25
Sep
The Office of Worship fosters the full, conscious and active participation of the faithful in the celebration of liturgy.
News from the Office of Worship
September 9, 2020 – National Day of Prayer to End the Sin of Racism: September 9 is the memorial of St. Peter Claver, who for thirty-eight years devoted himself to caring for African slaves, calling himself “the slaves of the slaves forever.” He is the patron saint of all missions serving black communities. In light of the recent events in our nation and the urgent need to address the sin of racism both individual and systemic, the Bishops of the United States are calling on all churches to observe this day in a heightened and special way this year.
Bishop Coyne has asked that the Masses celebrated this day in the Diocese of Burlington be in reparation for sins against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and especially in reparation for sins based upon race. He further encourages parishes and Catholic Schools to host a Holy Hour on that day or to celebrate the special “Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism” seeking the particular intercession of St. Peter Claver to end the scourge of racism in our mist and to turn our hearts to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Resources for celebrating the day can be found below.
Memorial of St. Peter Claver – Mass and Lectionary Texts
Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism
St. Peter Claver Prayer Service – this can be used at the Holy Hour or at another time throughout the day. It is a adaptation of the Liturgy of the Hours. The Magnificat/Canticle of Mary (included in the pdf) can be used in the when the service is used in the PM; the Benedictus/Canticle of Zechariah can be used instead of the Magnificat when the service is used in the AM.
Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism: Bishop Coyne will lead the Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on Wednesday, September 9 at 4:00 PM. The Stations of the Cross will be live-streamed and available on Facebook or here.
***COVID-19 UPDATES***: For up-to-date information about the Diocese of Burlington’s response to the outbreak of COVID-19, including restrictions and adjustments mandated for liturgical celebrations, please click here.
***ONLINE MASSES***: Access the online Masses from the Diocese of Burlington. Other spiritual resources for the time of the pandemic may be found here.
Confirmations: Diocesan Confirmations have been scheduled for September and October 2020. Please contact your pastor or PCL to find out the date and location for your parish’s Confirmation liturgy. Because of the strict limitation on capacity in our churches, candidates are asked to make every effort to attend the confirmation date that is assigned to their parish.
Permanent Deacon Ordination: The ordination of five permanent deacons for our diocese will take place on Saturday, September 26 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Burlington. Due to capacity restrictions at the Cathedral, physical attendance at the Mass will be by invitation only; however, the liturgy will be live-streamed here for those who wish to celebrate from a distance. Concelebrating priests are asked to bring an alb and face mask. Deacons are invited to vest as well; please bring an alb, white stole, and face mask. Priests who wish to concelebrate and deacons who wish to attend are asked to RSVP their attendance to Josh Perry.
Prayer to Make a Spiritual Communion: My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy Eucharist. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
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 – 2020
- 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 2020
- Adult Confirmation Registration Form
- Order Form
- Prayer for the Return of a Non-Practicing Catholic Pew/Holy Cards
- Bishop deGoesbriand Holy Card
- A Guide to the Celebration of Mass for Visitors and Guests Worship Aid Booklet
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
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.
