Yes, Liturgy - to communicate many things
SPACE FOR LITURGICAL CELEBRATION
The altar: remember that it is the place par excellence for the sacramental memorial of Christ's Pasch. Nothing should detract from this - not its size, its construction, , its placement, its decoration, lighting, objects around it/on it. Something greater than functionality is at stake here.
The (ambo) lectern: ought to make visible a unity between it and the altar - the two 'tables' of Eucharist and Word are seen together. The lectern should assist the reader in his or her connection with the faithful. Nothing about it should detract from these two aspects.
The Presidential Chair: should likewise demonstrate and facilitate a connection with altar and lectern. Called to signify the presence of the Lord amidst his people, it shares in the same principles as the altar and lectern. The Presider is an Icon of Christ the Head of the Body, so during a celebration he should take on the full symbolism due to him
This is not the place to be offering too many directions about architecture - but it is worth reminding ourselves of principles of liturgical worship that will help us to arrange our community chapels, our places of worship for young people. it is not easy to create a space for worship that remains a place of transcendence while still being functional in important respects. Sp we need to give thought to:
- where people sit (near/either side of/infront)
- art
- images/statues
-where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved
- sense of human warmth and hospitality
COMMUNICATION IN LITURGY
HOMILISTS REMEMBER!
- Scripture and Liturgy itself are the chief sources for preaching
- Be clear about your objective
- The importance of a good microphone
- Clear and articulate
- Gestures, facial expression - in fact body language all round
- Eye contact
- know how to arouse listeners' interest: enthusiasm! (en - theos)
Readers - consider the many facets of good liturgical reading:
THE GOOD NIGHT/DAY
The Good Night since Don Bosco's time has been an element of family spirit. it is NOT a homily:
- appropriate to the group to whom it is directed
- brief - around 3 minutes.
- an image, a parable, a bit of news: narrative, simple, incisive.
- Its contents could come from an event of the day, TV, News, a phrase or saying, a topic, poem, song, a short 'spot' (like an Ad), a cultural item
- for youngsters, use all the means at hand, especially those of their own communicative 'world': film, sound, music....
READERS
- preparation
- read as a listener/receiver
- technical correctness
- capture listeners with opening words
- timing (speed of delivery)
- convincing and convinced tone of voice
- respect pauses and moments of silence before, during, after the reading.