Liturgical Commission

Our Liturgical Vision

That the splendor and majesty of authentic Christian worship might shine forth more fully, transforming and invigorating the Christian faithful to continue their baptismal mission of Christian witness in the world.

The Diocesan Liturgical Commission intends to be a dynamic force and presence throughout the Diocese for continuing this vision of the Liturgy. 

“There is sacred power in ritual anamnesis” and we need to invoke that power continually, reverently, graciously.

Some of the work which the Commission seeks to provide:

• workshops on the Eucharist, other sacraments, the liturgical seasons, Order of Christian Funerals, art, architecture, etc., either for the liturgical ministers of a parish (priests, deacons, pastoral administrators, lectors, EMHCs, ushers, musicians, cantors, servers, etc) or for the parish as a whole;

• formation and training for RCIA leaders;

• formation and training opportunities for the parish liturgy committee;

• consultation on various liturgical matters, including a review of liturgical presence and style for priests/deacons or other ministers in the parish;

• training for liturgical ministers (lectors, EMHCs, cantors, ushers, etc.);

• serve as a resource to the paid or volunteer helpers in each parish and mission;

• coordination of the Rite of Election;

• communication updates on the work of the DLC, from the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy and from the Vatican.

Rev. Daniel  Merz – Conception Seminary College, Conception, MO; chairman

Rev. Louis Dorn – St. Joseph parish in Louisiana and Mary Queen of Peace in Clarksville (pastor)

Rev. Joseph Shetler – St. Joseph Cathedral parish in Jefferson City (associate pastor)

Rev. Michael Penn – St. Mary parish in Glasgow and St. Joseph in Slater (pastor; Diocesan MC)

Rev. Jeremy Secrist – Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Columbia (associate pastor; Diocesan MC)

Rev. Mr. John L. Neudecker - St. Peter's parish in Fulton  -  Mexico deanery

Sr. Joanne Rataj, CPPS - Our Lady of the Lake parish in Lake Ozark (Rel. Ed. director/RCIA coordinator)  -  Sedalia deanery

Sr. Eileen Schieber, CPPS - Sacred Heart parish in Sedalia (Hispanic ministry)  -  Sedalia deanery

Ms. Lisa Fender - St. Peter's parish in Jefferson City (music/song)  -  Jefferson City deanery

Ms. Ellyn Forbes - Sacred Heart parish in Columbia (music/song)  -  Columbia
deanery

Mr. Chris Korte - Mary Immaculate parish in Kirksville (theology/spirituality/youth)  - Kirksville deanery

Mr. Scott Sellner - St. Joseph Cathedral parish in Jefferson City (music/song)  -  Jefferson City deanery

Mr. Mark Sievers - Immaculate Conception parish in St. James (art & environment)  - Rolla deanery

Ms. Shelley Simon - Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Columbia (architecture)  -  Columbia deanery

Rev. Mr. Robert Rackers – St. Joseph Cathedral parish in Jefferson City (consultor)