Introduction to Liturgy

Course Details

As central to the life of the Christian person, liturgy engages the heart, body and soul in praise, thanks and worship of God as Trinity. In this course, participants will study the ritual and symbolic meaning of liturgy, its structural elements and its importance to Christian worship and life.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

• Define liturgy and its importance to Christian worship
• Identify the major ritual elements of liturgies prevalent in the Church
• Explain the interdependence between liturgy and Christian living, particularly as people who are sent
• Describe how liturgy is source and summit in their lives

Course Materials

• Required Book: Lukefahr, Oscar, C.M. We Worship: A Guide to the Catholic Mass Liguori Publications (September 2004) ISBN: 978-0764812125
• Course Materials available at the VLCFF Amazon Store.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: On the road to Emmaus – Encountering God in the Mystery of Liturgy
  • Examine and describe the meaning of liturgy and the call to renewal by Vatican II
  • Reflect on their experiences of liturgy
  • Develop an understanding of liturgical prayer as integral to Christian life
• Week 2: Moses and the Prophets – Hearing God Speak in the Liturgy of the Word
  • Reflect on the meaning of God’s word in their lives
  • Explore the correlation among the weekly liturgical readings
  • Describe the reading cycles in response to Vatican II’s emphasis on this aspect of the Liturgy.
• Week 3: Breaking of the Bread – Recognizing God’s Presence in the Liturgy of the Eucharist
  • Demonstrate an understanding of its overall structure
  • Describe the various elements of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and its main prayer
  • Reflect on the unitive meaning of Holy Communion
• Week 4: Burning Hearts – Praising God all through the Day
  • Examine the Liturgy of the Hours in its monastic and cathedral forms
  • Review other liturgical celebrations such as Communal Rites of Reconciliation
  • Respond to the opportunity to embrace these liturgical celebrations more frequently
• Week 5: Returning to Jerusalem – Announcing God’s salvation to others
  • Explore how liturgy is the source for and summit of our Christian lives
  • Reflect on how liturgy challenges us to live as Christians, forgiving, seeking, feeding, etc.

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