Category Archives: Formation

Webinar: A Practical Guide to the Calendar

Fr. Christopher Seibt of the Diocese of Syracuse asks: How does the whole mystery of Christ unfold through the cycle of the liturgical year? What is the order of importance of liturgical days? What is the difference between the General Calendar and particular calendars? How does the liturgical calendar affect liturgical celebrations? These and other questions will be answered as the practical aspects of the liturgical year set forth in the Calendar are examined.  

Webinar: The Commemoration of the Saints

Fr. Bruce Cinquegrani of the Diocese of Memphis engages participants in an overview of the theology of the veneration of the saints, a review of the general history of the sanctoral celebrations, and an examination of the principles behind the shaping of the current sanctoral calendar in the Roman Rite. It gives specific attention to the actual liturgical texts that comprise the celebrations for the saints.

Webinar: Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Fr. James Marcus McFadin of the Diocese of El Paso examines the history, the texts, and the rich theology of the solemnities, feasts, and memorials which commemorate Mary’s role in salvation history.

Webinar: Solemnities and Feasts of the Lord

Sr. Sharon McMillan, SNDdeN of Santa Clara University focuses on the four Solemnities of the Lord in the Western Church: Holy Trinity, the Body and Blood of Christ, Sacred Heart, and Christ the King. Specific aspects include the historical and theological development of each, reform after the Second Vatican Council, an exploration of the orations and readings, and attention to contemporary pastoral issues. A much briefer presentation follows on the Feasts of the Lord common to all the liturgical families: the Presentation, Transfiguration, and Holy Cross.

Webinar: Ordinary Time

Sr. Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S of the Athanaeum of Ohio and the University of Dayton observes that Ordinary Time is often thought of as the “orphan” of the liturgical seasons, outshined by the joy and glory of the festal seasons. Yet, it is hardly “ordinary” but truly “extraordinary.” It is our time to walk with Jesus through a gospel, learning what our baptismal living is all about. Ordinary Time is challenging, inspiring, rewarding. 

Webinar: The Easter Season

Dr. Steve Janco of Alverno College in Milwaukee observes that the so-called “Masses for the Neophytes,” are the Sundays of the Easter Season. Especially on those days, we reflect on the sacraments of initiation just received by the neophytes and on our own sacramental  journey. Join us as we examine this joyful “week of weeks” and reflect upon its deep theology, its rich history, and the readings which remind all of us of our duty to be witnesses to the Resurrection.

Webinar: Lent and Holy Week

Rita Thiron, the executive director of FDLC, notes that many associate Lent only with the traditional penitential disciplines. But this session will examine the historical development of this season, the rich orations of its liturgies, and the readings which have been assigned since ancient times. In addition, we will recognize how the Elect prepare for the Easter Sacraments and how the faithful accompany them as we continue our own baptismal journey.

Webinar: Advent and Christmas

Fr. Dustin Dought of the Diocese of Lafayette, La., examines some of the prayer texts and Scriptures of the Roman Missal and the Liturgy of the Hours for Christmas and Epiphany, as well as some sermons of Pope St. Leo the Great, exploring the mystery into which we enter through these liturgical celebrations. We’ll also briefly examine the season of Advent, both as a season of preparation for Christmas Time and as a season of entrance into the mystery of the Lord’s Coming.