What does the priest do during the Liturgy of the Eucharist?
The priest washes his hands, and he offers a prayer of thanks to God (quietly or aloud, if no song is being sung) for the gifts of bread and wine that presently will be changed into Christ’s body and blood (see transubstantiation). He then invites the people to pray that their sacrifice will be acceptable to God.
What does priest say during communion?
HOLY COMMUNION The Priest says: “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to His supper.” Together with the Priest, we pray: “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.”
What does it mean for a priest to act in persona Christi?
in the person of Christ
In persona Christi is a Latin phrase meaning “in the person of Christ”, an important concept in Roman Catholicism and, in varying degrees, to other Christian traditions, such as Lutheranism and Anglicanism. A priest is In persona Christi, because he acts as Christ and as God.
What is it called when the priest raises the Eucharist?
In Eastern and Western Christian liturgical practice, the elevation is a ritual raising of the consecrated Sacred Body and Blood of Christ during the celebration of the Eucharist.
What is the purpose of Eucharist?
Significance of the Eucharist. The Eucharist has formed a central rite of Christian worship. All Christians would agree that it is a memorial action in which, by eating bread and drinking wine (or, for some Protestants, grape juice or water), the church recalls what Jesus Christ was, said, and did.
Why does the priest wash his hands during Mass?
A priest washes his hands as a sign of his spiritual cleansing and preparation to wash away his impurities before handling the consecrated Eucharist which is holy and sa- cred. It is meant as an act of humility and respect which should be given to God.
What does the priest say before the Gospel?
The reading of the Gospel is usually preceded by the chanting of a prokimenon or alleluia. The Gospel lesson is not simply read, but is chanted by one of the higher clergy (deacon, priest, or bishop).
What are the 5 parts of the Eucharist?
THE FIVE PARTS OF THE MASS
- First Reading.
- Eucharist Prayer.
- Lord’s Prayer. We listen to the word of God usually from the old Testament.
- Responsorial Plsam. We bring gifts of bread and wine to the altar.
- Communion Rite.
- Second Reading. We listen to the word of God, form the new Testament.
- Greeting.
- Entrance chant.
What are the three primary roles of a priest?
The primary function of all priests is administering the church’s seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, confession, holy communion, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick. Diocesan priests also visit the sick, oversee religious education programs, and generally provide pa…
Who is the truly priest in the liturgy?
Liturgical principles As explained in greater detail in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its shorter Compendium, the liturgy is something that “the whole Christ”, Head and Body, celebrates — Christ, the one High Priest, together with his Body, the Church in heaven and on earth.
Why does the priest cover the chalice?
The pall (palla) is a stiffened square card covered with white linen, usually embroidered with a cross, or some other appropriate symbol. The purpose of the pall is to keep dust and insects from falling into the Eucharistic elements. Embroidery in the centre was not used, lest the chalice become unstable.
What is the purpose of the Eucharist procession?
The procession reminds us that the People of God, through time and history are moving toward God’s Kingdom — following the Cross of Christ, and bringing the Light of the Gospel into all the world. The celebrant (the priest who consecrates the bread and wine at the Eucharist) now leads us in a special prayer.
What are the two parts of the celebration of Eucharist?
The Celebration of Eucharist has two parts, the Word of God and the Holy Communion. I. The Word of God Entrance Rite The priests, acolytes (members of the church who assist the priests during services) and choir enter behind the Cross of Christ into the sanctuary as the congregation stands and sings a hymn.
What is the Eucharist in the Catholic Church?
Eucharist (Gr. eucharistia, thanksgiving), the name given to the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar under its twofold aspect of sacrament and Sacrifice of the Mass, and in which, whether as sacrament or sacrifice, Jesus Christ is truly present under the appearances of bread and wine.
Why do we offer the Eucharistic sacrifice on the altar?
This is because it is a symbol of Jesus and the the Eucharistic Sacrifice will be offered on it. Each altar also contains relics of the martyrs who gave their lives for Christ. Because we belong to God we begin every Mass by signing ourselves with the cross in the name of the Trinity.