Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 72 No. 2-3, 2002.
Original scientific paper
Harmony in the Diversity of Liturgical Ministries
Ante Crnčević
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Following an introductory explicatio terminorum (explanation of terminology), that explains the unclearness of the diversity of the notions: ministerium, officium, munus and servitium, the author places a theological basis for a new understanding of the notion of Liturgical ministry. It is necessary to observe their diversity through the prism of baptisimal consecration, or rather the trifold munus baptismale of all those baptised. The general clergy of the faithful and the general call to ministering (diakonia) can be found are the framework within which all ecclesiastic including liturgical services themselves, are realised.
The historical development of the Church testifies to various views of liturgical ministries. Early Christian communities were governed by charismas and were permeated with deep ecclesial and »diaconal« (ministerial) awareness. These charismas were rapidly institutionalised and became services (officia) and later development took them a step further and transformed them into special (!) classes (status) within the Church. Revival of the Liturgy following the Second Vatican Council was guided by the desire for a new face for the Church - the Church as the priest-like people of God. Therefore post-Council acts relating to Church teachings introduced a new division of liturgical ministries; ministry ordinati (ordained), ministry instituti (institutional) and ministry »deputati« (delegatory). It is worth keeping in mind in reference to that division that the assembled community conducts the first ministry in the act of serving God. Charging certain individuals in the community with the ministry contributes to a clearly experience by the community as the executor of the act of serving God. The gathered community is a »Holy Assembly«, called by the Lord and by its nature, it is always the celebrant (celebrans).
Based on more recent Church documents and in light of the perception of contemporary pastoral movements, the essay offers guidelines that encourage the revival of diverse ministries in the act of serving God, particularly those permanent (!) ministries such as lectors and acolytes as well as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. There is reference too to some other current topics, such as: the »problem« of altar boys; committing liturgical ministries to women; the end to diversity liturgical ministries during other celebrations and not only during Holy Mass; to introduce »new« ministries still not recognised in Church documents; to vitally distinguish between certain ministries. The theological debate deepens the principle that the diversity in the ministry of serving God leads to greater unity of the liturgical community while at the same time enabling the community itself to experience being the subject of the act of serving God.
Keywords
Liturgy; liturgical ministries; reader; acolyte; extraordinary minister of Holy Communion; diakonia; liturgical community
Hrčak ID:
28948
URI
Publication date:
12.2.2003.
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