Forming the Assembly to Celebrate Sacraments

Book excerpt: The Second Vatican Council envisioned a liturgical assembly that could understand and participate fully in the liturgy. Even when parishes have helped their members to understand and participate in the Sunday eucharistic liturgy, responses at liturgies for the other sacraments may seem uncertain and lukewarm. Do we know what we're doing when we celebrate the sacraments? In this book, as in its companion, Forming the Assembly to Celebrate the Mass, Larry Mick, a seasoned presider and writer on the liturgy, offers insights and suggestions for helping our communities understand the work we are called to do when we celebrate sacraments. The author explains each sacrament and its liturgical aspects in ways that will invigorate and prepare parish ministers for the work of liturgical catechesis. Once leaders are prepared, the book can then be used for catechizing the whole assembly. Parish councils, liturgy boards, liturgical ministers, adult formation groups and individuals in the assembly will all find in this book fresh perspectives for celebrating and savoring the sacraments.