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
Precepts for Celebrating the Liturgical Year (2026)
The Year of Grace, 2026, the new Church Year, begins with Evening Prayer I of the First Sunday of Advent. It runs from Sunday, November 30, 2025 through November 29, 2026. Issued annually, the Precepts for Celebrating the Liturgical Calendar are meant to assist you in forming the particular liturgical calendar for your Family of Parishes or other similar ministries. Please contact the Office of Worship for clarification or assistance. Happy New Year!
Closing Mass for the Jubilee Year of Hope & Healing
To close the Year of Hope declared by the late Pope Francis and the diocesan Year of Healing here in the Diocese of Buffalo, Bishop Fisher will celebrate Mass at 10:30 AM on Sunday, December 28, 2025, the Feast of the Holy Family. This liturgy will celebrate the fruits of the past year and encourage all pilgrims of hope to continue to witness to faith, hope and conforming our lives more closely to Christ as we return to the rhythm of daily life, inspired by the Eucharist we celebrate. All are welcome!
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
On Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, mandatory use of the new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) began. The Office of Worship has offered a series entitled, “OCIA: What’s New? What’s Not? What’s Next?” and more formation sessions to form clergy and OCIA ministers will continue. Please contact us for more information.
OCIA Coordinators and Team Members are asked to click here to update their contact information to stay up to date.
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. Please note: “Communion Services” are not to take place on any weekday in the Diocese of Buffalo, regardless of circumstance.
- 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
