August 2nd

We opened with prayer and began by reviewing a couple of the ideas from the last week.
Then we moved on to talk about the epiclesis. This word is from the Greek, meaning "to call upon".
At this time the priest calls upon the Holy Spirit, and asks God to come over the gifts and bless them.
It becomes clear that the Mass is not a human thing, but a work of God.

St John of Damascus said "You will ask how the bread becomes the Body and Blood of Christ. I shall tell you: the Holy Spirit comes upon them accomplishes what surpasses every word and thought...Let it be enough for you to understand that it is by the Holy Spirit, just as it was of the Holy Virgin and by the Holy Spirit, that the Lord, through and in Himself, took flesh." (CCC n.1106)

We talked about how the Israelites had to eat the flesh of the lamb at the first Passover, and how Jesus told his disciples, that to have eternal life we have to eat His flesh and drink His blood, which is "real food and real drink".

We discussed the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how we share in the Eucharist and in the Mass in the Spirit. We talked about how important is it that we recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit and ask for them.

There is a quote in the book that touched many of us:"He who stands at the altar does nothing, and the gifts that repose there are not the merits of a man; but the Grace of the Holy Spirit is present and, descending on all, accomplishes this mysterious sacrifice. We indeed see a man (the priest) but it is God who acts through him. Nothing human takes place at this holy altar."

A few books that were referenced during the discussion were:
St Joseph's Baltimore Catechism
St Joseph Picture Books by Fr Lovasik
Jesus of Nazareth-book 2 by Benedict XVI
The Lamb's Supper- The Mass in Revelation, by Scott Hahn

Father Jay gave us an excellent resource the week before. I have had a time pulling it into the blog, scanned or not, so I searched and found it online. I can't get the blog to pull it in, so I am just going to give you the link. It is excellent!
A Short and Basic Bibliography on the Mass
Go to the document and print it. You will have access to some very helpful information.

The question "How do you respond to the elevation of the Eucharist?" was answered with: "My Lord and My God", "Oh my God, I love you, I believe in you and I Hope in you.", "Jesus Mercy", "Jesus, I trust in You" It is a mini-adoration. Some people think about the Apostles, what the room was like, what they were thinking. Some think about the blood poured out on the altar of the cross. The last sacrifice.

One point that was made in "Jesus of Nazareth" book 2, is that during Passover the sacrifice of the animals and the sacrifice of Jesus, both happened at 3:00 on the same day. This is an excellent book!

The word Catholic means "universal" and has been used since AD 107!
Because Christ is present in the church always and everywhere, St Ignatius wrote "Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the Catholic Church."
The Eucharist is the prayer of the whole church.

The "Our Father" was discussed as the prayer that unites us.
We dare to call God our Father, because we are a family!


We talked about how we are not worthy, and how we must be sure that we are properly disposed for Communion. We must not be aware of any serious sin, we must examine our conscience and go to reconciliation in order to receive the Lord worthily.

He is here...He is our God and Our King. We praise Him for His glory and we thank Him for the Grace to share in this precious sacrament.

July 26th,

Our discussion began after the presentation by Renee regarding the Sacred Music.
There were seventeen people in attendance, with a couple of new faces!
Since we now have an extra week before the Teaching Mass, we decided to split the chapters in half, so that we could spend a little more time on each one.
Also, I will be placing an order of 25 copies of this little book:

Understanding the Revised Mass Texts, Second Edition
Paul Turner

New words. . . deeper meaning, same Mass.


We started with the question: "In one word, what does the Eucharist mean to you?"  Some of the responses included, “Reverent, Life, Presence, Peace, Humble, Necessary, Salvation, Nourishment, Fulfilled, Oneness, Reverence, Acceptance, Peaceful, Intimacy, Jesus, and Renew"

    The discussion of the Offertory (p. 137) included a point about the gifts of fruit left at the altar in earlier centuries.  It was noted that the book explained that Catholic charity through history was different from pagan charity offered under duress, and that Catholics traditionally offer monetary goods and prayers because Jesus explained the importance of humble giving through parables.  It was also noted that as far back as the second century offerings to the church were designated to support the poor and least fortunate.  It was also noted that the explanation of the importance spiritual gifts as well as monetary donations  was appreciated in the book.  A comment also noted the importance of involving children in Godly offerings.

