The Liturgical Year—Jan. 7

Theological Question

How is God present in time? How does God’s intervention into history transform the meaning and purpose of time?

Goal

Students will understand the way in which all time is transformed in the paschal mystery and how that transformation is celebrated ritually in an annual cycle.

Content

Students will learn the role of “Sunday” in the liturgical year and how the entire liturgical year is “remembered” in each Sunday celebration.

Homework (in preparation for Jan. 14)

Journal

  • What do you celebrate this time of year in your home or with your family? Why is the celebration important?
  • Write about two or three annual traditions you have. Why do you do these things year in and year out? In what ways has the meaning of these traditions changed over time?

Read

  • Living Liturgy: Elementary Reflections, Sofia Cavalletti, “Sacraments of Initiation,” pp. 51-71.
  • Christian Initiation, General Introduction (from The Liturgy Documents), para. 1-6, 18-29.
  • Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (from The Liturgy Documents), para. 4-8, 75.
  • Optional
    • Liturgy with Style and Grace, pp. 110-115.