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
Mourning Pope Francis: Liturgical Guidelines & Resources
- Celebrating the Life and Birth to Eternal Life of
Pope Francis (guidelines for liturgical celebrations and activities in Families of Parishes) - Novena in Remembrance of Pope Francis
begins on the first day of the novendiales mourning period established by the College of Cardinals and concludes nine days later. It consists of a short reading from Scripture or another ecclesiastical text, some brief prayers, and orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.
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Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, and with it mandatory use of the new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). The Office of Worship will offer a new series entitled, “OCIA: What’s New? What’s Not? What’s Next?” which will take place throughout the remainder of the year to form clergy and OCIA ministers.
The first virtual sessions for clergy and OCIA Coordinators and Team Members will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 10 AM or 7 PM. Registration is required and can be completed at https://forms.gle/7SX2iy5UsrSHGqbj8 Virtual meeting information will be emailed to registrants. Questions may be submitted in advance or during the session.
OCIA Coordinators and Team Members are asked to click here to update their contact information to stay up to date.
Lent, the Rite of Election, and Holy Week 2025
- Annual Lenten Reminders 2025 (Includes new policies and mandates for OCIA and Families of Parishes)
- Registration for Catechumens and Candidates for the Rite of Election
- Requesting the Faculty to Confirm (for Priests celebrating the Easter Vigil)
- Pope Francis: Easter Belongs to Christ, not our Calendars (Vatican News)
- 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.
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.
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.
- Memo to Families of Parishes (August 7, 2023)
- Rite for Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest (Revised August 2023)
Annual and Seasonal Reminders
Minister of Holy Communion Formation
Liturgical Calendar
The Liturgical year runs from the First Sunday of Advent through the Solemnity of Christ the King.
Buffalo Diocesan Liturgical Commission
Wedding Music Guidelines
Guidelines, questions and resources regarding music for Catholic weddings.
COVID Guidelines
Guidelines, questions, and resources regarding covid-19 and the catholic church
Contact the Office of Worship
Contact us with questions or concerns:
Phone: 716.847.5545
Address: 795 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14203
Catholic Directory
A complete guide for the offices and organizations within the Diocese of Buffalo
