The Mystery of the Mass: from Greeting to Dismissal Deacon Modesto R. Cordero Director Office of Worship mcordero@rcchawaii.org
Many Catholics have yet to understand what they are doing when they gather for Sunday worship or why liturgical participation demands social responsibility. Father Keith Pecklers., S.J. Professor of liturgical history at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Saint Anselmo in Rome
PURPOSE Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (SC) Second Vatican Council December 4, 1963 Eucharist is the center of the life of the Church Called for the reformation of the liturgical rites Instruction of the faithful Full conscious and active participation Their right and duty by baptism (SC14) Revised for the 3 rd time (English translation) Advent 2011 Roman Missal
The definition Mass is The Eucharist or principal sacramental celebration of the Church. Established by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, in which the mystery of our salvation through participation in the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Christ is renewed and accomplished. The Mass renews the paschal sacrifice of Christ as the sacrifice offered by the Church.
Name Holy Mass from the Latin missa - concludes with the sending forth missio [or mission ] of the faithful The Lord s Supper The Celebration of the Memorial of the Lord The Eucharistic Sacrifice - Jesus is implanted in our hearts Mystical Body of Christ Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst (Mt 18:20)
What is the Mass? A religious service of the Roman Catholic Church Celebrated in a consecrated or blessed Church by an authorized minister at a consecrated altar Central act performance of the sacrament of the Eucharist Complex of prayers and ceremonies Celebrated as Christ had instituted it at the Last Supper in memory of Him May be celebrated on any day in the year except Good Friday
What is the Mass? Two main Types: High (or sung) Mass requires a priest, deacon and choir Low Mass same service said by one priest helped by a server or acolyte The parts of the Mass should Be prayed in the language of the people assembled in the church Be sung by the people in the pews (not just choir members)
The History of the Mass The First Masses - Christian Communities called the euloge^sis (Matthew & Mark) = eulogy, memorial - Later euchariste^sas (Luke & Paul) - Liturgy means the work of the people ( le^os = people) Last Supper 1. Jesus takes bread and wine 2. Jesus gives thanks/says a blessing 3. Jesus breaks the bread 4. Jesus gives it as food to the disciples Mass today 1. The gifts are offered by the community and prepared 2. The Eucharistic Prayer 3. The breaking of the bread (fraction rite) 4. Communion
The History of the Mass Last Supper to 200 AD The Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20) Breaking of the bread at homes (real meal) Paul added the homily simple long conversations At the end of the first century Added a presider (Bishop) bread and wine mixed with water Genoito = Hebrew for AMEN (so be it) Eukaristia only believers were allowed to partake of it, clean of sins Weekly worship of Christians Sunday (day the Lord rose from the dead) Added readings (Hebrew Scriptures - OT)
The History of the Mass 3rd Century Prayers after homily (for the sick, catechumens, people in general) = General Intersections Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy) first makes its appearance Presider (Bishop) makes up the Eucharistic Prayer People feels unworthy to receive communion Clergy wears splendid vestments Incense is introduced Formal protocol of bowing
The History of the Mass 4 th Century Beginning of concelebrated Masses Homes are to small to accommodate assembly Need for bigger place for worship Basilicas Ecclesia [Greek] means the community called out Daily mass celebration starts Priest is the presider (before only Bishop could preside at Mass) Order of Deacons was eliminated as permanent order
The History of the Mass 4 th Century continues Scriptures proclaimed from an elevated lectern Homily for an hour or more Multiple celebrants = multiple homilies People presented their gifts bread, wine, money, & food for the clergy and poor Lord s Prayer & Exchanged the Kiss of Peace Dismissal Ite, missa est the meeting is adjourned
The History of the Mass 5 th 7 th Century No main liturgical advances at this time Mass books: Apostolus = Lectionary Sacramentarium = Sacramentary Evangelium = Book of Gospels Cantatorium = choir music Ordo = ordines/guidelines for Mass celebration
The History of the Mass 8 th Century 1850 AD Use of the censer (incense) increased (i.e., processions, altar, Gospel Book, people) Dramatic increase in prayers (longer prayers) Liturgical colors were instituted (Pope Innocent III) Clerical vestments are refined 11 th -12 th Century altars size grown; added reliquaries (relic-holders), candles, crucifixes/crosses 13 th Century elevation of the host at the consecration 17 th Century - adoration / Blessed Sacrament
