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The Role of Liturgy in the Catholic Church
What comes to mind when you hear the word “liturgy”? Monks hidden behind brown cloaks chanting Latin? Collective recitation of the Lord’s Prayer? Or perhaps candles, incense, and choirs? The word means: “a particular arrangement of worship services.” With that definition, even the most unorganized churches have some level of liturgy. Sometimes this is referred to as an “Order of Worship,” evolving out of a typical Protestant service schedule:
- Opening Song and Prayer
- Greeting and Announcements
- Worship Set (2-3 songs)
- Offering
- Teaching
- Closing Song
Today the word is generally reserved for reference to “High” or “Divine” Liturgy. The term originates from the Latin liturgia, meaning “public work; service done on behalf of the public.” The practice of liturgy originates from the Old Testament. At its roots, Judaism was (and remains) a very formal/liturgical religion. Specific rituals and traditions extended into almost every part of a devout believer’s life. When the Early Church was being formed, they did not ignore Jewish traditions. They continued to meet at the synagogue, follow Torah Law, and observe Jewish customs. It wasn’t Jesus OR Judaism, rather Jesus AND Judaism.
The tenets of Christian liturgy flowed from these practices into the development of the Church. Over the centuries, Protestants shed much of the formal liturgy, though some denominations retain more tradition than others. A Catholic Mass carries the form of High Liturgy and is also a source of confusion and misunderstanding for many Protestants.
According to U.S. Catholic, “Liturgy is supposed to invite you into a transcendent place where you’re in the presence of God…. And liturgy doesn’t just speak through words. It speaks through actions and music and art. That’s what gets adapted to different cultures and popular practices.” (https://www.uscatholic.org/articles/201612/what-official-liturgy-30851)
Over the next few weeks, we will lean-in for a closer look at Catholic Liturgy. As you continue your faith journey, keep your eyes and ears open for the role liturgy plays in your life. Look for patterns of proclamation, praise, confession, affirmation, and celebration. Are there aspects of liturgy that draw your heart toward God or open the door to more authentic expressions of worship?