The Office for Worship serves as a resource for the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Office provides in a general way for the ongoing liturgical formation of the clergy and faithful, with a special emphasis on the formation of liturgical ministers.

The Office for Worship assists the Archbishop with the preparation and planning of all the liturgical celebrations in the Archdiocese for which he is the celebrant. The Office also assists the Rector of the Cathedral-Basilica with the preparation of all archdiocesan liturgical celebrations celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica. This also includes the principal liturgical celebrations of the Church Year at the Cathedral-Basilica. The Office assists with the liturgical celebrations associated with the various offices of the Secretariat for Evangelization.

The Office for Worship assists pastors and those in parishes and schools who are responsible for sacramental liturgical preparation and celebration. This assistance includes directives, consultation and workshops. These workshops are often in conjunction with other offices of the Archdiocese. This Office, along with the Office for the Formation of the Laity, assists with the formation of leaders in the initiation of adults and the Archdiocesan celebration of the rites for the initiation of adults.

The Office for Worship moderates the training and appointment of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for all institutions throughout the Archdiocese. All new Extraordinary Ministers, after selection by their pastor/chaplain, are expected to attend one of the Archdiocesan Training Sessions in addition to training on the local level. A pastor/chaplain should inform the Office for Worship if he conducts his own training session. Once the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is properly trained, then a letter of appointment is sent in the name of Cardinal Rigali by the Office for Worship.

The Office for Worship with the support of its music department plans the liturgical music for all Archdiocesan celebrations and Cathedral-Basilica celebrations. The Office for Worship, in conjunction with the Association of Church Musicians of Philadelphia, fosters and coordinates formation programs for liturgical musicians.

Cardinal Rigali has granted permission this past Summer 2008 for the establishment of an Archdiocesan Commission on the Sacred Liturgy. This Commission serves to promote authentic celebrations of the Liturgy, as well as the ongoing formation of the ordained and baptized, and to respond to liturgical needs and issues. The Commission includes two sub-committees, one on music and the other on art and architecture.

The Liturgical Studies Certificate has been reactivated. The Liturgical Studies Certificate Program is for those interested in more formal instruction on the Sacred Liturgy. Immaculata University has been added as an additional site to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary for classes. More information on the certificate program is posted on the Office for Worship website as well as the application form.

Reverend Gerald Dennis Gill, Room 817, eighth floor
222 North Seventeenth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-587-3537
FAX: 215-587-3561
Email: FRDGILL@adphila.org