The Meaning of "Liturgy"

Every liturgical celebration, because it is an action of Christ the priest and of His Body which is the Church, is a sacred action surpassing all others; no other action of the Church can equal its efficacy by the same title and to the same degree." Second Vatican Council, Sacrosanctum Concilium, 1963

Catechism of the Catholic Church

"The word 'liturgy' originally meant a 'public work' or a 'service in the name of/on behalf of the people'". In Christian tradition it means the participation of the People of God in those actions by which Christ, our redeemer and high priest, continues the work of our redemption in, with, and through his Church." Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1069-1070

Congregation for Divine Worship

"Through the Sacred Liturgy man, personally and collectively, presents himself before God to render thanksgiving, fully conscious that his existence cannot be complete without praising God and doing His will as he strives for the Kingdom which is already present but whose definitive advent is only to be found in the Parousia of the Lord Jesus." Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 2001