Preparing for

Public Worship

OVERVIEW

Worship refers to both the public and private prayer life of the Church. The liturgy is the public

dimension of prayer involving the gathering of the community, the hearing of God's Word, and

the participation in ritual. Liturgy is the source and summit of the Church's life. When done well,

liturgy and catechesis have a reciprocal relationship. Catechesis has a role to play in preparing

people for worship. Conversely, the experience of worship moves the faith of people motivating them toward catechesis.

OBJECTIVES

1. To reflect on the ways that symbol and ritual function in the liturgy to make it "work."

2. To understand the theological underpinnings of public worship and its relation to catechesis.

3. To gain some new ideas for involving students in the liturgy.

AIMS

1. The participants will be able to discuss the nature of the liturgy and the function of myth and symbol.

2. The participants will be able to apply some of the principles of good liturgy to their ministry as catechists.

Working with the Catechism

The following will help you gain a better under-

standing of liturgy as stated in the Catechism of the

Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"The mystery of Christ is so unfathomably rich that

it cannot be exhausted by its expression in any single liturgical tradition" (#1201).

Read the Catechism

Read #1066–#1209.

Discuss the Catechism

1. Discuss what is meant by "sacramental economy"?

2. How does this concept enhance your understanding of worship?