Ministry

The National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States of America, 2nd Edition, is an essential document for dioceses to grow and sustain the permanent diaconate. Reflecting on fifty years' experience since the establishment of the permanent diaconate in the United States, this National Directory, second edition, harmonizes diaconal formation and ministry practices. The second edition focuses on the identity of the deacon as "a living icon of Christ the Servant within the Church" (Basic Norms) and emphasizes the deacon as a minister of Word, Liturgy, and Charity in the Christian community. The norms in this second edition are required for use and go into effect on June 9, 2022. The diocesan bishop, and those who assist him, will use the national norms in this directory to help prepare and sustain deacons in their pastoral ministry. The norms will guide dioceses, as they prepare and update diaconal formation programs and accompany deacons in their life and ministry. Diaconate directors responsible for the day-to-day implementation of these diaconal norms will especially rely on these norms. This national directory is a solid source of reflection for both new and seasoned permanent deacons, to strengthen their call and ministry in the Church. It would be great for every permanent deacon to have a copy!

EL MINISTERIO DE LOS LECTORES

Segunda edición

James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.; Renée Domeier, O.S.B., Traductor

Al darle énfasis a la preparación espiritual y vocal, El ministerio de los lectores ayudarí a los lectores con experiencia al igual que a los principiantes en el ministerio de proclamar la palabra de Dios. El Padre Wallace ofrece varios modos de cómo entender la obra del lector (trabajo, servicio, vocación) y reflexiona sobre el misterio de Dios quien habla con -- y a través -- de nosotros en la Palabra. Incluye ideas sobre cómo continuar desarrollando nuestras habilidades, al igual que una guía para poder atender a las necesidades del texto, de los oyentes, y el espacio litürgico.

Emphasizing both spiritual and speaking preparation, this book will help experienced and beginning lectors in the ministry of proclaiming the word of God. Wallace offers insight to various understandings of the lector's work (job, ministry, vocation), and reflects on the mystery of God who speaks to -- and through -- us in the Word. Includes ideas for ongoing technique development, as well as a guide to meeting the needs of the text, listeners, and liturgical setting.

Divided into three parts, this work begins with Part One, The Lector --What's in a Name? Sections in Part Two, God's Word Spoken to Us are: "The Word of the Lord," "The Word of God and the Bible," "The Word of God and the Liturgy," "The Word of God and the Lectionary," and "The Word of God and the Lector." Sections in Part Three, God's Word Spoken Through Us are "Spiritual Preparation,""Speaking Preparation" (includes "The Requirements of the Text," "The Requirements of the Listeners," "The Requirements of the Setting"), "From Skill to Art: Three Suggestions." Concludes with a Final Word.

The Liturgical Ministry of Deacons

Second Edition

Michael Kwatera, O.S.B.

Fr. Michael Kwatera, O.S.B., helps deacons comprehend, share, and effectively perform their ministry by providing both spiritual and functional support. This short work is directed to all deacons, both permanent and transitional, in the hope that it will promote their formation for service within the church's Eucharist, other sacramental rites, and communal prayer. Contents include explanations of the deacon's role in various church situations and liturgies -- such as confirmation and marriage - as well as outside of the Mass setting, such as ministering to the sick. With "Petitions for Deacons from Ancient Liturgies" and historical background, this book provides an interesting and informative look at the deacon's role in the Catholic Church.

THE MINISTRY OF CANTORS

The Collegeville Ministry Series

The Ministry of Communion

Third Edition

Author: Michael Kwatera, O.S.B.

The Ministry of Communion offers practical advice and vital theology for Eucharistic ministers. Updated with the latest liturgical laws and norms, and with an expanded section on leading Communion services, this book is an excellent guide for both those who serve God's people, and those who help them prepare for the ministry.

Contents are "Being and Giving the Body of Christ: A Life of Ministry," "Being and Giving the Body of Christ: Practical Suggestions," "Ministry of Communion Within the Assembly: Sharing the Bread," "Ministry of Communion Within the Assembly: Sharing the Cup," "Ministry of Communion to the Sick and Homebound," "Holy Communion Outside Mass," "Looking for the Perfect Eucharistic Minister," and "Act of Personal Recommitment for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion."

