TH 322 – Contextualized Liturgy
1. What is liturgy according to Sacrosanctum Concilium? Explain its elements.
According to Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, liturgy
is defined as “an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ”(SC #7) 1 and “the
outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to
others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church” (SC #2) 2. Liturgy
involves the active participation of Christians in the sacred liturgy through repentance,
thanksgiving, and adoration, or simply a sense of worshiping and serving God 1.
Liturgy is also the source and summit of the Church’s life and mission, as it builds up
the faithful into a holy temple of the Lord and strengthens their power to preach Christ
to the world 2. Liturgy is subject to change and reform according to the needs of the
times, but it must always preserve the sound tradition and dignity of the rites 2.
SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM
What is liturgy?
P paschal mystery (SC #7) – the Word of God
A action (priestly office) of the whole Christ (SC #7) – Christus totus (CCC 1136)
C communion of people: fully conscious & active participation (SC #14)
S signs and symbol (SC #24) – venerable tradition
Explore
According to Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, the
elements of liturgy are as follows:
The liturgy is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their
lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the
true Church1, paragraph 2.
The liturgy is also the source and summit of the Christian life, as it builds up
the faithful into a holy temple of the Lord, and strengthens their power to
preach Christ1, paragraph 2.
The liturgy is composed of sacred signs and symbols that signify and make
present the grace of Christ, and that foster the active participation of the
faithful1, paragraphs 7-8.
The liturgy is celebrated by the whole people of God, who are united by the
common priesthood of the baptized and the ministerial priesthood of the
ordained1, paragraphs 10-13.
The liturgy is enriched by the diversity of rites and customs that express the
unity and catholicity of the Church, and that are subject to the authority and
supervision of the Apostolic See and the bishops1, paragraphs 3-4, 22-23.
The liturgy is subject to careful revision and promotion in order to adapt to
the needs of the times, to foster the organic development of the liturgy, and to
preserve the sound tradition of the Church1, paragraphs 1, 4, 21-23.
2. What are the principles considered on by the Vatican II concerning the renewal of the
Liturgy.
Principles in renewal of liturgy? RESTORE ORIGINAL ADAPT NEEDS CHALLENGES
A Apostolic See – sole authority (SC #22)
R regulation on territorial bodies of bishops (SC #22)
N no person may add, remove, change in liturgy by his own authority (SC #22)
3. Explain the principles of liturgical inculturation.
Principles of liturgical inculturation?
adaptation be made provided substantial unity of Roman rite is preserved (SC #38)
o Gaudium et Spes #58 – making alive the gospel in the culture
o John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio #52 – signs of the time in the local Church
transforms authentic cultural values into Christianity (unity in diversity)
incarnates gospel into different cultures (popular religiosity and dialogue)
provisions be made within the limits set in #22 (SC #39)
4. Explain the relationship of liturgy and culture.
Relationship of liturgy and culture?
full & active participation of Christian people (#14)
respects culture of the people & fosters the spirit of peoples’ way of life (#37)
o Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Communio, Vol. 39.4, 2010
embraces the whole of human life, liturgy expresses in the people’s culture
respects the mystery of incarnation, culture is the spirit of the liturgy
o Brian Wicker, Life of the Spirit, Vol 17, 1963
human society gathered together by God, dynamic-reciprocal relationship
liturgical assembly by organic community, intercultural tradition
