Last week The Parish Journeys described the start of Mass through the Liturgy of the Word. This week we pick up with what’s next- until the end of the Mass.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist has many parts. Starting with the Presentation of the Gifts and Preparation of the Altar. Father prays over the gifts and offerings. The Eucharistic Prayer begins with the Priest asking us to lift our hearts ‘to the Lord our God’ and together, we say the words that come from Isaiah 6:3 - “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” and Matthew 21:9 - “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” With this, we kneel as the Priest continues the prayer.
At the Epiclesis (hint: the bells ring) - the Priest asks God to send the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. The Priest then recounts the Last Supper. In this moment of consecration, “the power of the words and the action of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, make sacramentally present, under the species of bread and wine, Christ’s Body and Blood, his sacrifice offered on the cross for all” (CCC 1353). This is the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. (Ligouri Publications 2016)
We say the Our Father and share a Sign of Peace - which signifies peace, communion, and charity for others - as we anticipate receiving the Most Holy Eucharist. Next, we say the ‘Lamb of God…and then share the Body and Blood of Christ. There is a prayer after communion, the blessing, and dismissal.
As Catholics, the Mass is our most precious and highest prayer, which we say and are part of. It is a testimony of belonging and being faithful to Christ and His Church. Through this communal celebration, we strengthen one another with the hope of salvation. Jesus never intended us to walk this journey of faith alone whether we have been on this path for years or are just discovering it.
This week we have the Rite of Welcome for our Catechumens and Candidates. Please keep our adults and young people who are attending Christian Initiation at All Saints in your prayers!