Worship Office

Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

His Holiness
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
1927-2022

We pray, O Lord, that your servant Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who served by your will on earth as the visible foundation of your Church’s unity, may be happily admitted to your blessed flock.
–Various Prayers for the Dead, For a Pope

With news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the Office of Worship has prepared the attached document to help prepare for Mass, liturgy, prayers, the tolling of church bells, bunting and other significant traditions during this time.

Novena Prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
The Secretariat for Divine Worship of the USCCB has made available the novena for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on the USCCB Website. It is also available as a PDF in English and Spanish. The prayers are appropriate for a period of mourning and should begin on the day of the funeral – Thursday, January 5. They will conclude on January 13.

New Order of Penance Available for Pre-Order

Issued November 9, 2022

The new translation of the Order of Penance will be published in January. It is required to be used beginning on April 16, 2023, the Second Sunday of Easter, but may be used beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Copies of the Ritual Edition, Pocket Edition and Trifold Leaflet for Penitents are available for preorder through the Worship Office. All orders received by December 31, 2022 will receive a 10% discount.

The order form is available here.

All the available resources can be found at https://www.rcan.org/worship/resources.

If you have any questions, please call 973-497-4361 or email regina.chamberlain@rcan.org.

Posture During Confirmation

Issued September 27, 2022

In response to concerns raised by the confirming ministers of the Archdiocese of Newark, the following was prepared regarding posture during Confirmation, especially during the Laying On of Hands:
Liturgy Note - Possture during Confirmation

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office at 973-497-4345.

August 15, 2022 - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
NOT a Holy Day of Obligation in 2022

Whenever August 15, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, (as well as January 1, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, or November 1, All Saints) falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.

Because this year August 15 is not a Holy Day of Obligation, Funeral Masses are permitted.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office.

New Apostolic Letter

June 29, 2022

On June 29, 2022, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, Pope Francis issued the Apostolic Letter Desiderio desideravi on the liturgical formation of the People of God.

The Apostolic Letter is currently available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

An article about the publication of the document is available from Vatican News here.

If you have any questions, please call (973-497-4345) or email (robert.evers@rcan.org).

Additional Solemn Intercession
Good Friday
Celebration of the Passion of the Lord

Issued April 5, 2022

This year Cardinal Tobin has directed that all communities of the Archdiocese of Newark include an additional intercession “For peace, justice and harmony, especially in Ukraine” in the Solemn Intercessions of the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday.

The intercession is available in English and Spanish here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office at 973-497-4345 or robert.evers@rcan.org.

Updated Guidance on the Easter Triduum 2022

Issued March 29, 2022

“Liturgical Directives for Ash Wednesday and Holy Week 2022” was sent to parishes on February 17, 2022 with restrictions due to the pandemic.
Given the improving numbers, the dissipation of the virus and a desire for the full, conscious and active participation of the faithful, parishes may now decide on their own if it seems suitable to lift some or all of the stated restrictions.

It would therefore be possible for the following to be reinstated:

The Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday
The Adoration of the Holy Cross by the faithful approaching as in a procession on Good Friday
Baptism by immersion on Holy Saturday
Sprinkling of the people after the Renewal of Baptismal Promises at the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday

These, and all other rites as prescribed in the Roman Missal may be reintroduced at the Easter Triduum this year at the discretion of the pastor/administrator/chaplain.

Where deemed necessary by the local pastor/administrator, some or all restrictions may remain in place for this year.
Please keep in mind the changing COVID situation/numbers as well as federal, state and local health guidelines when evaluating restrictions in a parish.

The Archdiocese of Newark does not require parishioners to wear masks. It is up to the local parish to decide if masks should be worn by ministers when baptizing, confirming, anointing, and distributing Communion. Communion from the cup has not yet been reintroduced. Communion in the hand is still preferred.

The use of instruments (cotton balls or swabs) for anointings and pitchers of water for baptisms, and other pandemic accommodations (e.g., covering ciboria, contactless sign of peace, etc.) are not required, but may be retained where deemed necessary. Holy water receptacles may be filled; however, they are to be empty during the Triduum until they are filled with water blessed at the Easter Vigil.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office at 973-497-4345 or robert.evers@rcan.org.

