The Worship & Sacraments Committee is responsible for recruiting, forming and supporting a comprehensive Liturgy Committee to bring together and address the liturgical and sacramental life of the church on an ongoing basis. The Worship & Sacraments committee engages parishioners in participation of the sacramental gifts we have been given by Christ.
Summer 2023 Report from the Worship & Sacraments Committee - a year later
Worship and Sacraments - One Year Later
The Worship and Sacraments Committee at St. Margaret Mary Parish has worked diligently over the past year to enhance our liturgical experiences and foster a spirit of worship within our community. We have engaged in constructive discussions regarding Holy Week, seeking to find a balance between maintaining meaningful traditions and addressing practical considerations. Our committee has explored ways to improve communication and provide more information about the Triduum, ensuring that parishioners are well-informed and engaged throughout this sacred time in our faith.
Additionally, we have actively supported the Eucharistic revival, encouraging prayer warriors to discern guidance and fostering a deeper connection with the Eucharist. We continue to strive for a vibrant music ministry and have begun to envision our long-term leadership needs in this area. With hope and dedication, we look forward to implementing these valuable insights, enriching our worship experiences, and nurturing our faith community.
SMM Parishioner and our own Deacon Mike Conzett is currently working as the chair for this committee. Here is his Q&A:
Where are you from? What brought you to Omaha? What brought you to SMM?
“I was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa. I moved to Omaha in 1984 to have a career at HDR. I was an environmental engineer spent 30 years at St. Gerald parish in Ralston and raised our family, and then we were empty nesters. I was ordained a deacon in 2009, and in 2013 was assigned to SMM by Archbishop Lucas to this parish. We always loved midtown.”
What drew you into your committee? Why?
“I have a particular love for Liturgy as a Diaconal minister - I have done a lot of reading and study of Liturgy and sacraments. When Fr. Ralph asked if I had interest in this committee, I said yes because I felt that (it) would be the one committee (that) I would make the best contribution."
How many S.M.A.R.T. Goals does your committee have? What are you most excited about in your committee?
“We have 5 S.M.A.R.T. Goals to be implemented over the next 12 – 18 months. The one thing I’m most excited about is to create a Liturgy committee (which is the first S.M.A.R.T. Goal) for the parish. We’ve got 6 members so far that represent different Liturgical roles - I’m excited about this S.M.A.R.T. Goal because Liturgy is meant to draw people to Christ, to strengthen us to do Christ’s work and then to send us forth into the world. Our Sunday Mass is the greatest prayer of the Church and where we should touch the most people in the parish to be missionary disciples.
For this particular committee, our primary role is to set a vision for the celebration of the Liturgy and Sacraments at our parish, and to help provide Liturgical formation and catechesis for members of St. Margaret Mary parish."
Where does the Worship & Sacraments committee stand in the overall master plan process? What are the next steps in the process?
“We’re beginning to tackle the first S.M.A.R.T. Goal which is the Liturgy committee (aforementioned above). From that, we can assess the desires of parishioners for sacramental services, devotions and how we do Liturgy well in accordance with Catholic Church documents and teachings. We will develop a process where we can receive feedback from parishioners on the sacramental life.”