The Worship Commission (Coordinating Team) nourishes and gives direction to the liturgical aspect of parish life. It provides opportunities for parishioners to deepen their faith through a variety of prayer experiences and liturgical celebrations. It identifies the spiritual needs of parishioners and maintains an on-going program of education and training for liturgical ministers

The Worship Commission is charged with helping the parish community collaboratively understand and apply the liturgical documents of the Roman Catholic Church.

 

TEAM MEMBERS (2020-2022)

Elaine Blessing, Maura Fennell, Liaison to Worship, Debbie Lyons, Co-Chair, Kathleen McCarthy, Lisa Mierzwa,

Denise Mosca, Co-Chair, Msgr. David Tressler

RESPONSIBLITIES
A. Identify worship needs of the parish.
B. Establish priorities among the needs.
C. Formulate short and long-term goals and objectives.
D. Research and investigate options to implement goals.
E. Submit the proposed programs to the Parish Pastoral Council for support.
F. Communicate with the pastor and pastoral staff about the implementation.
G. Maintain communication with the parish concerning programs, encouraging active support and involvement.
H. Maintain communication with Diocesan Director of Worship for guidelines and resources.
I. Determine budget priorities and make recommendations to the Parish Pastoral Council through the Finance Council.
J. Annually evaluate existing programs and activities and provide Parish Pastoral Council with report.

 

GOALS FOR THE WORSHIP COMMISSION
A. Reflect the belief that all liturgy is praise of God.
B. Promote the principle that liturgy belongs to the whole assembly.
C. Maintain the high quality of liturgy the parish has established.
D. Further enhance liturgical experiences to develop full, active, conscious participation of all who attend liturgy.
E. Increase coordination among specific ministries, including:
1. Presiders, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Altar Servers.
2. Music Director, Musicians, Parish Writers.
3. Art & Environment Team, Hospitality Team of Greeters & Ushers, Sacristans.
4. Active parishioners, particularly those who "sponsor a liturgy", such as Religious
Education, RCIA, Youth Ministry, Mary's Ministry, Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms, etc.
F. Bring the vision of the Parish Pastoral Council to life in the liturgies of the parish.

 

From Parish Pastoral Plan…
Worship

Goal 1: Enhance the feeling of welcome to all who enter our church.
A: Charge liturgical ministries with enveloping the congregation in the spirit of the liturgies.
B: Develop literature that creates a sense of welcome and participation.
C. Create a sense of welcome and hospitality in all aspects of parish community.

 

Goal 2: Create a Liturgy that is a community experience, well prepared, and inspiring, with enthusiastic participation.
A: Educate the community about the liturgy.
B: Provide for ongoing focus groups (and other sustainable mechanisms) to gather feedback on enhancing the liturgy.
C: Enhance the formation and ongoing training of liturgical ministers.
D: Identify strategies for involving youth in all aspect of the mass.

 

Goal 3: Bridge the message of the liturgy to our everyday lives.
A: Tie the Gospel message to our everyday lives.
B: Evaluate and enhance the parish bulletin, website and social media to increase communication.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines and Resources of the Diocese of Scranton outline the relationship of Council and Commissions / Coordinating Teams.

The role of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is to plan for and oversee the apostolic works of the parish which fulfill the mission and ministry of the larger Church.

 

The Worship Commission is to relate to the Parish Pastoral Council by:
1. Bringing proposals and recommendations to the Council through their PPC Liaison.
2. Participating in long-range planning and evaluation of plans and programs.
3. Following the lead of the Council by contributing to vision, mission, goal, and policy statements for their own coordinating team that respect the scope and limits of their area of influence.

 

The Parish Pastoral Council holds the Worship Commission accountable by:
1. Reviewing the regular reports/ getting monthly updates from the PPC Liaison to ensure that plans are integrated with long-range plans for the parish.
2. Meeting with the coordinating team for an annual comprehensive report of goals and accomplishments, policy and resource needs.
3. Suggesting policy that supports the ministry of Worship.
4. Providing those serving on the coordinating team with regular opportunities for leadership development and training.
-This summary is taken from the "Worship Coordinating Team Charter" established October 10, 2012.