The Office of Worship The Office of Worship exists to enable the People of God in the Diocese of Youngstown to better celebrate the presence of Christ in worship and sacraments. The office serves as a resource to parishes and parish liturgy committees. Assistance is offered through phone consultation, printed resources, parish visits, and workshops. The office plans and coordinates diocesan liturgical celebrations such as ordination ceremonies, the Rite of Election, Holy Week services, Easter and Christmas celebrations, and other special liturgies at St. Columba Cathedral. The Diocesan Liturgical Commission is a consultative body whose purpose is to offer advice and recommendations to the diocesan bishop in liturgical matters within the diocese. The Commission assists the director of the Office of Worship in the implementation of liturgical programs and policies. In conjunction with the Office of Religious Education, the Office of Worship assists parishes in the implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Liturgical Calendar Advisories The following are the holy days of obligation for the year 2008: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Friday, August 15, 2008 Immaculate Conception -Monday, December 8, 2008 Nativity of the Lord -Thursday, December 25, 2008 Mary, Mother of God -Thursday, January 1, 2009 Other liturgical dates of note: Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 6, 2008 Easter Triduum - Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23, 2008 Ascension of the Lord - In the dioceses of Ohio, the Ascension will be celebrated on Sunday, May 4, 2008. The decision of the Bishops of Ohio to transfer the Ascension to the 7th Sunday of Easter has been in effect since 2000. All Saints - Saturday, November 1, 2008. The obligation for the faithful to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist is abrogated because the Solemnity of All Saints falls on a Saturday. DIOCESAN CELEBRATIONS AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. COLUMBA Rite of Election - Sunday, February 10, 2008, 2:00 p.m.; also at St. Joseph Parish, Canton, 6:00 p.m. White Mass - Sunday, February 17, 2008, 10:30 a.m. This Mass is especially for medical professionals. Chrism Mass - Holy Thursday, March 20, 2008, 10:30 a.m. Night to Honor Mary - Friday, May 2, 2008, 7:00 p.m. An Additional Night to Honor Mary will be celebrated on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul Parish, North Canton UPCOMING WORKSHOPS The annual Liturgy Day for all involved in the liturgical life of the parish will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at St. Charles Parish, Boardman. Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of Youngstown, will be the keynote speaker. To register, contact the Office of Worship. Women's Spirituality Day will be offered on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the Ursuline Center in Canfield. Sr. Melannie Svoboda, SND, will be the keynote speaker at that day, the them of which is Peace Be with You. To register, contact the Office of Worship. Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist