Book Description

An annual resource for parish ministers, liturgists, pastors, and planning committees, Living Liturgy offers a practical means for reflection on and celebration of Mass for Sundays and solemnities as well as select other days. Living Liturgy integrates spirituality and celebration, catechesis and pastoral practice, the ministry of the assembly and other ministries so that celebrating and living go hand-in-hand. Written by a pastorally experienced team with expertise in Scripture, spiritual direction, liturgy, and liturgical music, Living Liturgy teaches that we learn from each other of the fullness of God's mystery, and by learning and worshiping together we enrich each other. Living Liturgy helps people live a liturgical spirituality. This is a way of living rooted in liturgy, which opens their vision to their baptismal identity as the Body of Christ and shapes their living according to the dying and rising rhythm of the paschal mystery. The paschal mystery is the entire saving mystery of Jesus Christ--his life, mission, passion, death, resurrection, ascension, sending of the Spirit, and promised second coming--and our participation in this mystery. Liturgy enacts in the here and now Christ's mystery and sends each one of us forth to live this mystery. Anyone involved with liturgical planning and preparation will benefit from using this resource, including pastoral ministers, liturgy directors, musicians, and liturgy committee members. Living Liturgy also assists those who serve the community in the visible liturgical ministries--presiders, deacons, music ministers, hospitality ministers, altar ministers, lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion--because it clearly shows thateach ministry deserves not only practical preparation but, even more important, spiritual preparation. Further, catechumens, candidates, and sponsors use Living Liturgy to support and deepen their liturgical journey within the RCIA. Members of faith-sharing groups use this resource as the focus of weekly prayer and reflection together. Parents and teachers will find that Living Liturgy can be simplified and shared with younger members of the liturgical community.