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.
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