LITURGY PLANNER – Palm Sunday (A)

SUNDAY PREP

CATHOLIC WOMEN PREACHJEFF CAVINSBISHOP GOLKAKNOW BEFORE YOU GOONE MINUTE HOMILYPRIESTS FOR LIFESOCIETY OUR LADY OF TRINITYWORD ON THE WORD

↩️ ↪️ Catholic Women Preach

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A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

Theme: The Hope of Unraveled Lives

Focus: Fragility, Tragedy, and Transformation.

The "30-Second" Crisis: Use the imagery of the phone call or the skiing accident. How quickly life "unravels."
Sitting in the Suspense: We often rush to Easter because the "suspense" of Holy Week is uncomfortable. Challenge the people to stay in the Friday and Saturday of their lives.
Unraveled Figures: * Peter: The tragedy of overconfidence.
- Judas: The desperation of a plan gone wrong.
- Mary & Martha: The baffling silence of a dead Messiah.
Transformation, Not Erasure: Resurrection doesn't delete the past or the scars; it gathers them up and transforms them into glory.
Call to Action: Bring your "shattered plans" to the foot of the Cross this week. Don't sanitize your pain before giving it to God.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Opening Words of the Presider Brothers and sisters, as we journey through the solemn days of Holy Week, we acknowledge the fragility of our human plans and the unexpected sorrows that unravel our lives. Trusting not in the erasure of our pain, but in God’s profound power to transform it, let us bring our needs and the needs of the world to the foot of the cross.

Petitions

For the Church: For the Church and all her ministers; that we may resist the temptation to rush past the sorrows of the cross, and instead remain a steadfast, compassionate presence for all those whose lives are unraveling. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the World: For our society, which so often seeks to avert its gaze from painful situations; that the grace of God may give us the courage to face sickness, sorrow, and systemic oppression, and to work alongside those who suffer. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For Special Needs: For those enduring sudden tragedy, those haunted by past abuse, and those who feel they are living the worst day of their lives; that they may not be left alone in their uncertainty, but find a mysterious and sustaining hope in Christ's solidarity with their suffering. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Local Assembly: For our community gathered here in worship; that as we reflect on the shattered expectations of Peter, Judas, Mary, and Martha, we may honestly gather up our own disappointments and uncertain futures, bringing them to the cross with faith in God's transforming glory. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)

Closing Prayer of the Presider God of mystery and grace, You do not erase the reality of our human fragility, but You promise to transform it through the love of Your Son. Hear the prayers we offer in our uncertainty, and grant us the courage to walk faithfully through the darkness of Good Friday toward the hopeful dawn of Easter. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Jeff Cavins

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THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and Sundays with Ascension video series "Encountering the Word."

A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

Theme: Restoration & The Great Exchange

Focus: Genesis to the Eucharist; The Substitution.

Call to Action: When we receive Communion this week, we are taking in the life that was barred from us since the Fall.
The Garden Connection: Start at the beginning. Remind the faithful that sin in a Garden (Eden) cut us off from the Tree of Life.
The Wood of the Cross: Contrast the tree in Eden with the wood of the Cross. The Cross is the New Tree of Life; the Eucharist is its fruit. To eat of this fruit is to "live forever" (John 6).
The Missing Lamb: In the Upper Room, the Paschal Lamb isn't on the table—He is at the head of it. Jesus is the Lamb.
The Barabbas Mystery: His name means "Son of the Father" ($Bar$ - $Abba$). The guilty "son of a father" goes free only because the sinless "Son of the Father" takes his place.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Opening Words of the Presider Brothers and sisters, as we enter into the holiest of weeks, we recall how Jesus, the innocent Son of God, willingly took our place to grant us access to the Tree of Life once again. With profound gratitude for His sacrifice and confidence in the Father’s boundless mercy, let us offer our prayers for the Church and the whole world.

