Unit I – The Catholic Mass September 1, 2010

The Eucharist gives us and the entire faith community the strength to live out what we say we believe in the Creed. Through the miracle of transubstantiation, the bread and wine become Christ for us so that when we eat them, Christ enters us and nourishes us. When we share the sacrament of communion, Jesus enters us and supports us with his life.

Our Place of Worship Our physical environment can affect the way we pray and celebrate as a community Throughout the ages, people have built churches and chapels to help them be aware of God’s presence For Catholics, our place of worship is the Church

What things have you noticed about the physical environment of the Church

The Church has three main divisions: The Vestibule (the entrance) – symbolic of the entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven The Nave (the body) – visible expression of the church where people gather to celebrate The Sanctuary (the centre) – mystical centre of the Church, where the throne of God, the table of heaven and the altar of sacrifice are found

Symbols in the Church There are many symbols in the church that are there to remind us of our faith What symbols have you seen?

Symbols in the Church Baptismal Font (Water)

Baptismal Font Located at either the entrance of the church or beside the altar Reminds us that through Baptism, we enter this community of faith and become the sisters and brothers of Jesus

Symbols in the Church Cross / Crucifix

Cross / Crucifix Is a reminder that we gather to join ourselves in the sacrifice of Jesus Reminds us that during mass, we celebrate that Jesus gave his life so that we might have life Also a sign of the faith we share together

Symbols in the Church Altar

Altar The table of the Lord around which the community gathers Jesus’ sacrificial death and his rising are made present to us on this table Around this table, God’s people are fed

Symbols in the Church Lectionary

Lectionary A collection of readings from Scripture that have been chosen for each Mass during the year Usually it is carried high in the entrance & recessional procession as a reminder that it contains God’s words

Lectionary What's the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary? A Lectionary is composed of the readings and the responsorial psalm assigned for each Mass of the year (Sundays, weekdays, and special occasions). The readings are divided by the day or the theme (baptism, marriage, vocations, etc.) rather than according to the books of the Bible Not all of the Bible is included in the Lectionary. How is the Lectionary arranged? The Lectionary is arranged in two cycles, one for Sundays and one for weekdays The Sunday cycle is divided into three years, labeled A, B, and C, 2010 is Year C, etc. In Year A, we read mostly from the Gospel of Matthew. In Year B, we read the Gospel of Mark and chapter 6 of the Gospel of John. In Year C, we read the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of John is read during the Easter season in all three years The weekday cycle is divided into two years, Year I and Year II. Year I is read in odd-numbered years (2009, 2011, etc.) and Year II is used in even-numbered years (2010, 2012, etc.) During the year, the Gospels are read semi-continuously, beginning with Mark, then moving on to Matthew and Luke. The first reading on weekdays may be taken from the Old or the New Testament. Typically, a single book is read semi-continuously (i.e., some passages are not read) until it is finished and then a new book is started. The year of the cycle does not change on January 1st, but on the 1st Sunday of Advent (usually late November) which is the beginning of the liturgical year

Symbols in the Church Ambo

Ambo The place from which the word of God is proclaimed Visible reminder that Jesus Christ is present to us when the Word of God is read and listened to

Symbols in the Church Sacramentary

Sacramentary Large book that contains the prayers of the Mass Every Sunday, Catholics around the world use the same prayers in the celebration of the Mass Even though these prayers may be said in different languages, it helps us stay united

Symbols in the Church Candles

Candles A reminder that Christ is present in our midst Symbolic of the fact that His light casts aside all darkness Conveys the festive spirit of the Mass

Symbols in the Church Sacred Vessels

Sacred Vessels The Chalice & Paten are the cup and plate used only for Eucharistic celebration Reminds us that the Body of Christ we receive is real food for the journey & that His Blood is real drink to strengthen us

Symbols in the Church Tabernacle

Tabernacle Where the Blessed Sacrament is kept Blessed Sacrament = the bread/communion hosts that was consecrated but not eaten during the Mass

Symbols in the Church Sanctuary Lamp

Sanctuary Lamp Located beside, above or near the Tabernacle A candle/light remains lit all the time as a sign of the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread

Symbols in the Church Assembly

Assembly The people who gather to listen to the Word and share in the Eucharist are a sign of Christ’s presence The arrangement of the pew/seats in the church should help everyone to feel like participants in the celebrations and not just spectators "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matt 18:20

Remember… Each item in a church has a special purpose/meaning to express or encourage some aspect of our faith

Symbolism in Stained Glass The flames of the sun could be a play on the word ‘Son’ to represent God’s only son. The cross represents Christ’s crucifixion. The crown has six red dots which represents God creating everything in six days. The crown has which could represents perfection since God rested on the seventh day The olive branch is talked about in the story of Noah is known as Gods symbol for ending his “war” with mankind. The four white flowers represent the holiness of the four corners of the earth when it was first created. The four red flowers might represent the four Evangelists who wrote the story of Jesus leading up to the shedding of his blood which is the meaning for the color red.

