Called to Preside

Book excerpt: Called to Preside is a complete guide to the art and craft of presiding at public prayer. Theresa Cotter lays a solid groundwork for those new to the study of liturgy and encourages novice presiders with numerous suggestions for practicing presiding skills. This handbook will serve as an invaluable reference and resource throughout your presiding ministry. Topics include: -the call to preside; -common words with special meanings in the context of liturgy; -the presider as a person of prayer; -signs and symbols; -liturgical essentials; -methods to sharpen presiding skills; -the public prayer of the faith community; -tips for meeting ongoing presiding challenges; -a wealth of resources for continued growth and learning. In the introduction, Cotter writes, ÒWe need to learn about liturgy, about symbols, rituals, and rites. We need to learn about presiding and practice its skills. We need to evaluate our own giftedness and remain open to the workings of the Holy Spirit. Above all we need to pray. . . . This handbook will help in both the discerning process and the learning process. It can enable us to respond with wisdom, courage, generosity, confidence, and enthusiasm. If our call to preside is authentic, the Spirit will ignite within us a desire to preside and to preside well. The most tentative maybe will be transformed into an enthusiastic yes.Ó