Liturgy

"Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people (1 Pet. 2:9; cf. 2:4-5), is their right and duty by reason of their baptism.
In the restoration and promotion of the sacred liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else; for it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit…"
Documents of Vatican II - Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
Originating from a Greek word, “liturgy” literally means “work of the people.”  The Second Vatican Council sought to bring about a new understanding of liturgy.  Prior to the Council, liturgy was viewed largely as the priest’s work, and the congregation merely observed as the rites were celebrated in a language largely not understood by the people.  Now, all are called to participate actively, through public prayer, song, and even body language so that the church’s liturgical celebrations may help us to understand the deeper realities which they signify: that God acts in and through us, and that we encounter him best in a worshipping community, especially in our celebration of the Eucharist.  
Explore this page to understand liturgy more fully.  Our parish’s public prayer, and our experience of God’s saving grace through that prayer, will be enhanced greatly by your “full, active and conscious participation” in our worship.