NOTE: the following are directions for planning in general. Specific directions for a Zoom paraliturgy or an onsite Eucharistic celebration will follow.
Calendar
Presiders
Sample Programs and Template
Inclusive Lectionaries (Refer to Calendar above for Cycle and Page Numbers): Cycle A, Cycle B, Cycle C
Creeds
Versions of Our Father/Mother
Songs and Lyrics
Audio Music Files Available
Visual Resources
Communion Bread Recipe
Resources for Special Occasions
Here are the steps for planning and presenting a liturgy, whether it be a Eucharistic, in-person celebration or a paraliturgy on Zoom.
The first step is to look at the Calendar on this website which will provide the description of the particular Sunday, such as the third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Calendar will show the presider, planners, Zoom Coordinator and readings/responsorial. Check with Marian Klymkowsky ([email protected]) to learn the names of others who have signed up. If you are the first person to do so, you can ask individual PAX friends or the members of the Community to join you.
Contact the Presiders two weeks in advance, if possible, and coordinate a time for planning with the presider and the planners.
A Sample Mass Sheet and Template are available. They will be the guide for producing your liturgy program. Determine which of the planners will prepare the program, sometimes referred to as the Mass sheet.
When the planning team and the presider meet (whether in person or virtually), it is sometimes meaningful to begin with a prayer. Then read aloud all the readings for Sunday. The website has access to all the readings from the Inclusive Lectionary. (The readings for each Sunday, through three years, rotate through three cycles, known as Cycle A, Cycle B and Cycle C. The Calendar will indicate which cycle we are currently using. The readings for all the Sundays in a season (such as Advent or Lent) need to be kept in mind to determine if they have a common thread. The planning team will usually discuss the background, meanings and questions one may have about them. You may also wish to discuss alternatives to the readings.
Next step is deciding on the theme of the scriptures. It is usually a phrase or may be a quote from a reading.
Discuss ways to bring the message across to the community. This may include audio and imagery, creative or relevant readings, or a dramatic presentation.
Versions of Creeds and Our Father/Mother are available. One can also select, copy, and paste from that source.
There is a link to many Songs and Lyrics and you may select, copy and paste them into the program. It is important to include the name of the composer and the copyright information along with the lyrics; see other Mass sheets or programs for reference.
The Music Group provides important help. The planning group may select songs for the Gathering, Offertory, Communion and Recessional, keeping the season in mind (Advent, Lent, Ordinary Time, Pentecost, etc.). The planning team can either select a Gloria, Kyrie, Gospel Acclamation and the Eucharist songs such as Lamb of God or ask the musicians to select these.
It is essential to inform a music group member of your music choices in a timely manner. When planning a virtual liturgy, give the musicians at least a week to prepare new music. They will also let you know what music is available or suggest songs if you ask. Contact Ann Brown [email protected] or other in the group.
Thanks to the Music Group, there is now an Audio File of songs that have been produced and Visual Resources. The audio files are used in preparing a PowerPoint presentation for a virtual Paraliturgy.
Determine who will do what during the service. You will need to assign someone to read the first reading, second reading, and the gospel. Prayers of the Faithful are first lead by a planner. Often, they reflect the readings and current global concerns. They should, at times, include prayers for PAX members who have gone before us.
Create and produce the program by using the Mass Sheet Template. If you need assistance, Charles Hookey will help. He is also willing to prepare the program for you if necessary.
Just as putting on a play requires a ‘run through’, it is very helpful to practice the liturgy or paraliturgy to solve any last-minute issues, especially if you are preparing for a virtual service. Before your planning session ends, determine when you want to have a practice session.
If you are planning a liturgy for a special occasion, such as Easter or a funeral, you may use Resources for Special Occasions.
Checklist for preparing a program for a liturgy and paraliturgy
SUPPORT:
Virtual paraliturgy: It is very important to coordinate with our Zoom Coordinators early and often:
Mass on site: This has required setting up chairs, altar, etc. and materials for the Mass. The directions will be a work in progress as we determine, in time, when, how and where we will be together again physically.