Introduction to Liturgy

Course Summary

As central to the life of the Christian person, liturgy engages the heart, body and soul in praise, thanks and worship of God as Trinity. In this course, participants will study the ritual and symbolic meaning of liturgy, its structural elements and its importance to Christian worship and life.

All reading material is built into the course.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

• Define liturgy and its importance to Christian worship
• Identify the major ritual elements of liturgies prevalent in the Church
• Explain the interdependence between liturgy and Christian living, particularly as people who are sent
• Understand the importance of hospitality and the communal dimensions of worship
• Describe how liturgy is both the source and summit of the Christian life[br]

Course Materials

• No books required. All readings are online.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: On the road to Emmaus – Encountering God in the Mystery of Liturgy
  • Examine and describe the meaning of liturgy and the call to renewal by Vatican II
  • Reflect on their experiences of liturgy
  • Develop an understanding of liturgical prayer as integral to Christian life
• Week 2: Mass as Center of Liturgical Worship
  • Understand why the Mass is the center of the Liturgical Life of the Church
  • Understand why the Mass centers on the Eucharist
  • Understand the rites and rules of the Mass, and why they are required by the Church
• Week 3: Liturgical Rites and Liturgy of the Hours
  • Examine the Liturgy of the Hours in its monastic and cathedral forms
  • Review other liturgical celebrations such as Communal Rites of Reconciliation and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
  • Respond to the opportunity to embrace these liturgical celebrations more frequently
• Week 4: Various Ministries of the Mass: Who Does What?
  • Know and understand the various ministries, both ordained and lay in Church liturgies
  • Know and understand the various ministries, both ordained and lay in the Mass
  • Understand the importance of the participation of the assembly in any liturgy, and how to encourage it
• Week 5: Living The Liturgical Year
  • Understand how and why Sunday Mass should shape our lives as Christians the other days of the week
  • Understand the feasts and seasons of the Liturgical Year and the significance of each

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