Introduction to Liturgy
Module Code: 411TIL Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 4 Lecturer: David Blowey OFM Conv
Syllabus
A survey of the history and worship and the liturgical practices of the Catholic-Christian Church from the Apostolic period to the present day. Students will be introduced to human, spiritual, ecclesial, and pastoral aspects of the Church’s liturgy, including the meaning of ritual practice and symbolic language. They will consider the theology of liturgy as the celebration of the Paschal Mystery and examine practical aspects of liturgical practice (for example, liturgical books, liturgical space, or inculturation).
The module will also include the development of seasons and feasts. the Lectionary and the use of Scripture and examine the current trends in liturgy. The module seeks to give understanding to the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of communal worship and to the purpose and importance of communal liturgical prayer, particularly the Liturgy of the Hours and the celebration of the Eucharist.
Introduction: Theology of Prayer; Paschal Mystery; Public versus Private Prayer; Asceticism and Private Devotions.
Leitourgia: Mystical Body of Christ; Priesthood of the Faithful
Liturgical Signs: Thinking Symbolically: Signs versus Symbols; Sacred Space; Liturgical Settings; Symbolic Language & Sacred Silences; Sacred Vessels and Vestments; Liturgical Colours; Ceremonial Actions/Rituals: Liturgical Postures and Gestures.
Liturgical Year: Salvation History; Jewish Religious Feastday Calendar; Islamic Religious Calendar; Liturgical Seasons; Sanctoral Cycle.
Ministries
Aims
- to form a basic understanding of the history and role of worship in the Christian Church;
- to develop a mature understanding of the approach to worship in the Roman Catholic Tradition;
- to explore a variety of worship forms in the world today. To provide an overview of liturgy in it’s human, spiritual. Theological and pastoral contexts, and it’s central place in the life of the Church;
- to supply a foundation for study of subsequent modules in the theology and practice of the sacraments.
Assessment
Two essay based assignments from selected choices.
Evaluation
End of module evaluation form
Teaching Methods
- lectures on the history and theology of worship;
- seminars examining the relevant texts and the order of selected services;
- it will be taught through lectures and through discussion of selected texts and video recordings.
- students will be expected to read widely and reflect on their own experience of of liturgical celebration.
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of this module students will have:
- gained an understanding of the historical development of Catholic-Christian liturgical tradition.
- examined liturgical symbols and the holistic, analogical character,
- examined the use of Scripture in liturgy,
- gained an understanding of the symbolism of the Paschal Mystery and Liturgical Year.
Subject Specific Skills
- understanding of key notions in liturgical theology,
- clear and concise writing skills to present library and field research,
- ability to prepare and conduct various prayer services,
- knowledge of liturgical space and symbolism in order to establish a prayerful environment for others.
Transferable Skills
by the end of this module students should be able to:
- form independent opinions about liturgical concepts in the Catholic-Christian tradition and support those opinions with appropriate evidence
- contribute confidently to discussions about the nature and content of liturgical practices.
- communicate the module content in a balanced manner to others, e.g. parish groups, parochial liturgists
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