Call For Papers

Liturgy/Sacraments Topic Session

The theme of conversion is at the very heart of Christian sacramental life. From conversion rituals by which new members of the faithful are accepted into the Church, to the ongoing conversion to which Christians are continuously called, this convention theme opens up a variety of rich avenues for sacramental and liturgical discourse.

The Liturgy/Sacraments topic section thus invites proposals on the theme of liturgical and sacramental conversion. Of particular interest are papers which link the conversion of the sacramental elements directly to the conversion of the individual or community. Other possible topics might include instances of ecclesial conversion as related to the liturgy, or investigations of the relationship between cultural conversion and liturgical celebration. Further questions to consider might include the following. What is the relationship between conversion and worship? In what ways can liturgical reform be understood as a form of conversion? How has the inculturation of conversion taken place in different parts of the World Church? How do each, or any, of the current sacramental rites support and/or effect conversion for those who participate in them? Here participants could include candidates, ministers, catechists, assemblies, etc. Papers related to the 50th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy and the liturgical conversions which accompanied it are also welcome.

Proposals should be between 200-500 words and include the author’s name, institution, and contact information. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2012. Proposals are to be sent to the convener, Rhodora Beaton, rebeaton@stkate.edu. Notification of acceptance for presentations will be given by September 21, 2012. A maximum of three papers will be selected for the session. Please articulate in the proposal any audio-visual support required. Authors of accepted papers must submit a 100 word précis by October 5, 2012. Recall that CTSA policy limits presenters to one speaking role on the convention program, with the exception of underrepresented constituencies. Those making proposals should ordinarily be CTSA members in good standing.