The Liturgical Year
Two hours should be sufficient time to allow for presentation, discussion, Q&A and hospitality.
This presentation is heavily informational.
It allows the presenter and participants to move gradually through the Liturgical Year and learn the some of the meaning of some of the words, gestures, symbols, practices, and ritual actions. It is recommended for people who have some experience of the annual liturgical cycle; it is not recommended for Catechumens or Candidates for Full Communion unless they are integrated in a larger group with practicing Catholics. (Those to be initiated might well enjoy and benefit from the questions and observations of others.)
It is offered in either the English version or the bilingual (Spanish-English) version below.
The presentation is organized by beginning the Liturgical Cycle with the pinnacle season of Triduum, followed by Easter and its preparatory season, Lent; then, Christmas and its preparatory season, Advent; Ordinary Time; and, finally, some reference to the Sanctoral Cycle – feasts of our Lord and the Saints.
The presenter:
- can use the PowerPoint slides as a visual outline for his or her expansion of each of the “details” of the Liturgical Year.
- should be an experienced catechist, comfortable with both developing the outline and taking questions from the participants and engaging them with some thoughtful questions.
- can consider a helpful handout – the “Year of Grace” calendars (LTP) available for purchase from the Office of Worship Liturgical Book Service. (Contact is Joanne DiGennaro 856-583-6121 jdigennaro@camdendiocese.org)
In preparation:
- Decide whether the order of the slides is appropriate for your understanding of the Liturgical Year – and re-order them if necessary.
- load the Powerpoint presentation into the laptop and be sure that the laptop, projector, and screen are all ready.
- arrange comfortable seating so that participants are able to see the screen, hear the presenter, and converse with each other.
- make some provision for refreshments.
If the parish does not have a suitable presenter for this offering, contact Stephen Obarski in the Office of Worship and Christian Initiation (Stephen.Obarski@camdendiocese.org or 856-583-6146)to see if he is available, or can find someone to make the presentation.
