The Director of Prayer and Worship works collaboratively with the Diocesan Liturgical Commission to assist the Bishop in fulfilling his role “to promote, regulate and be vigilant over the liturgical life in his diocese.” (GIRM n 387) This is accomplished through overseeing the preparation for and execution of episcopal liturgies, developing policies and guidelines and providing statements and programs of liturgical catechesis. The director also participates in state and national organizations in support of the liturgical apostolate.
Diocesan Liturgical Commission
The Diocesan Liturgical Commission is made up of four sub-committees of volunteers who meet regularly to assist in advising the Bishop and the Director of Prayer and Worship in the development of liturgical policies, in preparing for diocesan liturgies and offering opportunities for formation.
Initiation (RCIA): Deacon Greg Mansfield
The Initiation subcommittee (or “the Committee”) is one of the subcommittees that comprise the full Diocesan Liturgical Commission. The Committee assists the Bishop (and his delegates) in his mission “to promote, regulate and be vigilant over the liturgical life in his diocese” (cf. GIRM, n. 387). It also works alongside various national liturgical groups and bodies. Therefore, the role of the Committee includes:
- Providing skills-based liturgical formation of liturgical ministers engaged in Initiation
- Providing forms and guidelines for, or commentaries/explanations of liturgical areas connected with the sacraments of and the process of Christian Initiation
- Assisting in the planning and execution of certain Diocesan liturgies and celebrations that focus on Initiation: most especially the Rite of Election (1st Sunday in Lent)
Music: Dr. Timothy Reno
The Music subcommittee (or “the Committee”) is one of the subcommittees that comprise the full Diocesan Liturgical Commission. The Committee assists the Bishop (and his delegates) in his mission “to promote, regulate and be vigilant over the liturgical life in his diocese” (cf. GIRM, n. 387). It also works alongside the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM). Therefore, the role of the Committee is to:
- Provide especially the skills-based formation of pastoral ministers of music (workshops, masterclasses, resources etc.)
- Provide guidelines for the selection of appropriate music for the liturgy (the sacraments, the liturgical year, particular events etc.)
- Provide musical formation at a parish level (for example, helping parishes identify and train parish music ministers or in increasing the liturgical/musical repertoire)
- Help plan Diocesan wide liturgies and celebrations (for example: the Chrism Mass or ordinations)
Prayer and Spirituality: Ms. Renée Morgiewicz
The Prayer and Spirituality subcommittee (or “the Committee”) is one of the subcommittees that comprise the full Diocesan Liturgical Commission. The committee assists the Bishop (and his delegates) in his mission “to promote, regulate and be vigilant over the liturgical life in his diocese.” (cf. GIRM, n.387). It also works alongside various national liturgical groups and bodies. Therefore, the role of the Committee includes:
- Utilizing various multi-media platforms to create and promote resources to parishes and individuals to grow spiritually.
- Using the website to provide parishes and individuals resources on the various types of spiritualties, prayer forms and retreat centers.
Rites and General Formation: Deacon Andrew Haskins
The Liturgy subcommittee (or “the Committee”) is one of the subcommittees that comprise the full Diocesan Liturgical Commission. The Committee assists the Bishop (and his delegates) in his mission “to promote, regulate and be vigilant over the liturgical life in his diocese” (cf. GIRM, n. 387). It also works alongside various national liturgical groups and bodies. Therefore, the role of the Committee is both theoretical and practical and includes:
- Providing especially the skills-based liturgical formation of liturgical ministers (for example: Lectors or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion)
- Providing guidelines for or commentaries/explanations of liturgical matters (such as funerals, weddings, or ad hoc liturgical changes and revisions)
- Help plan and execute certain Diocesan liturgies and celebrations (for example: the Chrism Mass or ordinations)