Focus on the Liturgy

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the Rites that are celebrated during Lent for those who are in the parish’s process of RCIA – the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For both the unbaptized who seek full initiation, and the baptized candidates who seek to come into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church, the RCIA includes special liturgies in which God encounters them and furthers their process of conversion.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss Winter Ordinary Time and how it flows out of and continues the celebration of Epiphany at Christmas. Plus, since it’s only 2 weeks away from the date of this broadcast, Todd and Danielle discuss the great season of Lent and what it’s focus and role is!

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Wendy Silhavy, from the Office for Divine Worship, sits in for regular Co-Host Danielle Noe. In this show, aired during the Octave of Christmas, Wendy and Todd discuss various elements of the wonderful season of Christmas. They talk about the symbols and Scriptures of the season, the movement of the season from the Nativity of Christ, to the celebration of Epiphany and to the conclusion of the season on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Plus, Wendy – a Liturgical Musician – discusses the theology and spirituality of some of the most well-loved hymns and carols of Christmas.

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy aired on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and then again on the Friday after Thanksgiving. So in this show, Co – hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson spend the first part talking about and discussing the theology of Thanksgiving, the Mass and other rites that surround it, and the whole connection that Thanksgiving has to the Eucharist. During the second half of the show, our Co-hosts discuss the Great Season of Advent that begins just a week after this show was recorded.

November is traditionally the month dedicated to praying for the dead. The month begins with the two great feasts of the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1, and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed - or All Souls - on November 2. In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss this tradition and take an in-depth look at these two Liturgical celebrations.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss Autumn Ordinary Time, as we mark the 25th Week of that Liturgical Season. They discuss the theology of the season as well as the readings and prayer texts we are hearing at Mass these weeks. They also received a question from a listener – asking about the “offertory rite.” Listen to the show to hear what Danielle and Todd had to say about this part of the Mass! Remember that questions or topics you’d like to hear discussed on Focus on the Liturgy can be sent to [email protected]

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson talk about the issue of Liturgical Renewal. The movement for Liturgical Renewal began well before the Second Vatican Council, and as Pope Francis noted in a recent address to Italian Liturgists, it is still going on today! Danielle and Todd also discuss the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson are joined by Wendy Silhavy, the Senior Coordinator of Liturgies and Music from the Office for Divine Worship of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as they discuss the role of music in liturgy. Liturgical Music is its own form of music – as such it fills a specific role and purpose. There are norms that govern it’s choice and even the determination of what is sung in prayer. As Find out why we say, as Wendy notes during the show, “It’s not that we sing at Mass; it’s that we sing the Mass.”

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy cohosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson talk about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and specifically about the National Gathering on Christian Initiation, scheduled for July 5 & 6 right here in Chicago! Guests Michael Ruzicki and Vicky Tufano, from LTP, join in on the conversation. LTP (Liturgy Training Publications) is sponsoring the event. This is a National Gathering for all Christian Initiation Ministers and this broadcasts focuses on all the various aspects of the event!

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson unpack the season of Easter! From the renewal of baptism (or baptism first received) at the Easter Vigil, they as the question, “So What?” So What that we have just renewed our baptism? Or for those Elect who were baptized on Holy Saturday night, “So what that you were baptized?” What now? The Easter Season is for living out of the baptism we have just renewed or have just received.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson talk about the Liturgies of Lent, particularly those that are part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Many parishes have been celebrating the Scrutiny Rites with the Elect – those who will be baptized and fully initiated at the Easter Vigil this year. Danielle and Todd talk about the Scrutiny Rites and much more!

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy cohosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the Great Season of Lent. They talk about the liturgies of the Season and look at some of the Texts and the Readings that help to give shape to our experience of Lent. They spend a good amount of time discussing the Baptismal Focus of Lent and how everything of the season prepares us for the Renewal of our Baptism at Easter.

On this broadcast of Focus on the LIturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time. For the first part of the show, they look at the liturgies of this season and highlight some of the feasts and celebrations. In the second half of the show, Danielle and Tod explore the evangelizing power of the Liturgy.

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy explores the season of Christmas Tide! Co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the season, it's liturgies and symbols. They talk of how the season only begins on Christmas Eve, raises to a highpoint with Epiphany, and closes out with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 9th!

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, cohosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Advent. Looking at the liturgies of the season, they explore the readings, texts and images of the Season.

