Pastoral and Liturgical Commission – Catholic Archdiocese of Jos

Safeguarding the Sacred and Nurturing the Worshipping Community

At the very heart of the Church’s life and mission lies the act of worship, which serves as both the highest expression of faith and the source of all pastoral and missionary outreach. The Pastoral and Liturgical Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos exists to uphold, guide, and enrich this essential dimension of Catholic life by ensuring that all liturgical practices are rooted in apostolic tradition, faithful to Church teachings, and spiritually nourishing for the faithful.

Rooted in the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly His life, death, resurrection, and His command to “do this in memory of me,” the Church continues to express her identity and mission most visibly in the celebration of the sacraments, the proclamation of the Word, and the gathering of the community in prayer and praise. The Pastoral and Liturgical Commission plays a critical role in animating and directing this life of worship throughout the Archdiocese.

Mission and Vision

The Commission serves as the custodian of liturgical norms and pastoral practices within the Archdiocese. It is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and guiding the conduct of liturgical activities to ensure uniformity, reverence, and fidelity to the Roman Catholic tradition. 

Unity with the Universal Church

In its work, the Commission maintains a vital link between the local Church and the Universal Church. By engaging with global liturgical updates and papal directives, the Commission helps to harmonize local practice with the broader ecclesial life of the Catholic Church. It also assists the Archdiocese in fielding new pastoral approaches and incorporating approved liturgical adaptations that respond to the spiritual needs of today’s faithful.

Custodians of Tradition, Agents of Renewal

While safeguarding the rich heritage of Catholic liturgy, the Commission also embraces the responsibility of pastoral innovation, seeking ways to ensure that the liturgical life of the Church remains vibrant, accessible, and spiritually transformative. In a world marked by rapid change and cultural pluralism, the Commission strives to balance fidelity to tradition with pastoral responsiveness, ensuring that worship continues to be a source of grace, unity, and renewal for all.

At the heart of the Church's life and mission is the model of worship. Following the teachings of Jesus, His life and mandate, the Church demonstrates in visible ways the act to govern and relive the initial apostolic life, while fielding in new approaches to guide this course. This arm monitors and checks liturgical activities in the Archdiocese, liaises with the universal Church on new areas of modification and tries to ensure that the practice of Church worship is maintained at all levels in the Archdiocese.     

Its key responsibilities include:

• Oversight of Liturgical Activities: Ensuring that all Masses, sacraments, sacramentals, and devotional practices across parishes conform to approved liturgical standards and rubrics as defined by the Church’s magisterium.
• Adaptation and Renewal: Staying attuned to liturgical developments and reforms from the Universal Church, including directives from the Vatican and national bishops' conferences, and helping the Archdiocese adapt accordingly in a faithful and contextually appropriate manner.
• Pastoral Formation: Organizing workshops, seminars, and retreats for clergy, religious, and lay liturgical ministers (e.g., lectors, altar servers, choir members) to deepen their theological understanding and pastoral sensitivity in the service of liturgy.
• Liturgical Planning for Major Events: Coordinating the liturgical aspect of major archdiocesan events such as ordinations, Chrism Mass, episcopal visits, jubilees, and diocesan celebrations, ensuring they reflect the beauty, unity, and solemnity of Catholic worship.
• Enrichment of Parish Life: Supporting parishes and pastoral agents to develop vibrant and contextually relevant liturgical expressions, while maintaining doctrinal orthodoxy and spiritual integrity.