Liturgy Formation is for the entire assembly – and not for a few experts.
Pope Leo XIV, speaking about formation for liturgy in 2026, chose to quote from his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, echoing some key points on this topic.
“In his Apostolic Letter Desiderio Desideravi, 2022, which described the beauty of the liturgy’s theological and spiritual depth, Pope Francis emphasized the need for an attentive and ongoing formation of clergy and laity alike in revitalizing the liturgical life of the universal Church (cf. no. 38).
He later reminded us that this kind of formation “is not a specialization for a few experts, but rather an inner disposition of all the People of God”
“In this way, through proper education and reverent worship, Catholics will be formed both for the liturgy and by the liturgy (cf. ibid., n. 34).”
Available here is Twelve Key Moments, a possible way to ‘form’ the assembly and celebrants in a brief series of inputs over a period of 6 weeks. Why not have a trained member of the assembly with communication skills and liturgical experience offer these short introductions – two per celebration with no elaboration. These could begin on the Sunday 11 October after the conclusion of the Season of Creation and finish before the season of Advent. These notes might also appear in the Parish Newsletter and Website.
This initiative could plant the seeds for more liturgical inputs or developed courses.
An image is available here, designed by Father Joe Jones, that might help too in this work of liturgical formation. It can be downloaded, printed or professionally developed for a large display in the Church.
LitMus Archdiocese of Dublin Tel. 01 8087554 / Email pat.odonoghue@dublindiocese.ie
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