Organizing a Mass for Victims of Violent Crime

The following are general guidelines for organizing a diocesan wide Mass for victims of violent crimes.  They are suggestions but may need to be adapted to local requirements and conditions.  Directors of Detention Ministry and (Arch)Diocesan Office of Worship must collaborate on this project and meet at least once a month to ensure that all details and steps are in place

Timeline

Six-Five Months Before Mass/Liturgy:

Form Committees

•  Reception 4-5 people
•  Liturgy - 5-6 people i.e., Coordinator, Music, Ritual, Worship Aid, Church Environment/Decor, Sacristan
•  Media - 2-3 people who will manage media releases/info including:
  • Parish Newsletter inserts
  • Announcements from Pulpit
  • Diocesan Newspaper
  • Letter from Bishop

•  Select site and time
•  Get on Bishop's calendar
•   Liturgy Committee meets to discuss music and ritual and languages ( English, Spanish, Vietnamese...) that will be included

Three Months Before Mass/Liturgy:

•  Identify victim(s) (have more than one in case you need a backup).
•  Meet and discuss homily with bishop - set that appointment!!
•  Create flyers.  Flyers should be returned DIRECTLY to Detention Minister and should include the following information
  •  Detention Minister Name and Address
  •  RSVP phone number
  •  email address and/or response sheet (cut off and mail back)
  • Flyers should be ready by March and distributed thru July
  • distribute at all Catholic events - e.g. marriage encounter, detention ministry events, diocesan events, religious education, schools, school newsletter
  • distribute flier to all victims groups in your diocese e.g. WEAVE, POMC (Parents Of Murdered Children)
• Detention Ministry Director in collaboration with parish priests may identify persons who can speak at homily
• A draft of written homily presentation should be brought to meeting with Bishop
• Detention Ministry Director should assist in perparing homily/presentation
• Reception committee meets to discuss details of reception i.e. type, - elaborate or simple, budget etc.

Two Months Before Mass/Liturgy:

• All 3 committee, Reception, Liturgy and Media should meet with Detention Ministry Director and Director of Worship to ensure they are on target.
• Environment should be decided
• Prepare a draft suggested homily introduction and closing for your Bishop
• Prepare victim information sheet

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