The Liturgical Team—Nov. 12

Theological Question

How do we build Christian community by inspiring a shared vision of liturgy?

Goal

The goal of this session is to explore the leadership skills necessary to inspire a team and implement a vision of transformative liturgy in the parish.

Content

Students will learn the three steps necessary to inspire a shared vision and create a list of actions they can take to enlist others.

Homework (in preparation for Jan. 7)

Journal

The Never Ending Story Community Building Process

(Excerpted from “Bring the Power of Storytelling to Leadership Development” by Robert Thompson)

  1. Discover what matters to you. If you are going to take the lead, what excites you about doing that? You must deeply care about the issue or outcome to light your pilot light.
  2. What is today’s story? You must specifically identify the good, bad and ugly of your current situation. Knowing where you are and where you want to be on a day-to-day basis is crucial. It is only then that you can fill the gap.
  3. What does the future story need to be? Identify the compelling elements. Be sure your values can be seen and heard. Once you have written this piece, re-read it. Be sure you believe in it. Your passion pilot light must be intense or your story won’t pass the ’snicker’ test.
  4. Who/What will assist you? Who/What will oppose? You must look at individual behaviors, systems, process, policy, staff skills, strategy, and budget, to name a few.
  5. Take action by personally inviting supporters to join with you in developing your story. Just because they’re working with you does not mean they feel invited.
  6. Clarify the benefits to you and your colleagues. Everyone wants to know what’s in it for them.
  7. Ask why you want this repeatedly until you arrive at your deepest reason.
  8. Write your story. Let your pilot light burn brightly. Just write what you really want. Don’t edit as you go. Rewrite and edit later.

Read

  • Living Liturgy: Elementary Reflections, Sofia Cavalletti, “The Liturgical Year,” pp. 129-136.
  • “Overview of General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar” by Kevin Irwin (handout)
  • General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar, para. 17-44 (from The Liturgy Documents).
  • Optional:
    • Liturgy with Style and Grace, pp. 92-105.

Handouts