Divine Worship
Mission
Under the pastoral leadership and guidance of the Archbishop of Boston, the Office for Divine Worship serves as a resource for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy through the Archdiocese of Boston.
Goals
To support the training and ongoing formation of liturgical ministers throughout the parishes, schools and institutions of the Archdiocese.
To help parishes and Catholic institutions to recognize and promote the centrality of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church’s life.
To continue the authentic implementation of the liturgical renewal envisioned by the 20th century Liturgical Movement and expressed in the Second Vatican Council
CONTACT US
Ministry Team
Thomas Lyman
Coordinator of Divine Worship
Office: 617-746-5880
Fr. Jonathan M. Gaspar
Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies and Chaplain
Diane Campbell
Executive Assistant, Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship
Office: 617-746-5761
Fax: 617-779-4570
Mission of the Office of Divine Worship
The Second Vatican Council states that the celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The Office for Divine Worship exists to support the most important activity of the Church, which is the worship of Almighty God and the sanctification of the Christian people. A parish that strives to evangelize and to form disciples must first celebrate the liturgy well, inviting the faithful to a deeper understanding of the sacred signs. The first priority of an evangelizing community should be the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist. The Office for Divine Worship seeks to support this foundational belief and to promote a healthy liturgical life in the parishes, where fidelity to the Church’s legislative norms and liturgical texts is embraced.
COVID-19 Resources
Resources and Services
What's New?
- RCAB Liturgical Clarifications as of February 18 2022: Specific listing of liturgical practices we should, or should not yet be doing
Liturgical Ministries
- We offer workshops for both new and experienced Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, as well as training for leaders and accompanying materials for those who would like to lead workshops themselves. Email or call to schedule with us.
- Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers in the Archdiocese of Boston (2009)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
- Oversee the process of initiation for catechumens (unbaptized adults and children of catechetical age) as well for candidates for full communion with the Catholic Church. Providing support for RCIA teams and directors, with the goal of teaching to use the RCIA to train for Christian life.
- RCIA 2022: Information Here
Adult Regional Confirmation
Sacred Music and the Liturgy
- Resources for Parish Worship: Webinars
- Provide support for parish musicians and to ensure that sacred music is at the service of the Church’s liturgy.
- 2020 Pandemic Study on Singing and Music: Please read the details of this study to understand the rationale for wearing masks while singing, as well as recommendations for wind instruments. Note especially pages 29-42.
- Music for First Communion and Confirmation
- 2022 Epiphany Proclamation--Announcement of 2022 Moveable Feasts: Set to music with 2022’s liturgical dates, this is designed to be chanted by a Deacon, Presider, or Cantor after the proclamation of the Gospel at Epiphany Masses (1/2/22). We hope you can include this Roman Missal option that adds great beauty to the liturgy. Offered in English and Spanish.
- English
- Spanish
- YouTube Practice Video - Spanish (2021 dates, but music/other lyrics the same)
- Chants of the Roman Missal (2011)
Funeral Policy
Baptism and Confirmation Guidelines for Sponsors/Godparents
Holy Communion in difficult situations
- Celiac Disease, alcohol intolerance and gluten allergies. Please contact the office for resources and canonical permissions.
Liturgical Year
- 2022 RCAB Lent and Easter Guidelines
- Sunday of the Word of God, Jan. 23, 2022/3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Resources for parish and home
- Annual guidelines for the celebration of the liturgical calendar with particular attention to Solemnities, Feasts, Holy Week Liturgies and the Seasons of Lent and Easter.
- Advent and Christmas
- Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when February 2 is a Sunday: Liturgical Notes
- Assistance with learning the Exsultet and sample recording
- Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar
Church Architecture and Art
- Provide support for parishes in new construction or renovation/restoration. Provide approval and recommendation for Archbishop’s approval for architectural plans and sacred art commissions.
Chrism Mass and Care of the Holy Oils
The Proper Care and Cleansing of Altar Linens & Sacred Vessels in the Archdiocese of Boston
General Liturgical Inquiries
- e.g., penance services, acolyte training, liturgical books/translations, cremation, altar linens, hymnals, etc.