Archbishop Blase Cupich has been named a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church! In this broadcast of Focus on the LIturgy, co-hosts Danelle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the process of being named a Cardinal, how a bishop is named such and what it means for the Church. Then, in the second half of the show, they discuss the great Solemnity of All Saints and All Souls.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the funeral rites of the Church. As the process of death is itself a journey for those of us who have faith, so too are the rites and the rituals of Christian Burial. The hosts discuss the three main movements, or "stations" of the Funeral Rites: The Vigil, the Funeral Liturgy and the Committal.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss a number of Liturgical topics! It's Summer Ordinary Time, and so they look at the season and some of the Feasts and Celebrations that mark the period. They also spend time talking about the Revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony, which is able to be used in parishes of the United States as of September 8.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss a number of Liturgical topics! It's Summer Ordinary Time, and so they look at the season and some of the Feasts and Celebrations that mark the period. They also spend time talking about the Revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony, which is able to be used in parishes of the United States as of September 8.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis raised the Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene, July 22, to the rank of a Feast! Aside from some slight changes to the Mass for that day (e.g., the addition of the Gloria), this gives an opportunity to discuss the Liturgical Year! Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the change for July 22 as well as the whole ideas of Liturgical Time, the Seasons of the Liturgical Year and the Sanctoral Cycle - that is, the cycle of days on which we celebrate the Saints and Martyrs!

The Book of Blessings is one of the best kept secrets of the Church. In reality it can be one of the most helpful resource for the liturgical life of any parish! In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss this treasure of the Church's liturgical life, talking about the various Orders of Blessing, and when various blessings can be used throughout the liturgical year, in the life of the parish and in the lives of parishioners!

This month, Focus on the Liturgy is broadcast on Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 27 and again on May 30. Because of that, we talk to Catholic Cemeteries about the Archdiocesan Field-Masses being held outside in all the Catholic Cemeteries on Memorial Day. In the second half of the show, given that June is right around the corner and is one of the busiest months for weddings, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony, which will be promulgated in the United States this Fall.

It's the Fifth Week of the Easter Season! So in this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the various aspects of "The Great 50 Days!" They talk about what it means to have renewed our baptism at Easter, what it calls us to and how we live that out from Sunday to Sunday, Week to Week, Season to Season!

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the great Liturgies of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. They look at and break open the dynamics and symbols of the Liturgies of Palm Sunday, the Chrism Mass and, of course, the profound Liturgies of the Triduum: The Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday), the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion (Good Friday) and the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday).

Co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson explore the great and joyful Season of Lent. They spend the first part of the show discussing the focus and the purpose of Lent as, the 40-day period to prepare to renew our Baptism at Easter! The second half of the show is given over to exploring the Lenten Rites of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss Ordinary Time and the whole idea of "From Mass to Mission," which is actually the title of brand new resource from Liturgy Training Publications. They talk about this new resource, which has versions for Children, Teens and Adults.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson begin the show talking about three upcoming opportunities for Liturgical Ministers of the Archdiocese: The Ministry Enrichment Gatherings, a collaborative effort between the Office for Divine Worship and Liturgy Training Publications scheduled for January 23, April 9 and April 16 of 2016. Michael Ruzicki, from LTP is a guest in this first part of the program. In the second half of this show, Danielle and Todd discuss the liturgies and rites of the Christmas Season!

It's Advent, and in this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss all the various aspects of the Season. They talk about the symbols of the season as well as the Rites and the Prayers that help give focus to this season of "Expectant Joy!"

As the end of the Liturgical Year approaches, Daniell Noe and Todd Williamson discuss this Late Ordinary Time Season. They spend time breaking open the great feast days of All Saints and All Souls, and end the show by talking about the Year of Mercy and some of the liturgical rites that surround the start of the Jubilee in December.

During this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Pope Francis was just beginning his Apostolic Trip to the United States. Prompted by that, Co-hosts Danielle Noe (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the topic of Joy in the Liturgy - following on Pope Francis' Encyclical, The Joy of the Gospel. Danielle and Todd are joined by Michael Ruzicki, also of LTP.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the Liturgy of the Hours. The daily prayer of the church for all Catholics, the Liturgy of the Hours is a rich prayer, steeped in the Psalms, which orders our days. The Second Vatican Council sought a renewal of the Liturgy of the Hours, which to this day still needs to be realized!

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time during Summer. They also discuss brand new books from Liturgy Training Publications (LTP), an agency of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

During this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe (Liturgy Training Publications) and Todd Williamson (Office for Divine Worship) discuss the Pope's encyclical on the environment through the lens of cosmic liturgy.

