Formation workshop for Ministers of the Word, 2017

1. Ministers of the Word
Formation Workshop

2. Today We Will
– Review the parish vision and implementation strategies
– Reflect on the Scriptures as a living, active word that
speaks to us and guides us today
– Identify the literary genres of the Bible and how they
influence our proclamation
– Review Mass procedures

6. Introduction to the
Lectionary for Mass
That word constantly proclaimed in
the liturgy is always, then, a living,
active word through the power of the
Holy Spirit.

7. Introduction to the
Lectionary for Mass, 4
That word constantly proclaimed in
the liturgy is always, then, a living,
active word through the power of the
Holy Spirit.
Always, however, Christ is present in his word; as he carries out
the mystery of salvation, he sanctifies us and offers the Father
perfect worship…
The liturgical celebration becomes therefore the continuing,
complete, and effective presentation of God’s word.
That word constantly proclaimed in the liturgy is always, then, a
living, active word through the power of the Holy Spirit. It
expresses the Father’s love that never fails in its effectiveness
toward us.
Introduction to the Lectionary for Mass, no. 4

8. The Liturgy of the Word

9. The Liturgy of the Word
The main part of the Liturgy of the Word is made up of the readings from Sacred
Scripture together with the chants occurring between them. The Homily, Profession
of Faith, and Prayer of the Faithful, however, develop and conclude this part of the
Mass. For in the readings, as expounded by the Homily, God speaks to his people,
opening up to them the mystery of redemption and salvation, and offering them
spiritual nourishment; and Christ himself is present in the midst of the faithful
through his word.
By their silence and singing the people make God’s word their own, and they also
affirm their adherence to it by means of the Profession of Faith. Finally, having been
nourished by it, they pour out their petitions in the Prayer of the Faithful for the
needs of the entire Church and for the salvation of the whole world.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 55

10. Prayer of
St Teresa of Avila
Carmelite
Christ has no body now on earth but
yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,
yours are the eyes through which
Christ's compassion
is to look out to the earth,
yours are the feet by which He is to
go about doing good
and yours are the hands by which He
is to bless us now.

11. The Lectionary
– 3 volumes plus Book of Gospels
– Semi-continuous reading
- Year A: Matthew
- Year B: Mark
- Year C: Luke
- Second Reading during Ordinary Time
– Harmonised selections
- eg First Reading and Gospel

12. Four Senses of Scripture
Literal
Spiritual
Allegorical
Moral
Anagogical
The meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture,
interpreted soundly
Symbolic; recognising the significance of
events in Christ
Scripture leads us to act justly
Viewing realities and events in terms of
eternal significance
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 115-119

13. Biblical Literary Genres
– The Bible is a collection of many different types of literature
– The writer’s message is told in a particular way to make a
particular point or appeal to the audience
- e.g. Genesis (Creation) – Poetry
– As a living word, it still speaks to us now
– All that we know about literature applies to the Bible
– Trust your instincts

14. Narrative
– Can move between events quite easily
– But what is the purpose of the narrative?
– Each narrative has a controlling idea or theme that explains
its presence
– Find the theme, in order to help “tie together” your
proclamation

15. Poetry
– Psalms, Proverbs, Wisdom and Prophetic writings contain
poetry
– They need to be read as poetry rather than prose
– Don’t try to over-dramatise the text
– Your proclamation should suggest the strong emotions of
the poetry

16. Discourse
– An argument is presented, an explanation offered, or
implications of an event are explained
– Can be the most difficult genre to proclaim and to listen to
– Don’t try to grasp for hard facts
– Look for the development of an
argument, as well as their methods
and intentions for the argument

17. Identifying Genres
– Take time to work through the handout:
- What is the literary genre of each passage of scripture?
- How can you tell?
- How would you proclaim it, knowing the genre?

18. Proclaiming the Word at Mass

19. Preparation
– Use the Break Open the
Word book provided
– Take time to reflect
– Read all three readings
– Let God speak to you
through the Scripture

20. What Do We Proclaim Aloud?
SECOND READING
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 1:3-9
The revelation we looked for, Christ Jesus our Lord.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.
I never stop thanking God for all the graces you have received through
Jesus Christ. I thank him that you have been enriched in so many ways,
especially in your teachers and preachers; the witness to Christ has
indeed been strong among you so that you will not be without any of the
gifts of the Spirit while you are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be
revealed; and he will keep you steady and without blame until the last
day, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, because God by calling you has
joined you to his Son, Jesus Christ; and God is faithful.
This is the word of the Lord.

21. What Do We Proclaim Aloud?
SECOND READING
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 1:3-9
The revelation we looked for, Christ Jesus our Lord.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace.
I never stop thanking God for all the graces you have received through
Jesus Christ. I thank him that you have been enriched in so many ways,
especially in your teachers and preachers; the witness to Christ has
indeed been strong among you so that you will not be without any of the
gifts of the Spirit while you are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be
revealed; and he will keep you steady and without blame until the last
day, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, because God by calling you has
joined you to his Son, Jesus Christ; and God is faithful.
This is the word of the Lord.