Mission Launch Liturgy
A parish adopting a Gospel Living approach may choose to officially announce or "launch" this commitment as part of their regular Sunday worship. This is a great way to be sure everyone is aware of the new direction and their role in it.
Scheduling and Lectionary
Pentecost would be the ideal day to schedule this liturgy, but the calendar may not line up so neatly with real life. There are of course many other good readings linked to mission in the regular lectionary cycle, but there is an excellent alternate option.
The sacramentary and lectionary include "Masses and Prayers For Various Needs and Occasions," one of which is "For the Spread of the Gospel" (Lectionary #816-820; Sacramentary: Masses and Prayers for Various Needs #14). The instruction states that, "This mass may be celebrated whenever there are special celebrations for the missions, even on Sundays of Ordinary Time, but not on a Sunday of Advent, Lent, or Easter season or on a solemnity." The lectionary offers multiple options for each reading and the sacramentary offers prayers focused on mission. To be clear, this is a completely legal and appropriate use of this Mass... that's why it's there!
Since there are multiple reading options, a parish could conceivably even use it for two or more Sundays in a row, which could be helpful when addressing a big shift in parish direction.
Obviously, when changing readings be sure to inform lectors and music ministers.
Our favorite reading options are 816-1, 817-2, 818-5, 820-1, but there are many good options.
The sacramentary and lectionary include "Masses and Prayers For Various Needs and Occasions," one of which is "For the Spread of the Gospel" (Lectionary #816-820; Sacramentary: Masses and Prayers for Various Needs #14). The instruction states that, "This mass may be celebrated whenever there are special celebrations for the missions, even on Sundays of Ordinary Time, but not on a Sunday of Advent, Lent, or Easter season or on a solemnity." The lectionary offers multiple options for each reading and the sacramentary offers prayers focused on mission. To be clear, this is a completely legal and appropriate use of this Mass... that's why it's there!
Since there are multiple reading options, a parish could conceivably even use it for two or more Sundays in a row, which could be helpful when addressing a big shift in parish direction.
Obviously, when changing readings be sure to inform lectors and music ministers.
Our favorite reading options are 816-1, 817-2, 818-5, 820-1, but there are many good options.
Message
The primary messages to convey in a "Mission Launch" liturgy might include:
- The mission of the laity in the world.
- The role of the Church/parish in supporting that work.
- "We don't know how to do this yet, and may stumble."
- How the parish plans to change.
- Requests for prayers, help, and feedback.
Environment
Changes to the environment can reinforce the sense of mission. One church used banners showing a fingerprint superimposed on a cross, emphasizing the unique nature of our personal calls in the world. Another used the hand metaphor, to tie it to the St. Theresa prayer. Environment changes could draw attention to the exits and the notion of being sent forth.
Prayer / Commissioning
Some ritual action can drive home the change taking place, but be sure not to make it too forced. Also be aware that if you are suddenly introducing the concept to the parish and immediately "forcing" them to commit to it, it may not be welcome or genuine. This liturgy is a good opportunity to bless and commission (or re-commission) your leadership (including the pastor) with a blessing and/or laying on of hands.
Taking It Home
Consider sending something home with parishioners to reinforce the launch. Q&A's or explanation of the shift can be helpful. One parish made magnets reminding of the mission so it would be front and center whenever they reached for the milk.
Avoiding an Immediate Crash
The danger of making a high-profile launch and communicating a big change is that people will expect to see an immediate difference. If there will not be noticeable differences moving forward (starting at launch or by the following Sunday), you may want to reconsider launching. Having a different mission statement does not cut it without concrete changes.
That said, the changes do not have to be overwhelming to be effective. The most important component is to regularly have mission-oriented preaching that speaks to daily life, but other regular reminders are essential. Some simple options include:
Ideally, deeper efforts can follow soon after a launch liturgy to show the parish what this change looks like concretely.
Changes to the parish bulletin and website to make the new direction obvious is also important.
That said, the changes do not have to be overwhelming to be effective. The most important component is to regularly have mission-oriented preaching that speaks to daily life, but other regular reminders are essential. Some simple options include:
- A simple reminder in the introductory rites that invites people back from their mission in the world, and/or to the concluding rite of the mission to which they are being sent back.
- Incorporating a simple prayer such as the prayer of St. Theresa ("Christ Has No Hands Now But Yours") into the liturgy.
- Regularly using a Sprinkling Rite or Renewal of Baptismal promises to remind the assembly of their baptismal call.
- Placing signs at the sanctuary or parking lot exits reading, "Now entering the mission field" (or some variation).
- Maintaining changes to the liturgical environment, such as banners.
Ideally, deeper efforts can follow soon after a launch liturgy to show the parish what this change looks like concretely.
Changes to the parish bulletin and website to make the new direction obvious is also important.