1. The Ritual of the Eucharist p.189

2. 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 2 nd 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.

3. 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..

4. The Eucharist/Mass 1.The Introductory Rites 2.THE LITURGY OF THE WORD 3.LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST 4.The Concluding Rites Main Parts

5. The Essential Actions 1.The Word The reading of the Sacred Scriptures proclaiming the Word of God

6. 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

7. #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.

8. #4 Communion Participating in the sacred meal and receiving the consecrated bread and wine.

9. ONLY A PRIEST Only a validly ordained priest can preside at the Eucharist.

10. 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.

11. Lectionary The lectionary is the name of the book of readings used at Mass. Three readings are usually given: 1.Old Testament 2.Letters of Apostles 3.Gospels

12. 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.

13. Prayer of the Faithful. For the Church: that we may continually grow in our knowledge and love of God. We pray Risen Christ, HEAR OUR PRAYER 2. 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 pray 3. 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 pray 4. 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 pray 5. 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 pray 6. 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 …..

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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 together For centuries only priest took the cup…Vatican II changed all that …now everyone!