Leading the Assembly in Prayer: A Practical Guide for Lay and Ordained Presiders

Leading the Assembly in Prayer: A Practical Guide for Lay and Ordained Presiders provides detailed assistance in preparing for this important ministry. This new edition, revised to reflect the revisions in the USCCB document Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest, gives lay leaders and clergy guidelines for authentic prayer leadership.
Part one sets the presider in the context of the liturgical assembly. It discusses the skills needed by all who practice this ministry, and challenges to spiritual growth all who lead prayer. At the same time it encourages those who are novices with its detailed explanations.
The second part of the book focuses on specific applications of the principles. Beginning with the Sunday Eucharist, it gives the essential helps for the lay leader who leads Sunday worship when no priest is available. Included are chapters on Liturgy of the Word with Children and the Order of Christian Funerals. A formation process for presiders is included in the appendix.

Msgr. Michael J. Begolly completed his doctorate of ministry degree at Catholic Theological Union. Monsignor Begolly is pastor of Mt. St. Peter Parish in New Kensington, PA and its partner parish of All Saints in Arnold, PA.