The Academy for Sacred Liturgy, Music and the Arts advances the mission of the Institute by assisting in the formation of a Priestly People. The programs of the academy are designed in response to the Church’s continuing call for liturgical renewal and the Archdiocesan Synod mandate for continuing education for the laity.
Blessed John Paul II, shortly before his death, called particular attention to the need for on-going formation in ars celebrandi, the art of celebration.
Another aspect the Plenary Meeting focused on was that of liturgical formation, a fundamental component in the training of future priests and deacons and of instituted ministers and Religious, as well as a permanent dimension of catechesis for all the faithful. Adequate training programs in parish communities, associations and ecclesial movements are urgently needed, so that the liturgy may become better known in the richness of its language and be lived to the full. To the extent that they can do this, communities will feel the beneficial influence of the liturgy on both their personal and community life.
-John Paul II
http://www.adoremus.org/JPII_PlenaryAssembly.html
The synod made the following recommendation to the Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss:
Centrality of Liturgy in the Church
We believe that more active participation in liturgy, especially the Eucharist, leads to greater commitment and personal involvement in works of charity that are the true measure of people who worship in spirit and in truth. However, strategies must be developed and implemented that address the increasing numbers of Catholics in the archdiocese who are not present regularly for Sunday Eucharistic liturgies.
Recommendations to the Archbishop
Members of the Synod Assembly recommend to the archbishop that he inaugurate a major effort involving educational and formational resources in the archdiocese to promote in all our parishes and institutions a comprehensive program of liturgical theology and spirituality. The purpose will be to inform people about the centrality of Eucharistic worship and prayer in their lives of faith, and inspire them to move from worship of God to service to people. This program of liturgical renewal in the archdiocese, to be implemented by the year 2006, will include the following:
Special programs in liturgical theology and spirituality will be provided for all liturgical leaders in the archdiocese so they are prepared to give informed and inspirational guidance in liturgical celebrations for those they serve.
Congregations will be instructed regarding the centrality of Eucharistic liturgy in their lives of faith, and the importance of their participation in the church’s worship and prayer.
Liturgical prayer (Eucharistic scripture readings, Liturgy of the Hours, prayers of the saints) will be encouraged outside of Mass for private prayer and family prayer at home. All formation programs in the archdiocese (Catholic schools, religious formation classes, RCIA, adult education programs, small group discussions, young adult programs and all renewal groups) will include a component on liturgical theology and spirituality. Our goal will be to renew in all baptized Catholics an awareness of the centrality of Eucharistic worship and prayer in their lives of faith.
The School of Sacred Liturgy
The School of Sacred Liturgy offers workshops and classes in the area of liturgical theology and spirituality. In addition, practical programs on liturgical preparation are offered. These programs are offered for enrichment, certification and academic credit.
The School of Sacred Music
The School of Sacred Music offers programs in formation for life-long praise of God. Workshops, classes, private lessons and choral programs are available for all ages. Sessions are also available for musical preparation for worship and study of Church documents of the role of music in the sacred liturgy. The School of music houses a library consisting of the Saint Cecilia Cathedral and Boys Town collections. These materials are available for study and research.
The Academy of Fine and Applied Arts.
The Academy of Fine and Applied Arts offers workshops and classes in art and spirituality. The programs explore the role of art as handmaid of faith and worship. In addition, occasional offerings include practical classes in the visual and performing arts. The Academy enjoys a working relationship with other arts institutions in the community.
