But in order that the liturgy may be able to produce its full effects, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions, that their minds should be attuned to their voices, and that they should cooperate with divine grace lest they receive it in vain. Pastors of souls must therefore realize that, when the liturgy is celebrated, something more is required than the mere observation of the laws governing valid and licit celebration; it is their duty also to ensure that the faithful take part fully aware of what they are doing, actively engaged in the rite, and enriched by its effects.
~ Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 11
From May to June 2025, the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions sponsored a five-part webinar series entitled “The Art of Celebrating: Something More is Required.” These session recordings are available below:
Session I – The Art of Celebrating: Understanding Ars Celebrandi
This session offers a broad exploration of Ars Celebrandi – where the term comes from and why it should always be a goal and concern. What is ritual and how does it have the power to transform? How can the Church endeavor to foster genuine encounters with Christ in a post-pandemic, technology-saturated world. What is the “something more” which is required?
Presenters: Rev. Paul Turner and Rev. Bruce Cinquegrani; © FDLC 2025
Session II – The Art of Celebrating: The Role of the Assembly
Through our baptism, each member of the assembly is called to full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgy. How, too, is the entire community called to active and conscious participation? What mission do we bear to the rest of the world?
Presenter: Sr. Joyce Ann Zimmerman; © FDLC 2025
Session III – The Art of Celebrating: Artful Presiding
Focusing on clergy, this session draws from Desiderio desideravi and emphasizes the role of the presider. What skills, traits, and attitudes must he possess? What must he avoid? What does ordination call him to be as a leader of liturgy?
Presenter: Bishop Mark Seitz; © FDLC 2025
Session IV – The Art of Celebrating: Lay Liturgical Ministers
What do all liturgical ministers have in common? How do they both serve the assembly and model fruitful participation? How do formation programs for these ministers ensure competency as well as a true sense of ministry? How do we continually support these ministers? This session will offer key insights to diocesan and parish leaders as well as to those who exercise these ministries faithfully. How do we encourage and form those lay ministers who regularly lead prayer services, devotions, the celebration of the Hours, or Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest.
Presenters: Ms. Victoria Tufano and Msgr. Michael Begolly; © FDLC 2025
Session V – The Art of Celebrating: The Art of Liturgical Music
Music is not a beautiful addition to a liturgy – it is integral to it. How does the thoughtful selection and preparation of liturgical music and the formation of pastoral musicians assist in deepening the assembly’s participation? How do music leaders effectively accommodate the cultural, pastoral, and liturgical needs of the assembly whom they serve?
Presenters: Dr. Dolores Martinez and Dr. Steven Janco; © FDLC 2025