Region 2

ID # 40

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  1

1b) When? Autumn 2001

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? The BCL secretariat was extremely helpful in providing summaries, charts and other info.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? The uncertainty about when the final translation of the GIRM 2002 and the liturgical books would actually be available.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 0

2b) When? Autumn 2001

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: Dennis [McManus] worked with us to produce a video program on the same material but geared to lay liturgical ministers and liturgy planners. The follow up phase includes articles in the diocesan paper, flyers for parishes and bulletin inserts. This phase is still in progress.

Notes: In the Fall of 2001, the diocese...executed a program titled "Call to Worship." The purpose was to provide a program of liturgical catechetical renewal while introducing the revisions in the General Instruction.  Our feeling was that rubrics, or modifications of rubrics, are useless if the clergy and the people do not first have a foundational understanding of liturgical theology and an appreciation for liturgical praxis.

Dennis Mc Manus came into town for three days. He presented a program geared for clergy. All clergy, including deacons and seminarians, were invited to attend a one day session. We had an excellent turnout. At the end of the three days, nearly all of our clergy attended a session. Dennis then worked with us to produce a video program on the same material but geared to lay liturgical ministers and liturgy planners. We did "road shows in every vicariate in the dicoese. LArger vicariates had more than one date provided. We showed the video and then had trained facilitators lead group presentations for each ministry and discussion.

We reached about 15,000 people.                                                                   We are about to initiate an additional program geared to those who plan liturgies for youth. Our diocesan youth department will assist. This program will be offered to liturgy planners in schools (high school and college) CCD programs, and parish youth groups.

Region 2

ID # 36

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  2

1b) When? April, May 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? The most helpful thing in implementation has been the attitude of both our Bishop and many other pastoral leaders to see this as a positive catechetical moment in the process of which we introduce a few changes rooted in the positive catechesis.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? 5.                Two things have been somewhat of an obstacle.  The first would be the determination of a few to see the revision of the GIRM and any changes that are a part of it in a negative light.  The second thing would be the few pastoral leaders who jumped the gun and tried to implement change before we even had an official English translation.  The Bishop had asked everyone to wait and move together but some of our more conservative folk just couldn’t wait.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 2

2b) When? May 2003

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: We developed materials for priests, deacons, lectors, Communion Ministers, those who prepare Children’s Liturgy of the Word as well as a series of bulletin inserts for parish use.  None of our materials are available for outside use at this time.   Also members of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission as well as the Office of Liturgy are available to go to individual parishes or pastoral planning groupings to speak.

Notes: 1) We held 2 training sessions for our priests and deacons. Consisted of a presentation and a Q&A time. 2) We also sponsored 2 training sessions for pastoral staff and liturgical volunteers (such as liturgy committee folks).   Consisted of a presentation and a Q&A time.

Region 2

ID # 2

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  1

1b) When? not specified

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM?

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM?

2) Training sessions for laity? No

2a) How many? 0

2b) When?

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? No

3a) Describe:  

Notes:

Region 3

ID # 47

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  4

1b) When? September – November, 2004

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? It is too early to tell.  We have made extensive use of the material that was made available from the USCCB and the FDLC.  Members of the Office of Worship have attended various meetings where the GIRM have been presented, and this information will be included in the catechical material prepared for the Diocese.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM?

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 4

2b) When? September – November, 2004

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? No

3a) Describe: [The] Bishop ... has asked that a Question and Answer sheet be prepared as the basic catechical tool for our Diocese.  The Task Group will also send out other material that has been prepared to explain the new GIRM.  We will also update our diocesan guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.  B) Once they are competed and approved for our diocese, if any other diocese wishes to review them we would be happy to share.

Notes:

Region 3

ID # 35

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  2

1b) When? October 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM?

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM?

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 3

2b) When? October 2003

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? No

3a) Describe: Four monthly Monthly columns in the  the diocesan newspapter, on Liturgical Documents in preparation for diocesan  GIRM implementation.

Two installments on GIRM theology and instructions in "Liturgical Considerations" the organ of the Office for Worship.

Large photo/instructional essays on standing at the "May the Lord accept"

and the manner of receiving Communion.

Notes: 1) Six week catechesis with full implementation on November 29, First Sunday

in Advent. My presence one afternoon at the October convocation of the priests the following week where I will field questions after they've had the documents

and supplemental material for one week.

