September 2015 St. Lucy Commentator Training

The Role of the Commentator in the Mass Expectations of the Commentator – Training – Attendance and Substitutions – Spiritual Preparation – Technical Preparation Practicum – At the Beginning of Mass – At the Prayers of the Faithful – After Mass Q & A Agenda 2

The Role of the Commentator in the Mass The commentator….. if appropriate, provides the faithful briefly with explanations and exhortations so as to direct their attention to the celebration and ensure that they are better disposed for understanding it. The commentator’s remarks should be thoroughly prepared and notable for their restraint. In performing this function the commentator stands in a suitable place within sight of the faithful, but not at the ambo GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL Copyright © 2011, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved Servers, lectors commentators, and members of the choir also exercise a genuine liturgical function. They ought, therefore, to discharge their office with the sincere piety and decorum demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightly expected of them by God's people. Consequently they must all be deeply imbued with the spirit of the liturgy, each in his own measure, and they must be trained to perform their functions in a correct and orderly manner. CONSTITUTION ON THE SACRED LITURGY SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS POPE PAUL VI ON DECEMBER 4,

Expectations of the Commentator Training Attend either a one on one or group training for Commentators Participate in retreats during the year as they come up Solicit/accept constructive feedback on an ongoing basis Provide constructive criticism to other commentators as needed/requested Attendance and Substitutions Ensure the schedulers know which Mass(es) you are available for. This can be done through the Rotunda software ( terminal/login/SaintLucy?) If you will not be available on a particular weekend, ensure the schedulers know by the scheduling deadline and/or enter your unavailable dates in Rotunda. Once the schedule is published, you are responsible for obtaining a substitute if you are not able to commentate as scheduled Check in with the Mass Coordinators before Mass to see if you might be needed on an emergency basis 4

Expectations of the Commentator Technical Preparation The Day of Commentating: Dress appropriately Arrive at church minutes before Mass Sign in on the sign-in sheet for that date/Mass and make sure the Mass Coordinator knows you have arrived Find the appropriate page in the Commentator’s book Review the commentator materials. Make sure of the correct pronunciation of any words/people’s names that are not familiar to you (you can ask the priest or other folks in the Sacristy for help) After Commentating: Solicit feedback regarding how the commentating went (e.g with a friend, family members, the other commentator) to see where improvements can be made 5

Practicum At the Beginning of Mass Wait in the entry way to the Sacristy on the Lectern side of the Church Wait for the bells that announce Mass to begin ringing As the bells are ringing make your way to the Lectern. There is no need to bow as you approach the Lectern. When the bells finish ringing, make the opening announcements according to the script in the Commentator book As the parishioners are welcoming each other to the Mass, proceed to your seat in the congregation, taking the Commentator book with you. There is no need for you to bow as you leave the Lectern. 6

Practicum At the Prayers of the Faithful At the end of the Profession of Faith, as the congregation is saying “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church………” proceed to the front of the pews on the Lectern side of the Church As the Presider says the introductory prayer to the Prayers of the Faithful, proceed to the Lectern. There is no need to bow as you approach the Lectern. When the Presider completes the introductory prayer, reverently read the Prayers of the Faithful Stay at the Lectern until the Presider completes the closing prayer to the Prayers of the Faithful. Take the Commentator book back to the Sacristy and put it away on the bookshelf, then return to your place in the congregation. There is no need to bow as you leave the Lectern. 7

Resources & Q and A 8 Commentator Training and Questions: Rita Gray (408)