Breaking Open The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy From Vatican II Bill Huebsch Five Sessions Note: This Study Guide can be used with any translation of the Constitution on the Liturgy. However, it is designed to be used with the one found in Vatican II in Plain English (cited in the footer). Copies can be obtained from PastoralPlanning.com. Session 1 Introduction (articles 1-4) Chapter One (articles 5-46) General Principles for Restoration and Promotion of the Sacred Liturgy Here is what they said, in part, in articles 3-4: We are, therefore, setting forth some ideals under which the liturgy should be reformed and by which it can be embraced fully by the faithful. We intend to outline the essential principles of liturgy which should always be followed. We will also establish some practical norms, which are intended to be applied to specific cases. The rites of the Catholic Church hold a particular dignity and we want to preserve them. We also want to revise these rites so that, when celebrated with greater vigor, they will be better able to address the circumstances of modern times. Note: Articles 5-46 of the Constitution lay the groundwork for all that is to follow, as well as for all the specific reforms of the Liturgy enacted after the close of Vatican II (such as the use of common languages, the turning around of the altar, and the development of roles for lay people in the Mass).
Read article 6 together aloud, alternating readers with each sentence. What does it mean to be implanted in the paschal mystery? How are we called to die to ourselves out of love? What does it mean for us to sacrifice our own selves? How can we teach this to the peoples of the world? What would it change in the world if everyone made him- or herself the servant of others? Create a two-column list on a single sheet of paper. Working alone, in pairs, or in small groups, list in one column the major principles this section sets forth. In the second column, comment on how that principle is being practiced in your experience of liturgy and worship today. Example 1: In article 10, the Constitution states this: Nevertheless, the liturgy is the summit toward which the Christian life is directed and the very source of that life to begin with. It is a fount from which grace is poured over us, and it is that place to which we go for reconciliation, peace, and communion. It is setting down a principle here, namely that the Liturgy is to be the summit toward which Christian lives are directed, as well as the very source from which Christian lives flow. That can be listed in column one. In column two, then, comment on this: Is it true for you? Do you find that the Liturgy is absolutely central in your experience of being a Christian? Or is something else more central (such as devotion to Mary or one of the Saints)? Example 2: In article 11, the Constitution states this: Precisely because it is so central to us, and so important in the Christian journey, the faithful who come to liturgy must be well disposed, ready to participate, and actively engaged in the rites. It is not enough simply to follow the letter of the law, making sure that our liturgies are "correct" and "proper." 2
Much more is required of those who practice liturgical leadership: it is also their duty to ensure that participants have the opportunity to take part fully, to understand what they are doing, and to be enriched by its effects. It is setting down another principle, namely that the faithful who come to the Liturgy must be (1) well disposed, (2) ready to participate, and (3) actively engaged in the rites. That is the principle and would be recorded in column one. In column two, then, comment on this: In your experience of being a member of a parish, is that true? Are the faithful (members of the assembled congregation) who worship beside you well disposed, ready to participate, and actively engaged during Liturgy? Session 2 Chapter Two (articles 47-58) The Most Sacred Mystery of the Eucharist Note: This chapter of the Constitution gives details about how the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist are to be revised and reformed following Vatican II. It begins poetically, recalling that Christ left us this single memorial of himself. Here is what it says, in part, in articles 47 and 48: Christ instituted the Eucharistic celebration at his last supper with his friends. His purpose was to provide the Church with a memorial of his loving death and resurrection: a sacrament of love a sign of unbreakable unity a bond of charity and justice, all filling us with grace. The Church wants the faithful, therefore, to find Christ present at the Eucharist. We're not present at Mass merely as strangers or as silent spectators but we are to take an active part in the rites, and understand what we're doing. 3
Create a list of reforms called for by this section of the document. Again, using a two-column format and working alone, in pairs, or in small groups, identify each reform and talk together about what it means and how it is being implemented in today s church. For each, try to state the underlying theology of liturgy on which the reform is based. Try to link it to one of the principles you articulated in Section A of this Study Guide. Example 1: Article 50 says this: The rites of the Mass are, therefore, to be revised in such a way that their real purpose is served and the active participation of the faithful will be increased. The rites are to be simplified, duplications are to be eliminated, and elements added with little advantage are to be discarded. Other elements which have suffered injury over time are to be restored to the vigor which they had during the days of the holy Fathers and Mothers, or as may seem useful or necessary. It is naming an area in which reform is to be undertaken, namely that the rites of the Mass are to be revised in such a way that the faithful can actively participate. It says the rites are to be simplified, eliminating duplications, and restoring practices from the ancient Church which have been lost. List that as a reform being called for here and then comment on it: How have you seen that carried out since the council? What have you gained or lost in your personal experience of the Mass because of it? How could your experience of this dimension of worship be improved? What is the underlying liturgical theology? 4