Region 3

ID # 52

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  3

1b) When? June, 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? Our preparation.  We did a series of 24 workshops to prepare for this.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? The lack of fervor from the top

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 3

2b) When? throughout 2003

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms? The priests who do not believe in this

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: Bulletin announcements and a series of six articles

Notes:

Region 3

ID # 7

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  3

1b) When? Three sessions were held September, 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? The materials from the BCL and information shared by other dioceses.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? The impression given by some groups that the Church in the United States is full of liturgical abuses. In a diocese where the people tend to be conservative, outside groups appeal to a fear that we, too, have abuses.  In our efforts to promote the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, we are questioned and held suspect—for teaching what the church teaches. 

Also, the survey years ago that said that Catholics no longer believe in the real presence.  The survey was flawed, but we still suffer from its effects.  Catholics do believe in the real presence.

Also, tension between: convenience and careful planning.  It’s easier to be efficient and convenient so liturgy suffers by becoming streamlined.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 4

2b) When? September and October, 2003.

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms? The on-going concern by some of germs and disease.

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: Each priest and deacon were given a copy of the General Instruction of the Roman  Missal, and the Norms for the Distribution  and Reception of Holy Communion under both Kinds.  They were also given: Outlines of presentations, bulletin inserts, lists of revisions, Outline of General Instruction of the Roman Missal; General information on Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers, Music, Liturgical Ministries and Roles.

Notes: 1 b)Three sessions were held September, 2003.  Priests, deacons were encouraged to attend one. Approximately 280 priests and deacons attended. 2 a) Four sessions are being offered at various locations and times throughout the diocese. 2 b)  Total attendance at the first 3 sessions—300.

Region 3

ID # 5

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?   

1b) When? Sessions occurred between October and December 2002 (5-hour session for priests, 4-hour session for deacons)

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? Most helpful was the support of the diocesan bishop in providing this catechesis, as well as his desire for uniformity in liturgy throughout the diocese.  Also helpful was the genuine interest by clergy and laity alike in understanding the new norms, and the rationale behind the new norms.  The VAST majority of clergy and laity were quite open to the implementation of the new liturgical norms in their parishes, and they at times sought the advice and direction of the Office of Worship in assisting them with the implementation.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? No real obstacles were encountered.  A very few number of priests (2 or 3) and a few lay persons (less than 20 who were present at the catechetical sessions) expressed that they would not implement some of the new liturgical norms in their parishes (particularly in regard to the new norms governing extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist) because they disagreed with the rubrical changes.  This, in my judgment, is unfortunate since it means that these very few priests and lay persons will be imposing their own liturgical  "mindsets" on the entire parish to which they belong.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 10

2b) When? December 2002 January 2003 February 2003

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms? Same responses as numbers 5.

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: Five bulletin inserts were provided to all parishes detailing the rubrical changes that most affected the assembly at worship.  A bi-weekly article in the diocesan newspaper will soon begin that will provide a step-by-step catechesis on "why we do what we do at Mass."  Also, the director of the Office of Worship was invited to approximately 10-15 parishes in the diocese to provide a catechetical session for the parish at large on the revised GIRM.

Notes: 1 a) Approximately 220 (out of a total of 300) priests and 100 (out of a total of 130) permanent deacons were catechized. 2 a)  Approximately 2,000 lay persons were catechized (representative samples from each parish of the diocese).  Also, the instructors in the School of Liturgy (who provide training for lectors and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist) were also catechized on the new liturgical norms.  All future training of lectors and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist will be done according to the revised GIRM. 2 b) Ten 2-hour sessions occurred between December 2002 and February 2003 (the revised GIRM became effective in the Diocese…on the First Sunday of Lent 2003). All sessions were concluded prior to this effective date.

Region 4

ID # 58

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  5

1b) When? August 2002 to November 2002

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? The desires of the laity to be instructed and catechized.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? The majority of the clergy who don't want to be bothered with this in the wake of the morale problems already over them.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 1

2b) When? February 2004

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms? The loss of involvement of extraordinary ministers at the fraction rite; the flip-flop from the BCL office on the procedure of giving Holy Communion to these ministers when there are more than eight.

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: We put together brief explanations for priest-presiders, deacons, and musicians of the changes/nuances.  As well, we put togteher separate handouts on "reverence" and the Communion Rite (including a video of the latter).