Petitions

For the Church: For the holy Catholic Church, and especially for our priests who serve in the eternal order of Melchizedek; that they may be strengthened in their vocation as they continually bring us the Eucharist, the life-giving fruit of the wood of the cross. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the World: For the leaders of nations and all peoples of the earth; that witnessing the great exchange of Good Friday—where the innocent Christ took the place of the guilty—may inspire a profound spirit of mercy, selfless justice, and peace in a fractured world. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For Special Needs: For those who feel condemned, those who are imprisoned, and all who feel cut off from God's grace by the heavy burden of sin; that they may come to know Jesus as the true Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and sets the captives free. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Local Assembly: For our parish community gathered here today; that as we approach the altar to receive the Eucharist, we may never forget the dear price our Lord paid on Calvary, and that we may always praise God for this renewed access to eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)

Closing Prayer of the Presider Heavenly Father, you gave your only Son, the pure and beautiful Son of God, to take our place and defeat death, hell, and the grave. Hear the prayers we bring before you today. May the wood of the cross always be our strength, and the fruit of the Eucharist be our eternal life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Bishop James Golka

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THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and Diocese of Colorado Springs video series.

A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

Theme: The Liturgy of Contrast

Focus: Participation and the "Hosanna" Cry.

Call to Action: Plan now. Don't just "show up" for Palm Sunday and Easter. Experience the washing of feet (Thursday) and the veneration of the Cross (Friday).
The Two Gospels: Contrast the "Outside" Gospel (Triumphant Entry) with the "Inside" Gospel (The Passion). We move from praise to execution in under an hour.
Meaning of Hosanna: It’s not just a cheer; it’s a plea. Save us now! It’s a cry of intensity.
The Palm as Survival: Historically, palms were symbols of Jewish survival against oppressors. We carry them as symbols of our survival over sin and death through Christ.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Opening Words of the Presider Brothers and sisters, as we raise our palm branches to welcome Jesus as our King, we enter this sacred Holy Week ready to walk with Him to the cross. Trusting in the God who hears our cries and comes to save us, let us offer our prayers for the Church and the world.

Petitions

For the Church: For the holy Catholic Church as we enter the profound liturgies of Holy Week; that by witnessing Christ wash the feet of His disciples and offering Himself on the wood of the cross, we may be transformed into humble servants and faithful disciples. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the World: For all nations, and especially for peoples seeking liberation from conflict and oppression; that they may find true freedom, peace, and survival in Christ, the King of the Universe, who comes to protect and serve. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For Special Needs: For all who are crying out "Hosanna" in the midst of sudden illness, deep sorrow, or overwhelming despair; that they may experience the immediate, intense, and saving presence of God in their lives right now. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Local Assembly: For our parish community gathered here today; that we may not simply watch from the crowd, but actively walk with the Lord through the coming days of His Passion, overflowing with gratitude for the God who comes to find us in our everyday lives. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)

Closing Prayer of the Presider Loving Father, we sing your praises and declare, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Hear the urgent prayers of your people as we begin this journey. Give us the grace to follow your Son faithfully to the cross, so that we might also share in the glorious joy of His resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Know Before You Go

Infographic/Bulletin Insert | Prayers of the Faithful

THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and Dominican Friars, Province of St. Albert the Great.

A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

Theme: The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Focus: Fr. Brian Walker’s perspective on Human Worth.

Call to Action: Treat one another with the same respect Jesus showed us on the Cross. Our neighbor’s worth was also bought with that same blood.
The End is the Beginning: We hear the "end" (the tomb) today, but it's actually the opening of the door.
A Shared Journey: We have to go through the "difficult time" together to understand salvation. It isn't a solo sport.
"Am I Worth It?": Address the child’s question: "How is Good Friday good?" It is good because it proves our worth. God doesn't die for junk. He dies for what He loves.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Opening Words of the Presider Brothers and sisters, as we begin this profound journey of Holy Week, we are reminded that out of the deep darkness of the Passion comes the brilliant light of our salvation. Trusting in the selfless act of Jesus, who gave His life because we are infinitely valuable to Him, let us bring our prayers to our Heavenly Father.

