The Mandate of the Archdiocesan Synod
The Art of Celebration
A Call to Renew
the Worship of Our Church
An Extraordinary Opportunity
The Synod has placed before us a challenging, yet very exciting opportunity to make a difference in the life of the Church of Northeast Nebraska. As Archbishop, I ask you to join me in meeting this challenge.
Initial plans have been made to engage the priests of this archdiocese, to take a leadership role in the renewal of our worship. We will ask them and you to identify those areas where you believe there is greatest need. In response, special programs will be designed to assist our priests, as well as liturgical ministers and laity, in moving toward a deeper understanding and appreciation for the centrality of worship in the life of our Church and the need for renewal. A wide variety of educational resources and pastoral tools will be provided to every parish and institution for this purpose.
Of particular note will be the participation of the Archdiocese in the National Meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. I am requesting that every parish be represented by their priest and two parishioners at this conference, which will feature nationally recognized speakers as well as workshops specifically designed for our parish leadership.
On-going programs will bring the fruits of this conference home to our parishes. The success of this effort requires the support and participation of all, and in particular the leadership of our priests. I know that I can count on everyone for their support. Thank you for all you do to serve God and his people. May Christ, the Great High Priest, prosper the work of our hands.
Elden Curtiss
Archbishop of Omaha
How can we more fully understand and actively participate in liturgy and prayer experiences that compel us to grow in faith and to live our faith?
Centrality of Liturgy in the Church
We believe that more active participation in liturgy, especially the Eucharist, leads to greater commitment and personal involvement in works of charity that are the true measure of people who worship in spirit and in truth. However, strategies must be developed and implemented that address the increasing numbers of Catholics in the archdiocese who are not present regularly for Sunday Eucharistic liturgies.
Recommendations to the Archbishop
Members of the Synod Assembly recommend to the archbishop that he inaugurate a major effort involving educational and formational resources in the archdiocese to promote in all our parishes and institutions a comprehensive program of liturgical theology and spirituality. The purpose will be to inform people about the centrality of Eucharistic worship and prayer in their lives of faith, and inspire them to move from worship of God to service to people. This program of liturgical renewal in the archdiocese, to be implemented by the year 2006, will include the following:
Special programs in liturgical theology and spirituality will be provided for all liturgical leaders in the archdiocese so they are prepared to give informed and inspirational guidance in liturgical celebrations for those they serve.
Congregations will be instructed regarding the centrality of Eucharistic liturgy in their lives of faith, and the importance of their participation in the church’s worship and prayer.
Liturgical prayer (Eucharistic scripture readings, Liturgy of the Hours, prayers of the saints) will be encouraged outside of Mass for private prayer and family prayer at home. All formation programs in the archdiocese (Catholic schools, religious formation classes, RCIA, adult education programs, small group discussions, young adult programs and all renewal groups) will include a component on liturgical theology and spirituality. Our goal will be to renew in all baptized Catholics an awareness of the centrality of Eucharistic worship and prayer in their lives of faith.
Response by the Archbishop
The renewal of liturgical theology, especially Eucharistic theology and liturgical spirituality, will lead people to a deeper appreciation for liturgy and a more active participation in liturgical worship and prayer. The archbishop will work with the Council of Priests, the Deacon Council and the Office of Lay Ministry to solicit the support and cooperation of the clergy and lay ministers of the archdiocese in developing the educational and formational resources needed for this liturgical awakening and renewal of all our people.
The archbishop will direct the Office of Divine Worship, the Schola Cantorum, and the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission to be the lead agents in the educational and formational efforts associated with liturgical renewal in the archdiocese. This involves processes to renew the understanding, formation and spirituality that arise from an awakened appreciation of the life of Christ we share in the liturgy. This intensified awareness will lead more people to committed service to others as the Body of Christ. The Office of Worship will collaborate with the Schola Cantorum, the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, as well as the Office of Religious Formation, the Hispanic Ministries Office and the Family Life Office in this educational and formational effort. These agencies will provide parishes with the necessary resources to promote the implementation of these recommendations.
