March2024 Mid-Month Update

Liturgical Preparation for the Paschal Cycle

You’ll find a multitude of resources to assist in preparing the liturgies of Lent, Triduum, and Easter on the ODWS website, including the annual preparation resource from the FDLC in both English and Spanish, a sample Lenten communal penance service, music suggestions, preparation checklists for Holy Week liturgies, updated rubrics for the Mandatum and text for the presentation of the sacred oils, and guidance on celebrating Holy Week in a Family of Parishes.

With Zeal and Patience: The Role of the Parish Worship Commission – Family Style!

Tues, Apr 16, 7-9pm, St. Francis of Assisi (Centerville)

Thurs, Apr 18, 1-3pm, Online

Mon, Apr 22, 7-9pm, St. Columban (Loveland)

Join other worship leaders from Families of Parishes – worship commission members, directors of worship, music directors, pastors, deacons, and others – for our annual workshop With Zeal and Patience. This free workshop is an opportunity to explore the role of the worship commission and how to bring commissions together at the Family level.

2024: Year of Prayer

Pope Francis has asked that 2024 be marked as a Year of Prayer. The Holy Father announced its launch on Sunday 21 January 2024, on the fifth annual celebration of the ‘Sunday of the Word of God’. The Pope wrote: "From now on I am happy to think that the year preceding the Jubilee event, 2024, will be dedicated to a great ‘symphony’ of prayer. First of all, to recover the desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and adore him." In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee, therefore, individual dioceses are invited to promote the centrality of individual and community prayer during this year. The Vatican has made some useful resources available to help people to better understand and rediscover the value of prayer, including at Mass, Exposition, and other liturgies.