Subject Area
Music, Religion, Theology/Religious Education
Abstract
This thesis examines the liturgical and musical heritage of Roman Catholic apostolic women religious in the United States and argues that their contributions represent a significant yet understudied dimension of American Catholic life. As many communities face declining numbers, the preservation of their liturgical and musical traditions becomes increasingly urgent. Using an interdisciplinary methodology that combines historical research, liturgical theology, pneumatology, phenomenology, narrative inquiry, and qualitative interviews, the study explores how women religious have shaped and preserved communal identity through liturgy, music, and apostolic ministry.
The research traces the historical development of apostolic women religious from their emergence in the United States through the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and their continuing influence in the contemporary Church. Drawing upon interviews with women religious, liturgical ministers, and non-religious laity, the study identifies recurring themes of active participation, inclusivity, mission, and attentiveness to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Attention is given to the role of sacred music as a co-creative activity with the Holy Spirit. Through an examination of selected women religious composers and their musical works, the thesis demonstrates how liturgical composition serves as an expression of communal charism, theological reflection, and apostolic witness. These musical contributions have shaped both the worship life of religious communities and the broader liturgical practice of the Roman Catholic Church.
The findings reveal that liturgy and music are central expressions of the identity and mission of apostolic women religious. This study contributes to scholarship on women religious, liturgical theology, and sacred music while providing a framework for preserving and transmitting this rich ecclesial heritage to future generations.
Degree Date
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
D.P.M.
Department
Perkins School of Theology
Advisor
Marcell Silva Steurnagel
Second Advisor
C. Michael Hawn
Third Advisor
Sister Judith Diltz
Number of Pages
212
Format
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Recommended Citation
Jennings, Andrew G., "Preserving a Liturgical Identity: The Liturgical and Musical Heritage of Roman Catholic Apostolic Women Religious in the United States of America" (2026). Doctor of Pastoral Music Projects and Theses. 24.
https://scholar.smu.edu/theology_music_etds/24
Included in
Catholic Studies Commons, Composition Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Music Practice Commons, Practical Theology Commons
