EUCHARIST We “give Thanks” as Catholics

Gathering: We begin by listening to the assembly gathering.

Processio n:. The cross leads the server, lector ministers and priest

Sign of the Cross We mark ourselves with the Sign of the Cross

Gloria We are invited to praise God for all our blessing

Opening prayer We are called through prayer to pay attention to the many images of God and to place our needs in His hands

Word We sit and listen to God challenge us and affirm us through His word

Profession of Faith Through the creed we say a huge “Amen” to everything that is central to who we are as Catholics

Prayers of the Faithful We stand in humble need before God and intercede, like Jesus, for those in need

“ The Eucharistic Prayer is above all a prayer of blessing”

The first disciples of Jesus gathered in very simple fashion in their own homes to celebrate the Lords Supper in the context of a fellowship meal.

Preface “Lift up your hearts.... Let us give thanks to the Lord our God” The priest is inviting the assembly to join him We gives thanks for the whole work of salvation

Acclamation Joining with the angels, the whole congregation sings the Sanctus

Epiclesis The Church calls on God’s power and asks that the gifts offered by human hands be consecrated

Consecration In the words and actions of Christ, the sacrifice that he instituted at the Last Supper is celebrated. commanded that they carry on this mystery.

Anamnesis Recalling especially his passion, resurrection, and ascension.

Offering Offers the spotless victim to the Father in the Holy Spirit Learn to surrender ourselves, through Christ the Mediator, to an ever more complete union with God and with each other,

Intercessions The offering is made for the Church and all its members, living and dead, who are called to share in salvation

Final Doxology The praise of God is expressed in the doxology, to which the people’s acclamation, Amen, is an assent and a conclusion

EUCHARISTIC PRAYERS FOR USE IN THE UNITED STATES (13)

4 for General Use #1 – Old Roman Canon #2 – short, used most often #3 – more specific, used for funerals & saints feasts #4 – Salvation History

2 for Reconciliation Used frequently in Advent & Lent

3 for Children Used at children Liturgies

4 for General Use Church on the Way to Unity God Guides the Church on the Way to Salvation Jesus, Way to the Father Jesus, Compassion of God

What new insights have you gained about the Eucharistic prayer?

Why is it important to know that the Eucharistic prayer is a prayer of the whole Church?

How do the chief elements of the Eucharistic prayer speak to you about the centrality of this prayer?