Office for Worship and Spiritual Life

Workshops

(click on the title for more detail and registration form)

Fundamentals of the Ministry of Lectoring

This lector workshop will be beneficial for both new and experienced lectors. This workshop is intended to develop a fundamental understanding of the liturgy and the role of the lector in the celebration of the Mass. Therefore, this workshop will focus on such topics as what is the Liturgy of the Word and its theology, the role of ministry in the celebration of the Mass and in particular the role of lector in the liturgy, the spirituality of the ministry and issues around proper preparation to fulfill it. Other important issues will be the difference between public speaking and proclamation, a general review of the Lectionary and how it is structured and developing a sense that proclaiming God’s word is a unique form of public speaking.

MERRIMACK Saint Patrick Lawrence 4/6,4/13 3-5 7-9

WEST TBD

SOUTH Saint Michael Avon 3/2,3/9 3-5

Tuition: $25 a person—$300 maximum per parish

Effectively Proclaiming the Word of God

This lector workshop is intended for both new and experienced lectors. It is a practical, hands-on workshop focused on the “how” to be a good proclaimer of God’s word. This will be accomplished by giving participants an opportunity at each session to proclaim the word of God. Each person will be given feedback on those aspects which might need further development. This analysis is done based on good public speaking techniques tempered with an understanding that proclaiming God’s word is a unique form of public speaking. The goal of the workshop is to help participants arrive at a better understanding of what is expected of those called to this ministry, and to help them better understand how they currently fulfill those expectations.

NORTH Saint John Peabody 4/2,4/9,4/16 7-9:30

WEST Saint Joseph Medway 4/10,4/17,4/24 7-9:30

SOUTH Saint Mary of the Hills Milton 5/7,5/14,5/21 7-9:30

Tuition: $30 a person—$300 maximum per parish

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Ministry in Mass and Beyond

Often when one thinks of those who are ministers of Holy Communion the focus is solely on their ministry in Mass. This workshop will address those issues but also go beyond that aspect of their ministry. There are three primary avenues in which such ministry may be of further service to local parishes. The first is ministering to those who are homebound, the second is bringing communion to those who are in the hospital and the third is bringing communion to those in nursing homes. There are unique issues that need to be addressed in each of these areas, for example what differentiate bringing communion to the homebound from a home visitation, what are the issues that one should be concerned with when visiting the hospital, and when bringing communion to the nursing home. Is it is possible to celebrate a communion service led by laity? How should that be done? All of these issues will be covered in this workshop.

NORTH Sacred Hearts Malden 3/31,4/4 7-9

WEST Most Precious Blood Dover 2/26,3/4 7-9

SOUTH Saint Thecla Pembroke 4/2,4/9 7-9

Tuition: $25 a person—$300 maximum per parish

Living the Liturgical Calendar

A two-session workshop designed for those who are currently involved in liturgical ministry in the parish or those who seek to better understand the celebration of the Mass. This workshop will address the liturgical year and how it developed, the theology of the seasons and how a particular season should influence the celebration. The workshop will also help one better appreciate how the liturgical year should influence our spiritual lives and how it prepares us to live out more fully the mystery of Christ.

NORTH Saint Mary Lynn 4/19,4/26 11-1

MERRIMACK Saint John North Chelmsford 5/10,5/17 11-1

CENTRAL Saint Peter Cambridge 2/19,2/26 7-9

WEST Our Lady of Fatima Sudbury 3/8,3/15 11-1

SOUTH Sacred Heart Weymouth 2/2,2/9 11-1

Tuition: $25 a person—$300 maximum per parish

The Triduum: Revealing the Paschal Mystery

For many people who participate in the Triduum it can be a baffling experience. Yet the celebrations of these three days are the highpoint of the entire Church year. The purpose of this workshop will be to unravel the enigma which this celebration can be for many. The workshop will address briefly the historical evolution of these days and then contend with how the three days express both a unified notion of the Paschal Mystery while at the same time focusing on particular elements of that Mystery. A particular emphasis will be placed on looking at the liturgical texts used on those days both in the lectionary and Sacramentary. The workshop will also address some practical issues on how to achieve a more unified sense of the three days and how to properly prepare for the celebrations.

NORTH Saint Patrick Stoneham 3/6,3/13 7-9:30

MERRIMACK Saint Augustine Andover 3/3,3/10 7-9:30

CENTRAL Saint Ann Somerville 2/4,2/11 7-9:30

WEST Saint Mary Holliston 3/5,3/12 7-9:30

SOUTH Saint Francis Braintree 2/17,2/24 5-7:30

Tuition: $30 a person—$300 maximum per parish

Christian Initiation – RCIA I – What is it all about?

In many parishes there is a growing awareness of the importance of properly preparing people for entrance into the faith. An important element of this preparation is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is important than for people to understand the true nature and purpose of the RCIA for it to be properly implemented. There are many questions that can be raised concerning this implementation. Who are the rites intended for? What is the difference between catechumens and candidates? What is difference between conversion and full-communion? What is the role of the community in the process of RCIA? Why should it be considered a process and not a parish program? The course will explore these and other issues, helping the participants to develop a deeper appreciation of the full process that is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Part of the work will be to review the theology of the initiation sacraments and the history of RCIA, develop an awareness that this process is not simply about “adult education” but more importantly about conversion, and to explore the various liturgical actions of the rite studying their meaning and purpose. Finally we will examine what is needed to implement such a process in a parish.

Saint Bernard Newton 4/7,4/14 7:00-9:00 4/21,4/28, 5/5,5/12

Tuition: $60 a person—$600 maximum per parish

If you are interested in registering for any workshops please
contact the Office at:

Office of Worship and Spiritual Life Phone: 617-746-5880

Archdiocese of Boston Fax: 617-254-6469

2121 Commonwealth Avenue Email: OfficeForWorship@rcab.org

Brighton, MA 02135

Phone: 617-746-5880

Fax: 617-254-6469

Email: OfficeForWorship@rcab.org

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