the World Day of the Sick.
This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen’s relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience. The Living Word™: Leading RCIA Dismissals, Year A includes: - Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year A - Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists - Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant - Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day - Centering ideas and closing prayers - Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day - An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies
Ushers and greeters—ministers of hospitality—are vital to parishes so they need strong formation to comfortably and graciously respond to the needs of everyone who comes through the doors of your church. Solid training helps them become models of hospitality for the whole parish. This guide helps you train new and returning ministers of hospitality by providing knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are practical, theologically and liturgically-informed, and spiritually inspiring. With its new title, design, and added content, this revised edition is more helpful than ever. To Fr. Paul Turner’s foundational chapters on the meaning and history of the ministry and on the ministry’s spiritual dimensions, a brief chapter on the liturgy by liturgist Corinna Laughlin has been added. To Karie Ferrell’s practical and wise advice on the many detailed duties of the ministry, psychiatrist and spiritual director Thomas Welch has contributed some additional perspectives. Updates to frequently asked questions, the annotated list of recommended resources, and the glossary have added yet more value to the book, and questions for reflection and discussion continue to accompany each chapter. Let this guide help you open wide the doors of your church so that it can be, as Pope Francis has called for, a spiritual field hospital for our needy world. This guide includes: Theological and historical reflections on the liturgy and the ministry; Practical skill-building and advice for serving in this role; Ways to deepen your spirituality and call to discipleship; Answers to frequently asked questions; Recommended resources; A glossary; Questions for discussion and reflection
This comprehensive guide to decorating the worship space will assist you throughout the liturgical year, helping you to discover the signs of the season in nature, in Scripture, and in the living tradition of the liturgy. With helpful tips for decorating the altar, ambo and font, shrines and vestibules, and both indoor and outdoor gathering places, this practical resource will serve as an invaluable tool for decorating your parish year after year.
Celebrating Baptism well has the potential to evangelize and transform a parish community so that their faith will be stirred, deepened, and renewed. This second edition provides pastoral guidance for preparing joyful and communal celebrations of infant Baptism within or outside Mass according to the newly translated Order of Baptism of Children. It provides guidance for selecting Scripture readings, prayer texts, and music; arranging the environment; scheduling ministers; and preparing liturgies that engage and evangelize.
