Liturgy & Worship

News from the Office of Worship

Formation of Diocesan Worship Commission: The Office of Worship has re-established the Diocesan Worship Commission, which serves as an advisory group to the director of the Office of Worship. The DWC provides counsel on liturgical matters pertaining to the Diocese including the construction or renovation of liturgical spaces, the implementation of directives, issues surrounding liturgical music or environment and the training of liturgical ministers. Members consist of both clergy and laity representing the deaneries and are appointed by the bishop of Burlington.

A NOTE to all Liturgical Musicians: The Diocese wants to hear from you! As we plan for the future, we’d like to know what you’d like to see. Please email Josh Perry with a response to the following question: “How might the Diocese better support music ministry and music ministers?” The Diocesan Worship Commission will meet in the fall to review responses.

Join the Office of Worship Mailing List: Intended for anyone with a love of liturgy and those who have special roles in the liturgy. Stay informed about the latest happenings in the Office of Worship and be the first to hear about events sponsored by the Office. Sign up by clicking the button at the bottom of this page.

Liturgical Ministry Training:  Regional workshops for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and lectors for the spring of 2019 are below. To register for a workshop, please contact Josh Perry. If pastors are interested in hosting a training session for their parish, please contact the office to discuss options. 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Workshops (for both new and current ministers):
– Monday, March 18 at St. Anthony; White River Junction (1:00 – 3:00 pm & 5:30 – 7:30 pm)
– Wednesday, March 20 at St. John the Baptist; Castleton (1:00 – 3:00 pm)
– Monday, March 25 at Maternity of Mary; Springfield (1:00 – 3:00 pm & 5:30 – 7:30 pm)
– Monday, April 1 at Christ the King; Rutland (1:00 – 3:00 pm & 5:30 – 7:30 pm)
– Tuesday, April 2 at St. Augustine; Montpelier (1:00 – 3:00 pm & 5:30 – 7:30 pm)

Lector Workshops (for both new and current ministers):
– Tuesday, March 5 at Christ the King; Rutland (1:00 – 3:00 pm & 5:30 – 7:30 pm)
– Wednesday, March 20 at St. John the Baptist; Castleton (5:30 – 7:30 pm)
– Tuesday, March 26 at St. Augustine; Montpelier (1:00 – 3:00 pm & 5:30 – 7:30 pm)

Diocesan Liturgical Policies and Guidelines

The Diocesan Office of Worship and the Diocesan Worship Commission have been charged with working to update various diocesan policies and guidelines concerning liturgy, including guidelines for liturgical ministers, music, the celebration of matrimony and funerals, art and environment and Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. As these policies are approved, they will be posted here.

Liturgical Guidelines for the Diocese of Burlington

• Sacramental Guidelines
• Diocesan Liturgical Calendar
• Diocesan Guidelines for Music in the Liturgy
• Diocesan Guidelines for the Celebration of Marriage
• Diocesan Guidelines for the Celebration of Funerals
• Diocesan Guidelines for Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• Diocesan Guidelines for Art and Environment in Worship
• Diocesan Guidelines for Confirmation – 2019
• Preparing Parish Masses with the Bishop as Celebrant

Liturgical Ministry Guidelines for the Diocese of Burlington

• Diocesan Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
• Diocesan Guidelines for Lectors
• Diocesan Guidelines for Altar Servers

Forms

• Planning Sheet for the Celebration of Mass with the Bishop
• Rite of Election Registration Form and Information for 2019
• Adult Confirmation Registration Form
• Order Form for Prayer for the Return of a Non-Practicing Catholic Pew/Holy Cards

Online Resources

Liturgical Catechesis & Formation

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy: The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was the first formal document issued by the Second Vatican Council. The document lays out the vision the council had for the reform of the liturgy which is still being realized today. 

General Instruction of the Roman Missal: This detailed document contains the directives for how to celebrate the Mass. 

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship: The Bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship is the national committee of bishops responsible for all things having to do with the liturgy in the United States and assists the bishops, both collectively and individually, in liturgical matters. They also have a helpful and extensive Prayer and Worship Page that links to many articles on the Mass and other liturgical celebrations of the Catholic Church.

Resources for Lectors: The preparation that occurs in the week prior to one proclaiming the Word of God at Mass is an essential part of the Lector ministry and is as important as the proclamation itself. Throughout 2018, regional workshops on Preparing, Praying with, and Practicing the readings have taken place throughout the diocese. A video of this two hour workshop is available; email Josh Perry for instructions on how to access the video. A list of additional Lector Resources are also available to download.

Funeral Resources: During the month of November, the Church traditionally remembers in a special way those who have died. This is an opportune time to learn more about the Funeral Liturgy the Church offers to the faithful when they die. The articles below provide some initial background on these liturgies. Please contact the Office of Worship or your local pastor if you have particular questions.

A Personal Reflection on the Funeral Mass

November as a Month of Remembering

The Funeral Rites: Three Stages of Prayer

Symbols in the Funeral Mass

Gathering in the Presence of the Body – A model prayer service when the family first gathers before a wake or funeral service.

Order of Visiting a Cemetery – A model prayer service that can be used when visiting a grave.

Various Prayers for the Month of November

Liturgical Music and Musicians

Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship is a document that provides guidance for the use of music in the liturgy. The document was approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops in 2007 and is a helpful resource for clergy and liturgical musicians, especially those responsible for coordinating the music at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. A study guide, published by the National Pastoral Musicians group, is also available.

Liturgical Art and Environment

Built of Living Stones, published by the United States bishops in 2000, is a guide that helps parishes plan for the building and renovation of a church. Also included in the document are guidelines and reflections on the use and place of sacred art in worship as well as preparing the church environment for the different liturgical seasons.