The History of the Mass 1850 AD - Vatican II Eucharist to be in the vernacular language Receive communion at every Eucharist, usually under bread and wine More Scriptures (first from Hebrew Scripture) and Readings (3) Priest to face people Prayer of Faithful (reintroduce spontaneous prayer) and Kiss of Peace (spirit of fellowship) Order of Permanent Deacons re-established
Christians at Mass should Go beyond being observers in church life to being active participants Take part in the ritual action, in the prayers, in the singing
Introductory Rites Have the character of a beginning, an introduction, and a preparation (GIRM, #46) Purpose: Faithful establish communion, dispose themselves properly to listen to the Word of God, and celebrate the Eucharist worthily (GIRM, #46) Posture: Stand from the beginning of the Entrance Chant until the end of the Collect
Introductory Rites Entrance chant or song Reverencing of the altar Greeting of the people Act of Penitence Kyrie (or the Sprinkling Rite) Gloria Collect NOTE: On certain Occasions some of these rites are omitted or celebrated in a particular manner
Entrance Procession Priest and ministers go in procession to the altar: Thurifer carrying a smoking thurible** Ministers w/lighted candles Acolyte or other minister with the cross Acolytes and other ministers Reader/Deacon with the Book of the Gospels Priest who is to celebrate the Mass ** Before the procession, the Priest puts some incense to the thurible and blesses it with the Sign of the Cross w/o words.
Entrance Procession Is not just a functional action of solemnly introducing the Priest and other ministers to the sanctuary. Is a visual expression of the people becoming a liturgical community, of being together as a people, a people who have gathered in response to God s invitation. Is a sign of the self-identity of both ministers and people.
Entrance Song Purpose: To open the celebration. Foster the unity of those who have been gathered. Introduce their thoughts to the mystery of the liturgical time or festivity. Accompany the procession of the Priest and ministers. (GIRM, #47) NOTE: If there is no singing at the Entrance, the antiphon given in the Missal is recited
Veneration of the Altar Priest, Deacon, and the ministers reverence the altar with a profound bow. Then the Priest and Deacon kiss the altar as an expression of veneration. If appropriate, Priest incenses the cross and the altar, walking around the latter.
Sign of the Cross; Greeting; Introduction Sign of the Cross: Priest with the entire assembly signs himself with the Sign of the Cross Presider s greeting: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Cor 13:13 Grace to you and peace Galatians 1:3 The Lord be with you. Ruth 2:4 Presiding Priest or some suitable minister to give a short introduction to the celebration.
The Act of Penitence Added after Second Vatican Council Four-part structure: Invitation to recall sins Period of silence reflection Common proclamation Confiteor Invocations addressed to Christ and incorporating the Kyrie Priest concludes with a prayer requesting forgiveness (absolution). NOTE: from time to time on Sundays (Easter) the blessing and sprinkling of water may take place
Lord Have Mercy; Glory to God Lord have Mercy : If the Kyrie is not included in the Act of Penitence, it is sung or said immediately afterwards. Glory to God Known as the greater doxology Glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb Hymn MAY NOT be replaced by any other Sung or said on Sunday outside Advent and Lent, and also on Solemnities and Feats (GIRM, #53).
The Collect Priest calls people to pray Let us pray Everybody observes a brief silence Become aware of being in God s presence Call to mind own intentions Prayer is addressed to God the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit People join in the prayer with the acclamation Amen
Liturgy of the Word Sunday Lectionary Three-year cycle Year A Matthew Year B Mark Year C Luke St. John s Gospel occurs on the first Sundays of Lent, during the Easter season, and on certain Sundays during Year B The readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone. Always read from the ambo.
Liturgy of the Word Sacred Scriptures First Reading = Prophet (OT) Easter = Acts of the Apostles Responsorial Psalm Second Reading = Apostle Alleluia/Gospel Acclamation; Sequence Faithful should stand at the Alleluia No Alleluia during Lent season Sequence = Easter Sunday & Pentecost Day Gospel = high point of the Liturgy of the Word Homily Profession of Faith Universal Prayer
Gestures Small Sign of the Cross Is made at the announcement of the Gospel and following the action of the priest or deacon. It is made by closing your right hand into a loose fist, with your thumb on top then using the thumb to trace the Sign of the Cross on your forehead, lips and breast. May the gospel be in our mind, on our lips and in our heart.
