 |
|
Matthew J. Geerlings
Music Director |
|
|
The Archdiocesan Choir Returns
I am happy to report the return of the Archdiocesan Choir!
The mission of this choir is to serve the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati by leading them in sung prayer for our archdiocesan liturgies, inspiring beauty through sacred music, and lifting their voices in joyful praise to God with the patrimony of sacred music, both old and new, in service to His Church.
Membership is open to all adult Catholics of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati who commit to the mission of the choir and to the schedule of rehearsals and liturgies. Choir members are expected to have an above average choral voice, sing with good intonation, and blend well with other voices. The ability to read music is preferred (but not required), and members are selected based on their vocal abilities and their commitment to prayerful worship through music.
For more information, or to schedule a voice check, click here.
Soli Deo Gloria |
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Resources 2027
As we do each year, the ODWS will be selling 2027 annual liturgical publications for use in parishes and schools at a deep discount (up to 25% off retail!) Through the online shop, you can purchase resources like Workbook for Lectors, Living Liturgy, “Year of Grace” calendars, and more! Make sure to add your tax exempt information to your online account to save even more. |
| SHOP |
|
|
|
|
|
New Mass Formulary: Care for Creation
The Missal and Lectionary texts of the Mass “For the Care of Creation” / “Por el Cuidado de la creación” for use in the Dioceses of the United States of America were confirmed by decree of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on August 4, 2026. You can learn more and download texts on our website. |
| LEARN MORE |
|
|
|
|
|
Liturgy Preparation: 9/11 - 25th Anniversary
Many parishes in the United States will be commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This should be an occasion to pray for all those who perished that day. It should also be a time to plea to God for peace in a world that continues to be plagued by wars. This resource from the FDLC offers a variety of options for Mass texts, a presider text for a complete prayer service, suggested readings, music suggestions, sample intercessions, and other prayers. |
| DOWNLOAD |
|
|
|
|
|
Back Together
Formerly known as "Together Sunday", this renewed initiative is more than a single day on the calendar. It is a practical strategy for helping parishes build a lasting culture of invitation, hospitality, and belonging. Pick a Sunday this fall, or focus on Christmas or Easter. |
| LEARN MORE |
|
|
|
|
|
EMHC Formation and Training
In-person and online formation and training for new and veteran Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will be offered this fall throughout the archdiocese and online. Please share these opportunities with Extraordinary Ministers in your Family of Parishes and those interested in joining this ministry. |
| LEARN MORE |
|
|
|
|
|
Liturgical Calendar
As a reminder, November 1, 2026, the Solemnity of All Saints occurs on Sunday. It replaces the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. On Saturday and Sunday, Evening Prayer I and II is for All Saints. Saturday evening Masses that regularly anticipate the Sunday Mass should observe the Mass of All Saints.
You can find more details on the liturgical calendars for 2026 and 2027 on our website. |
| LEARN MORE |
|
|
|
|
|
Hiring: Director of Divine Worship & Sacraments
We are seeking an exceptionally qualified candidate to fill this open position. The Director of the Office for Divine Worship & Sacraments assists the Archbishop in his role as “high priest of the flock,” providing liturgical formation, assisting the Archbishop in making liturgical and sacramental policies, and by supporting the Church of Cincinnati in celebrating the sacraments and other celebrations of divine worship. Applications are being accepted until September 12. |
| APPLY |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Q. What is the proper vesture for altar servers? Should it be different for girls than boys?
A. In their Guidelines for Altar Servers (originally issued in 1994 and revised slightly to conform to the third edition of the Roman Missal), the U.S. Catholic Bishops state that “Acolytes, altar servers, readers, and other lay ministers may wear the alb or other suitable vesture or other appropriate or dignified clothing. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no.339) All servers should wear the same liturgical vesture.” The first choice of vesture for all lay ministers is an alb; a cassock and surplice is clerical vesture. Previously, the ministry of altar server was connected to the clerical state (and restricted therefore to only men and boys.). Now, the Church has clarified that the ministry of altar server is properly a lay ministry and thus open to men and women, girls and boys. Also in these guidelines, the bishops state: “No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men and boys and those carried out by women and girls.” |
|
|
SUNDAY EUCHARIST |
|
"To sanctify Sunday, it is fundamental to celebrate the Eucharist. Listening to the Word and partaking of the Body of Christ entail, according to the Council Fathers, the coming together in unum, that is, the joyful gathering of the faithful...This assembly cannot be substituted by a solely virtual presence, nor can it be reduced to a merely passive gathering. The liturgical assembly is in fact fulfilled through the active participation of brothers and sisters, called together to “thank God who ‘has begotten them again, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto a living hope’” |
|
— POPE LEO XIV
General Audience August 12, 2026
|
|
READ MORE > |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Choose the content that matters to you. |
| EXPLORE OUR NEWSLETTERS |
|
Pastoral Center | 100 East Eighth St | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | CatholicAOC.org |
|
|
|
|
