The Liturgy of the Catholic Church

What is “the Liturgy”? Liturgy is the expression of our Faith (the Creed is our profession of Faith) Liturgy used in two different senses, which often causes confusion On the one hand, liturgy often means the whole complex of official services, all the rites, ceremonies, prayers, and sacraments of the Church, as opposed to private devotions. On the other hand, it can also refer to the Mass.

Ancient Descriptions of the Mass We lead him who believes and is joined to us, after we have thus baptized him, to those who are called the brethren, where they gather together to say prayers in common for ourselves, and for him who has been enlightened, and for all who are everywhere. . . . We greet each other with a kiss when the prayers are finished. Then bread and a cup of water and wine are brought to the president of the brethren, and he having received them sends up praise and glory to the Father of all through the name of his Son and the Holy Ghost, and makes a long thanksgiving that we have been made worthy of these things by him; when these prayers and thanksgivings are ended all the people present cry 'Amen'. . . . And when the president has given thanks and all the people have answered, those whom we call deacons give the bread and wine and water for which the 'thanksgiving' (Eucharist) has been made to be tasted by those who are present, and they carry them to those that are absent. Justin the Martyr 100-165 A.D.

Liturgy of the Hours (The Divine Office)

Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) The day consists of 8 ‘hours’ The Liturgy of the Hours (also known as the Divine Office) is the richest single prayer resource of the Church. It provides prayers, psalms, hymns, and meditation for every hour of every day. It has existed from the earliest times, to fulfill the Lord's command to pray without ceasing.

Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Together with the Mass, it constitutes much of the official public prayer life of the Church. The Liturgy of the Hours also forms the basis of prayer within Christian monasticism. Morning, Daytime, Evening and Night Prayer, plus the Office of Readings. Shorter version contains morning and evening prayers only.

The Liturgy of the Church is Public prayers Language and gestures Signs of the Old Covenant Singing and music Signs and symbols Holy images and art All used in the celebration of the liturgy of the Church, including items in church and employed during the liturgy

Group Exercise We are all familiar with the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist at Mass Think of different public celebrations and prayers of the Church and specific types of celebrations, for example, celebration of the sacraments; benediction; different Masses (wedding, funeral, etc.); other rituals of the Church done on Ash Wednesday, during Easter, Advent, Lent, the Triduum; certain Saint’s feasts (Blasé for example), Marian feasts, etc. On paper provided draw representations of 10 items present in the Liturgy of the Church, and what purpose or symbolism is associated with each in the particular liturgy where it is found.

Prayer for the New Year O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises, thank you for the gift of a new year.  May it be a time of grace for us, a time to grow in faith and love, a time to renew our commitment to following Your Son, Jesus.  May it be a year of blessing for us, a time to cherish our family and friends, and a time to embrace our faith more fully.  Walk with us, please, in every day and every hour of this new year, that Your light might shine through us, in spite of our weaknesses and failings.  Above all, may we remember this year that we are pilgrims on the sacred path to You.  Amen.