Transfer of the Solemnity of the Ascension of The Lord

Issued March 23, 2022

The Latin-rite Diocesan Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Newark met in a Zoom call on Friday, March 23, 2022, to consider a proposal to permanently transfer the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Jesus from the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter to the following Sunday. You will recall that such a transfer was made in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

After a frank discussion, the bishops decided by a unanimous vote to transfer permanently the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Jesus to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, effective this year. As a result, in 2022, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Jesus will be celebrated in all the Latin-rite dioceses of New Jersey on Sunday, May 29, 2022, replacing the liturgical celebration and readings of the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The transfer also affects the celebration of the Liturgy of Hours. Thursday, May 26, 2022, becomes Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter (as well as the memorial of St. Philip Neri).

The Ecclesiastical Province of Newark now joins the practice of all the ecclesiastical provinces in the United States, except for Boston, Hartford, New York, Omaha, Philadelphia, and the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter. The bishops of New Jersey hope that the transfer will permit a greater number of Catholics to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, which is an essential event in the great mystery of our Redemption.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office at 973-497-4345.

Act of Consecration
to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Issued March 23, 2022

On March 25, 2022, in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, at approximately 6:30pm (1:30pm, Eastern Daylight Saving Time), the Holy Father, Pope Francis, will entrust Ukraine and Russia to the Blessed Virgin Mary with an Act of Consecration.

In his letter to all bishops (available here), Pope Francis invites them “to join in this Act by inviting the priests, religious and faithful to assemble in the churches and places of prayer on 25 March, so that God’s Holy People may raise a heartfelt and choral plea to Mary our Mother.”

The Act of Consecration is available in English, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish for use throughout the Archdiocese of Newark, so that all “can recite it throughout that day, in fraternal union.”

The prayer may be said at gatherings of people, during or following devotions or liturgies, or during Mass after the Prayer after Communion. It may be prayed throughout the day and is not required to be said at exactly 1:30pm.

Please note the following:

All Masses celebrated on March 25 are to be for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord using the texts (see Roman Missal) and readings (Lectionary no. 545) of the Annunciation.
Ritual Masses, Votive Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and Memorial Masses are NOT permitted.
Funeral Masses (i.e., with the deceased or cremated remains present) are permitted.

The Act of Consecration is available in:
English | Italian | Polish | Portuguese | Spanish

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office at 973-497-4345.

Liturgy Note - Sacramental Formulae and Liturgical Texts

Issued February 28, 2022

In light of the recent, highly publicized story, it seems opportune to remind ministers of the Sacraments, and indeed of any liturgy, of the importance of using only the approved texts.

The Liturgy Note is available here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office at 973-497-4345.

Liturgical Directives - Ash Wednesday and Holy Week 2022

Issued February 17, 2022

Directives on the celebrations of Ash Wednesday and Holy Week 2022 as well as reminders about masks and Confirmation delegation

The Liturgical Directives are available here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office.

Time of the Easter Vigil 2022

Regarding the time of The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, the entirety of the celebration of this Mass “must take place during the night (noctu), so that it begins after nightfall and ends before daybreak on the Sunday.” In its 1988 Circular Letter Concerning Preparation and Celebration of Easter Feasts, the Congregation for Divine Worship made clear that “this rule is to be taken according to its strictest sense. Reprehensible are those abuses and practices which have crept in in many places in violation of this ruling, whereby the Easter Vigil is celebrated at the time of day that it is customary to celebrate anticipated Sunday Masses.” Within the Archdiocese of Newark, the Easter Vigil should not begin before 8:15pm. There is to be only one celebration of the Easter Vigil, and no Masses are permitted prior to the Easter Vigil.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office.

2021 Archive

Liturgy Note - Christmas 2021

Directives on the celebrations of Christmas, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and The Epiphany of the Lord.

The full text of the Liturgy Note is available here.

The Nativity of the Lord [Christmas] IS a Holy Day of Obligation.
NO Masses may be celebrated on December 24, 2021 before 4:00pm for Christmas. Masses celebrated prior to 4:00pm on December 24, 2021 are that of "December 24, At the Morning Mass" (See Roman Missal) and do not fulfill the obligation to attend Mass for Christmas.
ALL Masses on December 25, 2021 [00:00 - 24:00] are to be those of Christmas.
NO Anticipated Masses for The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph are permitted on December 25, 2021
Because January 1, 2022, is a Saturday, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Funeral Masses are permitted
Masses scheduled after 4:00pm on Friday, December 31, 2021 may be anticipated Masses for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
Masses scheduled after 4:00pm on Saturday, January 1, 2022 are to be the Vigil Mass of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Directives for Lengthy or "Perpetual" Exposition within the Archdiocese of Newark

Issued November 5, 2021

Below please find a memorandum and documentation regarding Eucharistic Adoration here in the Archdiocese of Newark.

