Liturgy Commission

Liturgical worship, as a local expression of the faith of the church, reflects the experience of the parish. Yet our shared Roman Catholic rite also means that our liturgical customs also mirror what the Body of Christ does around the world when it gathers.

At St. Ignatius, this means that you can expect a particular style of liturgy that may not be the same as another parish! The Liturgy Commission exists to assist the pastor in preparing liturgical celebrations for the parish community, recruiting and training liturgical ministers, and setting parish policy and educating the parish on issues related to the liturgy. The Liturgy Commission aids the pastor and pastoral staff in forming and maintaining a vision of liturgy, which is the center of parish life.

Fr. John's Letter on the Liturgy

From time to time, it's important for us as a community to reflect on how we celebrate the Eucharist together. Over the past few months, the Liturgy Commission, the Parish Pastoral Council, and the Parish Staff have discussed liturgical practice at St. Ignatius, and have discerned a few adjustments to how we worship in common at Mass.

Read Fr. John's Letter Here

Commission

The Liturgy Commission is a volunteer working body in which no single person possesses all the necessary gifts, but which is strengthened by each person's knowledge, talents, and contributions. Its members are parishioners of vision who recognize themselves as servants of the community, dedicated to promoting the liturgical life of our parish.

God sets the banquet table, inviting one and all. In this context, commission members serve the needs of the Body of Christ, not their own. Members represent a variety of Liturgical Ministries and Masses, the Parish Staff, and even the Boston College Campus Ministry Community. They possess:

Knowledge and experience of the Church and church documents, the sacraments, ritual and mission
An openness to diversity
A willingness to listen, learn, and work collaboratively toward consensus
A desire to call forth, foster, and appreciate the gifts of others

2025–2026 Members

Allyn McCourt, Music Director
Carol Russo, Chair & Staff Liaison
Anthony Compagnone
Strad Engler
Eric Haydel
Ellen Modica
Rita Rodriguez
Jim Scholl
Barbara Flanagan
Jacqueline Regan
Chase Hockema
Alan Stern

Meetings

The Liturgy Commission meets once monthly on the third Monday evening of the month. Because of the nature and scope of the work, subcommittees may need to meet additionally during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Terms of Service

Members can serve as long as they desire. Our year typically runs from August to June. In September, members can evaluate their service and decide to remain on the commission or to take some time off for reflection and renewal. New members may join throughout the year.

New members may be:

Recommended by the pastor or a parish staff member
Referred by a current Liturgy Commission member
An interested parishioner with specific skills and talents that would be beneficial for the Commission
A volunteer responding to a bulletin announcement or recruiting-event request

Goals & Objectives

The Liturgy Commission seeks to live out the Paschal Mystery by examining what practices can lead us to full celebration of that mystery.

The liturgy itself invites us into this imagination, helping us to know more deeply what it means to live, die, and rise with Christ. As a work of art, the liturgy must have space and opportunities for music, movement, poetry, and environmental arts. These arts play a central role in the life of the church and offer diverse backgrounds to find unity.

To communicate a deeper understanding of what "full, active, and conscious participation" in liturgy demands.
To celebrate the diversity of our community and look for opportunities for dialogue and education.
To increase interest in the various liturgical ministries and provide the necessary training and guidelines by which to operate.
To plan thematically throughout the liturgical year to emphasize each liturgical season.
To provide opportunities for liturgical prayer, retreats, and reflections appropriate for each distinct liturgical season.
To explore more lay opportunities for liturgical participation.
To make a more explicit connection between the OCIA program and the larger parish community within the liturgical assembly.
To facilitate conversations and collaboration with other commissions that have liturgical components in their ministry.