4/20/2018

Q: The Mass is made up of two parts, Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. At what point in the Mass does the Liturgy of the Word end and the Liturgy of the Eucharist begin?

Alexa Druzin

St. Clairsville

   A: This is a very good question, for how many people know what distinguishes each part of the Mass? You mentioned the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, which are the two large parts in the middle of the Mass, but we have two other parts: The Introductory Rites and the Concluding Rites. The Introductory Rites begin with the entrance song (no, the Mass does not begin with the greeting of people prior to the entrance song) as the priest celebrant and other ministers, such as the altar servers, enter the church.

   The Liturgy of the Word begins with the first reading of the Scripture and the high point of the Liturgy of the Word is the proclamation of the Gospel because it shares with us the life ministry and preaching of Jesus Christ. This is why the Gospel receives that special sign of honor and reverence with all of us standing (which is a sign of respect). The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the universal prayer also known as the prayers of the faithful, or the general intercessions, as we share our needs with God.

   The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the presentation and the preparation of the gifts, and continues through the eucharistic prayer, and culminates in the major part of the eucharistic prayer, namely the “Epiclesis.” This is when the priest asks the Father to send the Holy Spirit on the gifts of bread and wine, so that through the power of the Holy Spirit, they become the body and blood of Christ. The Communion Rite concludes the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with the prayer after Communion, when the celebrant asks that the benefits of the Eucharist received will remain active in our daily lives.

   Following the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we have the Concluding Rites. At this time, announcements may be made (such as inviting people to coffee and donuts following Mass). The celebrant then blesses the congregation, after which the celebrant or deacon dismisses the people.

Q: Why do we have to have a priest at Mass? 

Rachel Stone

Steubenville

   A: This is a very good question because we know that there are different forms of prayer services in which different people take on contributing roles. The celebration of the sacrifice of the Mass is no different when it comes to different people exercising different functions.

   At the celebration of the Mass, the whole community, that is, the body of Christ, is united with its Head, in which it celebrates not a private function, but a celebration of the church which is a “Sacrament of Unity.” The holy people are united and organized under the authority of the bishop (see, Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 1140). As I mentioned, not all members  at the liturgy have the same function. There are certain members, namely those men chosen and consecrated priests in which the Holy Spirit enables them to be present in the person of Christ the Head. This role is in the service of all the congregation, the members of the church. The priest is a living ‘icon” of Christ the priest. Therefore, the priest-celebrant is necessary for the consecration of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.

   We speak of the centrality of Jesus’ body and blood being present at each Mass because it is in the celebration of the Eucharist where the church is fully made visible. In fact, at this celebration, the bishop’s ministry is “most evident,” for all gather in communion with him through the ministry of the priests and the deacons.

   Through the common priesthood received at baptism, the faithful exercise special ministries at Mass, those which are not exclusive to holy orders. These include servers, readers, commentators and, of course, let us not forget the invaluable role of the choir. To this end, each one of us has an active role at each eucharistic celebration, for we bear witness to “the unity of the Holy Spirit,” who acts in each one of us.

Q: What does a Bishop’s ring signify?

Alexandra Schmitz

Richmond

   A: I do get this question a lot, even in the grocery store. The bishops’ ring, also known as the episcopal ring, is a symbol of my episcopal consecration or having and participating in the fullness of the sacrament of holy orders. Therefore, this ring signifies my direct participation in the apostolic succession, an unbroken succession going back to the very beginning in which Jesus transmitted the apostolic line to the first bishops, namely the apostles. 

   Therefore, this ring also signifies mission, namely to exercise the three offices of the bishop – teaching, sanctifying and governing, in the name of Jesus Christ. I am called to take the place of Christ himself as teacher, as shepherd and as priest, all of which makes me the pastor of the diocese. As pastor of the diocese, I also am wedded to the diocese. 

   Furthermore, the ring indicates that I am a member of the church’s episcopal (bishops) body by virtue of my sacramental consecration and am in hierarchical communion with the head of the members of the College of Bishops: the pope. The ring signifies my collegial nature, which we can trace back to the earliest days of the church, such as in the Acts of the Apostles. 

   This Easter season is a reminder that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, members of the body of Christ, a unified church with Jesus Christ as the Head.  May we continue to recognize within our hearts the continuous good news of that Easter proclamation. Jesus Christ is risen and “Alleluia” is our song. May God bless you and your family this Easter season.