Homily Its purpose is to explain to the faithful the word of God just proclaimed and to adapt it to the mentality of the times. It is necessary for the nurturing of the Christian life. Priest celebrant gives the homily or could be entrusted to a concelebrant Priest or Deacon. Layperson NEVER delivers a homily
The Liturgy of the Word Profession of Faith - Creed We stand A statement of our faith what we heard A profession of the faith give our lives Universal Prayers We pray for the Church, nations and leaders, salvation of the world, people in special need and the local needs of our parish
Liturgy of the Eucharist The Preparation of the Gifts Faithful should sit during the preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory Purpose of the rite: Altar is prepared Gifts are set apart and presented as a sign of the community s desire to incorporate itself in the sacrifice of Christ Community prepares for the offering to come.
Liturgy of the Eucharist Preparation of the Altar The Lord s table is made ready Corporal, purificator, Missal, chalice, pall The Altar is a table of sacrifice and the table of the paschal banquet A table at which the Church assemble to give thanks to God and receive the body and blood of Christ The Altar-table is the focal point of the Eucharistic Liturgy
Requisites for the Celebration of Mass Bread Unleavened and baked in the traditional shape Purely of wheat, and recently made so that there is no danger of decomposition Grave abuse to introduce other substances, such as fruit or sugar or honey Wine Pure wine made of grapes (cf. Lk 22:18), natural, no chemicals added Can be prepared in glass or metal cruets or jugs
Liturgy of the Eucharist Music at the Presentation / Preparation of the Gifts The procession of the gifts is accompanied by an Offertory chant or song (GIRM, #37b, 111). Even when there is no procession with the gifts, singing may still accompanied the rites at the Offertory (GIRM, #74). Instrumental music is also appropriate. Music should express praise and joy.
Mixing of Water and Wine Symbolic interpretation West = represent the union of Christ with the faithful Christ takes us and our sins to himself Water stands for the people; wine stands for the blood of Christ (St. Cyprian of Carthage) Eastern = the wine and water represent the divine and human natures of Christ
Washing of Hands Is a symbolic and private action expressing the celebrant s need for inward purification. Accompanied by Psalm 51:2, which is said quietly by the priest. Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
The Eucharistic Prayer Center and summit of the entire celebration Prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification Priests invites people to lift up their hearts to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving He addresses in the name of the entire community to God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit The meaning of the Prayer is that the entire congregation of the faithful should join itself with Christ in confessing the great deeds of God and in the offering of Sacrifice.
The Eucharistic Prayer Thanksgiving: glorifies God the Father and gives thanks for the whole work of salvation Acclamation: sings the Sanctus Epiclesis: the Church implores the power of the Holy Spirit that the gifts offered by human hands be consecrated Institution narrative and (transubstantiation) CONSECRATION!! Anamnesis: we keep the memorial of Christ; proclaim the death and resurrection Memorial Acclamation - Remembrance Offering: the spotless Victim to the Father Intercessions: the Eucharist is celebrated of communion with the entire Church Final doxology: by which the glorification of God is expressed and is confirmed and concluded by the people s acclamation, Amen!
Sanctus Bells Origin: 5 th Century Saint Paulinus, the Bishop of Nola, introduced them as a means to summon monks to worship. 7 th Century Pope Sabinianus approved the use of bells to call the faithful to the Mass. 8 th Century bell ringing was used at Requiem Masses. 13 th Century outdoor tower bells began to be rung as "Sanctus bells" during the Mass. These tower bells were rung at the consecration and presentation of the Eucharist. Council of Trent (1545-1563) formally mandated their use during the celebration of the Mass.
Sanctus Bells Use: Prior to the consecration when the priest prays to the Holy Spirit to change the gifts of bread and wine into the Body & Blood of Jesus Christ. As the priest elevates and presents the Body of Christ. As the celebrant elevates and presents the chalice filled with the Precious Blood. During the singing of the Gloria (Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday) Sanctus bells may also be rung at specified times outside of the Mass, such as during Holy Benediction and during adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Reason: To create a joyful noise to the Lord [Psalm 98:4] and to signal those unable to attend the Mass (the sick, slaves, outside guards, etc.) that something divine and miraculous was taking place inside of the church building.
