Pax tecum and greetings from the updated Office of Worship web page

As we diocesan priests prepare for priesthood ordinations and the Annual Convocation of Priests, June 6-9, we ask our people to pray for us.

May this year’s focus: Rekindling the Spirit of Prayer: The spirituality of the priest presider renew within us the conscious desire to imitate the mystery we celebrate (Ordination of presbyters, Presentation of the Gifts).

Food for Contemplation

The liturgy celebrates life, the Risen Lord present here and now, and in all history. The priest at mass expresses his own faith by:

1) going beyond the visible to touch the invisible: the Lord’s own presence and action.
2) being renewed at the end of the Eucharistic celebration and ready to imitate the rite he has celebrated.

The first is the origin of ars celebrandi through which the assembly realizes that the liturgy is not mere performance but a living relationship/encounter with Jesus in the Spirit and total assimilation into the mystery of God.

The second inspires the priest to turn his life into a celebration of the mystery of Christ.

Consider Reading

“Toward a New Liturgical Movement” [Origins. 40(April 28, 2011):n. 46, pp. 745, 746-759.] by Kevin Irwin. It may be especially rewarding, as he was unable to join us as keynote speaker this year.

2011 Priests’ Convocation

FYI: The workshops at the convocation do not duplicate the RM3 Tier 1 presentations for priests and deacons. They are an opportunity to deepen our experience or mindfully consider what we sing, say, and do as priests among our people.
 

SS. Cyril & Methodius, patrons of evangelization of Europe, present Pope Nicholas with the relics of Pope St. Clement I (Xc).  The fresco is from the Basilica of St.  Clement in Rome.  Note the full retinue of liturgical ministers (deacons, acolytes, assembly, singing) serving in harmony with the presiding bishop. 

The Office of Worship’s mission is to offer:

1) Cutting-edge mystagogy for priests, deacons, faith formators
2) Consultation in deepening the encounter with the Risen Lord present and active in his:
     a. Word
     b. Priest presider
     c. Sacramental Act (Eucharist)
     d. The praying and singing Assembly of the baptized (CSL1963, 7)
3) Support and pastoral/spiritual resources for parish worship to further the full, conscious, and actualizing, participation (interior and exterior) of the people of God in sacred worship

Listen to the Roman Missal, Third Edition, Mass Chant (below)

 Rev. Czeslaw M. Krysa, SLD - Director
Phone: (716) 847-5545
Fax: (716) 847-2206
Email: officeofworship@buffalodiocese.org