Liturgical Commission
Key Contacts
Liturgical Commission Chair
Rev. Daniel Merz
573-449-5424
Alphonse J. Schwartze Memorial Catholic Center
2207 West Main St
Jefferson City, MO 65109-0914
Members of the Liturgical Commission
- Rev. Daniel Merz – St. Thomas More Newman Center, Columbia (pastor); chairman
- Rev. Louis Dorn – retired
- Rev. Jeremy Secrist – St. Peter Parish, Jefferson City (pastor and liaison for the oversight and care of organs)
- Rev. Joshua Duncan – St. Mary Parish, Glasgow; St. Joseph Parish, Fayette (parochial administrator; master of ceremonies to the bishop)
- Deacon Enrique Castro – director, diocesan Office of Hispanic and Cross-Cultural Ministry
- Deacon John L. Neudecker – St. Peter Parish, Fulton
- Tom Halpin – music director, Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City
- Kimberley Luebbert – music director, Immaculate Conception, Jefferson City
- Mark Sievers – Immaculate Conception Parish, St. James (art & environment)
- Dr. Kevin Myers, DWS – St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish, Columbia
RCIA Subcommittee Members
- Deacon Kenneth Berry- St. Joseph Parish, Edina
- Lisa Rose- St. Thomas More Newman Center, Columbia
Our Liturgical Vision
That the splendor and majesty of authentic Christian worship might shine forth more fully, transforming and invigorating the Christian faithful to continue their baptismal mission of Christian witness in the world.
The Diocesan Liturgical Commission intends to be a dynamic force and presence throughout the Diocese for continuing this vision of the Liturgy.
“There is sacred power in ritual anamnesis” and we need to invoke that power continually, reverently, graciously.
Some of the work which the Commission seeks to provide:
- workshops on the Eucharist, other sacraments, the liturgical seasons, Order of Christian Funerals, art, architecture, etc., either for the liturgical ministers of a parish (priests, deacons, pastoral administrators, lectors, EMHCs, ushers, musicians, cantors, servers, etc) or for the parish as a whole;
- formation and training for RCIA leaders;
- formation and training opportunities for the parish liturgy committee;
- consultation on various liturgical matters, including a review of liturgical presence and style for priests/deacons or other ministers in the parish;
- training for liturgical ministers (lectors, EMHCs, cantors, ushers, etc.);
- serve as a resource to the paid or volunteer helpers in each parish and mission;
- coordination of the Rite of Election;
- communication updates on the work of the DLC, from the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy and from the Vatican.
Our Duties
The Liturgical Commission works with other diocesan offices in preparing for the various diocesan liturgical celebrations throughout the year: the Rite of Election, the Chrism Mass, prayer and liturgies for Pastoral Days and the Priests’ Institute. We also provide workshops on parish and regional levels, as requested. Consultations are also provided for any parishes planning to build or renovate churches or worship spaces.
