Be zealous, then, in the observance of one Eucharist.  For there is one Flesh of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and one Chalice that brings union in His Blood.  There is one altar, as there is one bishop with the priests and deacons, who are my fellow workers.  And so, whatever you do, let it be done in the name of the Lord.  (St. Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians, 2nd cent.)

 

As the Second Vatican Council teaches, the sacred liturgy—and above all, the Holy Eucharist—is “the source and summit” of the Christian life. This is true in a special way for a community of learners who are dedicating themselves to the effort of acquiring Christian wisdom. This effort, to be successful, requires a well-formed prayer life, and at the center of our prayer life stands the Holy Sacrifice of the sacred liturgy. A college community aspiring to be authentically Catholic will nourish and form its students by the Eucharist celebrated in a most worthy manner.

 

Sacred vessels for the Byzantine Divine Liturgy

Accordingly, the sacred liturgy is celebrated at Wyoming Catholic College in full fidelity to the directives of Holy Mother Church and with loving attention to her rich and beautiful heritage. Holy Mass is celebrated in both its Extraordinary and Ordinary forms, in implementation of the motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI, Summorum Pontificum. Moreover, Wyoming Catholic College is especially blessed in that our Chaplain also has faculties to celebrate the Eucharist according to the Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.  In this way, Wyoming Catholic College "breathes with both lungs" liturgically, a rare spiritual opportunity for most college students.

 

Our liturgical schedule includes the Byzantine Divine Liturgy, offered once a week on Saturdays, as well as the Extraordinary form of the Roman Rite (Tridentine Rite) on Sundays and one other day during the week.  On the other days of the week, and also on Sunday, the Ordinary form of the Holy Mass is offered, usually in English with the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and other parts sung in Gregorian chant, an art in which students are instructed.  Once during the week and on special occasions, the Ordinary form is celebrated wholly in Latin.  A choir formed primarily of students provides music for more solemn occasions such as Sundays and Holy Days.

 

Our approach to the sacred liturgy is this: In whatever form or Rite it is celebrated, the sacred liturgy is to be as beautiful and dignified as possible, with great respect for and stewardship of the current instructions as well as the ancient traditions of the rich liturgical heritage of the Catholic Church.  In recognition of the exalted place of the sacred liturgy in the life of the College, our academic schedule is devised to allow all students and faculty to attend every day.  The College promotes a culture of daily attendance at sacred liturgy. 

 

While daily Mass is not obligatory, it is expected that most students will in fact attend Mass most days of the week, given the Catholic spiritual formation the College seeks to offer.  According to the Church’s law, Sunday and Holy Day Masses are obligatory for all Catholics.