Yesterday, I suggested parishes use this coming year as a time of preparation for the introduction of the new Roman Missal and as a time of liturgical renewal. To help you do that, you can find a liturgy self-assessment tool here. You can also consider some of these questions regarding your parish worship:

• Do visitors on Sunday always feel welcome and part of the community? (How do you know?)
• Do the ushers, greeters, staff members, and key volunteers all wear nametags?
• Are the lectors always well prepared, and do they proclaim with excellence? (What is your standard for “excellence”?)
• Does the music always meet the three criteria of being pastoral, liturgical, and musically excellent?
• Does the assembly know the music and sing confidently?
• Does the music reflect the diversity of your community?
• Is the presider always clear, confident, prayerful, well-prepared, and attentive?
• Are the homilies always relevant, surprising, and applicable to daily life?
• Are the acolytes well-trained and always fully engaged in the liturgy?
• Do the Communion ministers always exhibit a high-level of leadership and competence when serving?
• Do parishioners leave the liturgy inspired to live out the Gospel and evangelize others? (How do you know?)
• Do you avoid the three most common mistakes made every Sunday?

I’m sure this is not an exhaustive list. What else should be added to insure a powerful year of liturgical renewal?