Program & Keynote Speaker
The Worship Conference 2025 will bring parish liturgical leaders together for prayer, formation, and renewal. Participants will join two keynote presentations that explore the heart of the Church’s liturgy and then participate in a ministry-specific workshop for practical formation. Full participation in both the keynotes and a chosen workshop is expected, ensuring a shared foundation for strengthening worship across the Diocese.
Keynote speaker
|
Fr. Frank Scalia
Fr. Frank Scalia began his priestly formation at the Grand Seminary of Montreal in the fall of 2008, following his undergraduate studies at Concordia University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree with a double concentration in history and theology in 2006. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 2016. After ordination, Fr. Scalia served as associate pastor from 2016 to 2019, and then as parochial administrator from 2019 to 2021. He then pursued graduate studies at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Athenaeum Anselmianum in Rome, completing a Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy in 2025. Since 2024, he has served as an associate pastor at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, Montreal. Fr. Scalia will be delivering the following presentations: |
The Liturgy: Encountering the Paschal Mystery
The liturgy is the Church’s living encounter with the saving mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. At its heart is the Eucharist, which stands as the source and summit of our worship. Through the liturgy, we are transformed by grace and drawn into a divine encounter with God. Participation in the liturgy not only forms us as the Body of Christ but also sends us forth on mission, living out the Gospel in our daily lives.
Principles of Liturgy & Liturgical Leadership
Explore the “why” behind the Church’s liturgy, where every element, from symbols and sacraments to Scripture and silence, carries profound meaning. Discover how liturgy is first and foremost Christ’s action, the distinct roles of ordained and lay ministers, and why full, conscious, and active participation is essential for authentic worship. Be inspired to renew parish liturgical life through faithful leadership, ongoing formation, and a deeper commitment to foster worship that transforms hearts.
The liturgy is the Church’s living encounter with the saving mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. At its heart is the Eucharist, which stands as the source and summit of our worship. Through the liturgy, we are transformed by grace and drawn into a divine encounter with God. Participation in the liturgy not only forms us as the Body of Christ but also sends us forth on mission, living out the Gospel in our daily lives.
Principles of Liturgy & Liturgical Leadership
Explore the “why” behind the Church’s liturgy, where every element, from symbols and sacraments to Scripture and silence, carries profound meaning. Discover how liturgy is first and foremost Christ’s action, the distinct roles of ordained and lay ministers, and why full, conscious, and active participation is essential for authentic worship. Be inspired to renew parish liturgical life through faithful leadership, ongoing formation, and a deeper commitment to foster worship that transforms hearts.
Ministry-specific Workshop (Saturday afternoon)
After the keynote presentations, participants will choose to attend one of the Liturgical Ministry Workshops that align with their parish responsibilities or personal interests. The workshops offer a dynamic formation experience, integrating theology, scripture, spirituality, and practical skills.
- Explore your ministry’s place in the Church’s liturgy and tradition.
- Develop the spirituality of the minister, fostering holiness, ongoing conversion, and a life shaped by liturgy.
- Learn practical skills, including diocesan guidelines, responsibilities, best practices, and coordination with other ministries in your parish.
- Connect with others serving in the same ministries across the diocese, sharing experiences, and building mutual support.
- Leave equipped and inspired with resources to serve faithfully, fostering worship that transforms hearts in your parish.
- SACRISTANS AND SACRISTY-RELATED MINISTRY “Stewards of the Sacred: Serving Behind the Scenes of Worship”
Explore the essential role of sacristans in preparing the sacred space and vessels for liturgy. This workshop highlights the theological meaning of sacred preparation, attention to detail, and the quiet, faithful service that makes the Church’s worship possible. - MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVERS “Serving at the Lord’s Table”
Discover the honor and responsibility of assisting at the altar. Learn the history and purpose of this ministry and how altar servers support the sacred action with reverence, focus, and prayerful presence. - HOSPITALITY MINISTERS, USHERS, GREETERS “Welcoming Christ in One Another: The Ministry of Hospitality and Presence”
Hospitality is more than a task – it’s a witness of Christ’s welcome. This workshop explores how ministers of hospitality help create a sacred and inclusive space for encountering the Risen Christ, especially for visitors and newcomers, through joyful service and attentiveness. - EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION “Vessels of Grace: Sharing the Body of Christ with Reverence and Humility”
Dive into the sacred ministry of distributing the Eucharist. Rooted in love and reverence for the Real Presence, this workshop offers guidance for EMHCs on liturgical practice, spiritual preparation, and witnessing Christ’ love through this ministry. - MINISTRY OF LECTORS “Proclaiming the Living Word: The Call of the Lector”
This workshop focuses on the power of Scripture and the dignity of proclaiming it. Lectors will gain insight into preparing the readings, understanding their role in the Liturgy of the Word, and proclaiming with clarity, faith, and conviction. - MINISTRY OF MUSIC “Lift Every Voice: Leading Worship Through Sacred Music”
Unpack the spiritual and liturgical mission of music ministers. Participants will reflect on how sacred music supports the prayer of the assembly, deepens worship, and helps express the mystery of faith in harmony and praise. - LITURGICAL COORDINATORS, LITURGY COMMITTEES “Shaping the Church’s Prayer: The Ministry of the Liturgy Committee”
Learn how liturgical coordination and liturgy committees support the planning and help shape meaningful, faithful parish liturgical celebrations that form the community and foster full participation. This workshop provides tools for fruitful collaboration, formation, and stewardship of the Church’s liturgical rhythm throughout the year. - LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT (Art and Environment, Decoration, Audio/Visual, etc.) “Beauty that Reveals: Creating Sacred Space Through Liturgical Environment”
Discover how visual beauty and sacred space invite us into deeper worship. This workshop will explore the theological and practical aspects of creating prayerful and beautiful environments that reflect the liturgical seasons and feasts, and draw hearts to the mystery we celebrate.
The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time, it is the font from which all her power flows.” ~Sacrosanctum Concilium, 10
|
The Worship Conference 2025 is intended for all clergy, religious, liturgical ministry leaders, parish staff, and Renewal leaders to rediscover the liturgy as the Church’s living encounter with Christ, where holiness takes root and mission begins.
Rooted in the conviction that “all pastoral initiatives must be set in relation to our growth in holiness” (NMI 30), this conference will explore how the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, nourishes our communion with Christ and forms us as His Body for the life of the world. Through keynote presentations and ministry-specific workshops, participants will gain the vision and tools to renew parish worship, strengthen the Sunday Eucharist, and foster parishes as genuine “schools of prayer,” where the faithful are drawn into thanksgiving, praise, contemplation, and greater devotion of the Holy Eucharist. Vertical Divider
|
Who should attend?
Clergy, Religious, Parish Liturgical Ministry Leaders (or representatives in the following ministries: Lector, Altar Servers, Music, Sacristans, Hospitality/Ushers, EMHC, Liturgical Environment, Liturgy Committees), Parish Staff and Renewal leaders. When: Friday, Oct 3 at 6 pm to Saturday, Oct 4 at 3:30 pm Wbere: St. Mary's Cathedral (219 18 Ave SW, Calgary) & St. Mary's High School (111 18 Ave SW, Calgary). |