You are invited to a day of reflection for deacons and wives on the role of the deacon in sacred chants and music.
Whether newly ordained or seasoned in ministry, every deacon can benefit from revisiting the foundations of his liturgical role. Over time, it is easy to shift from what is prescribed to what feels comfortable. This workshop, led by Dr. Michael Accurso, will serve as both a refresher and a deepening of the deacon’s ministry at the liturgy with special emphasis on his musical role.
Drawing from the Church’s liturgical history and the prescriptions of the Roman Missal, the workshop will provide an in-depth study of the deacon’s musical-liturgical responsibilities. We will examine his role during the Penitential Act, the Kyrie eleison, the proclamation of the Gospel and the dialogues. Special attention will be given to the deacon’s sung parts throughout the Mass, including the various forms of dismissal, such as the double Alleluia during Easter time, the Exsultet and how to chant a Gospel.
Practical instruction will be offered on chanting during Mass (including Latin chant) and on presiding at Eucharistic Benediction with traditional hymns such as O salutáris Hóstia and Tantum ergo Sacramentum, You have given them bread from heaven, etc.
Participants will leave with renewed theological grounding, strengthened practical skills and greater pastoral confidence to serve faithfully and fruitfully in their ministry at the liturgy.
Michael Accurso earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Notre Dame. He is the director of liturgy and the choirmaster for the Cathedral of Christ the King.
The National Directory for Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons, second edition, provides that a post-ordination formation program be established for the first five years after ordination. If you have been ordained in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 you are required to attend the workshop. This workshop, however, is for all who have been ordained and their wives.
Join us on Saturday, May 2, beginning with morning prayer at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for this workshop on the role of the deacon in sacred chants and music.
Time will be allocated for reflections, discussion and to answer questions that arise from the presentations.
The event will take place in Grand Hall B & C at the Chancery, 2401 Lake Park Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080. You and your wife are invited to join us for morning prayer at 9 a.m.
You may claim six continuing education hours in your annual report by attending the session. Be sure to note your wife’s attendance on the registration form. Lunch and drinks will be provided.
Register at: Post Ordination Workshop before Wednesday, April 22. Follow up emails will be sent to the email you entered so please be sure that your email is correct when you register.
I am looking forward to seeing each of you once again.