Module: Liturgy, Ritual & Worship

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Liturgy, Ritual & Worship
Module Code	RET1029 (ITS: TP202)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will introduce students to the concept of worship and how it is expressed through liturgical rituals. It will explore ritual expression in World Religions and show ways to incorporate a variety of traditions and cultures into prayer gatherings on key occasions. It will include a study of the rhythms and cycles of the Christian Liturgical Year There will be opportunities to work in small groups to create rituals which will be celebrated and presented to the whole class.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the nature of ritual and worship in various religious traditions.
2. Demonstrate awareness of key elements of Christian worship and liturgy, along with the concept of sacraments.
3. Understand and analyse a variety of occasions in the Christian Liturgical Year
4. Create reflective moments for a range of occasions and festivals.
5. Incorporate a variety of cultures and traditions into a common ritual celebration on various themes
6. Organise a religious celebration, such as the Eucharist in the Roman Rite or a prayer service.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Tutorial	12	No Description
Assignment Completion	50	No Description
Independent Study	39	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21001	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Peter Admirand	Module Teacher	Bradford Anderson, Gabriel Flynn, Giovanna Feeley, Pat O'Donoghue

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group project	Preparation of liturgical service of celebration of religious ritual.	50%	n/a
Portfolio	End-of-Semester Final Examination	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Anthropological background to Ritual and Worship

Concept of sacraments and sacramental theology

Jewish and Christian Liturgy: Historical Perspectives

Major Festivals in Islam and Hinduism

The Liturgical Year in Christianity

Symbol and Ritual in Sacramental Celebrations

The Celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Rite

Practical approaches to preparing and leading liturgies

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Salamone, Frank: 2004, Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals and Festivals,, Routledge, New York, London,
Uzukwu, Elochukwu,: 1997, Worship as Body Language, Liturgical Press,, Collegeville, Minnesota,
Foley, Edward,: 2008, From Age to Age: How Christians have celebrated the Eucharist, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota,
Chupungo, Anscar J. O.S.B (editor): 1998, Handbook for Liturgical Studies, Volumes I-IV,, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota,
Martimort, A.G.,: 1987, The Church at Prayer, Vols I-IV,, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota,
Irish Catholic Bishops Conference: 2011, General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Irish Liturgical Publications, Dublin,
National Centre for Liturgy: 2011, Celebrating the Mystery of Faith – Celebrating Mass throughout the Year, Irish Liturgical Publications, Dublin,
Irish Episcopal Commission for Liturgy: 1995, The Place of Worship, Veritas, Dublin,
Deegan, Eileen: 0, Parish Rituals for Key Moments, CMD Book Source, 9781856074865
National Centre for Liturgy: 2010, Celebrating the Mystery of Faith - A Guide to the Mass, Irish Liturgical Publications, Dublin,
Patrick O'Donoghue: 2000, Circle of Care, Veritas, Dublin, 9781853903595
Drumm, Michael: 2000, Sacramental People, Volume 1: INITIATION, Columba Press, Dublin,
Drumm, Micahel: 2003, A Sacramental People, Volume 1 - Healing and Vocation, Columba Press, Dublin,
O’Donnell, Christopher: 2004, Worship, Prayer and Ritual - Into the Classroom Series - Section G (Teacher Text), Veritas, Dublin,
Neary, Donal: 2007, Forty Masses with Young People, Columba Press, Dublin,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Website: Liturgy Resource Centre, www.litmus.dublindiocese.ie
Website: Routledge Online, www.routledgeonline.com
Website: Education Scotland, www.educationscotland.gov.uk
Website: World Council of Churches, www.oikoumene.org
Website: National Centre for Liturgy, www.liturgy-ireland.ie