Christian Worship

An introduction to the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, the course studies the nature and scope of sacred liturgy based on its Christological and ecclesiological foundations. The history of liturgy and the liturgical renewal of Vatican II are considered, as also liturgy’s ministerial, hierarchical, communal and communication dimensions. Key principles of sacramental theology are explained including the imperatives of inculturation, in view of further study of the individual sacraments. The course is an introduction to the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church. Beginning with the experience of worship and ritual in life, it considers the nature and scope of liturgy, its Trinitarian dimension, the liturgical assembly and various component elements of celebration. Key principles of sacramental theology are explained with a view to further study of the individual sacraments. This introductory course covers foundational topics in liturgical studies and sacramentology in three major parts: (1) Sacrosanctum Concilium – prehistory and theological themes; (2) theology of the sacraments; and (3) contemporary issues and trends.