This unit introduces students to fundamental dimensions of the Christian liturgy as it is celebrated by the Catholic church. It explores the liturgy as the ‘source and summit’ of the church’s life and as a dynamic complex of symbol, ritual and word. It addresses the core concept of paschal mystery and the norm of ‘full, conscious and active participation’ by the assembly. Finally it considers the various languages employed in the liturgy: space, time, music and the body. The unit as a whole establishes the foundation for further practical study of Catholic rites.

Pre-requisites:
none

Requirements:
intensive mode

Assessment:

• one 2,000 word essay - 50%
• one 1,000 word class presentation - 25%
• one 1,000 word evaluation of a liturgical celebration - 25%

Bibliography:

• Boyer, Mark G. The Liturgical Environment: What the Documents Say. 2nd ed. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2004.
• Kroeker, Charlotte, ed. Music in Christian Worship: At the Service of the Liturgy. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2005.
• Kwatera, Michael. Come to the Feast: Liturgical Theology of, by and for Everybody. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2006.
• Lysik, David A., ed. The Liturgy Documents: A Parish Resource. 4th ed. 2 vols. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 1999–2004.
• Searle, Mark, Barbara Searle, and Anne Koester, eds. Called to Participate, Theological, Ritual and Social Perspectives. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2006.
• Whalen, Michael D. Seasons and Feasts of the Church Year: An Introduction. New York: Paulist, 1993.
• White, James F. Introduction to Christian Worship. 3rd ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 2000.