Celebration of the Eucharist Worksheet

Why does personal presence at mass matter for the church as a whole?

Every member of the church makes up the Body of Christ, and not coming to mass deprives the entire body of a member. When we come to mass it strengthens unity and builds the community.

Introductory Rite (key actions and rituals)

Precession, greeting, Penitential Act, Gloria, opening prayer

Liturgy of the Word (key actions and rituals)

First reading, responsorial pslam, second reading, Gospel Acclamation, Gospel reading, Homily, Profession of Faith, Prayer of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Eucharist (key actions and rituals)

Presentation and preparation of the Eucharist, prayer over the gifts, Eucharistic prayer (Consecration and the Mystery of Faith), Communion Rite (Lord’s Prayer, sign of peace, Lamb of God, communion)

Concluding Rite (key actions and rituals)

Final blessing, dismissal.

Why did the Gentiles gather in private homes? What does this reveal about early Christian identity and community life?

The Gentile community gathered to pray in private homes because there was no synagogues/ special buildings for them and they faced persecution. This reveals that they were close with one another, valuing each other’s presence during prayer and celebration.

How is the word of God ‘living’ and not confined to the pages of Scripture?

The Holy Spirit makes Scripture alive in our minds and hearts, guiding understanding.

Liturgical Order (1-7)

1. First Reading (Old Testament)

2. Responsorial Pslam

3. Second Reading (Letters)

4. Gospel Acclamation

5. Gospel

6. Homily

7. Profession of Faith

Transubstantiation

The bread and wine literally changing into Jesus’ body and blood except for its appearance.

How is Christ present in the Eucharistic celebration?

Christ is present in the bread and wine (body and blood) in the fullest sense, called the Real Presence of Christ.

Corporal

Sacred vessels are placed on a white linen cloth

Purificator

Priest cleans his fingers, chalice, and paten with a small linen cloth with a cross on it.

Ciborium

Chalice with a lid on it that holds consecrated Eucharist in the Tabernacle.

Chalice

Wine is poured into it

Roman Missal

Guide for priests during the Liturgy

Paten

Dish used to hold the consecrated hosts during mass.

What is the spiritual significance of bringing forward the gifts of bread and wine?

Symbolize the offering of our lives to Christ, representing gratitude, sacrifice, and our desire to be united with Christ.

What does it mean to be in a ‘state of grace’ before receiving the Holy Spirit?

Absolved from mortal sin from Penance and the heart is open to God.

Why does the Church require fasting before receiving the Eucharist?

Reminder that the Eucharist is not ordinary food, fasting thought, and reverance/hunger for God.

Summarize how frequent reception of Holy Communion shapes a Christian’s spiritual life.

Receiving the Eucharist is the most perfect participation in celebration, as it provides us full grace, deepening union with Christ, strengthens virtue, resist sin, builds spiritual maturity, and peace.

Epicelsis

Prayer invocating the Holy Spirit to the transform the offerings.

Institution Narrative

Records the institution of the Holy Spirit by Jesus at the Last Supper.

Anamnesis

Memorial of Christ’s Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension

Doxology

Final praise of the Trinity.

Why is the Eucharistic Prayer considered the ‘heart’ of the mass?

The Eucharistic prayer is the greatest prayer as we become one with Christ in his Paschal mystery. It unites heaven and earth, a central prayer to the Father.

Ordained roles at mass

Priest, Deacons, and Bishop

Assembly roles at mass

Ministers, elders, lectors, alter servers, choir, ushers, and greeters.