“It is Mass itself which integrates us into Christ’s immense work of salvation, which hones our spiritual vision so that we can perceive his love: his ‘prophecy in action.’”

—Pope Francis, on the Occasion of the NationalEucharistic Congress of Germany, 5/30/2013

Reverential and inspiring experiences of prayer and worship are essential, especially the celebration of Eucharist, the “source and summit” of our Catholic faith.

Every celebration of liturgy and every parish activity should create an environment of prayer that calls forth full participation. Communal experiences of prayer bring life to faith.

• Music acknowledges and addresses the sensibilities of the community while consistently calling the assembly to participation. Music has the power to evoke feelings of belonging, joy and reflection. By embracing traditional, contemporary, and multicultural forms of liturgical music, we create a sacred atmosphere for a communal experience of worship.
• Effective preaching embraces the richness and depth of our history and tradition while reflecting the lives and challenges of the assembly. Historical context, contemporary interpretation, and application to daily living are core desires of the congregation.
• Catholic rituals honor our tradition and culture, connecting the community with the Universal Church. Catholic ritual, when done well, engages the senses and evokes a connection to our history and identity in a distinct manner.