Liturgical Guidelines and Policies

for the

Diocese of Worcester

Please click on the name of the document to access.

 Title Description
Diocesan Policy for Ecclesiastical Funeral RitesDownloadThis contains policy or Particular Law for the Diocese of Worcester regarding the celebration of the Funeral Liturgies
Diocesan Policy for Extraordinary MinistersDownloadPolicy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for the Diocese of Worcester effective beginning on February 29, 2004, the First Sunday of Lent, and implemented in all parishes, schools and institutions where extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
Decisions of the Local Bishop for the Diocese of Worcester in regards to the General Instruction of the Roman MissalDownloadThe General Instruction of the Roman Missal asks the Diocesan Bishop to make decisions on particular areas of the liturgy for his Diocese. After consultation these are the decisions of the Bishop for the Diocese of Worcester
Lenten Regulations 2010DownloadGuidelines for Fast & Abstinence; Ash Wednesday; Rite of Election & Lenten Rites for Christian Initiation of Adults
Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist to the Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of WorcesterDownloadPastoral Letter on the Eucharist to the Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of Worcester by Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, D.D., S.T.D. Issued on the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas, January 28, 2005

Liturgical Catechesis Materials

These pages were created to assist in the implementation of the Revised General Instruction of the Roman Missal and to guide us in reflecting upon the principles behind some of the changes and decisions made as Liturgical Rubrics were clarified, updated or changed.

 Title Description
Postures & Gestures at MassDownloadDuring Mass we assume different postures: standing, kneeling, and sitting. We also make a variety of gestures: bowing, signing ourselves, shaking hands as a sign of peace, processing to the altar. Through these postures and gestures, we participate in the
Hearing the Word of GodDownloadThe words of Sacred Scripture are unlike any other that we ever hear. God reveals himself to us through the Scriptures. We believe that all of Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and must be revered as truly being God’s Word. In hearing God’s Word,
Ministries & Roles within the Liturgical AssemblyDownloadThe Mass is not initiated by us but by God. The liturgy is in fact a gift from God, who acts in and through the Church, the Body of the risen Christ. It is our action only to the extent that we give ourselves to this mystery of redemptive worship.
Key Points in the Revised General Instruction of the Roman MissalDownloadThis summary highlights certain significant revisions to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the Norms for the Celebration and Distribution of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds in the Dioceses of the United States. This summary also offers clar
Music in Liturgy: Let All God's People Sing!DownloadThe General Instruction of the Roman Missal recalls the old proverb, ”One who sings prays twice.” This reminds us that our music and singing at worship is not entertainment or background music for our prayer. Our singing is our prayer
The Reception of Holy Communion at MassDownloadAt Mass, when we hear the invitation, “Blessed are they who are called to the Supper of the Lamb,” we know it is Christ who is calling us to his holy table.
The Eucharistic PrayerDownloadThe Eucharistic Prayer is the source and summit of the Mass, just as the Eucharistic sacrifice is the source and summit of the whole Christian life. Most Catholics learn at an early age that it is during the Eucharistic Prayer that our gifts of bread and
Sunday EucharistDownloadThe one thing that all Catholic parishes hold in common is the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. This is the gathering point for all parishioners, the time when everyone comes together.