    The book discussed historical significance of the mass’s Prayer of Blessing over the bread and wine.  It was commented that Catholics might attend refresher education such as this to reinforce the importance of the meanings that Catholics should understand as they attend.  Even the positions of the chalice and other items on the altar are extremely symbolic and should be appreciated to develop increased affection for the mass.  A book that explains all of the details of many aspects within the Church, called “The Church Visible”, was discussed, and it was noted that nothing about the Mass is accidental, and many components have remained part of the Mass for two thousand years, or even older, including the transfer of the Jewish Passover Blessing to the Mass.

     The Mixing of the Water and the Wine:  It was noted that the book states that many saints have vividly seen the water and wine as the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, and also the symbol of wine and water mixed at Passover.   
The Elevation of the Gifts (p. 145):  This was found to be a moving description and explanation.    Gold content for the patten and chalice were specifically designated for items touching the bread and wine.  Non-gold items were used after Vatican II, but a reintroduction of reverence occurred in the early 2000s.   Apparently allowances may be made depending on circumstances (mission priests and the inability to afford gold items was mentioned as an example). Some churches have programs to fund items for missionary services.
 There is a beautiful passage in the book explaining the relationship to Melchizedek emphasizing the lineage of priests today to the earliest offers of sacrifice to God.

The Preface of the Mass, referred to as “taking us to the very gates of Heaven,” e heTPreface prayer clarifies where we should be spiritually as we begin our participation in the Mass.   Beginning with a prayer of gratitude is an appropriate introduction to the Mass.
“The new wording reminds me of the old wording, reading the new version is like coming home.”  
However, that the new mass will be in English rather than Latin, and the priest will offer Mass facing the congregation.  
There was conversation regarding the importance of Latin in the history of the church, and that some Latin music has no equal in English.  One person described the Latin as a “gift to us from the Church.”  There was interest in a Latin class if one were offered.
The passage, “Where Jesus resides, there is Heaven” discussing the “Holy, Holy, Holy” moved several of us.  Someone mentioned being able to picture the Heavenly Host worshiping, another that everyone’s angels are prostrate in worship, and that it is a manifestation of the Communion of Saints, with our loved ones who have gone ahead are now worshiping with us at the Mass.
When we “Lift up Our Hearts,” we invoke “Where your treasure is, so there will your heart be;” and that we are lifting up our hearts to our treasure, Jesus in Heaven.
The importance of all the Eucharistic prayers (short and long) comes from an understanding of the explanations in the book.  Several people agreed that this book explains the Mass and its components so well that it should be required reading for youngsters prior to Confirmation.  Rick noted that the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church had a similar goal.  The Catholic Handbook for Youth was also mentioned as an excellent book in gaining understanding of the Mass and the Church, and that such books could serve as excellent reference materials for catechism instructors.  
It was commented that people who think the Mass is boring don’t understand the meaning of it, and that the reverence is lost if Mass participants don’t understand its importance.  This is particularly important in arming youth for faith challenges from their peers.  Other information sources, such as the St. Joseph’s Catechism and Baltimore Catechism, including straightforward question-and-answer formats, were discussed.   
The effectiveness of the book in bringing the sense of awesomeness back to the mass and the importance of bringing adults and children to true interaction with the church through the Mass has been an ongoing part of our conversation.   Frank mentioned that integrity is extremely important to convey to children and someone said that it is a painful time for the church, and that it seems that a “weeding out” of unfaithful Catholics is in progress.  Another point was that the church is flourishing in areas of the world where the challenges are the greatest, including martyrdom, in areas such as Africa and Asia.
Two things were pointed out that are encouraging, and that build parishes. Examples were given of parishes that attract large congregations, and Eucharistic Adoration, which has resulted in great advances in parish participation.