Petitions

For the Church: For the Church as we walk through these sacred days; that we may not rush past the difficult moments of the Passion, but take the time to truly see, hear, and understand the depth of Christ's sacrifice for us. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the World: For our fragile world; that in places overwhelmed by cruelty, betrayal, and darkness, people may see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that all nations may learn to treat one another with the profound respect and peace modeled by Christ. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For Special Needs: For those who feel abandoned, those enduring intense suffering, and those who struggle to see their own self-worth; that they may come to know the true goodness of Good Friday and realize that the Lord gave His life specifically for them. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Local Assembly: For our parish community gathered to begin this holy journey; that as we reflect on the selfless act of our Savior, we may actively respond by treating each person we encounter this week with the utmost dignity, respect, and love. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)

Closing Prayer of the Presider Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son to endure the cross so that we might have the possibility of eternal life with You. Hear our prayers and guide us as we journey through this week, that we may fully embrace our share in His saving grace and recognize the incredible worth You see in each of us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and Dominican Friars, Province of St. Albert the Great.

↩️ ↪️ 1-Minute Homily

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THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and THE JESUIT POST.

A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

Theme: Accepting the Incomplete

Focus: Fr. Alex Hale’s perspective on Anxiety.

Call to Action: Accept the anxiety of not being "finished" yet. Trust that Jesus is still working on your heart.
The Shallow Praise: Jesus likely felt the hollowness of the "Hosannas," knowing the "Crucify Hims" were coming.
The Anxiety of Faith: Sometimes we feel "incomplete" or in "suspense." That anxiety is where Jesus' work happens.
Uncomfortable Change: The King entering our hearts isn't just a "happy ending"; it demands the sacrifice of old habits and idols.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Opening Words of the Presider Brothers and sisters, as we wave our palm branches in joyful welcome today, we also recognize the looming shadow of the cross. Trusting in the King who meets us in our imperfection and calls us to transformation, let us bring our prayers, our anxieties, and our incomplete hearts to the Father.

Petitions

For the Church: For the Church, as we enter the solemnity of Holy Week; that we may not rush past the difficult moments of Christ’s passion, but boldly embrace the uncomfortable change and sacrifice required to truly follow our King. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the World: For our world, which so often seeks easy solutions and shallow rejoicing; that leaders and citizens alike may have the courage to endure the anxiety of difficult, unresolved challenges, working patiently toward true justice and peace. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For Special Needs: For all who are burdened by anxiety, those waiting in painful suspense, and those who feel broken or incomplete; that they may find comfort in knowing that God’s redeeming work in their hearts is not yet finished. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Local Assembly: For our parish community gathered here today; that we may resist the temptation to skip straight to the joy of Easter, and instead sit faithfully with the Lord in the suspense and discomfort of His passion this week. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)

Closing Prayer of the Presider Lord God, You sent Your Son to enter Jerusalem amid shouts of praise, knowing it would lead to the agony of the cross. Give us the grace to accept the anxiety of our own unfinished lives, trusting that through the sacrifices You call us to make, You are preparing our hearts for the true joy of the resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Priests for Life

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THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and PRIESTS FOR LIFE.

A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

Theme: The People of Life

Focus: Pro-Life and the Victory of Obedience.

Call to Action: Let the palms in your home remind you all year to be a "Person of Life"—never indifferent to violence or the deprivation of dignity.
Obedience vs. Rebellion: Jesus undoes the "disobedience" of Adam through His "obedience" to the Father.
Real Suffering: Counter the idea that Jesus "only appeared" to suffer. His pain was real, which makes His love real.
Rescuing the Vulnerable: If Christ died to rescue us from death, we are called to rescue others. This starts with the unborn and the most vulnerable.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Opening Words of the Presider Brothers and sisters, as we enter this holiest of weeks, we recognize that Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem was a willing journey toward the cross to destroy death and bring us eternal life. With profound gratitude for the forgiveness won for us, let us bring our needs to the Father, asking for the grace to be a true People of Life.

