What the Liturgy Office is
The Liturgy Office sits at the heart of how the Diocese of Shrewsbury supports parishes in the worship of God. It works alongside the Mission and Evangelisation team, the Safeguarding team and the other diocesan departments, but its particular task is the liturgy itself, the Mass, the sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the seasonal life of the Church year.
The office is led by the Episcopal Vicar for Worship and Diocesan Master of Liturgical Ceremonies, Canon Christopher Matthews. He is supported by Anthony Timothy as Diocesan Mission Secretary, and by a Liturgy Commission of clergy and lay members who shape diocesan practice and answer practical questions from parishes.
What the office does
- Supports parishes with the planning and celebration of the liturgy, including major diocesan occasions at the Cathedral
- Edits and publishes the diocesan Ordo, the liturgical calendar used by clergy and parish liturgy planners across Shrewsbury
- Trains and supports Masters of Ceremonies, sacristans, altar servers and parish liturgy teams
- Produces the Liturgy Matters Newsletter for clergy and parish liturgy coordinators
- Advises on liturgical reordering of churches and on the use of sacred art and music
- Works with the Bishop on Pastoral Letters, diocesan-wide liturgical initiatives and on Holy Week and Christmas planning
The Liturgy Commission
The Liturgy Commission gives the office its wider reach. Members at present include Canon Christopher Matthews as Chair, Mr Anthony Timothy as Secretary, Deacon Gerard Boyle, Mrs Jane Brazier and Mrs Stella McGann. Deacon Gerard also serves as Assistant Diocesan Master of Ceremonies.
Contact the Liturgy Office
- Canon Christopher Matthews, Episcopal Vicar for Worship: frchris.matthews@dioceseofshrewsbury.org. Phone 0151 652 9855. Mobile 07813 020730.
- Anthony Timothy, Diocesan Mission Secretary: anthony.timothy@dioceseofshrewsbury.org. Phone 0151 652 9855.
- Ordo enquiries: ordo@dioceseofshrewsbury.org
Liturgy Matters Newsletter
Parish clergy and lay liturgy coordinators receive a regular newsletter from the office covering changes to the calendar, upcoming feasts and diocesan events. To be added to the list, email the Liturgy Office.
Where to find liturgical assets
The diocese has a growing library of liturgical assets including the Ordo, Mass settings, and seasonal materials. These are available through the Resources section of this site under the Worship department.
