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May
The Office of Worship fosters the full, conscious and active participation of the faithful in the celebration of liturgy.
News from the Office of Worship
***ONLINE MASSES***: Access the online Masses from the Diocese of Burlington. Other spiritual resources for the time of the pandemic may be found here.
Chrism Mass: The Chrism Mass will be held Tuesday, March 30, at 11:00 am at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Burlington. At this special Mass celebrated by Bishop Coyne, the Oil of Chrism is consecrated, the Oils of Catechumens and the Sick are blessed, and the priests within the Diocese of Burlington recommit themselves to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The seating capacity for the Chrism Mass is 250. Registration is required to attend the liturgy in person, and can be done here. Priests wishing to concelebrate the Chrism Mass are asked to contact Josh Perry in the Office of Worship to RSVP their place.
Holy Week at Home: While our churches are open for in-person liturgies for Holy Week 2021, some may still be hesitant about being in larger gatherings of people. Whether joining us in person or staying at home, it is important to commemorate the central events that shape our faith: the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We do this in a particularly intense time during Holy Week. Resources to observe the various days of Holy Week at Home may be found here.
Adult Confirmation: Confirmation for adults who were baptized Catholic as infants and now seeking to complete their Christian initiation will be celebrated by Bishop Coyne on Pentecost Sunday, May 23 at 10:00 am at the Cathedral. Registration is required; and the form can be found below. Candidates for Confirmation should be enrolled in a formation program prior to registering. Please contact Deacon Phil Lawson at (802) 658-6110 x 1453 with any questions regarding the formation program or Josh Perry at (802) 658-6110 x 1460 with questions regarding the Confirmation Mass.
Diocesan Liturgical Policies and Guidelines
The Diocesan Office of Worship and the Diocesan Worship Commission have been charged with working to update various diocesan policies and guidelines concerning liturgy, including guidelines for liturgical ministers, music, the celebration of matrimony and funerals, art and environment and Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. As these policies are approved, they will be posted here.
Liturgical Guidelines during the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Resuming Public Celebration of Liturgy in the Diocese of Burlington (Phase II Protocols – Revised August 28, 2020)
- Liturgical Guidelines for the Celebration of Advent and Christmas 2020
- Liturgical Guidelines for the Celebration of Holy Week 2021
Liturgical Guidelines for the Diocese of Burlington (currently in review)
- Sacramental Guidelines
- Diocesan Liturgical Calendar
- Diocesan Guidelines for Music in the Liturgy
- Diocesan Guidelines for the Celebration of Marriage
- Diocesan Guidelines for the Celebration of Funerals
- Diocesan Guidelines for Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
- Diocesan Guidelines for Art and Environment in Worship
- Diocesan Guidelines for Confirmation – 2020
- Preparing Parish Masses with the Bishop as Celebrant
Liturgical Ministry Guidelines for the Diocese of Burlington (currently in review)
- Diocesan Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Diocesan Guidelines for Lectors
- Diocesan Guidelines for Altar Servers
Forms
- Planning Sheet for the Celebration of Mass with the Bishop
- Rite of Election Registration Form and Information for 2021
- Adult Confirmation Registration Form
- Order Form
- Prayer for the Return of a Non-Practicing Catholic Pew/Holy Cards
- Bishop deGoesbriand Holy Card
- A Guide to the Celebration of Mass for Visitors and Guests Worship Aid Booklet
Online Resources
Liturgical Catechesis & Formation
Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy: The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was the first formal document issued by the Second Vatican Council. The document lays out the vision the council had for the reform of the liturgy which is still being realized today.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal: This detailed document contains the directives for how to celebrate the Mass.
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship: The Bishop’s Committee on Divine Worship is the national committee of bishops responsible for all things having to do with the liturgy in the United States and assists the bishops, both collectively and individually, in liturgical matters. They also have a helpful and extensive Prayer and Worship Page that links to many articles on the Mass and other liturgical celebrations of the Catholic Church.
Taking the Time for Advent: Josh Perry, Director of the Office of Worship, offers a reflection on how Advent prepares us to encounter Christ coming in history, Christ coming in mystery, and Christ coming in majesty and how we can best take the time during Advent to prepare for our encounters with God. Watch Taking the Time for Advent – 2020.
Resources for Lectors: The preparation that occurs in the week prior to one proclaiming the Word of God at Mass is an essential part of the Lector ministry and is as important as the proclamation itself. Throughout 2018, regional workshops on Preparing, Praying with, and Practicing the readings have taken place throughout the diocese. A video of this two hour workshop is available; email Josh Perry for instructions on how to access the video. A list of additional Lector Resources are also available to download.
Funeral Resources: During the month of November, the Church traditionally remembers in a special way those who have died. This is an opportune time to learn more about the Funeral Liturgy the Church offers to the faithful when they die. The articles below provide some initial background on these liturgies. Please contact the Office of Worship or your local pastor if you have particular questions.
A Personal Reflection on the Funeral Mass
November as a Month of Remembering
The Funeral Rites: Three Stages of Prayer
Gathering in the Presence of the Body – A model prayer service when the family first gathers before a wake or funeral service.
Order of Visiting a Cemetery – A model prayer service that can be used when visiting a grave.
Various Prayers for the Month of November
Liturgical Music and Musicians
Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship is a document that provides guidance for the use of music in the liturgy. The document was approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops in 2007 and is a helpful resource for clergy and liturgical musicians, especially those responsible for coordinating the music at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. A study guide, published by the National Pastoral Musicians group, is also available.
Liturgical Art and Environment
Built of Living Stones, published by the United States bishops in 2000, is a guide that helps parishes plan for the building and renovation of a church. Also included in the document are guidelines and reflections on the use and place of sacred art in worship as well as preparing the church environment for the different liturgical seasons.
