Chapter 9: Eucharist – Heart of the church’s life Greek meaning “thanksgiving”

Ritual Meal Passover Seder Symbol of banquet, wedding to describe the Kingdom Ate with outcasts Bread and Eucharist symbolizes how life and human relationships ought to be

Paschal Mystery Past: Present: Future:

Real Presence is contained in Presiding Priest Scriptures People Gathered Eucharist –Transubstantiation:

We are to BE Christ Early Church –the Eucharist was meant to mirror the way they lived: Bread for the world today: –Where do people literally hunger ?- what satisfies them? –What else do people hunger for? (mind, heart, soul)-what satisfies them? –What does the earth hunger for?-How can it be satisfied?

Terms Eucharist/Mass: Mass comes from Latin missa, to be “missioned.” Communion: Blessed Sacrament: consecrated bread (hosts) reserved in the tabernacle Communion Service:

Parts of the Mass Gathering or Introductory Rite Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Eucharist –Consecration-most solemn time Dismissal or Concluding Rite

History Jewish Roots –Last Supper –Rabbis –Eucharist was celebrated as a fellowship mean called Agape –food for the poor and then to our monetary collection –Sunday – day of the Resurrection

Middle-High Middle Ages –By end of 6 th century high regal ceremony –Christians built elaborate churches –Shift from community to dramatic ceremony of sacrifice –Priests were “saying” mass –Awesomeness turned to unworthiness –From gathering around a table to ornate altar against a wall. –Latin, once the language of the people remained as Latin faded out from the common people

Vatican II –Altar & priest facing people –Vernacular of the people –Assembly – prayers for local and global needs –Altar rail removed –Standing for communion –Communion in hand not on tongue –Wine as well as bread –Singing –Can go to mass Saturday night –More lay people involved