Planning template for liturgy of the word

A Liturgy of the Word is a public prayer which allows people to meditate on scripture and to bring their needs before God. Such a liturgy has the following structure:

Gathering or entrance procession

This is the moment when the assembly show that they are ready to begin. They stand to welcome the ministers – the presider, the lectors etc. A suitable song is sung which usually emphasizes the idea that we are gathered together as one people.

Greeting and welcome

Here the presider leads the people in making the Sign of the Cross. They welcome everyone and briefly explain the theme of the prayer – why we have gathered. They then invite everyone to join in some moments of silence to focus and open their hearts to God’s spirit.

Opening Prayer

This prayer has the structure of a collect. Such prayers have four parts:

(i) Name God (You)

(ii) State something that God does (Who)

(iii) Ask something (Do)

(iv) Finish with a ‘through’ statement (Through)

(You, Who, Do, Through)

For example:

God of mercy, (i)

You bless us with the gift of friendship. (ii)

Help us never to take our friends for granted. (iii)

We ask this through Jesus, your Son. (iv) Amen

First reading

This reading can come from the Old Testament or from those letters and books of the New Testament which are not gospels (i.e. not from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John).

Responsorial Psalm

This is usually a psalm or song. The point of this part is to give the people a chance to respond to the reading they have just heard. It should promote meditation on the reading.

Gospel reading

This will come from Matthew, Mark, Luke or John and will have a similar theme to the first reading or will be in some way related to it.

Homily

This is an opportunity for someone (usually the priest or presider) to explain the readings and relate them to what is happening in the life of the assembled community. This is sometimes called ‘breaking open the Word’ - trying to make it relevant and trying to understand what God is asking of the community; what he is calling them to do and become.

Intercessions

These prayers ask God for various needs. They usually begin with a short introduction by the presider who might say something like: "Having been strengthened by God’s Word, let us bring our needs before him, confident in his compassion and care."

After all the intercessions (six is plenty!) the presider usually brings all the prayers together by inviting the people to join in the Our Father.

Final blessing and dismissal

This is a last prayer which sends the people out to bring the love of God to the world.

Recessional song

This is a song which is sung as the ministers process out. It is usually an upbeat song of praise and thanksgiving.

Creative elements

In the context of a school community it is sometimes appropriate to add some creative movement or liturgical action or reflection. This should only be done after careful thought considering:

• Does this activity/song etc. help people to pray?
• Is this activity/song etc. related to the readings so that it sheds light on them and helps people to reflect on them?

If the answer to these questions ‘yes’ then the activity/song etc. should happen after the Gospel either with the homily or instead of a homily.

Liturgy is not a holy variety concert. It is people praying. God and Jesus should be the focus.

Structure

The following is a simple way to remember the structure of any formal group prayer:

1. We gather

2. We listen

3. We respond

4. We go forth