Pastoral Liturgy

Certificate in Pastoral Liturgy

This year-long introductory program is designed for professionals and volunteers with responsibility for liturgical ministry in a parish, and those interested in learning more about worship in the Catholic tradition. Classes will meet online beginning in Fall 2022. Details will be posted below under General Information as they are confirmed.

Liturgy comes from the Greek word leitourgia, meaning "the work of the people", and it is quite literally the work of many people, those at the altar and those in the assembly, that make the Catholic rites of worship such rich reflections of the Church as community.  Shaping those rites, so that they accurately and authentically reflect the local and global church, falls on the shoulders of professional liturgists and pastoral ministers, both lay and ordained.

The Pastoral Liturgy professional certificate program is designed to give students broad yet in-depth exposure to the theology and praxis of Catholic liturgy and sacramentality, including, but not limited to, ritual theory, scripture, music and art, history, liturgical practice, and ecclesiology. Those who successfully complete this program will be able to better serve their own faith community as effective liturgical and pastoral leaders.

Who Should Participate

‌‌This introductory program is open to any and all liturgical ministers, as well as those simply interested in learning about the rich theology and practice and history of the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition. Prior theological background or work in ministry is not required.

Program Benefits

The goal of this program is to form students to better serve their own faith communities as effective liturgical and pastoral leaders. Those who successfully complete the program will:

• Know the liturgical foundations of parish worship
• Be able to collaborate with parish clergy and ministers in shaping the worship experience
• Value the Roman Catholic liturgical tradition and its diverse expressions

Credit from this program may be applicable to catechist certification at the discretion of the certifying diocese. Please be sure to check with the appropriate diocesan office to confirm that this program qualifies for credit towards certification or recertification.

General Information

Course and program requirements, schedules and tuition are subject to change; and additional fees may be incurred for books and materials. Click here to review all policies prior to enrollment. For additional information, contact the Center at (310) 338-2799 or crs@lmu.edu.