Music in the Mass

Our parish music director gave a very informative talk about liturgical music.
Her presentation shared so many beautiful thoughts and we even got to sing some of the new responses!
Here are some of those points, found in various resources:

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Vatican II)
“Every liturgical celebration ... is a sacred action surpassing all others; no other action of the
Church can equal its effectiveness.”

Music manifests Christ’s presence in the assembly.

Music promotes active participation.

Music gives us a way to respond to God speaking to us in the Liturgy and Christ proclaiming the
Gospel.

Music gives the liturgy a nobler aspect.

Music serves a ministerial function.

Music joins us to the liturgical rite.

Music adds delight to prayer.

Music invests the rites with greater solemnity.

Music fosters oneness in the Spirit.

Music forms a necessary part of the solemn liturgy.

Sung dialogue significantly contributes to the “full, conscious and active participation of the
people”.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal

Great importance should therefore be attached to the use of singing in the celebration of the
Mass, with due consideration for the culture of the people and abilities of each liturgical
assembly.

In the choosing of the parts actually to be sung..., preference should be given to those that are of
greater importance and especially to those to be sung by the priest or the deacon or the lector,
with the people responding, or by the priest and people together.

The dialogues foster and bring about communion between priest and people. They are short and
uncomplicated and invite participation.

Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship

God, the giver of song, is present when His people sing His praise.

Music is a way for God to lead us to higher things.

Music is a sign of God’s love for us and our love for God.

Singing together in church expresses the sacramental presence of God to His people.

Scripture tells us to sing.

Song is a common sung expression of faith.

Song strengthens our faith when it grows weak and draws us into the divinely inspired voice of
the Church at prayer.

Music makes the liturgical prayers of the Christian community more alive and fervent.

Of all the sounds of which human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, are capable,
voice is the most privileged and fundamental. Musical instruments in the Liturgy are best
understood as an extension of and support for the primary liturgical instrument, which is the
human voice.

Sacred silence is an element of liturgical music. Its importance cannot be overemphasized.

Faith grows when it is well expressed in celebration. Good celebrations foster and nourish faith.
Poor celebrations may weaken and destroy faith. (Music in Catholic Worship, updated in Sing to
the Lord)

To celebrate the liturgy means to do the action or perform the sign in such a way that the full
meaning and impact shine forth in clear and compelling fashion.” (Music in Catholic Worship,
updated in Sing to the Lord)

Music should be considered a normal and ordinary part of the Church’s liturgical life. However,
the use of music in the liturgy is always governed by the principle of progressive solemnity
(greater feasts and solemnities invite more solemnity; certain music expresses this solemnity
better than others, or none at all, adding extraordinary richness to these special occasions).

Dialogues of the Liturgy have priority.

National Association of Pastoral Musicians

Music is of preeminent importance ... it forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.

Music’s function is ministerial; it must serve and never dominate. (Also in CSL)

Music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within

them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith. It should heighten the
texts.

The quality of joy and enthusiasm which music adds to community worship cannot be gained in
any other way.

Music imparts a sense of unity to the congregation and sets the appropriate tone for a particular
celebration.

General Notes

Music assists communal prayer.

The rules for music in liturgy are different from rules for music in concert halls. There is a fine
line between performance and ministry.

The music minister’s responsibility is to the assembly. Everything we do is to ASSIST the
assembly and the liturgy.

Musicians should remember they are members of the assembly. Step back from the microphone
if the assembly is actively singing.

Musicians should minimize movement and other distractions: e.g., shuffling music, drinking,
talking.

In singing at Mass, the community becomes one voice.

We come to Mass to be sent out to love and serve.

