FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

I am concluding this week with my detailed look at the development of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  The Mass can be seen as it developed over the centuries into five parts.  These areas were given directives from the council fathers at Vatican II, along with directives from Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and the Congregation for Divine Worship.

The Gathering of the faithful includes the Entrance Procession with accompanying music, the greeting of the people, the penance prayer, the Gloria and the Opening Prayer.

The Liturgy of the Word is composed of the readings from the Old Testament and from the New Testament: the epistles of the Apostles, the Acts of the Apostles, the Book of Revelation and the four Gospels.  The readings are followed by the Homily and the Intercessory Prayers.

The Presentation of the Offerings comes from the earliest days of the church when there was an offering of food and money taken up for those in need.  Today the collection for the needs of the parish and other worthy causes happens at this time and is brought to the altar along with the bread and wine that will be used at the consecration.

The fourth area is the Eucharistic Prayer in which there is six parts: the Preface, the Epiclesis (Invocation), the Institution Narrative (the words of consecration with the proclamation of Faith), the Remembrance (the mass is a living memorial), the Intercessions (joining the saints and angels in prayer) concluding with the receiving of the living Body and Blood of Christ, the very source of life itself.

The concluding and fifth area is the Commission to Live the Mass.  The Mass closes with the final prayer, blessing and procession forth to live what we have just celebrated.  The Gospel Book is not carried out in procession, because we are to carry forth the word of God and live it in our daily lives as an example for all.

I hope these weeks of reflecting upon the development of Liturgy of the Eucharist over the centuries has been helpful.  Over the centuries the liturgists of the Church under the direction of the Liturgical Commission in Rome have directed and changed how the different areas of the liturgy are celebrated.  At different times, different areas are more prominent.  The whole area of music changes perhaps the most depending upon the parish, the talent available and the pastor.  We are blessed here at St. Agnes with all those who use the talents that God gave them to help lead us in worship.