The Ritual of the Eucharist

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The term “Eucharist” has several meanings for Catholics.

1. The celebration of the Mass.. It is crucial to the Mass that the assembly is sent forth with a mission.

2. The 2nd part of the Mass is called the “liturgy of the Eucharist”. This includes the consecration of the bread and wine.

3. Communion- consuming the body and blood of Christ through the bread and wine.

Continued..

4. The Blessed Sacrament- the consecrated bread and wine that is stored in the tabernacle.

….We will use the term “Eucharist” to mean the whole Mass..

The Eucharist/Mass

1. The Introductory Rites2. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD3. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST4. The Concluding Rites

Main Parts

The Essential Actions

1.The WordThe reading of the Sacred Scriptures proclaiming

the Word of God

2. Thanksgiving

The offering of thanks to God for all the blessings of creation and saving acts in history

and the gift of of Jesus

#3 Consecration

The actions of Christ, through the priest’s saying the words, to change the bread and wine into the body and blood through the power of the

Holy Spirit.

#4 Communion

• Participating in the sacred meal and receiving the consecrated bread and wine.

ONLY A PRIEST

Only a validly ordained priest can preside at the Eucharist.

A Communion Service

It has many of the same elements as a Mass (liturgy of the word, consecrated bread)

BUT It does NOT have a presiding priest.

Lectionary

• The lectionary is the name of the book of readings used at Mass.

• Three readings are usually given:1. Old Testament2. Letters of Apostles 3. Gospels

Lots of symbolic actions to proclaim the WORD is special and sacred

• Singing (my favorite)• Say alleluia• Nicene creed, which renews our baptismal

vows• Prayer of the faithful-which presents the

needs of the whole church and community before God.

Prayer of the Faithful• . For the Church: that we may continually grow in our knowledge and love of God .

We prayRisen Christ, HEAR OUR PRAYER2. For all Mothers and those who have been like a mother to us: that God will bless and strengthen them and inspire us to great love by their witness of their love and concern. We pray3. For our young parishioners who received their First Communion this weekend: that they may always be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be witnesses of Christ's love. We pray4. For our catechists, religious educators and parents of our parish: that they may be blessed for their dedication in sharing the Catholic faith with the children, teens, and adults of our faith formation programs. We pray5. For all who are ill: that God will heal bodies, minds, and spirits so that all may live and celebrate God's gift of life. We pray6. For each of us here: that in this month dedicated to the mother of God, we may turn to Mary as an intercessor for our needs. We pray

7. For all deceased mothers and all our relatives and friends who have died, especially for …..

Symbolism of the Bread

• Bread represents LIFE!• Bread in Jesus culture was essential• It is God’s gift but “work of human

hands”..those fields don’t plow themselves

Blessed Broken and Given to Others

• We too are Christ, offered up, broken and given to others

• Parents offer themselves..they give food, clothing, and ….emotional and spiritual support

• Eating bread…clearly brings out its natural significance----- it sustains LIFE!

• Sharing the bread adds another dimesion of meaning

Symbolism of Wine

• Like bread it is a gift from God and work of human hands

• Water is essential to life..wine makes a celebration!

• Christ gave his life willingly• Sharing the cup brings people togetherFor centuries only priest took the cup…Vatican II

changed all that …now everyone!