"Liturgy," (from the Greek leitourgia) – the work of the people or work on behalf of the people, is the Church’s official public and communal worship. While the celebration of the Eucharist is the Church’s principal act of worship, the Liturgy also includes the celebration of the six additional sacraments, the official daily prayer of the Church (the Liturgy of the Hours), and liturgies for special celebrations. As the Church’s official worship, each of these liturgies has at its heart the celebration of the “Mystery of our Faith” – that is, the sacred passion, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This mystery, known as the Paschal Mystery, is the continuing work of our redemption by Christ and through his Church.
If we think of Sunday Mass as a sacred drama with two or three acts, several scenes, numerous props and a cast composed of presider, deacon, assembly, servers, lectors, eucharistic ministers, hospitality ministers and a choir, it is easy to see the reason for the rise and spread of parish liturgy committees since the Second Vatican Council. Someone has to plan and put all this together in accordance with the church’s norms and the people’s needs. But the church’s worship is not just a set of texts and rubrics. Liturgy committees exist principally to enhance the living experience of the people of God as they come together in yearning to sustain the vision of a kingdom come in Jesus Christ.
The liturgy committee provides shape and vision and coordination for liturgies and the liturgical formation for members of the assembly.