Petitions

For the Church: For the holy Catholic Church; that through the liturgies of Holy Week, she may powerfully proclaim the triumph of grace over sin and apply the saving fruits of Christ’s passion to every human heart. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the World: For our nation and all societies; that the selfless sacrifice of Christ on the cross may inspire a rejection of all violence, and foster a deep, unwavering respect for the dignity of every human life. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For Special Needs: For the most vulnerable among us, especially children living within their mothers' wombs; that they may be protected from the threat of abortion, and that all who are tempted to take life may instead discover the profound joy of giving themselves for the good of another. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Local Assembly: For our parish community; that the palm branches we carry home today may serve as a year-round reminder to never hold back on our love or sacrifice, and that we may continually run to the cross as the only true source of forgiveness. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)

Closing Prayer of the Presider Almighty God, Your Son Jesus Christ laid down His life for us sinners, turning the cruelty of the cross into the ultimate victory of obedience and love. Hear our prayers, and grant that as we are rescued from death, we may courageously dedicate ourselves to rescuing and defending the lives of others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ SOLT Liturgy Prep

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THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and Society of Our Lady video series "Liturgy Prep."

A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

THEME: The Holy Week Challenge

Focus: Internal Consistency and the Call to Vigilance.

The Liturgical Shift: Describe the movement from the church parking lot/gathering space (The Joyful Entry) to the sanctuary (The Passion). This isn't just a physical move; it’s a spiritual transition.
The "Crucify Him" Within: Reflect on how easily we move from praising God on Sunday to "crucifying" Him through our sins by Tuesday or Wednesday. Our lives often mirror that same fickle crowd.
The Challenge of "Bad Times": It is easy to praise God when the "chips are up." The real challenge is finding the words of praise when we feel forsaken or when life feels like it's falling apart.
Preparation through Mercy: Emphasize that this is the "Great Week for Confession." We cannot effectively "die with Christ" on Friday if we are clinging to the sins that put Him there. Reconciliation is the necessary cleanup for our souls.
"Can You Not Stay Awake?": Connect the financial stress, grief, and worry mentioned in the petitions to Christ in Gethsemane. He asks us to "stay awake" with Him in our suffering, promising that we are never alone in our vigil.
The Triduum Goal: We don't just "watch" the Triduum; we enter it. We die to our pride so we can be raised in His grace.
Call to Action: This week, find one specific area of your life where you feel "forsaken" and make a conscious effort to praise God right there in the middle of that pain.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider: Brothers and sisters, as we begin this Holy Week, let us turn to the Father, who loved us so much that He gave His only Son to journey from the Cross to the Resurrection. Trusting in His mercy, we offer our prayers for the Church and for the world.

Lector: Our response is: Lord, hear our prayer.

For the Church: That as we re-enact Christ’s Joyful Entry into Jerusalem and listen to the Passion narrative, we may have the grace to remain faithful to our King, never crying "Crucify Him!" by our sins, but always exalting Him by our lives. Let us pray to the Lord.
For our local community: That we may accept the "Holy Week Challenge" presented to us. May we find the strength to praise and thank God not only when we are happy and life is good, but also in "Bad Times," when we feel forsaken or consumed by the anxieties of life. Let us pray to the Lord.
For all who are seeking forgiveness: That during this "Great Week for Confession," those who feel separated from God by sin may avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, finding in it the true preparation for the Passion of Christ. Let us pray to the Lord.
For those burdened by worry and stress: Especially those represented by the figure consumed by financial anxiety in our journey, and those who feel alone and grieving. May they hear the Lord’s call to "Stay Awake," finding peace in His presence and strength in His solidarity with all human suffering. Let us pray to the Lord.
For this assembly: That as we enter the Triduum, we may truly "Die with Christ on the Cross" to our selfishness and pride on Good Friday, so that we may "Resurrect with Him" into a new life of joy and grace on Easter Sunday. Let us pray to the Lord.

Presider: Heavenly Father, You have brought us this far in our preparation for the Passion of Your Son. Hear the prayers we offer today, and give us the courage to walk with Him throughout this Holy Week, so that we may share in His triumphant Resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

↩️ ↪️ The Word on the Word

Infographic/Bulletin Insert | Prayers of the Faithful

THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and EWTN video series "The Word on the Word."

A Homily Outline

To help draft your homily, copy any of these prompts into the Homily Helper (Catholic Assistant) in the bottom right corner.

Theme: Meritorious Suffering

Focus: Uniting our Cross to His.