THE MINISTRY OF LECTORS, Second Edition

Emphasizing both spiritual and practical preparation, this book will help both experienced and beginning lectors develop their understanding of the ministry of proclaiming the word of God as well as the skills needed to do it well. Wallace offers insight to various aspects of the lector's work (job, ministry, vocation), and reflects on the mystery of God who speaks to-and through-us in the Word. It includes an accessible explanation of important concepts related to the Lectionary and the liturgy, ideas for spiritual preparation before serving as lector, concrete guidance for ongoing skill development, and a handy pronunciation guide.

James A. Wallace, CSsR, is author of Preaching to the Hungers of the Heart: The Homily on the Feasts and within the Rites and coauthor of Lift Up Your Hearts, Homilies for the A, B, and C Cycles 

THE MINISTRY OF LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT

Joyce Ann Zimmerman's The Ministry of Liturgical Environment has served as a reliable and inspiring resource for parish liturgy committees, liturgy directors, and clergy for more than a decade. It is an insightful and practical guide to preparing an inviting sacred space that reflects and enhances the community's valued principles. Contemporary and complete, it considers the physical location of our worship, from assembly seating, color usage, and liturgical accouterments to ministers' and assembly's dress. This fully revised edition includes new content, a new structure, and updates based on ecclesial documents published since the publication of the previous edition. Anyone involved in liturgical ministry will want to keep it close at hand.

Joyce Ann Zimmerman, CPPS, is the director of the Institute for Liturgical Ministry in Dayton, Ohio and is an adjunct professor of liturgy, liturgical consultant, and frequent facilitator of workshops. She has published numerous scholarly and pastoral liturgical works. She holds civil and pontifical doctorates of theology.

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC

Like its predecessor, this revised edition of The Ministry of Music explores liturgical singing in terms of how it enables the gathered assembly to enter more fully into ritual enactment of the paschal mystery. The "whats" and "how-tos" of music ministry are developed from this perspective. How does communal liturgical singing enable us to participate in and surrender to the paschal mystery? What musical and pastoral choices best enable the singing to fulfill this role? And how does the singing form us in a paschal mystery spirituality that shapes daily Christian living and makes the relationship between liturgy and life more evident?

This edition incorporates new understandings of the ministry of liturgical music generated by Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (STL). New material addresses the underlying theology shaping STL, provides schemas for using both the Proper chants and vernacular songs at the Entrance and Communion, discusses the value of singing the dialogues, and explores silence as a necessary component of music-making and liturgical prayer.

Kathleen Harmon, SNDdeN, is a noted liturgical theologian and musician, author and composer, presenter and teacher. Her numerous publications include Becoming the Psalms: A Spirituality of Singing and Praying the Psalms; The Mystery We Celebrate, the Song We Sing: A Theology of Liturgical Music; and The Ministry of Cantors. She is also a contributor to the Living Liturgy TM family of resources, published by Liturgical Press. She holds a graduate degree in music and a doctorate in theology.

THE MINISTRY OF SERVERS

The Ministry of Servers is a simple and concise, yet comprehensive, guide for altar servers and their instructors. This book will be easily understood by children who fulfill this essential ministry to God and God's people.

Rev. Michael Kwatera, OSB, is a monk and director of liturgy for Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota. He taught courses in liturgy at Saint John's University in Collegeville and at the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, and served as pastor of several local Benedictine parishes. He has authored numerous articles and several Liturgical Press books, including The Liturgical Ministry of Deacons and Come to the Feast: Liturgical Ministry of, by, and for Everybody.

CALLED TO SERVE; A GUIDE BOOK FOR ALTAR SERVERS

Author: Albert J. Nevins, M.M.

Don't let servers attend the altar until they've read this guide! Covers the Sacramentary, Lectionary, Order of the Mass, and much more. Includes the Revised Order of Mass.