TRACK Two

W1. Celebrating the Church's Liturgy: Sunday Mass, the Hours, and Sacraments

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says, “The liturgy . . . is rightly . . . an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ . . . [and] is performed by the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ” (7). By exploring the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, and basic sacramentality, participants in this session will deepen their understanding of the Church’s liturgy and gain a foundational understanding of the Church’s sacramental economy.

W2. Holy Week and Triduum

Beginning with the proclamation of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and ending with Paschal Vespers on Easter Sunday, the Church contemplates and celebrates the “mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ” (Paschale solemnitatis, 27). This session will journey through Holy Week and Triduum, highlighting their theological, liturgical, and pastoral significance. Participants will develop an appreciation for the structure, signs, and symbols of the rites of these most solemn days of the liturgical year.

W3. Christian Initiation of Adults: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist

Christian initiation is the heart of parish life. When implemented and celebrated well, the process of bringing adults to faith in Christ and initiating them into his Church has the ability not only to form catechumens, but also to renew the whole Body of Christ. In this session, participants will study paragraph 75 of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to understand the vision of the process of initiation. Participants will leave this session with a basic understanding of the initiation process and its role in the life of a parish.

W4. Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, and Funerals

When a person is baptized, they are incorporated into the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. United with Christ, the baptized live proclaiming the Good News; when the person’s earthly life comes to its end, “the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life” (Order of Christian Funerals, 1). Using the Rite of Baptism for Children, the rites of Pastoral Care of the Sick, and the Order of Christian Funerals, this session will explore the theology of Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, and the funeral rites. Participants will gain a better understanding of how to plan and prepare these important liturgies.

W5. First Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Weddings

First Communions, Confirmations, and weddings are important moments in the life of an individual Catholic and in the lives of their families and faith communities. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, celebrated for the first time or one of many times, is also personal and communal, no matter which form of the rite is used. They are all moments to see and celebrate the gift of God’s love and mercy to his people. This session looks at each of these rites and discusses the basic theology and best practices for preparing and celebrating them in the parish.

W6. Masses with Children, Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest, Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration, and other parish celebrations

In this session, participants continue to explore the various liturgical practices of the Church as well as adoration, May Crowning, and the many blessings that may take place in parish life.