WHAT WE DO

Office of Worship

WORSHIP

Office of Worship

The Office of Worship seeks to be a resource for parishes and ministers in the planning of liturgical celebrations and ceremonies.

It is the responsibility of this office to oversee the liturgical norms and policies of the diocese. In addition, it assists parishes with the formation of its members in various ministries such as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, lectors and music, as well as providing information in other areas of liturgy. This office regards its service to the liturgy as a privilege and challenge that requires both prayer and continual formation, recognizing that liturgy is first and foremost the prayer of Christ.

The Office of Worship includes the Catechumenate (RCIA) and assists those who wish to be in full communion with the Church, as well as those who minister to them.

Worship Updates & Resources

Families of Parishes Prepare for Lent, the Rite of Election and Holy Week

Lent is quickly approaching and with it the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion (February 18, 2024) as well as the highest point in the liturgical year, the Triduum and Easter.

Annual Lenten Reminders (Includes new policies and mandates for Families of Parishes)
Catechumenate: Becoming Catholic (Update for RCIA Leaders & Registration for the Rite of Election)
Requesting the Faculty to Confirm (for Priests celebrating the Easter Vigil)
Please email worship@buffalodiocese.org or call (716) 847-5545 if you have any questions.

New Sacramental Record Keeping Policies in effect November 8, 2023

Bishop Fisher has issued new “Precepts for Sacramental Record Keeping,” effective November 8, 2023. Information communicated in this document pertains to all Families of Parishes, as well as the Diocesan Archives maintained at the central offices of the Diocese.

Letter Promulgating New Policies (Nov. 8, 2023)
Precepts for Sacramental Record Keeping
Virtual Office Hours to answer questions on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – 2 to 3 pm. Please email spfleming@buffalodiocese.org to RSVP and to receive a link.

Revised Order of Penance (2023)

A new Order of Penance has been published with changes to the formula of absolution and other minor liturgical adjustments.

The new Order may be used as of Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023 and must be used as of the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), April 16, 2023.

Parishes may wish to publish the following as bulletin inserts and/or make them available near Reconciliation chapels as guides for penitents:

The Revised Order of Penance (2023)
A guide for the confessor and penitent to know how best to celebrate the new Order.
Pastoral Implications and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Suggested as a bulletin insert or other similar resource to educate parishioners regarding the changes to the Order of Penance.

RCIA: A New Vision

The RCIA will soon become the OCIA. Opportunities for formation and how to implement this in your parish will be coming soon! For now, continue to check http://www.buffalodiocese.org/catechumenate for current information regarding the Rite of Election and the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation as Adults (or Children over the age of reason).

Important Information for Families of Parishes Regarding “Communion Services”

Bishop Fisher has issued new guidelines for “Communion Services” (more formally known as Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest) in the context of the Road to Renewal. Please review the memo and the rites and contact the Office of Worship with any questions.