July 19th...

We had a well attended and interesting discussion on Tuesday night!

Our gathering began with a prayer, and then we shared some handouts that were contributed by Fr Jay and Bill Pare. I will try to scan Fr Jay's resource list and put it on the blog because it is excellent. I will also try to find Bill's article online.

Our discussion of the Mass began with the Procession.  We were all interested to learn that the procession isn't just a way to get the priest to the altar, it images the journey of the tribes of Israel as they made their way into the promised land.

We talked about the way the Old Testament foreshadowed the coming of Christ and His Church. There are so many rites and rituals, so many important details that the Israelites were given along the way, that still play into our own faith journey. The Tabernacle, the offering of Sacrifice, the priests role, etc.

God called His people in a very special way through the ages. Adam and Eve were one Holy Couple, Noah and his family were a Holy Family, and the covenant with Noah sealed the family to God. Through Abraham, God's people became One Holy Tribe, and Circumcision was the seal of that covenant. Moses freed God's people, and they became a Holy nation, and David's anointing by God instituted a Holy Kingdom. From David's kingdom we follow history to Christ, the true and eternal King, the last Covenant and One Holy and Apostolic Church. The Church is universal.

We talked about how the bells call the faithful to Mass. These bells were very important in the days before timepieces, when people needed to be called to Mass and prayer by the church bells.
The bells during Mass may also have helped wake sleepy Mass attendees in the days when Masses were much longer.
There has always been a practical reason for all the things that today seem to be just a part of ritual. Candles, Bells, certain furnishings, many of these things had a practical use in the past. Now we have a "foot in the past and one in the present".

The Sign of the Cross has a special significance to each person and everyone in the group shared the thing that means the most to them.
The Cross was a tool of torture to the early Christians, and yet they loved to make the sign of the cross and felt that it was a special honor. We also shared the honor that we feel.
The Sign of the Cross is a prayer in itself.
Michael shared that Fr Pollard taught that the can be a thought of this way:
We touch our forehead, and say "in the name of The Father", then we lower our hand to our breast and say "and of The Son" who came down to earth, then we touch our left shoulder, and say "Holy" and think of how Christ went to the Cross, and then we touch our right shoulder and say "Spirit" and this is when Jesus went to be at the right hand of the Father.

The sign of the Cross is like a family Crest.

I found Dr Scott Hahn's beautiful talk on The Sign of the Cross. It is worth listening to.
You have to listen to both parts 1and 2 to get the gist, but if you listen to all six, you won't be sorry!
Once you start you can click on the next one as you finish the last. 

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six

The discussion moved on to the Penitential rite.
There was some discussion of the Latin rites and how some felt that there was little to draw the people in when the Mass was in Latin, while some felt that the beauty and grandeur of the Latin rite is more engaging for them and their families.
Isn't it beautiful that we have a choice and we can all experience the Mass in these wonderful ways?

We discussed the spirit of Vatican II and Fr Jay strongly suggested that we read the documents to understand the intent.

After Vatican II the Church was in such a hurry to get a translation out, that much of the accurate language was obscured. It was not literal.

The Gloria was what the angels sang when Christ was born on Earth. With our worship and praise we make up for the fallen angels that no longer worship God. The Angels and saints are there with us, we worship together with heaven!
This prayer has been part of the Mass since the 2nd century, when it was decreed by Pope Telephorus.

Within the first reading we find the connections to the Old Testament. It provides a context to the Story of Christ. The story of God's family comes down through these readings at Mass.
It is a good idea to read the readings before Sunday to get a chance to think about them.
John brought up a couple of readings from Genesis that directly connect to Church teaching.
Genesis 2:26 talks about the Trinity
Genesis 3:15 talks about the Woman (Mary) and her seed (Christ) crushing the head of Satan.

