About
The Office of Worship serves the pastors and parishes of the Diocese of Dallas in support of the diocesan Bishop in his role as “the chief steward of the mysteries of God and the overseer, promoter, and guardian of all liturgical life in the particular Church entrusted to his care.”1 This office assists in shaping liturgical and pastoral practices, sacramental life, and in formation of liturgical ministers.
The Office of Worship is fully responsible for the preparation, support, and implementation of the Adult Initiation process throughout the Diocese. We embrace the diverse cultures of the Diocese, with emphasis on providing appropriate resources.
In addition, the Office of Worship is available to consult and assist in all aspects of planning and implementing worthy liturgical celebrations, and for clergy resource and formation. This Office prepares and coordinates episcopal liturgies and plays a vital role in contributing to the Dallas Ministry Conference.
Guidelines for Lent
Lent provides us with an opportunity to deepen our faith and connect more profoundly with God. The Catholic traditions of fasting and abstinence (limiting our food choices and amounts), almsgiving (financial charity to others) and prayer during the Lenten season are truly sacramental symbols. Like any sacramental symbol, these Lenten practices make something more real, more tangible to us – in this case, the suffering of others.
During Lent, our desire for food, for money, and for self-reliance should be compared and contrasted to the lack of food, lack of financial security, and lack of hope that too many of our brothers and sisters experience. Catholics who never hunger, never fear homelessness, and never fear powerlessness are not able to truly empathize with those who do. When considering Lenten dietary regulations, charitable practices, and prayer habits, we encourage Catholics to embrace hunger, to give alms until it hurts financially, and to seek the Lord in prayer constantly, giving thanks always for the blessings which materially and spiritually sustain us. All our material blessings are only ‘lent’ to us – especially during this season of Lent, let us reflect on how we spend those blessings for others.
To help you make the most of this season, Bishop Edward J. Burns, in his video below, shares some of his wisdom and reflections on the importance of the Lenten season.
Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a vital step in the journey of faith, where candidates are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened to be witnesses of Christ in the world.
Please reach out to your parish for more information on Confirmation!
Parishes, please find Confirmation liturgy preparation information and forms here.
Funeral
Explore diocesan Funeral policies and information on when Ritual Masses may not be celebrated.
Holy Days of Obligation for 2025 for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas
Holy Days of Obligation are those days on which the church expects baptized Catholics to attend Mass and to refrain from work or activities which might “hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body.” (Canon Law 1247).
Sundays are always holy days of obligation. In addition to Sundays, there are certain special days which the Church has also declared to be holy days of obligation. In the United States and in the Diocese of Dallas, special holy days of obligation outside of Sundays are observed as follows:
- All Sundays
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
- Thursday, August 15, 2024 – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Solemnity of All Saints
- Monday, December 8, 2025 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
- Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Note: By decision of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and confirmation by the Holy See, whenever the Solemnities of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 9), Mary, the Mother of God (January 1), the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15), or All Saints (November 1) fall on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted or abrogated and the faithful are not required to attend Mass on those days.