Making a Vital Difference...
What is the Georgetown Center for Liturgy?
The Georgetown Center for Liturgy ("GCL"), founded in 1981 by Georgetown
University and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, is an education, research, and
consultation center dedicated to transforming American Catholic parishes
through the liturgical renewal initiated by the Second Vatican Council.
The Center's mission is clear, direct, and challenging: A Transformed Church through a Renewed Liturgy.
How does GCL accomplish its mission?
The Center offers a range of quality national and regional programs and
conducts parish liturgical missions, training days and consultations. The
staff undertakes research projects, publishes regularly in liturgical and
pastoral journals, and offers courses at Georgetown University and on the
Internet.
Why is GCL's mission important?
Because our celebration of the Mass and the Sacraments is the Church's primary
means to renew its life and, ultimately, the life of the world. When the liturgy
is celebrated well,
- it makes us aware of God's love for all of us and puts words of thanks and praise on our lips;
- it helps us to find meaning in the events of our lives, even in the darkest of times;
- it can engage everyone: the young, the old, the doubter, the seeker;
- it strengthens family and community relationships;
- it gradually transforms our minds and hearts to more closely image the mind and heart of Christ;
- it molds us individually into being disciples of justice and peace, and
- it makes our worshipping communities beacons of hope for a confused world.
Haven't many changes already been introduced into parish liturgy? What more needs to be done?
During
the last forty years, the change from Latin to the language of the people,
the increased involvement of the laity in liturgical ministries, the expanded
exposure to Scripture and the emergence of good music have greatly enhanced
the possibility that parish liturgy can be transforming. But they do not
guarantee it.
The key to the people's transformation depends on (1) how well the liturgy is celebrated and (2) how deeply the assembly participates in it.
How can these two goals be achieved? What is needed in parishes to bring this about?
Serious
commitment of resources, sustained training of ministers and formation of
the members of the assembly must happen. In addition, constantly improved
preaching and presiding are needed as well as knowledgeable community involvement
in the preparation and evaluation of the parish's liturgical and spiritual
life.
How is the Georgetown Center for Liturgy supported?
We are grateful for administrative and financial support from our two sponsoring
institutions, Georgetown University and Holy Trinity Catholic Church. For
specific projects we seek grants from foundations and individuals. Additional
support comes from fees for the Center's services. But most of our support
comes from the Center's annual fund appeal and a special Advent celebration
at which the Center's award for extraordinary contributions to the liturgical
life of the American Church is given.
How do you use the money from individual donors?
The largest sector of our income underwrites most of our research, writing
and conference preparation as well as staff time spent in the development
of more effective approaches to accomplish our mission. This often involves
collaboration with other institutes, organizations and Church agencies.
How can someone collaborate in the Georgetown Center's mission?
First of all, you can become a regular contributor to our annual appeal
(online information about donations is available). This will entitle you
to receive the Center Newsletter, invitations to special colloquia and to
the annual Advent celebration. Your support, no matter how modest, will contribute
to the transformation of thousands of people's lives in hundreds of American
Catholic parishes. Secondly, you can work actively in your own parish, congregation
or school for the continual improvement of its liturgical life. We stand
ready to help you.
