Vatican II: Outline of Sacrosanctum Concilium

By Luke Lancaster

Reform of the Liturgy

The Liturgy is the high point of the Christian life

It is a Sacrament of unity whereby the entire Church is involved

Professors, seminaries, etc. need to teach the liturgy to pastors

The pastor’s homily should be from Scripture and salvation history

The laity need to take an active part in the liturgy

This can be done through acclamations, songs, psalms, bodily movements

Reform of Church practices

Reform of Sacraments and sacramentals

Sacraments impart grace

Vernacular language can be used

The rite of the baptism of infants should be revised

Anointing of the sick rite should be revised, such as having different prayers for

various levels of sickness

Sacramentals revised

Adapt them to the needs of the times

Divine Office revised

Have each part correspond to the time of the day

Prime hour eliminate

Readings reformed

Select the readings better

Sacred Scripture should be arranged

Liturgical year reformed

Preserve the Church seasons

Some seasons reformed to modern times

Paschal mystery venerated the most

Marian and saint days venerated

Sunday seen as a holy day

Rest from work on that day

Season of Lent focused

It is to prepare for the Paschal Mystery

Relics and images of saints venerated

Sacred Music and Art emphasized

Sacred Music has incredible value

More than any other art

Choirs diligently emphasized

All laity should be able to sing

Teach it in seminaries, schools, etc.

Sacred Art should be in accordance with the Faith

The Church passes judgement on which ones are worthy to be in the liturgy

Bishops should remove from the Church artwork that is not in accordance with the

faith or morality

Art should be moderate in the Church

Schools of Sacred Art should be made