The books of the Bible are history and support the Mass.
"The Bible Timeline" with Jeff Cavins is an excellent study that explores the Biblical story of God's family.
"Walking with God" by Jeff Cavins and Tim Gray is a book that goes over the same information.

We discussed how helpful it is when the priest or deacon connects the readings and explains those connections during the Homily.

Some materials that might help with our preparation for Mass are:
"The Better Part" by Fr John Bartunek
"Magnificat" magazine
"Magnifikid" by Magnificat
The Word Among Us 

 We talked about how much we can grow within the cycles of the readings of the Church. A lot can happen in three years!
We talked about different types of prayer and how different people pray.
The women talked about our "Martha and Mary" tendencies, and then Frank said that he had never seen it that way. He just thought it was a story of sibling rivalry. Most of the guys agreed with him!

Another Question Answered.....

As there was some question about when to sit after Communion, I spoke with Father Henry, and he said that we should sit once the Tabernacle is closed. Although, I did find many references online that say that one may kneel OR sit upon returning from Communion, and in many places the communal posture is to stand. If the custom is to kneel, as it is in our diocese, then that is what we should do. It is supposed to be a time when we are all together.
Also, in reading on the subject online, I learned that we should be singing and that we should be part of Communion until the last person has received, then we may begin individual prayer.

If anyone reads or hears anything relevant to this question, please let me know and I will add it here.

An Article to Share....

Is You Is, or Is You Ain’t a Saint? A Meditation on the Gospel for the 16th Sunday of the Year

By: Msgr. Charles Pope

 

We live in difficult times for the Church,  and from many sectors the very legitimate cry for reform goes up frequently. Beyond the sexual abuse scandal, there are also deep concerns regarding the uncertain trumpet of Catholic preaching, lukewarm and nominal Catholics, an overall lack of discipline among Catholics, and a lack of disciplining by the bishops and clergy of Catholics, clergy and lay, who cause scandal. In a way, the list is quite long and has been well discussed on this blog, which is, overall sympathetic to the need for reform, and greater zeal in the Church. Read on...

PenCast From Judy

Here is the link to the notes from the 12th. They are in a Google doc Here.
I have been to the pencast site, and heard the audio, but it may be difficult to access without a direct invitation from Judy. We'll see if she can invite the group on this blog one day soon.

Don't forget, this is a blog, so if you want to read previous posts, just scroll down the page.
The tabs at the top are for the youth and elementary groups.

Where Are The Nuns?

Here are a couple of articles that have some answers to the question that came up last night.
I found this very encouraging....
Both of these articles reference a CARA report. There isn't a lot of information out there, but this appears to be solid.

http://the-american-catholic.com/2010/05/21/booming-traditional-relgious-orders/

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/where-the-nuns-are-2010/

Obviously, many orders ARE shrinking, but as Rick said, we are seeing a swing of the pendulum with the more traditional orders.
Once again, the support of parents, clergy, and the larger Church, in encouraging girls to consider the religious life as an option is going to be crucial.

July 12th...

Session 3- 
July 12th

p. 60-90
-People at Mass- What different roles do the people play? How are we called to participate?
-The Books- Before the readings from the Sacred books, the Roman Missal and The Book of the Gospels, how can we best prepare our hearts for the Word to take root?
- The Church Calendar- How familiar are we with the Liturgical Year?


The reading for this week was rather simple and the topics for discussion were very straightforward, so we went a bit far afield in our discussion.
We talked about the different roles that the laity can be called to, within the Mass. Some of these are Lector, Cantor, Choir, Eucharistic Minister, Acolyte, altar server, usher, etc. Several of these were represented in the group, and we talked about how they were called, how it has touched them, and we are now praying for one of our number who is discerning the call to the Diaconate!

Several of the sections in this session were covered already, either on the first evening, by Father Henry, or as we have discussed the other chapters.
We talked for some time about youth and the need for some kind of active ministry that reaches out to those that have left the Religious Ed. program and still need a connection, especially after High School.