The Communion Rite The high point of the Communion Rite is the reception of Holy Communion. The Lord s Prayer Priest pronounce the invitation to the prayer All the faithful say the prayer with him Priest alone adds the Embolism Prayer between the Our Father and the Fraction of the Bread Last petition to deliver us from every evil The Rite of Peace Church entreats peace and unity for herself and for the whole human family It is proper that each person, in sober manner, offer the sign of peace to those who are nearest.
The Communion Rite The Fraction The Commingling Priest breaks the Bread and also drops a small piece of the Host into the Chalice It signify the unity of the Body and Blood of the Lord in the work of salvation, namely, of the living and glorious Body of Jesus Christ. Agnus Dei The congregation or choir sings the Lamb of God
Invitation to Communion It is the formal invitation to receive the Lord s Body & Blood Life Broken Open and Shared USCCB communion is to be received standing (unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling)
Music at Communion While the Priest is receiving the Sacrament, the Communion Chant is begun. Purpose: To express the spiritual union of the communicants by means of the unity of their voices. Show gladness of heart!!! Bring out more clearly the communitarian. character of the procession to receive the Eucharist Singing is prolonged for as long as the Sacrament is being administered to the faithful.
Purification of the Vessels Ablution The cleaning of the chalice(s) and paten(s) after Communion. Also, the cleansing of the celebrant s fingers to remove any particles from the consecrated hosts. It s done by the celebrant, deacon or acolyte at the credence table.
Silent Prayer/Song of Praise Silence after Communion Here... This is Me. Take My Life. I Give it to You. A Psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn may be sung by the whole congregation (GIRM, #88) Adequate time for deep and silent prayer should not be rare. Such silence is important to the total rhythm of the celebration. Prayer after Communion
Concluding Rites To the Concluding Rites belong the following: Brief announcements, should they be necessary. Priest s Greeting and Blessing Dismissal of the people by the Deacon or the Priest Kissing of the altar by the Priest and the Deacon Followed by a profound bow to the altar by the Priest, Deacon and the other ministries
Concluding Rites Recessional Purpose: is one means of prolonging the festive character of the celebration. Ordinarily brief and well-known. It expresses praise or reflects the particular day or season. Instrumental music may also serve to provide a joyful concluding atmosphere. Silence, especially on occasions of a penitential nature, may also be appropriate.
Gestures Sign of the Cross Symbolizes our Christian belief Serves as a sign of our salvation Should be made reverently and thoughtfully It s made three times during the mass: At the beginning of the service, following the entrance song During the absolution, which follows the penance rite At the conclusion of the Mass, during the blessing
Gestures Genuflection Comes from the Latin words: genu (which means knee ), and flectere (which means to bend ). There are three rules: Rule #1: If there is a tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament in the sanctuary, a genuflection should be made before and after Mass, but not during the Mass (or other Liturgy). Rule #2: The only exception to the rule on genuflections involves the cross-bearer and deacon carrying the Book of the Gospels. Rue #3: On Good Friday, the exposed crucifix should be given the same reverence shown the Blessed Sacrament.
Gestures Bows Reflects less reverence than is signified by genuflecting There are two kinds of bows: Simple is a slow nod of the head. It is made when the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are named together, as well as at the name of Jesus, Mary, or the saint in whose honor the mass is celebrated. Profound is a bow of the body, made from the waist with your hands folded. Bow before the altar if the Blessed Sacrament is not present At the elevations of the consecration Creed at the words by the power of the Holy Spirit
Posture Standing Is the traditional posture of the Christian prayer Expresses our attentiveness to the word of God and our readiness to carry it out Beginning of the Entrance chant/while the priest approaches the altar, until the end of the collect During the Alleluia chant before the Gospel; while the Gospel itself is proclaimed The profession of Faith and the Prayer of the Faithful The invitation, Orate, fratres (Pray, brethren), before the prayer over the offerings until the end of Mass.
Seating Posture During the readings before the Gospel and the responsorial Psalm Homily Preparation of the Gifts at the Offertory is taking place Could sit or kneel while the period of sacred silence after Communion is observed Kneel Beginning after the singing or recitation of the Sanctus until after the Amen of the Eucharistic Prayer, except when prevented on occasion by reasons of health, lack of space, or some other reason If can t kneel, ought to make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the consecration
Our responsibility Go in peace To serve And love the Lord! TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS!
God Bless you!