What is a Liturgist?

We’ve learned that the Liturgy is the public worship of the Church and that the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Liturgy of the Hours are the church’s three primary liturgies.  The planning and implementation of these acts of public worship does not happen by itself.  In smaller parishes the pastor normally plans the weekday and Sunday Masses, Feast Days, weddings, funerals, Quinceañeras, and other worship events in the life of the parish.  As parishes grow it often becomes necessary to bring in a person who is specially trained to prepare our worship celebrations.  That person is referred to as a Liturgist.

The Liturgist directs the parish’s worship programs, plans for the different liturgical seasons such as Lent and Easter, prepares sacramental celebrations and coordinates the sung prayer of the Mass.  They provide leadership and training to the liturgical ministers as well as coordinate the clergy, lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, servers, musicians, sacristans, and ushers.

They oversee the décor and maintain the sacred vessels and vestments used in our worship.  They also recruit and train people for liturgical ministries.

On top of all these duties, a liturgist coordinates the development of the liturgical spirit of the parish and fosters an atmosphere of hospitality and harmony between the various ministries and the clergy.

Risen Savior is proud to announce that we have hired a Liturgist.  Beginning Monday, Mr. Kevin Newman will join our staff.  Most recently Mr. Newman has been at the Shrine of St. Bernadette’s here in Albuquerque.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Organ Performance and brings 20 years of experience with him.  We invite you to welcome and get to know Kevin.  He’s a valuable resource who will help us maintain the beauty of our liturgies and help us grow them to new heights.