We discussed the Liturgical calendar and how we are able to feel the familiarity and flow of the seasons.
More to come when I get the notes....

A Few More Important Items....

Here are some things that we find within the church that it might be helpful to know a little more about.
Father Henry graciously provided me with more information.

The Tabernacle-
The Tabernacle in our church is behind the altar. Tabernacle is Latin for "Small Inn" where the Blessed Sacrament is stored.

The sanctuary lamp will burn at all times signifying that Christ is present.

The Altar- This is the Altar of Sacrifice. We are blessed to have such a beautiful altar in our Church!
Read HERE for some very interesting information about The Altar in The Church.

The Pulpit -
   The podium on the left side of the church as you face the Altar (the "Gospel side"), from where the Gospel is read (and which is reserved for clergy).   Not all churches have both a lectern (see below) and a pulpit; some just have one single speaker's podium called an ambo. Note that the Gospel side of the church is also informally referred to as the "Mary side" of the church, because it is there a statue of her is often placed.

 
         

The Presidential Chair- This is reserved for the Bishop, but it is usually occupied by the priest.

The Nave and the Sanctuary- Represent the throne of God and the communion of Saints. Our floor plan is a bit different, but the main point is that all within the Nave are directed to the Throne of God in the Sanctuary.

The linens that are on the altar are:

The Altar Cloth- 
 The use of altar-cloths goes back to the early centuries of the Church. St. Optatus of Mileve says that in the fourth century every Christian knew that during the celebration of the Mysteries the altar is covered with a cloth (bk. VI). Later it became a law, which, according to Gavantus, was promulgated by Boniface III in the seventh century. The custom of using three altar-cloths began probably in the ninth century, but at present it is of strict obligation for the licit celebration of Mass (Rubr. Gen. Miss., tit. xx: De Defectibus, tit. x, 1). The reason of this prescription of the Church is that if the Precious Blood should by accident be spilt it might be absorbed by the altar-cloths before it reached the altar-stone.

The Corporal- Represents the shroud, Swaddling Clothes
The Blessed Sacrament always rests on the corporal. The Corporal (from the Latin corpus, "body") is a square white linen cloth, now usually somewhat smaller than the breadth of an altar, upon which the chalice and paten, and also the ciborium containing the smaller hosts for the Communion of the laity, are placed during the celebration of the Eucharist (Mass).

 
 Purificator-
A small piece of white linen, marked with a cross in the center, used by the priest in the celebration of Mass. It is folded in three layers and used by the priest to purify his fingers and the chalice and paten after Holy Communion.

Pall- 
A square of cardboard that goes on top of the chalice, to keep out foreign matter.
           

 Chalice-

Used to hold the wine consecrated at Mass. During the Roman empire, the chalice was the cup of the household and was often made of precious metal and Gemstones.

It must be consecrated and may not be handled by anyone except the priest himself unless special permission is given by him to religious brothers and others qualified to tend to the sacristy. It must either be made of gold or silver with a gold plated interior.

           

 Paten- 
 The paten is used to carry the hosts. In ancient times the paten held the bread offerings collected from the faithful.

It must be gold or gold plated and shallow. It may be engraved on the outside but must be perfectly smooth on the inside.

Ciborium-

Ciborium means "food container" in Latin. It is where the consecrated hosts are kept in the tabernacle. 

  

The Cruets-The small bottles used to hold the water or wine.

July 5th....The Mass is What Catholics DO!

We had such a fruitful discussion about the first few chapters.
I will be posting more as I get the notes from Judy, but I just want to say "Thanks" to all of you who joined the group tonight. I am learning so much!


This group is really on fire for the Faith!

Judy sent me the transcript and I am going to try to get the spirit of the evening here.
Several people were touched by the way the history of the Church has come together...
For instance, the way some Hebrew traditions have come down through the ages, the way Scripture has been preserved, and so much in the Old Testament was inspired to support the New Testament.

