The overall purpose of the Sacred Worship Committee is to assist the pastor in planning and providing for the spiritual development of the members of the parish through liturgical celebrations, significant prayer experiences, and spiritual growth programs. The Sacred Worship Committee is active and helpful in recruiting and training liturgical ministers, preparing parish liturgies and prayers, setting parish policy along with educating the parish in issues of the liturgy. Therefore, the Sacred Worship Committee assists the pastor and the pastoral staff in forming and maintaining a vision of liturgy which is truly the center of the life of the parish.
The Sacred Worship Committee is a standing committee of the Parish Pastoral Council. With the parish mission statement and the goals and objectives as guides, the committee works with the pastor for the spiritual development of the members of the parish. The Sacred Worship Committee assists the pastor in the planning of Sunday Worship, liturgical celebrations, devotions, significant prayer experiences and programs of spiritual growth. The Sacred Worship Committee nourishes and gives direction to the liturgical aspect of parish life. This mandated Standing Committee ensures that the parishioners are provided with opportunities to deepen their faith through a variety of prayer experiences and liturgical experiences.
Responsibilities:
Preparation for worship: Celebrations for seasons and feast are prepared and accomplished with grace and prayerfulness and reflect the diversity of the People of God.
Education and formation for liturgy: See that the committee itself, the liturgical ministers, the parish staff and the parish community are well-informed and well-grounded in liturgical spirituality.
Provide multiple forms of prayer: the liturgy of the hours, devotions, missions and days of reflection, etc. Develop systems for spiritual formation and support of parishioners through various study/prayer/reflection/support groups in collaboration with the Adult and Family ministry of the parish.
Environment and Art: Ensure that the worship space is cared for, maintained, furnished and decorated with elements that are genuine and of a quality appropriate to the dignity of the community’s worship.
Music: Advise the music minister in various areas concerning resources, ministers, and repertoire to ensure that the selection and performance of music follow universal norms, especially regarding the appropriateness and the full participation of the assembly, and incorporates cultural elements.
Worship policies: Establish guidelines for how things will be done in the parish at liturgical celebrations and in preparation for them.
Committee Members: Nancy Esser (Chairperson), Rachel Ortner, Patricia Coulthard, Denise Tritz, and Tom Minor.
Decoration Committee: Geri Romens (Chairperson), Peg Rademan and Nancy Esser.