Liturgy and Sacraments - Our Rites as Catholics

“This varied scenario of celebrations of the Eucharist has given me a powerful experience of its universal and, so to speak, its cosmic character” -St. JPII. Hundreds of changes in the liturgy have occurred since the Last Supper, but the basics have never changed. Details changed, decisions by Church authority changed, attitudes of the participants changed. The celebration of the Eucharist is a dynamic and living reality which you will clearly see in a compelling way in this brief history.

Church furnishings aren’t just wooden or marble structures. They incorporate stories of faith and tradition: a Presider’s chair can be welcoming; an Ambo conveys the feeling of strength found in the Word of God. Jeff Tortorelli, founder of Tortorelli Creations, has been honing his craft since he was five. Come learn how the unique thought behind the altar candelabras at St. Maximilian Kolbe, Padre Serra’s Blessed Sacrament chapel altar, and the many other pieces in our churches became masterpieces.

Water, Oil, Bread, Wine - the Church refers to these as “efficacious signs”. These sacramental signs aren’t merely symbols but actually cause the spiritual reality they represent as they engage both our physical and spiritual senses. Learn how the sacred spaces in our parishes use signs and symbols to help you live the mystery of our faith every day.

The significance of church architecture lies in the creation of sacred space, fostering community and spiritual connection. Church buildings facilitate worship and communal activities essential for Christians. Architectural features, such as grand entrances, tall ceilings, and stained-glass windows, enhance the sacred atmosphere and provide teaching opportunities. Church design reflects the congregation’s spiritual needs while adapting to change. Join us for a tour of St. Peter Claver Church to enrich your worship experience at all churches.

What does “Keep Holy the Lord’s Day” (the Sabbath Day) Actually Mean? For centuries the Sabbath has held a preeminence for Jews and Christians as a day of religious observance and abstinence from work. Now it seems to be a day to catch up on things we didn’t get done during the week. Reconnect with the meaning and purpose of the Sabbath as God intends – it will change your life in ways you can’t even imagine.

Fr. Preston Passos opens this historic church to University Series attendees. Tour the 1914 fulfillment of a dream for Juan E. Camarillo and his brother, Adolfo, prominent land owners, horse breeders, ranchers, and philanthropists, for whom the city of Camarillo is named. View the spectacular stained-glass windows, shipped from Munich, Germany, and installed in 1917. Learn about the symbols on each window and the early Christian doctrine that each one depicts. (Please note date/time for the tour. The Chapel is located at 2532 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, 93010)

Would you like to understand more deeply what is happening at Mass? In this lecture, Fr. Brian will help you enrich your Mass experience by offering a clearly understandable interpretation of each part of the Mass. (The Seminary is located at 5012 Seminary Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012)

Although the question of the nature of the Eucharist is hugely important, it unfortunately has overshadowed a question that is just as important, if not more important: what does the Eucharist actually do? This presentation introduces six of the most important fruits of the Eucharist.