Marcel Metzger in History of the Liturgy: The Major Stages notes that the term "LITURGY" in the Western churches, is used in a wide sense to designate the whole of Christian Worship.

Bishop Mikloshazy, S.J., in his book, Benedicamus Domino! Let Us Bless the Lord!: The Theological Foundations of the Liturgical Renewal, notes "Liturgy is communal worship, the public worship of the whole Church."

Sacrosanctum Concilium (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) states, "The liturgy, ... is rightly seen as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ. In the liturgy the sanctification of women and men is given expression in symbols perceptible by the senses and is carried out in ways appropriate to each of them. In it, complete and definitive public worship is performed by the mystical body of Jesus Christ, that is, by the Head and his members.

From this it follows that every liturgical celebration, because it is an action of Christ the priest and his body, which is the church, is preeminently sacred action. No other action of the church equals its effectiveness by the same title not to the same degree." (SC 7)

"The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the church is directed; it is also the source from which all its power flows." (SC 10)

"Pastors must also ensure that the faithful take part fully aware of what they are doing, actively engaged in the rite and enriched by it." (SC 11)

Hopefully these pages provide some good resources and liturgical catechesis. This page is updated frequently. For further or specific information please contact Fr. Terry Fournier, Diocesan Coordinator of Liturgy through Ann Boyer of English Pastoral Services at 705-674-2727 ext. 251 or aboyer@diocesecentre.com