Here are some thoughts on the evaluation of liturgy assignment. Before using the form to evaluate the liturgy at my parish, I thought I’d ask myself (as a member of the liturgical assembly) those same questions. Well, I won’t tell you what my score was, but this preliminary exercise helped me realize where I stand on those points.
During last week’s 15-minute liturgy planning experience, I learned that while leading the prayer of the faithful, our decision to sing the response was not communicated to the assembly beforehand; therefore, participation was affected. We thought I would be “nice” if we used a sung response instead of the usual “Lord, hear our prayer”, but failed to prepare the assembly for that. The most difficult point in the evaluation, though, I found to be the last: How is my life, and as a result that of those around me, changed because I celebrate Mass every Sunday? I suppose that none of the other aspects of the evaluation matter much if the effects of the liturgy are not becoming evident.
After the parish evaluation (as to full, conscious and active participation), we barely escaped having the liturgy police pay us a visit. Although, I have to admit that it was more like taking the temperature rather than an evaluation. For one thing, only one of our four Masses was evaluated, and the responses were based on a one-time observation (I really haven’t been participating in the liturgy having these points in mind). I commented on evaluation point number 6 in the last paragraph. What I did find difficult as a point of evaluation is number 4: The community understands and is engaged in praying the Eucharistic prayer. I can see how participation can be evident: responses, gesture, etc. (or, the lack of participation: people talking, yawning and distracted, reading the bulletin, etc.). But, how is the understanding of the Eucharistic prayer to be evaluated? What are your thoughts?

Here’s a first attempt at trying to put into practice the principles we discussed during our last session.

Thanks to Ed and Thao for taking the lead in posting comments. Their initiative helped me realize that this forum will be an important part of our formation, as it will facilitate the flow of ideas, which, hopefully, will help clarify and/or supplement the class discussions and reading assignments.

On first reading the quote excerpted from Chapter Five of A. Kavanagh’s book, I found the language to describe good liturgy a bit difficult to accept: “good liturgy borders on the vulgar… leads regularly to the edge of chaos… from this regular flirt with doom comes a theology different from any other.” On further reflection, I think it is precisely because ritual that makes for good liturgy must be designed with the every person in mind, that the beauty to be found in its simplicity might be construed as bordering on the “common”. Because liturgy is, I believe, inherently an expression of awe, and because the Word proclaimed in it has the power to challenge the participants’ view of the world (to the point of primal disorder, so that they can be created anew) that such language as chaos and doom are used in this description of liturgy.

So in posting my thoughts, I recognize that I am taking a risk. A risk that my understanding of the material might be so wrong as to sound absurd; but, how else would I be able to invite your comments so that I may learn from and be open to your ideas?

I’m so glad you said that lay people play a major role in getting whole community involved in the liturgy. When we place the total burden of that job on the priests, their job is much harder. I’m glad you took the time to share your thoughts!

Nick

The handout for evaluating liturgy is for you to use to get a sense of how well you think your parish is doing. I hope some of the class participants will post some of their thoughts about their parish liturgy here on the Web site. We are not going to be discussing the handout in class, however.

Thanks.

Nick

Did I miss any? Are there any we should add? Are there any that need to be expanded on or explained?

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