Eight people who completed lengthy formation processes through the archdiocesan Office for Worship were officially certified as directors of Liturgy, Liturgical Music and Initiation in a ceremony Sept. 16.

Certified as parish directors of liturgy were Maria Teresa Castellanos, Ascension, Los Angeles; Lena Kho, Our Lady of the Assumption, Claremont; James Drollinger, St. Charles Borromeo, North Hollywood, and St. Jerome, Los Angeles; Valerie O'Reilly, St. Didacus, Sylmar; and Jan Sooter, Blessed Sacrament, Hollywood.

Also certified were Francine Moore, music and liturgy director, Annunciation, Arcadia; Juliet Gallardo, music director, St. Catherine of Siena, Reseda; and María Guadalupe Sánchez, initiation director, Ascension.

In presenting these candidates to Cardinal Mahony, Sandra Dooley, Office for Worship director, noted, "They have worked hard and have grown in knowledge and in faith. They are well-grounded in the theology of the Catholic Church and they have developed skills in their ministry areas --- liturgy, music and initiation. They are signs of hope in our Church."

The three-year, Advanced Liturgical Certification Program is a collaborative effort with the Offices of Religious Education and Secondary Catholic Schools, and prepares individuals for ministry in the parish as directors of liturgy, music or initiation.

The first two years involve the study of Scripture and the essentials of Catholic doctrine, followed by specialization courses which carry over into the third year. Classes are offered (and homework assigned) monthly for nine months of the year.

Prerequisites for acceptance into the program include completion of the Basic Faith Formation (40-hour program available through the Office of Religious Education) or a strong equivalent; at least three years experience in liturgical/music/initiation ministry; participation in past Liturgy and/or past or current Religious Education conferences; familiarity with basic liturgical documents of the Church; and the recommendation of the pastor.

For information, call (213) 637-7262.