Liturgical Action

[bobopus]

Can anyone give me a good definition of “liturgical action” - I know what it is but I can’t define it for example the Mass contains all sorts of liturgical actions but I would say that reciting the rosary would not be one - get my point?

 

[SMHW]

bobopus:

Can anyone give me a good definition of “liturgical action” - I know what it is but I can’t define it for example the Mass contains all sorts of liturgical actions but I would say that reciting the rosary would not be one - get my point?

In order to define “liturgical action” I think you need to define what you mean by “liturgy” first. It comes from a word referring to the “work” or “service” of the people. In practical terms, it usually refers to a rite or form of communal worship which follows a prescribed set of rules in a prescribed order with prescribed roles for the various participants.

I’m not sure why you say the Mass contains all sorts of liturgical actions but that that reciting the rosary would not be one. I would consider that communal recitation of the rosary WOULD include liturgical actions. …unless you are referring to an individual saying the rosary at Mass where it is not prescribed.

My personal definition (and there may be an official one I don’t know about) would be it that it 'is a worship action, (including but not limited to assuming a posture, uttering a prayer, carrying an object,) which is performed in a communal setting, in a predefined order, according to prescribed role(s).

 

[kmktexas]

I’ve heard of liturgical gestures, liturgical postures and liturgical activities, but I’m not getting the term liturgical “action”.

Can you help us out with context?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

bobopus:

Can anyone give me a good definition of “liturgical action” - I know what it is but I can’t define it for example the Mass contains all sorts of liturgical actions but I would say that reciting the rosary would not be one - get my point?

Liturgy is official Public prayer.

Reciting the Rosary in a group in the Church in front of the tabernacle would be a Litrugical action. As would reading the Sacriptures in public or praying the Hours in a group.