Call to Action: Whatever burden you are carrying right now—physical, emotional, or spiritual—consciously unite it to the Cross this week.
Willing Sacrifice: Suffering is inevitable; willing suffering is meritorious.
"Thy Will Be Done": This is the prayer that bridges the agony of Gethsemane to the glory of the Resurrection.
Never Abandoned: Remind the people: "He will never abandon us." Even when we feel forsaken, He is the one holding the other side of the Cross.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Opening Words of the Presider Brothers and sisters, as we begin this Holy Week, we contemplate the profound mystery of Christ’s conscious choice to suffer for our sake. Trusting that He who chose the cross will never abandon us in our own trials, let us bring our prayers and the needs of the world before the Father.

Petitions

For the Church: That as we move from the triumphant "Hosanna" of the palms to the solemn narrative of the Passion, the Church may always find her strength and merit in the victory won by Christ on the Cross. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the World: For all those currently enduring the weight of betrayal, injustice, or persecution; that they may experience the comforting presence of Jesus, who walked this same path and knows their suffering intimately. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For the Suffering and Despairing: For those among us carrying heavy crosses of illness, loss, or personal failure; that they may find the grace to suffer willingly in union with Christ, trusting that their pain is meritorious and never borne alone. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)
For our Local Assembly: That we may take up this week's challenge to unite our daily struggles to the Cross, finding in "Thy Will Be Done" the courage to transform our hardships into acts of love for God. Let us pray to the Lord. (Response: Lord, hear our prayer.)

Closing Prayer of the Presider Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus Christ knew exactly what was coming and still chose the cross for our salvation. Hear the prayers of Your people and grant us the grace to remain always united to Him, so that through our shared suffering we may also share in His eternal glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

LITURGY PLANNING

Liturgy Notes

Palm Sunday (Year A)

2025 infographic based on Fr. Lawrence's 2017 column

Passion (Palm) Sunday begins what is traditionally called Holy Week. The week really consists of two distinct parts: Sunday through Thursday afternoon are still days of Lent. Thursday evening through Sunday evening comprise the Triduum or the Great Three Days. Speaking of Holy Week tends to obscure this shift from one season to another. Still, it is a week in the calendar, and Triduum is certainly linked to Lent, since Lent prepares us for these holy days.

For presiders, preachers and planners, however, this week might be called “hectic week.” No other week of the year makes as many demands on our time and energy as this one does.

The challenge for all those charged with preparing these central liturgies of the year is finding a way to participate in them prayerfully while still attending to the myriad details that require our attention. The liturgy is intended to bring us into an encounter with God’s presence and grace. That is as important for the ministers as it is for the rest of the assembly.

Give some thought to how you can enter prayerfully into each of the liturgies of this week. A good start would be to take a few minutes sometime before each liturgy begins to remember the presence of God and to reflect on the meaning of the day.

What does this liturgy mean to you?
What part of it usually touches you the most deeply?
What do you want God to do for you or within you as the community celebrates this liturgy?
Is your heart open to ways that God might surprise you?

The difficulty, of course, is figuring out when to steal those few minutes for prayer.

Can you claim a time of quiet and undistracted prayer when you first arrive at church?
Is there a place you can go that is hidden and out of the way?
Does it require arriving a bit earlier than you normally would, so that you can calmly enter into God’s presence even for a few moments?
Maybe you need to take the time at home before you leave for church. Can you coax your spouse, housemates or family to join with you in a few minutes of quiet prayer?

If you need a little help to focus, look to the texts of the liturgy itself. Almost any text in these liturgies could provide a focus for your prayer. Read and reflect on one of the readings. Slowly pray the opening collect for the liturgy. Sing (aloud or silently) the refrain for the responsorial psalm. Picture one of the unique rituals of this week: the washing of feet, the veneration of the cross, the Easter fire and paschal candle, or the baptism of new members at the Vigil. Focusing on the elements of the liturgy will help you be more aware of God’s presence when the liturgy itself is celebrated.

Fr. Lawrence Mick was a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, columnist, workshop leader on parish renewal and the author of many books on the liturgy. He is a long-time contributor to Celebration and other national publications.

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