This is the final unit of the Christian Formation Course. This year we are inviting the participation of any interested members of the faithful, from parishes and schools, who wish to explore and reflect on the principles of Catholic liturgy. These principles shape the meaning and practice of Catholic liturgy and so deepen our understanding and appreciation of why we do what we do. This is an opportunity to deepen your relationship with God, your understanding of Catholic liturgy, and to reflect on your own full conscious and active participation as a member of the Assembly.

Formation outline

LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE CHURCH: CELEBRATING REVELATION

We owe to the Council — and to the liturgical movement that preceded it — the rediscovery of a theological understanding of the Liturgy and of its importance in the life of the Church. As the general principles spelled out in Sacrosanctum Concilium have been fundamental for the reform of the liturgy, they continue to be fundamental for the promotion of that full, conscious, active, and fruitful celebration (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium, nn. 11; 14), in the liturgy “the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit” ( Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 14). … I simply want to invite the whole Church to rediscover, to safeguard, and to live the truth and power of the Christian celebration. I want the beauty of the Christian celebration and its necessary consequences for the life of the Church not to be spoiled by a superficial and foreshortened understanding of its value … [Pope Francis in Desiderio Desideravi (DD) n 16]

Duration:       Two days [14 hours]

Rationale:    Catholic liturgy is the source and summit of Christian life, a communal celebration in which the faithful respond to God’s call to participate fully, consciously and actively in Christ’s Paschal Mystery, thus shaping in them the true Christian spirit. Through this participation the faithful are changed into the Body of Christ sent to continue Jesus’ mission in the world today. The liturgy thus makes the Church for mission, and shapes the faith of the Church.

To participate in the liturgy in a way that is true to its ecclesial nature and purpose it is essential that the faithful develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the spirit of the liturgy AND a capacity for liturgy.

Outcomes: By the end of this unit participants will have had an opportunity to:

• deepen their relationship with the God of Jesus Christ;
• practise Mystagogical Reflection;
• develop their understanding of the nature and purpose of Catholic liturgy in the life and mission of the Church;
• read and reflect on Chapter I of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy;
• identify and reflect on the foundational principals of Catholic Liturgy as articulated in that chapter;
• consider and explore how these principles are embodied in the liturgical celebrations of the Church with particular attention to the celebration of Mass;
• reflect on the nature of their presence at, and participation in, Catholic liturgy
• appreciate the limitations of what has been explored and the consequent need to keep developing their understanding

Content: This course will cover the following content:

1. A review of the process of Mystagogical Reflection
2. The nature and purpose of Catholic liturgy as expressed in the foundational liturgical principles
3. The structure and elements of Catholic liturgy as an expression of its sacramental nature
4. The meaning of, and the faithful’s capacity for, symbol
5. Questions and issues emerging from participants.

Process:             Completion of prereading-  Desiderio Desideravi  &  Sacrosanctum Concilium

All are welcome.

Morning tea and lunch provided.

ATTENDANCE OF BOTH DAYS IS REQUIRED FOR UNIT COMPLETION.

Register Here! RSVPs close 11 August

Enquiries to [email protected]