Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy
The one-year programme in liturgy, conducted by the National Centre for Liturgy, Pontifical University, offers candidates the opportunity to study liturgy under its theological, historical, spiritual and pastoral aspects. It is planned to meet the needs of people for their future or continued work in liturgy at parish, community or diocesan level.
Admission Requirements
- Students are required to have a primary degree where theology is at least a major component.
- Students with other degrees, or with a professional diploma or equivalent qualification, may be admitted if they have experience in parish or liturgical ministry.
- Students may be required to take extra courses in theology, and to take an oral examination while studying for the Higher Diploma in Pastoral Liturgy.
Aims of the Liturgy Course
- Provides a comprehensive training in liturgy and a leadership role in pastoral work
- Prepares for parish and diocesan ministry
Programme of Study
- The course is a taught modular programme through lectures, workshops and practical sessions:
- What then, is Liturgy?
- The Church’s Year
- Time, Seasons and Feasts
- Christian Initiation I: Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
- Scripture and Liturgy: Ministers, Proclamation, Books
- Leading God’s People in Public Prayer
- Christian Initiation II: The Eucharist – Celebration and Theology
- Sacraments and Sacramentality
- Liturgical Questions – New Directions: Leadership and Implementation
Assessment
- Students are assessed through a combination of written work and group projects.
- A minor dissertation/major essay will be submitted by the end of semester two, at which point a final synthesis examination is held.
Benefits of Studying Liturgy
- Helps deepen and appreciate the fullness of life that Christ offers through the liturgical celebrations
- More effective in the ministry of reading, music, baptismal teams, liturgy groups, RCIA, bereavement groups, care of the sick, prayer groups.