INSTITUTE FOR EVANGELIZATION

Office of

DIVINE WORSHIP

The Office of Divine Worship coordinates archdiocesan liturgies and assists the archbishop in liturgical matters. The Office also supports the training, ongoing formation, and networking of all liturgical and music ministries throughout the archdiocese.

As its mission under the Institute of Evangelization, the Office of Divine Worship of the Archdiocese of Baltimore serves all who celebrate the liturgy, that they might share in the primary and indispensable source of Christian life, and do so “fully aware of what they are doing, actively engaged in the rite, and enriched by its effects.” (SC 11) On fire with the Good News, we go forth to live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ beyond the doors of the church.

  • Our primary ministry is to the archbishop, the principal liturgist of the local Church. With him we foster Sunday liturgy that nourishes and transforms the spiritual life of the People of God. We strive to further understanding in the areas of liturgical prayer, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, sacramental celebrations, and archdiocesan liturgies that model liturgy well-celebrated and the cultural diversity of our diocese.
  • We serve pastors who, at the archbishop’s delegation, preside at liturgical prayer within their parishes and institutions. With them we encourage authentic liturgical prayer that is both sensitive to the needs of the People of God and faithful to the directives of the Church. We do so by offering liturgical ministry materials, formation and consultation, and actively promoting sacred music, art and architecture.
  • Our ministry includes assistance to pastoral ministers, initiation directors, liturgical ministers, musicians, liturgy and environment committees and all those responsible for preparing and implementing various liturgical rites, that the People of God may be led to authentic liturgical prayer. To these we offer resources, training and on-going formation in the art and skills of public prayer.
  • In this way we ultimately serve the People of God by shepherding them to “full, conscious and active participation” (SC 14) which is their right by virtue of the baptismal call.
Resources
Discover resources to grow, learn, and support your parish community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Institute for Evangelization?

The Institute for Evangelization was created by Archbishop Lori in February 2021 and given its charge from A Light Brightly Visible 2.0. The Institute exists to support parishes and pastorates in their local evangelizing mission. It provides parish leaders with practical tools to clarify their vision, unify their parish, and mobilize for mission.

What is new about this approach?

The Institute is built on the idea of subsidiarity, which means that efforts should be carried out at the lowest level possible so that the parishes are empowered to make decisions on issues that affect them at the local level. Evangelization is done through relationships, so the Institute supports and equips parishes in their local evangelizing efforts and offers programs and ministries that require an archdiocesan response.

Have other dioceses and archdioceses created Institutes?

In recent years, many dioceses and archdioceses around the United States have recognized the growing need to support “New Evangelization” efforts. Some have created institutes, but few have created institutes that support parishes in the same manner that the Office for Parish Renewal and the “Emmaus Teams” supports parishes.

What are Emmaus Teams?

The Office of Parish Renewal has three teams, each with two Parish Renewal Specialists. Each team of two is called an Emmaus Team, which is rooted in the story of accompaniment on the road to Emmaus and Jesus’ exhortation to go two-by-two. These Specialists are well versed in the latest evangelization resources as well as organizational health tools. Every parish or pastorate will have an Emmaus Team.

What is the “New Evangelization”?

The new Evangelization speaks to the urgent need to proclaim the Gospel using new “ardor, methods, and expression.” In 1975, Saint Paul VI issued Evangelii Nuntandi, which is about evangelization in the modern world. From St. John Paul II to Pope Francis there has been a consistent exhortation to proclaim the Gospel using new “ardor, methods, and expression.”

Is Pastoral Planning still happening?

Yes. The Emmaus Teams will be able to support parishes and pastorates in their planning efforts. While the phased process for planning will look different each pastorate is expected to undergo planning and Emmaus Teams will be able to support pastorates in preparation for planning, during planning, and during the implementation process. These teams will ensure a seamless process of Archdiocesan support.

INSTITUTE FOR

Evangelization

The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Institute for Evangelization is a new model for engagement with parishes seeking to realize their evangelizing mission more fully.
The Institute is composed of four offices that collaborate closely to ensure that support is never “one-size fits all” but can adapt to the changing needs of each parish community.

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