Friday, July 30, 2010 COMMITTEES Art & Architecture. This committee is a resource for parishes preparing to build a new church, or planning to renovate their existing church. When consulted at an early stage, the committee, with its resources and experience, may be an invaluable help to a parish seeking direction. One of the responsibilities of the Commission is to make recommendations on such projects to the Archbishop. Liturgical Formation. This committee was formed in 2002 in response to a needs survey in the Archdiocese of all Pastors, Liturgy Committees, Pastoral Councils, and all those who prepare Liturgy. A number of workshops on the Liturgical Year were facilitated as a result of the survey. Music. The Music Committee works with the Parish Workshop Committee, but also responds to enquiries from throughout the Archdiocese - and sometimes beyond. Workshops focus on the music ministers’ role in facilitating the Assembly’s “full, conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations....” (CSL §14) Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. “Vatican II prescribed the revision of the rite of baptism of adults and decreed that the catechumenate for adults, divided into several steps, should be restored.” (CDW, 1972) To be effective, parish RCIA teams need formation. Over the years, we have invited the North American Forum on the Catechumenate several times to assist the Archdiocese in this crucial ministry. Individual parishes can request workshops, materials, or resource persons to assist them. Parish Workshops. This committee is first contact for parish workshops. We meet with parish representatives and develop a workshop that responds very directly to the individual needs of the parish. If appropriate, near-by parishes, or the deanery, can be invited as well. Phone 726-3660, Extension 247 Fees. Nominal fees are charged for archdiocesan workshops, to cover expenses. Often the parish will pay this. It has not been the practice to charge for individual parish workshops, although a stipend is sometimes offered to the facilitators, to cover their expenses. Developing Needs. In his Apostolic Letter Dies Domini, John Paul II has called for the restoration of Sunday as “the Lord’s Day.” With the shortage of priests, that has put an emphasis on “Sunday Celebration of the Word and Hours.” The Commission has studied it, there is a ritual, and we have already done some workshops and helped some parishes who wished to use it. Perhaps we can help you. Examples of some recent workshops: General Session on Ministry Development, Hospitality, and the Spirituality of Ministry R.C.I.A., and the Baptism of Children Bereavement (Team Formation, Funeral Mass, Funerals Outside Mass, Vigils and Other Funeral Rites, Cremation) The Liturgical Year (Overview, Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter, Ordinary Time) Sunday Celebration of the Word Ministry of Readers Communion Ministers Liturgy of the Word with Children The Liturgical Component of Preparation for Sacraments Ministry of Music Organizing a Parish Liturgy Committee