Dominicus Humus: FORMATION SEMINAR FOR PARISH CHORAL GROUPS

Sunday, February 08, 2009

FORMATION SEMINAR FOR PARISH CHORAL GROUPS

All PARISH CHOIRS should send their instrumentalists and two representatives to attend a Formation Seminar at the Lay Formation Center.

The Seminar is scheduled on February 21 (Saturday) for Vicariates 1 & 2; and, February 22 (Sunday) for Vicariates 3 & 4. It will start at exactly 8:30 in the morning and end at 4 in the afternoon.

Many priests are concerned about the lack of knowledge of many choir leaders and members regarding the Liturgy. They suggested that there should be a seminar developed for their formation.

LFC therefore designed a one-day-program that will include conferences on the Sacraments and the Liturgy, especially the Eucharist. The Liturgical Year and the Spirituality of Ministry are also included.

Since it can be difficult to have all the members of the parish choirs to attend the seminar, at least three (3) (instrumentalists and at least two members) will need to represent the choir, but afterwards re-echo what they learn from the seminar.

Seminar cost will be P200 for every participant, which includes 2 snacks, lunch and seminar kit. In order to be included in the Official List of Parish Lay Ministers and Choirs, each group have to be represented.

Vocation and Mission of LFC

Christifidelis Laici, the 1985 Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II on the Vocation and Mission of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World, speaks very eloquently about the formation of the lay faithful. According to this document, the laity should receive a complete and integrated formation, one which bears its fruit in every sphere of their existence and activity.

1) The spiritual formation of the laity – their continual growth in communion with Christ is nourished by the help to holiness offered by the Church.

2) Doctrinal formation – which will enable them to explain to the world the reason for their hope. Systematic catechesis is also necessary.

3) A proper formation of a social conscience, especially in the Church’s social teaching.

4) An integrated program of formation that cultivates the human values and skills necessary for the lay faithful’s apostolic activities.

God is the first formator of the laity. The Church for her part also takes part in forming the lay faithful through the ministry of teaching and celebration of the sacraments. The Lay Formation Center exists for this purpose.