Solemn, not glum, not informal, not pompous

Liturgy is a dignified, formal, and seriously joyful activity, meant to inspire wonder and awe, and to catch us up in God’s beauty: it is solemn. The joy of liturgy is at a deeper level than simple happiness. So, our functioning in the liturgy requires a stable, disciplined involvement. We are entering into and engaging mystery and paradox.

Aidan Kavanagh wrote, “Solemnity should skip rather than trundle, dance rather than lumber. Solemnity and simplicity are close to being the same thing, and each is native to a liturgy which is divine service.”

Live the paradox: Do things perfectly and don’t get upset about mistakes

Functioning well in the liturgy requires commitment and competence. Read, receive training, participate in rehearsals, and be open to guidance. Do everything you can to offer your part in the liturgy with as much grace and skill as possible. It is also true that it undermines the climate of good liturgy to allow yourself to obsess over your own or others mistakes.

Function as part of a system, a body

Our liturgical ministries are not about doing a particular role correctly but being in harmony with the whole. The liturgy is an act of bringing diversity into unity, God’s work of bringing into completeness and harmony the diversity of personalities and gifts present in the assembly. It is our tasting of the heavenly banquet, our glimpse of the Glory, our participation in the very life of God.