|
General Principles
 |
Liturgy is the action of Christ done through His body, the church. |
|
Liturgy is the action of the entire Church and not just a particular local community. |
|
In liturgy we pray what the Church believes. |
|
Liturgy shapes and forms us as Christ's people. |
|
In liturgy, the Church expresses its identity. |
|
Liturgy is not only an expression of our faith, it is also a rehearsal for the kingdom of God. It gives us a taste of the kingdom. |
Principles for Liturgical Preparation
|
Liturgy is a symbolic language. It should not be minimized. |
|
Music is an integral and necessary part of liturgy. |
|
Simplicity, honesty, and authenticity are guiding principles for everything concerned with liturgy. |
|
Good Liturgy identifies the heart of RCIA. Be careful not to make a minor element of the Rite a major feature. |
|
Do not neglect the environment. |
|
Appreciate how ritual works. It may be messy. |
|
Whatever is done, do it deliberately, genuinely, and authentically. |
|
Less can be more. |
|
Let the Rites speak for themselves. Allow for silence and be sensitive to the rhythm of the Rite. |
|
Critique, evaluate, and record all that occurs (for next time). Make it better. |
Some Principles of Liturgical Adaptation
|
Know the Rite thoroughly. Understand the theology underlying the rite. |
|
Know where the Rite itself allows or suggests adaptation. |
|
Understand the real constraints of your community. Accept limitations. |
|
Adapt only for genuine reasons, not simply for the sake of novelty or creativity. |
|
Don't minimize the Rite for the sake of convenience. |
|
|