Notes:

Region 4

ID # 42

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  2

1b) When? December 2001

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? Probably the modeling of the Eucharistic liturgy when we did the two diocesan presentations last October.  We went through the Introductory Rites & the Liturgy of the Word in the morning, had lunch, and went through the Liturgy of the Eucharist & Concluding Rites in the afternoon.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? Not having the official translation of the GIRM for so long.  Also, not having the Order for Mass translated in English.  We found the GIRM 2002's silence on the role of the deacon in the Act of Penitence to mean they no longer could not do the tropes.  That, however, is not true because in the Latin edition of the Ordo Missae #6 it says they can.  There are still things about the GIRM 2002 that seem incomplete.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 4

2b) When? October 2002

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms? The fact that we had the Norms in English, but the GIRM 2002 in Latin for so long.

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: We are working on handouts for the parish.  This has been difficult because as we began working on them we did not have an official translation of the GIRM 2002.  With other things going on, the handouts have been put on the back burner.  We hope to get something to the parishes in the next month or so.

Notes:

Region 4

ID # 6

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  5

1b) When? October November 2002, March 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM?  All of our session's were the same - therefore, everyone was

receiving the same material and hearing the same thing.  This helped us

in our implementation.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? At first the clergy were not open, however through the support of the Office of Worship they have adapted.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 3

2b) When? October November 2002

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms? Getting the clergy and laity to understand - why.

3) Develop resources? No

3a) Describe:  

Notes: 3. NO, I used the BCL material

Region 4

ID # 14

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  1

1b) When? September 2&3, 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM?

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM?

2) Training sessions for laity? No

2a) How many? 0

2b) When?

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? No

3a) Describe:  

Notes: 1 a) repeated twice

Region 5

ID # 12

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  5

1b) When? Spring and September 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? We have not yet implemented the GIRM.  The bishops of [the state] decided that the revised GIRM would be implemented in the state on the First Sunday of Advent 2003 in order to give adequate time for catechesis.  Our bishop mandated workshops for the laity as well as for the clergy in our diocese, and the workshops have been very well received.  Our Office of Worship will also be doing some catechesis with our Catholic school religion administrators in November.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM?

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 4

2b) When? September & October 2003

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: We have a one-page handout with instructions for Lectors, a one-page handout for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, a two-page hand-out on Music in the Liturgy, a one-page handout on the Posture of the Assembly, and we are presently developing a one-page handout on Active Participation and Silent Reflection in the Liturgy.

    For our workshops, we also used (with permission) the excellent resource on the Order of the Mass from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, which is available on their website.  Although lengthy, it is excellent material.

Notes: 1) We had four regional sessions in the spring and one make-up session in September 2003 for those who missed the original sessions in the spring.  In addition to the training sessions for the clergy, our Office is also preparing packets of information and bulletin inserts to be mailed to all our priests later in October.  Our diocese, along with all the other dioceses in Louisiana, will not implement the revised GIRM until the First Sunday of Advent 2003. 2) Yes, we are in the process right now of conducting catechesis programs for the laity.  Our last regional program is this coming Saturday.  As of that time, we will have conducted four regional workshops for the laity, on Saturday mornings in September and October 2003.  Our turn-out has been excellent.  The Director of the Office of Worship is conducting all the workshops.  He also did a workshop in August for our seminarians.  We did not bring in an outside presenter.

Region 5

ID # 21

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  2

1b) When? One early 2003, one November 2003

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM?

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM?

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 0

2b) When?

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? No

3a) Describe:  

Notes: 1 a) About 75 % were present. Resources, most from the BCL website were present in CD form and copies mailed to those who did not attend. Additional hard copy info was provided. 1 b) We plan to have workshop (possibly offered in two locations) in November for the priests on the GIRM. Similar materials will be provided. 2) The option of reqesting deanery workshops for other ministers is available but none have requested it. No formal training is provided by the Office because of limited resources (me). Hopefully, as our Commission evolves members will be able to share in some of these responsibilities.

Region 5

ID # 32

1) Training sessions for clergy? Yes

1a) How many?  4

1b) When? Nov 2002

4) Most helpful in implementing GIRM? Being honest and upfront about the changes.

5) Obstacles in implementing GIRM? Conservative and liberal agenda which often tries to mudle the waters

even further.

2) Training sessions for laity? Yes

2a) How many? 4

2b) When? Fall 2003

7) Obstacle in implementing Norms?  

3) Develop resources? Yes

3a) Describe: Yes we have made bulletin inserts and  you can contact out Office of

Worship to get them.

Notes: I have found our people to be very accepting overall.  Our clergy have more problems with some of the issues of the Communion Rite, Life Teen concerns and now dance.

Region 5