During this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe (Liturgy Training Publications) and Todd Williamson (Office for Divine Worship) discuss the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. They break open the liturgies and the Feasts that help us mark the passing of these summer months. They also discuss a number of special liturgies that will be celebrated this summer in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy reflects on Cardinal Francis George following his death.

In this Broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson discuss the great season of Lent. They spend time talking about the theology and spirituality of the season. There is a special discussion of the Stations of the Cross in the second half of the show: Guest Michael Ruzicki will joins them in the studio to talk about his new edition of the Stations, "A Light for My Path," published by LTP.

In this Broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson are joined by guests Michael Ruzicki (from Liturgy Training Publications) and Wendy Silhavy (From the Office for Divine Worship) to discuss the topic of Liturgical Music. Michael is Music Director at Notre Dame de Chicago, and Wendy is Director of Liturgies and Music at ODW. They explore the role of Liturgical Music and Music Ministry in the liturgical life of the Church.

This broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy airs on the Morning of December 24, Christmas Eve. It's the perfect time for hosts Todd Williamson (ODW) and Dannielle Noe (LTP) to discuss the Liturgical Season of Christmas! They break open the structure of the Season, highlighting the 3 "moments" of the Nativity (Christmas), the Solemnity of Epiphany and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which closes out the season. They also explore the symbols of the season and the various Rites and rituals that mark the Christmas season.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Noe and Todd Williamson talk about the great season of Advent. Among other things they discuss the theology of the Season and how that plays out in the Liturgies and Rites of Advent.

In these final week of the Liturgical Year, the October broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy deals with late Ordinary Time. Co-hosts Todd Williamson and Danielle Noe discuss the liturgies of this season and spend a good deal of time exploring the great feasts of the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls).

In this episode of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the Installation Liturgy of Archbishop Blase Cupich, scheduled for November 18th of this year. They break open and explore the Rite of Reception of the Bishop, and other aspects of this special Liturgy. They also talk about the Revised Rite of Celebrating Marriage, which is awaiting Approval in Rome.

On this month's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson talk about the Rite of Peace which is a part of every celebration of the Eucharist. The Congregation for Divine Worship recently called for a greater understanding of the Rite of Peace and so Danielle and Todd explore this rite, its theological principles and its implications for how we are to live as Disciples of Christ.

In this broadcast of "Focus on the Liturgy", co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the sacramental life of the Church. They also explore The Year of the Sacraments - the fourth year of the Archdiocesan five- year Strategic Pastoral Plan.

In June's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) discuss the season of Ordinary Time and some of the Solemnities and feasts that mark the Summer portion of Ordinary Time. In the second half of the show, they explore the whole idea of the Liturgy as a School of Discipleship.

In these last days of the Easter Season, Focus on the Liturgy Co-Hosts Danielle Knott (from LTP) and Todd Williamson (from ODW) discuss the Great 50 Days. In doing so they explore the culminating Solemnities of the season: Ascension and Pentecost, discussing their significance, their texts and the liturgies by which we celebrate them.

Office for Diving Worship Director Todd Williamson is joined by Vicky Tufano, Liturgical Consultant and Senior Editor of Liturgy Training Publications, for a lively discussion of the liturgical significance of the Easter Season.

Program hosts Todd Williamson and Danielle Knott talk about Lenten rites and liturgies with Vicky Tufano, Liturgical Consultant and Senior Editor of Liturgy Training Publications. The discussion focuses on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and its significance during Lent.

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, Danielle Knott (LTP) and Todd Williamson (ODW) talk about the Great Season of Lent! They discuss a bit of the history of the season, and spend a good amount of time talking about the real purpose of Lent: To prepare us to renew our baptism at Easter! Along the way they talk the Scriptures of the Season and much of the spirituality and theology of what the Church calls, "this joyful season of Lent!!"

In this broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss the season of Ordinary Time. This year Ordinary Time in winter is 8 weeks. As part of their discussion, Danielle and Todd look at the Liturgy of the Hours as a "The Prayer of the Church."

This month's broadcast of Focus on the Liturgy was recorded for Christmas Day...so it seemed rather obvious what the topic would be!! So, co-hosts Danielle Knott and Todd Williamson discuss Christmas and the Christmas Season. They explore the Feasts, traditions and celebrations that help us to mark this glorious season of the Incarnation!