The Jesuit Parish of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
28 Commonwealth Ave,
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617.552.6100
Come journey with us, from disciples to apostles
Liturgy Commission
MISSION
The purpose of the Liturgy Commission is to assist the pastor in preparing and providing for the spiritual development of the parish community through liturgical celebrations and specifically organized prayer experiences. The Commission is responsible for recruiting and training liturgical ministers, preparing parish liturgies and prayer opportunities, and setting parish policy and educating the parish on issues related to liturgy. The Liturgy Commission assists the pastor and pastoral staff in forming and maintaining a vision of liturgy, which we believe is truly the center of parish life.
2022-2023 Members
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Allyn McCourt, Music Director
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Carol Russo, Chair & Staff Liaison
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Anthony Compagnone
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Chris Darcy
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Strad Engler
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Eric Haydel
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Ellen Modica
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Denny Martin
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Rita Rodriguez
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Mary Santapaula
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Jim Scholl
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 Christmas and Easter seasons.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
The Liturgy Commission is a volunteer working body on 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 dedicated to promoting the liturgical life of our parish and who recognize themselves as servants of the community.
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, along with the Parish Staff, as well as the Boston College Campus Ministry community. They possess:
• Knowledge and experience of 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.
TERM OF SERVICE
Members can serve as long as they desire. Our year typically begins in August through June. In September, members can evaluate their service and decide to continue on the commission or take some time off for reflection and renewal. Some members serve in an advisory role. New members can join throughout the year. A new member can be:
• Recommended by the Pastor or Parish Staff Member;
• Referred by a current Liturgy Commission Member;
• An interested parishioner with specific skills and talnts that would be beneficial for the Liturgy Commission;
• A volunteer responding to a bulletin announcement or recruiting-event request.
OUR MINISTRY GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The ministry of the Liturgy Commission is to live out the Paschal Mystery. What are good practices for the Liturgy Commission that can lead to full celebration of this mystery? What are some of the challenges? The liturgy itself invites us into this imagination by showing us how we might know more deeply what it means to live, die, and rise with Christ. Further, liturgy is a work of art, and therefore we must provide space and opportunities for music, movement, poetry, and environmental arts. The arts play a central role in the life of the church and offer diverse backgrounds to find unity.
• Communicate the need for a deeper understanding of what "full, active, and conscious participation" in liturgy demands.
• Celebrate the diversity of our community and look for opportunities for dialogue and education.
• Increase interest in the various liturgical ministries and provide the necessary training and guidelines by which to operate.
• Plan thematically throughout the Liturgical year to emphasize each liturgical season.
• Provide opportunities for liturgical prayer, retreats, and reflections to enhance each distinct liturgical season.
• Explore liturgical opportunities for more lay-person participation.
• Make a more explicit connection between the RCIA program and the larger parish community within the liturgical assembly.
• Facilitate conversations and collaboration with other commissions that have liturgical components in their ministry.
Other ways to become involved with the liturgical life of St. Ignatius include:
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Greeters
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Ushers
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Eucharistic Ministers
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Lectors