In earliest times Mass was said in Greek, and then St Francis changed the Mass to Latin. English is now the "new Latin" and since it is a world wide language, it is the one that needs the most precise translation. Up to now the English translations have not been done well.
The Bible was translated to Latin in the 4th century.

Back in the "Latin days", the altar boys had to learn the Latin so that they could respond.

The Mass in English was simplified for the people, but maybe it was simplified too much.  Maybe if there had been more Catechises to help the people understand what was really going on, the reverence wouldn't have been lost.
The understanding of what the Mass is about will be enhanced.
One thing that is a really beautiful thought, is that the Sanctuary is the Throne of God, and the Nave is the Communion of Saints.

The discussion around how to receive Communion was quite lively!
Of course you must be in a state of Grace, you must have been to Confession since your last mortal sin, you must believe that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ, and you must fast for one hour before Communion.

There was discussion about the word "Obligation". We are obliged to go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, but it is a sweet obligation! We want to be with Our Lord!

Ecclesia de Eucharistia- Pope John Paul II

As promised I checked into the question of whether Catholics may receive Communion at Protestant services. (I assume that this includes all non-Catholic services)

In April 2003, Pope John Paul II released the fourteenth encyclical of his pontificate, Ecclesia de Eucharistia. It focuses “on the Eucharist in its relationship to the Church.”

The importance of the topic for all Catholics, the Pope explains, is that “the Church draws her life from the Eucharist . . . The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.’ ‘For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church’s entire spiritual wealth: Christ himself’” (EDE 1; cf. Lumen Gentium 11; Presbyterorum Ordinis, 5). He emphasizes that “the Eucharist, as Christ’s saving presence in the community of the faithful and its spiritual food, is the most precious possession that the Church can have in her journey through history” (EDE 9).

Yet today correct doctrine and practice regarding the Eucharist is threatened. While noting positive signs of eucharistic faith and love in the Church, he acknowledges that “unfortunately, alongside these lights, there are also shadows” (10), which are his reason for writing.
 

PROTESTANT SERVICES

The blurring of the fact that a validly ordained priest is needed to celebrate the Eucharist has led some, out of a well-meaning but misguided sense of ecumenism, to treat Eucharists as valid among Protestant groups, which lack the sacrament of holy orders.

Against this the Pope argues: “The Catholic faithful, therefore, while respecting the religious convictions of these separated brethren, must refrain from receiving the communion distributed in their celebrations, so as not to condone an ambiguity about the nature of the Eucharist and, consequently, to fail in their duty to bear clear witness to the truth. This would result in slowing the progress being made toward full visible unity” (30).

“Catholics may not receive communion in those communities that lack a valid sacrament of orders” (46).

In the same way, the Pope stresses, Catholics cannot satisfy their Sunday obligation by attending Protestant services: “It is unthinkable to substitute for Sunday Mass ecumenical celebrations of the word or services of common prayer with Christians from the aforementioned ecclesial communities, or even participation in their own liturgical services. Such celebrations and services, however praiseworthy in certain situations, prepare for the goal of full communion, including eucharistic communion, but they cannot replace it” (30).

The First Session

Fr Paul Henry opened our journey to Emmaus, last night, with an orientation talk, as an overview of what we will be discussing. He made some really great points that we will want to remember.

Originally, the Mass was known as "The Breaking of the Bread"
Mary was present and heard the words of consecration, that her Son gave us, repeated by Peter or John.
"This is my Body...." Imagine what she must have felt!

