Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg www catholic-johannesburg.org.za Department of Liturgy Diocesan News | Departments | Churches | Forums | About Us | Contact Us | Site Map

Department of Liturgy Liturgy Home Books for Sale Training Offered in Liturgy

Department of Liturgy History of the department As part of the Diocesan Departmental structure of the Bishops Office, the Department of Liturgy was established in the Diocese of Johannesburg in 1988 in accordance with the directives of the Second Vatican Councils Constitution on Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) promulgated on 4 December 1963. The purpose of the department is to provide instruction in the revised liturgical rites and the reforms that have taken place, especially with regard to lay ministries, as found in the Vatican II documents. The department is responsible for organising the Rite of Election and Mass of Thanksgiving for Neophytes held at the Cathedral each year for the Diocese of Johannesburg. The Department is responsible for organising major Diocesan Liturgical events such as the Mass of the Oils on Holy Thursday. Days of Recollection are organised for Proclaimers and Ministers of Holy Communion (or other ministries requested) through the office. Parishes and Liturgy Committees are invited to make use of the services offered by the Department of Liturgy to bring a better understanding of all aspects of liturgical worship to our Catholic communities and to ensure that those appointed to any ministry are properly trained for the service of God and local Church. Vision Statement The Committee for Liturgy of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference seeks to promote Christian life in Southern Africa through the celebration of the Paschal Mystery in liturgy, which reflects the process of inculturation. We acknowledge what has already taken place in Liturgy through the many decades of evangelisation, but look for a more intense dialogue between African culture and the Church's tradition in the emergence of the local Church. In furthering this aim, we give special emphasis to healing and transformation of individuals and communities. We support and encourage the many initiatives, which are taking place through research, study, experimentation, discussion, programmes and workshops, and we commit ourselves to be involved in this process. (March 21, 1995) VICAR FOR LITURGY: Fr. Bateng Motshwane Head of Department: Annastacia Mphuthi Commission Members: Lawrance Ndlovu - Soweto Mary Therese Leboa - Soweto Bongi Shibambo - Soweto Dominic Dhlamini - Soweto Obed Mlambo - Soweto Rachel Ncube - East Jeff Van Wyk - East Abel Dlamini - East Christine Mathunda - Far East Desmond Mahloko - Far East Francina Moloi - Far East Kit Mc Looughlin - North Norman Buckle - North Dennis Mopeloa - Central Mpambani M.M.M - West Prisicilla Molot - West Bible College Edward Nyembe - Deacon Iris Namo - St. Cecilia Dennis Moprloa - Catholic Music Association Fr. Thomas Plastow - Adviser

TRAINING OF LITURGY COMMITTES IN OUR DIOCESE OF JOHANNESBURG

Dear Brother/Sister,
For the past 3 years,I have observed in our missions especially in Far East Rand Region that the practice of Liturgy is not the same.Furthermore the skills needed to perform effectively during Mass as expected is lurking.Is there any
training/workshops given to the liturgy committees in the region?If yes,what
monitoring strategies are used to see to it that right things are actually practice during the mass?.

Kindly Yours In-Spirit,

JACOB M LETSOLO

-- JACOB MPINI LETSOLO on September 02, 2005 06:43 AM (view details)

Our liturgy is not uniformed

In a recent visit to a parish in SOWETO I was alarmed that the Liturgy is somewhat different to what is now being done.  I believe that we most parishes need a liturgy workshop, and above all a Liturgy group.  The Liturgy Office has a Liturgy Commission whose funtion is to assist with the formation of parishes.  It needs to be used.  There are njew pastoral directives, so the times have changed, we need to be aware of that and make sure that we read more in order to understand more.  LET US NOT BE STUCK IN THE NORM!!!

Lawrence Mduduzi Ndlovu

-- Lawrence Mduduzi Ndlovu on January 03, 2006 11:49 AM (view details)

oil of gladness???

Dear Father

It is my belief that something called the "oil of gladness" (cf. Ps 45: 7(8); Heb 1:9) became somewhat of a prominent sacramental as an agent of healing through the Charismatic renewal ... could you please provide me with concise references of the use of such a sacramental and whether its use has been sanctioned by the Church in Rome or South Africa.

Could you also answer the following while providing full citations:
What is the oil of gladness made from?
Does it have to be blessed?
Who can bless it?
When is it blessed?
Who may use it?
For what reasons is it used?
Can a deacon use it as a substitute for the Sacrament of the Sick?
Looking forward to your response.

Kind regards,

ALEXIS PILLAY

-- Alexis Pillay on May 31, 2007 01:29 PM (view details)

Mass according to the Tridentine Rubrics..

Reverend Father

" to restore all things in Christ"


Please could you inform me about the possibility of having the tridentine mass celebrated here in the archdiocese. If there has been any action concerning the holy fathers " moto proprio", and if not why?

Also, if there are any interested parties in establishing a Latin Mass group here in the Archdiocese?, is there any possibility of entering into talks to achieve this goal ?

In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Mr. C.J. Montgomery B.A.

-- Calvin James Montgomery on April 15, 2008 07:28 PM (view details)