“Although the sacred liturgy is above all things the worship of the divine Majesty, it likewise contains much instruction for the faithful. For in the liturgy God speaks to His people and Christ is still proclaiming His gospel. And the people reply to God both by song and prayer.”
Sacrosanctum Concilium, 33
Because through the liturgy, God speaks to our hearts and invites us into relationship with Him, the faithful ought to be formed in such a way that helps draw us deeper into this encounter with our Creator. The Office of Worship and Liturgy offers the following materials to enrich parish liturgies and support clergy and lay faithful alike in living out the liturgy as the source and summit of the spiritual life.
The resources below are only a selection of what is available from the rich heritage of our Church’s Magisterium and other liturgical apostolates. Clergy, parish staff, and individuals with additional needs and questions are encouraged to reach out to the Director of Worship and Liturgy.
- Essential Magisterial Documents
In addition to the ritual texts themselves and their introductions, below is a list of essential liturgical documents and guidelines from both the Holy See and the USCCB which create a framework for planning and celebrating beautiful liturgies.
- Tra le Sollecitudini (1903)
- Mediator Dei (1947)
- Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963)
- Eucharisticum Mysterium (1967)
- Musicam Sacram (1967)
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) (1969)
- Dies Domini (1998)
- Liturgiam Authenticam (2001)
- Ecclesia de Eucharistia (2003)
- Redemptionis Sacramentum (2004)
- Sacramentum Caritatis (2007)
- Verbum Domini (2010)
- Desiderio Desideravi (2022)
- Additional Pastoral Guidelines
- Directory for Masses with Children (1973)
- Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly (1982)
- Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship (2000)
- Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (2001)
- Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States of America | USCCB (2002)
- Sing to the Lord: Music and Divine Worship (2008)
- Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities (2017)
- Other Liturgical Sources
- Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments | Vatican • Committee on Divine Worship | USCCB
- Frequently Asked Questions and Other Resources | USCCB
- Adoremus
- Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions
- Michigan Church Supply
- Society for Catholic Liturgy
- Seasonal and Liturgical Resources | Formed
- Guidebooks for Liturgical Ministers
The Diocese of Gaylord does not provide local norms for each liturgical ministry. Rather, the following guidebooks, available through Liturgical Training Publications (LTP), are the official recommendations for preparing new ministers:
- Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: English | Spanish
- Guide for Lectors and Readers: English | Spanish
- Guide for Liturgy Committees: English | Spanish
- Guide for Ministers of Liturgical Environment: English | Spanish
- Guide for Music Ministers: English | Spanish
- Guide for Sacristans: English | Spanish
- Guide for Servers: English | Spanish
- Guide for Ushers, Greeters, and Ministers of Hospitality: English | Spanish
- Planning Sheet for Episcopal Liturgies
When the bishop goes to a parish to celebrate Mass or another liturgical rite, it is important that everything is well organized for his visit. In order that both the parish and the bishop be prepared, the Office of Worship and Liturgy will reach out ahead of the event and request the parish submit the following form:
Planning Sheet for Episcopal Liturgies
It may be helpful for parishes to use this form to begin their planning process even before the Office of Worship and Liturgy requests it, and thus, it is provided here for their benefit.
