Let's Talk Liturgy: Introduction

From the Chief Liturgist and Chief Teacher of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, as found in the November 28 edition of the Intermountain Catholic, the diocesan newspaper:

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters,  

Liturgy is our communal act of worship of the Father, in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not a mere re-enactment of what took place during the final days of Jesus’ life, but a real encounter with the risen Christ. It is through the celebration of the Mass that we give praise and adoration to God for the marvelous gift of redemption, and together become Christ’s body in the world.  

Because liturgy is central to the life of the Church, it is fitting that we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Vatican II by renewing our understanding and experience of the Church’s liturgy. Therefore, I am asking each parish in the diocese to present a series of Four-Minute Talks on the different parts of the Mass. These scripted Four-Minute Talks, prepared by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission in conjunction with the Office of Liturgy, explain what occurs during the Mass. Intended to be read aloud following the Prayer after Communion, the Four-Minute Talks provide an opportunity for reflection as we deepen our appreciation for the liturgy and to become more attentive to its celebration. 

My hope is that as we study the liturgy, we will be inspired to live as Easter people; people filled with the good news of salvation, people who feed the poor and welcome the outcast, people who embrace the lonely, and fight for justice, people who strive to live more faithfully, celebrate more joyfully, and live the gospel more fully, not just on Sunday but every day. 

Asking God’s many blessings upon you, I remain, 

Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend John C. Wester
Bishop of Salt Lake City

The members of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission are as follows:

Chair:  Msgr. Colin F. Birchumshaw, Vicar General
Deacon Mike Bulson
Fr. Sam Dinsdale
Deacon Sunday Espinoza
Maria-Cruz Gray
Susan Northway
Deacon Mark Solak
Deacon Armando Solorzano
Margaret Stepan
Sr. Joseph Cecile Voelker, CSC

These short reflections began on the First Sunday of Advent and will continue through March, according to the paper. As when I heard it, they are only to be read, not editorialized.

I will be posting these instructional messages on Saturday, the day after they are printed in the paper. Unlike what happens in the various parishes, I may have something to say.

Stay tuned.