“The Church evangelises by the beauty of the liturgy.
Let us ask for the personal and sincere meeting with Christ who lives in the liturgy that our lives may be a spiritual sacrifice offered to God.” [Pope Francis – February 2021]
Included in The Agency for Evangelisation’s commitment to ongoing formation of parishioners is that in the area of liturgy, particularly liturgical ministries. The liturgy can be a powerful vehicle of evangelisation. For our liturgy to aspire to this goal, knowledge and understanding of the principles that lie behind it are essential/desirable, particularly among a parish’s liturgical leadership team.
Following the successful 'Taking Liturgy Seriously' course, a general introduction to Catholic Liturgy in 2021, the Society of St Gregory (SSG) are offering a 2023 modular study course, beginning in February, taking place on Thursday evenings via Zoom, that will focus on all aspects of Eucharist. Each module will comprise three one-hour sessions, 7.30-8.30pm, offering time for discussion and comments. The course is aimed at all who wish to develop a deeper knowledge of liturgy.
Course fee: £30 for an individual module
Discounted cost for the full course [six modules] paid in advance: SSG members: £150
Non SSG members: discounted price of £175 for the full course [six modules], including complimentary SSG membership for 1 year (for new members only)
Course Outline
MODULE 1 – Eucharist, Monsignor Kevin McGinnell
· Exploring the theology and meaning of the Eucharist
· The history of its development to the present day
· Ars celebrandi in the Roman and other rites. Some ecumenical reflections
MODULE 2 – Word of Prayer, Reverend Professor Peter McGrail
· Collects and other Orations – their development and origins
· Eucharistic Prayers with their Prefaces. Thoughts from the Ambrosian Rite
· Penitential Rites, Blessings and the Common of the Mass
MODULE 3 – Word of God, Martin Foster
· The proclamation of the Word of God, the use of psalms
· The use and development of Lectionaries
· The current Roman Lectionary. Some ideas on the Revised Common Lectionary
MODULE 4 – Symbol, Father Paul Turner
· Symbol and Theology
· Bread and Wine
· Gesture and posture for celebrant and people
MODULE 5 – Music in the Mass, Martin Barry
· The forms and functions of music in the Mass
· Liturgical music in Christian history
· Reform and renewal in music for the Mass
MODULE 6 – Environment, Ann Blackett
· Building and space for worship – an historical overview
· Altar, ambo, chair – how they speak in worship
· Liturgical vessels, vestments, art – yesterday and today
For details of dates and how to apply (including information about bursary funding), go to Taking Liturgy Seriously 2