Please refer any questions or concerns to the Worship Office at 973-497-4345.

November 1, 2021 - Solemnity of All Saints
NOT a Holy Day of Obligation in 2021

Whenever November 1, All Saints, (as well as January 1, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, or August 15, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the precept to attend Mass is abrogated.

Because this year November 1 is not a Holy Day of Obligation, Funeral Masses are permitted.

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office.

September 14 - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Day of Prayer in Reparation for Sins of Abuse

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14) is observed in the Archdiocese of Newark as a Day of Prayer in Reparation for Sins of Abuse.

Below are two resources for use:

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office.

September 11 Resources

This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks.

Below are two resources for use that day:

If you have any questions, please contact the Worship Office.

Apostolic Letter issued “Motu proprio”
by the Supreme Pontiff Francis

Issued July 16, 2021

Pope Francis has issued an Apostolic Letter "Motu Proprio" (i.e. on his own initiative) entitled Traditionis custodes on the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the Reform of 1970.

Pope Francis also issued a letter to the Bishops of the Whole World to accompany Traditionis Custodes.

The Apostolic Letter issued "Motu Proprio" Traditionis Custodes
is available from the Holy See here.
The Letter of the Holy Father to the Bishops of the Whole World
is available from the Holy See here.

Updated Directives During the
Covid-19 Pandemic

Issued June 28, 2021

Please read over carefully and note the changes to the Archdiocesan Guidelines as of July 3-4, 2021.

These directives want to ensure that we celebrate the liturgy joyfully and safely as we move to a new phase in welcoming all back to our parishes.

The directives are available: PDF | Word

Revised Texts for July 29
Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus

On January 26, 2021, Pope Francis decreed that July 29 be designated in the General Roman Caldndar as the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazaruz, to replace the existing celebration of Saint Martha. This is an Obligatory Memorial. The Committee on Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has published interim Mass texts for the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

The Gospel and Gospel Acclamation for this memorial are proper (Lectionary, #607). The First Reading and Responsorial Psalm may be taken from the Mass readings of the day (#404) or from the Proper of Saints (#607).

The interim Mass texts are available in: English | Spanish

Changes in Mask and Capacity Requirements for Liturgical Gatherings

Issued May 25, 2021

Please read over carefully and note the changes in mask requirements as of May 28, 2021 and indoor capacity as of June 4, 2021.

With these directives, we want to ensure that we celebrate the liturgy joyfully and safely and move to a new phase in welcoming all back to our parishes.

The directives are available: PDF | Word

New Jersey Bishops Reinstating
the General Obligation to Attend Mass

May 20, 2021

Due to the observance of public safety protocols and the increase in the availability of vaccines, the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey are lifting the dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day Mass obligation beginning on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Saturday, June 5, 2021, and Sunday, June 6, 2021). They welcome the Christian faithful to return to the regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith (cf. Code of Canon Law canon 1247 and Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2180).

This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus or another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions. One should consult the local pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass (canon 87).

The statement of the New Jersey Catholic Conference is available:
English | Spanish

Words on Worship Podcast Premieres

Words on Worship is a new podcast hosted by Fr. Tom Dente from the Office of Divine Worship. It is an audio newsletter about liturgy for clergy and parish leadership of the archdiocese.

It is available at https://www.rcan.org/offices-and-ministries/divine-worship/wordsonworship.

The inaugural episode, Easter 2021, of Words on Worship features an important change to the conclusion of the collects and other prayers used during the liturgy; recent additions to the General Roman Calendar; an introduction of the new associate director of the office, Robert Evers; information on the Ascension of the Lord and a remembrance of Msgr. Charles Gusmer.

Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich

May 8

Introduction & Collect are available here.

Mass for Various Needs and Occasions 'In Time of Pandemic'

The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has issued new texts for a Mass for Various Needs and Occasions "In Time of Pandemic". "This Mass can be celebrated, according to the rubrics given for Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, on any day except Solemnities, the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter, days within the Octave of Easter, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), Ash Wednesday and the days of Holy Week."

Vatican Decree