Liturgy: The ritual and action of the People. The “theme” of every Mass is Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. In planning the liturgy, we do not develop new themes, we choose to look at different aspects of the central mystery and the way it touches our lives. The liturgy is how we celebrate our faith as a community

The common flow to every Eucharistic Liturgy is: Gathering Listening to the word of God Blessing Eating & Drinking Sending Forth Since the liturgy is “the work of the people”, our taking part in the Mass is very important

Gathering: to gather as a community Opening Song: opens the celebration and leads our thoughts to what we are celebrating Entrance Processions: involves those with a special role within the celebration such as the lectors and the priests Sign of the Cross/Amen: reminds us of the Trinity that is the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit Greeting/Response: this greeting can take one of several forms (in each form, we are reminded that God is us and always will be) Priest:  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. All:  And also with you.

Gathering: Penitential Rite: Priest:  As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ's love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.        or  Coming together as God's family, with confidence let us ask the Father's forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion.        or  My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins. All:  I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord, our God. Priest:  May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. All:  Amen. Kyrie: Priest:  Lord, have mercy.   All:  Lord, have mercy. Priest:  Christ, have mercy.  All:  Christ, have mercy. Priest:  Lord, have mercy.   All:  Lord, have mercy. Penitential Rite: The community seeks reconciliation with one and with God Gloria: Ancient hymn of praise and thanksgiving Opening Prayer, Silence, Amen: This is the “collect” or gathering prayer

The Liturgy of the Word: to listen First Reading: A proclamation from the Old Testament Responsorial Psalm: A psalm that reflects the spirit of the reading. The psalm is best sung. Second Reading: A proclamation from the letters of the New Testament Gospel Acclamation: We welcome the Word of God joyfully by singing an “Alleluia” or other acclamation Gospel: A proclamation from one of the Gospels as word of God. Praise God

The Liturgy of the Word Homily: Is a key part of the liturgy and is necessary for the nurturing of Christian life. Profession of Faith: The Creed or profession of faith helps the people respond and agree to the Word of God. General Intercession: This is an act of the whole community. It offers the Lord the world, which the community is sent to serve. Prayers of the Faithful

The Liturgy of the Eucharist: to give praise & thanks Preparation of the Altar and Presentation of the Gifts: Before beginning the Eucharistic action, we prepare the table. The Eucharistic Prayer: There are nine different Eucharistic Prayers. 4 universal Eucharistic Prayers (the Roman Canon and 3 others) 3 Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children 2 Eucharistic Prayers for Masses of Reconciliation Presentation of the Gifts / Preparation of the Altar: Priest:  Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. All:  Blessed be God for ever. Priest:  Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink. All:  Blessed be God for ever. [Offertory & Procession] Priest:  Pray, my brothers and sisters, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father. All:  May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his Church.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist: Structure Preface Dialogue: Priest:  The Lord be with you.  All:  And also with you. Priest:  Lift up your hearts.   All:  We lift them up to the Lord. Priest:  Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.   All:  It is right to give him thanks and praise. Preface (giving praise and thanks to God ) Holy, Holy (the "Sanctus"): All:  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Epiclesis (calling upon the Holy Spirit):

The Liturgy of the Eucharist: Structure Institution Narrative (recalling the words and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper): Priest: Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you. Priest: Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me. Memorial Acclamation: Priest:  Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: All:  A - Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.     or B - Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.     or C - When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.     or D - Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Savior of the World.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist: Structure Doxology and Great Amen: Priest:  Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. All:  Amen.  [may be sung more than once]

Communion Rite: to receive the body & blood Lord’s Prayer, Rite of Peace: Before we break bread together and eat and drink of the same loaf and cup, we express unity with one another. Breaking of the Bread: This is key action of the celebration; we all eat from the one bread with is Christ. This is the Lamb of God…Lord, I am not Worthy: Priest and people prepare themselves to receive Christ’s body and blood. Communion: We receive the body and blood of Christ. Sign of Peace: Priest:  Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever. All:  Amen. Priest:  The Peace of the Lord be with you always.  All:  And also with you. Deacon or Priest:  Let us offer each other a sign of peace. Lord's Prayer: Priest:  Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us.       or  Jesus taught us to call God our Father, and so we have the courage to say:       or  Let us ask our Father to forgive our sins and to bring us to forgive those who sin against us.       or  Let us pray for the coming of the kingdom as Jesus taught us. All:  Our Father…. Priest:  Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. All:  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. All: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace. Priest:  This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. All:  Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

Dismissal Rite: to dismiss or go forth Simple Form Priest:  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All:  Amen. Blessing/Amen: The final can be given in a simple or a more complex form. Dismissal/ Thanks be to God: The liturgy always concludes with the Trinitarian blessing. Closing Song: The closing song & procession remind us that we are sent out into the world to share the Good News we have received. Solemn Blessing  Priest:  Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing….. All: Amen Priest:  May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All:  Amen. Priest:  Go in the peace of Christ.    or  The Mass is ended, go in peace.    or  Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All:  Thanks be to God!