The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of the Christian life.
Here is part 1 of the Encyclical by our Holy Father  Pope John Paul II :

ENCYCLICAL LETTER
ECCLESIA DE EUCHARISTIAOF HIS HOLINESS
POPE JOHN PAUL IITO THE BISHOPS
PRIESTS AND DEACONS
MEN AND WOMEN
IN THE CONSECRATED LIFE
AND ALL THE LAY FAITHFUL
ON THE EUCHARIST
IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE CHURCH

INTRODUCTION

1. The Church draws her life from the Eucharist. This truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery of the Church. In a variety of ways she joyfully experiences the constant fulfilment of the promise: “Lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20), but in the Holy Eucharist, through the changing of bread and wine into the body and blood of the Lord, she rejoices in this presence with unique intensity. Ever since Pentecost, when the Church, the People of the New Covenant, began her pilgrim journey towards her heavenly homeland, the Divine Sacrament has continued to mark the passing of her days, filling them with confident hope.

The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is “the source and summit of the Christian life”.¹ “For the most holy Eucharist contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth: Christ himself, our passover and living bread. Through his own flesh, now made living and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, he offers life to men”.² Consequently the gaze of the Church is constantly turned to her Lord, present in the Sacrament of the Altar, in which she discovers the full manifestation of his boundless love.

Father also discussed the roles of bishop, priest and deacon.
The Bishop is directly in line with the Apostles, he is the chief liturgist, and teacher of his diocese.
The priest serves in the person of Christ, and the deacon serves as a permanent member of the clergy.

The Journey to Emmaus really began at the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist.
"He broke the Bread, and gave it to them...." The Apostles would have recognized this, only three days later, when he broke bread with them and they "knew Him".

A Sacrament is a sign that points to a deeper reality. Christ is the ultimate Sacrament, and the Church is the physical sign of His presence.

By the 4th century the Roman Rite of the Mass was established in it's current form.
The Bible was codified for the Mass. The cannon was established in order to be used for the Mass, and the books that were chosen were chosen for their importance in the Cannon of the Church. All the writings that are included were finished by the year 100.
The four Gospels were made equal to the Old Testament.
The Mass was said first in Greek, then in Latin, and after the Second Vatican council was approved in English. English is the "new Latin" so the translation must be authentic, hence the upcoming changes.

The Word is proclaimed from the Pulpit.
The Old Testament, including the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Homily are the Liturgy of the Word.

When we proclaim the Mystery of Faith, the priest begins by looking at the Host and speaking to Him.
Then we respond to Him as well. These proclamations should be in the second person, as we speak to Christ.

Some of the roles of the people during the Mass....

Ushers....










Cantors...

Servers or Acolytes (who are installed as ordinary ministers)....

Lectors....

Father also talked about the garb of those at the altar.

The Alb-  A tunic which is what the Apostles would have worn. It is white, to represent Baptism. It reminds us that we have one foot in the 1st century, and one in the present.

The Stole- Which the Deacon wears diagonally and the priest wears across the neck. The stole reminds us of the Jewish prayer shawl and the Roman stola.

The Deacon wears a Dalmatic, which is like an apron, representing service.

The Chasuble is like a poncho. The apostles wore these when they went out to preach. The word means "Little House" and they were sometimes used as tents when they had to sleep outside.

One very interesting item is the Bishop's "Mitre", which means "hinge" and is shaped like one, bringing together the Old and the New Testaments.

There are many more interesting things that we will explore as we go along on this journey.
What a wonderful gift we have been given in the Mass!!

Scripture....

Luke 24:13-35

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Road to Emmaus

 ¹³ And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was ^[a]about seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. ¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them. ¹⁶ But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. ¹⁷ And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸ One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You ^[b]the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” ¹⁹ And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, ²⁰ and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. ²¹ But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. ²² But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, ²³ and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. ²⁴ Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” ²⁵ And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Was it not necessary for the ^[c]Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” ²⁷ Then beginning ^[d]with Moses and ^[e]with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.  ²⁸ And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther. ²⁹ But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day ^[f]is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. ³⁰ When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from ^[g]their sight. ³² They said to one another, “^[h]Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was ^[i]explaining the Scriptures to us?” ³³ And they got up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, ³⁴ saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” ³⁵ They began to relate ^[j]their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.