The Introductory Rites

Whenever we gather to celebrate Mass, we gather as the people of God. Together we are the Body of Christ, and together we pray what we believe. The Introductory Rites of the Mass gather us, invite us into the journey we share, and remind us that although we are individual people, we are one body as believers. We begin in song, where our  individual voices are joined together to praise God. The Sign of the Cross marks us as baptized in Christ. The Act of Penitence has us standing before God as people with human frailties who pray first for mercy. Then in joy and gratitude to the God who loves us, we raise our voices in the Gloria. The Opening Prayer (Collect) allows us to call to mind our own prayers, and the celebrant collects them into a prayer that he makes in the name of the whole community. All the actions of the Introductory Rites are designed to remind us that although we are many, we are one in the Lord.

For reflection: When I gather to celebrate Mass, what helps me connect to my community of believers? What attitudes do I need to assume to help me participate fully in this believing community gathered to praise God? 

Can be heard by using Media Player

The Liturgy of of Word

The Liturgy of the Word is the part of Mass where we hear the Word of God  proclaimed. The readings from the Old and New Testaments are an opportunity for us to hear and understand more completely the Word of God. We respond to the proclamation of the Word in silence, reflecting on what we have heard and by singing or reciting a Psalm. Then, as one, we stand to hear the Gospel proclaimed. These readings from    Matthew, Mark, Luke and John relate the words and deeds of our Lord. We sit to listen to the Homily, reflections on how the power of the Word informs and challenges us today. Then, we stand together to pray the Creed, the words that express our deeply held beliefs as a community of believers. We pray this prayer together, articulating the beliefs of the whole community and claiming them as our own. Finally, we gather the Prayer of the Faithful together, and ask God to hear them for our sake, for the sake of the Church and its leaders, for the sake of the world, and for the needs of its people    living and dead.

For reflection: How can I enter more fully into the Word I hear proclaimed at Mass? Can I make a commitment to read the readings for the day before Mass and again after Mass, and then ask “How do the readings of the day challenge me in my everyday life?

Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Liturgy of the Eucharist reveals the heart of the believing community’s action: the memorial of Jesus’ death and resurrection. During this time we actively participate in both a meal and a sacrifice. In the Preparation of the Gifts of bread and wine, we present our lives as an offering to God. In the Eucharistic Prayer, we give thanks and praise to for God’s wonderful works on our behalf, especially in Christ Jesus. We also proclaim the central mystery of our faith: “When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.” Our faith tells us that, at the consecration, the bread and wine on our altar become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion, we respond “Amen,” which means “I believe!”

For reflection: How do I prepare myself to receive the gift of Jesus Christ into my heart and my life? What does the gift of Jesus Christ mean for me?

After entering into communion with Christ and one another as the Body of Christ, we prepare to go forth into the world. During the Concluding Rites, we bow our heads and receive a blessing, we make the sign of the cross, and we are sent forth to carry the Word of God into and to be the presence of Christ in the world. We are to go forth in peace and live what we have celebrated.

For reflection: What does it mean to take Eucharist into the world? How am I Jesus for another? How is he/she Jesus for me? What one thing can I do this week that will embody Jesus for others?