Session 3 Chapter Three (articles 59-82) Other Sacraments and the Sacramentals Note: This chapter of the Constitution continues the discussion about reforms, but goes on to address sacraments other than the Eucharist. Here is what it says, in part, in article 59: The purpose of the sacraments is to encourage holiness among people, to build up the Body of Christ, and to give worship to God. They are signs that also instruct. They presuppose faith but they also nourish, strengthen, and express it. They are sources of grace but also, the very act of celebrating them assists the faithful in receiving grace effectively. Because they are so important, everyone should understand them well. Make a two-column chart on a sheet of paper, working either individually or as a group. In one column list each of the reforms being called for here, and also write down memories or knowledge of how this sacrament or action was observed before Vatican II and the promulgation of this Constitution on the Liturgy. In the other column, write down two things. First record your understanding of why this sacrament is being reformed by Vatican II and second, comment on your experience of celebrating this sacrament today. Example 1: Article 64 says this, in part: The catechumenate for adults is to be restored and appropriate rites developed to provide for initiation of the participants. It is calling here for the restoration of the catechumenate as the process to be used when adults prepare for baptism. Write that down in column one as a reform being called for here. Also write down in column one your memory or knowledge of how adults joined the Church before Vatican II. 5
In column two, decide together on what you think is the reason the Council Fathers at Vatican II decided to undertake a reform of convert classes. What did they hope to improve? And secondly in column two, talk together and record your own experience of this new approach. How has having a catechumenate advanced the mission of Christ in your parish or, if there is no catechumenate in your parish, how would having one benefit you? Session 4 Part One: Chapter Four (articles 83-101) The Divine Office Note: This chapter of the Constitution addresses the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) and how it s used in the modern Church. Here is what it says, in part, in articles 83-84: The work of Christ is a song of praise for God and the Church now continues that hymn by celebrating the Eucharist but also by praying the divine office. An ancient tradition of the Church, the divine office is composed in such a way that all the hours of day and night are filled with prayer. This is the very prayer of the Body of Christ! The Process: Read slowly and aloud through this section. At the conclusion of the reading, simply pause as a small group and share what this means for you in your life or ministry. When all groups are finished, share with the large group the conclusions that were reached. Part Two: Chapter Five (articles 102-111) The Liturgical Year Note: This chapter of the Constitution addresses the calendar of the liturgical seasons of Advent-Christmastide, Lent, Eastertide, as well as the feasts of saints and liturgical observances in the life of the Church. Here is what it says, in part, in articles 107-109: The calendar of the liturgical year is to be revised 6
in such a way that the feasts of the Lord take precedence over all others. The sacred seasons of Advent-Christmastide and Lent-Eastertide should be emphasized to nourish the faithful. Once again, read this aloud, slowly and reverently, and then make a two-column chart as a group. In one column record each major observance or season the chapter addresses. In the other column, comment on your experience of this season in reality. Example 1: Article 106 states this, in part: Sunday is the original feast day and is a day when the faithful come together in one place. The faithful should develop Sunday as a time of joy and freedom from work. In fact, Sunday and its liturgical celebration are to be a focus of Church life. The Constitution is saying that Sunday is to be observed as a day of freedom from work. List that in column one. In column two record your commentary on this: what is your experience of this in reality in today s culture and world? The Process: When all are finished, report to the large group a summary of what was said in the small groups. If you are working alone, share with another what you have concluded. Session 5. Part One: Chapter Six (articles 112-121) Sacred Music Note: This chapter of the Constitution addresses music as an element of Sacred Worship in the Church. The chapter gives several major principles on the use of music and musical instruments in Liturgy. In addition, guidelines are proposed for composers of liturgical music to use when composing hymns. 7
Here is what it says, in part, in articles 113-114: Liturgical worship is more noble when sung, hence choirs must be promoted but all the faithful should also sing as part of the active participation we have called for here. The Process: Read slowly and aloud through this section, pausing at each recommended reform to note it and comment on it. When all are finished, report to the large group a summary on what was said. Part Two: Chapter Seven (articles 122-130) Sacred Art and Furnishings Note: This section of the Constitution deals with the use of art and furnishings in the Church building in which we assemble for Liturgy. Read this section aloud together. When finished, work together as a group to name the main principles that flow from it. List these in complete sentences, working out precise terminology and practice. Example 1: In article 124, the document states: And whether in selecting and retaining art or sacred vessels and vestments pastors should strive after noble beauty rather than sumptuous display. In your experience of worship, how would you distinguish between the two? How is this a change from pre-vatican II liturgical design? Example 2: Article 124 states that new buildings and spaces should be designed in such a way that the faithful are encouraged to participate. In your experience of worship, how would that affect a building design? 8