Eucharist:  comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving!”
                             (filmstrip:  Worshipping Wilma – a historical overview)
 
   I.  Summary:  from Last Supper to 100 A.D.
          1.  Jesus uses the Jewish Passover meal in a new way; to express the New Covenant;                  new relationship between God & man, man & God.
 
          2.  Jesus asked faith of followers during this meal that through His word (bread & wine)                make Him present.
 
          3. The new Passover meal or Eucharist is celebrated primarily in homes as a meal of                      unity among believers.
 
          4. The ritual of Eucharist:
                   a)  readings from the Hebrew Scriptures
                   b)  readings from letters and Gospels that later became the N.T.
                   c) explanation or homily about readings and teachings of Jesus.
                   d) sharing Jesus’ presence through bread and wine in context of a meal – at first                          an actual meal and later a stylized one.
 
 II.  Summary:  from 100 A.D. to 600 A.D.

1. Eucharist was celebrated in homes, very simply until 313 A.D.
2. Eucharist taken in hand and often taken home to sick for communion during the week.
3. Eucharist was not celebrated daily.
4. In 313 A.D., public buildings were used for the Eucharist.
5. Prayers and rituals become more formalized rather than spontaneous.
6. Renewal needed even by 384 A.D. when the Eucharistic celebration is changed from Greek to Latin.

 
III.  Summary from 600 A.D. to 1850 A.D.:
 

1. Style of prayer changes:

               a) end to period of improvisation.
               b) prayers complied and formalized.
               c) concern over minor details of rite.
       2.  Gulf between clergy and people because of:
                   a) elaboration and complication of ceremonies.
                   b) clergy rose in social status beyond laity.
                   c)  Bishops take on style of princes (power=authority).
       3.  Man unworthy to receive communion; therefore, Easter duty was promulgated in 1212            A.D.
          4.  Divinity of Jesus stressed; passive adoration.
          5.  Host seen as “beneficial” object (anti-Protestant, not received).
          6.  Scripture is de-emphasized (anti-Protestant).
          7.  Council of Trent urges reform (against Reformation).
                   a)  1570 A.D. – Missal for Mass introduced.
                   b)  Jansenism: says man is corrupt/evil; unholy to receive the
                             Eucharist  (condemned by Church – but difficult to stop).
 
IV.  Summary:  Vatican II (The modern-day movement fro renewal was officially accepted in 1962, when the Bishops of Vatican II recognized the need for:
      1.  Use of the vernacular for participation (Pope Damasus made the same decision                         regarding Latin – language of the people).
     2.  Reception of Eucharist as part of the celebration (both species encouraged).
     3.  Greater use of scripture and preaching.
     4.  Priest facing the people to underline once again the communal aspect of the Eucharist.
     5.  Prayer of the Faithful & Sign of Peace re-introduced to show the communal aspect of               fellowship and forgiveness.
 
  Special Notes:
 

1. Missa – from Latin – to be sent; used to dismiss the catechumens from Mass.
2. This reflects the “Roman Rite” only (there are 23 rites in the Catholic Church).
3. Constantine freed Christianity in 313 A.D. (moved from catacomb experience).
4. First churches called Basilicas (the Bishops Church).
5. Agape – friendship love – Greek; show fellowship.

Stages:        First, home, informal prayer.​​​​​​​
                      Second, formal, structured prayer.
                     Third, distant, majestic set-up (physically & spiritually).
                      Fourth, restored informal, yet, maintained formal.

 
 Structure of the Mass: (This breakdown matches the two Circles of the Mass).
 
I.       Introductory Rite:        Gathering Hymn
                                                Sign of the Cross (greeting)
                                                Penitential Rite/Asperges rite (cleansing)
                                                Gloria (hymn of praise)
                                                Opening prayer (set the theme of the Mass).
 
II.      Liturgy of the Word:    Reading from the Hebrew Scriptures
                                                          Responsorial Psalm (to sing)
                                                Reading from the Christian Scriptures
                                                          Gospel Verse/Alleluia
                                                Gospel Reading (message of Jesus)
                                                Homily (faith reflection)
                                                Creed (Profession of Faith – renewal of baptism)
                                                General Intercessions (Public Prayer)
 
            **Horizontal Experience of the Cross
 
III.   Liturgy of the Eucharist:    Offertory Procession
                                                           (Gifts of bread & wine only; offering to the poor;
                                                              collection of the people).
                                                     Offering of Presider of gifts; washing of hands.
Hymn of Preparation
Prayer Over the Gifts: on behalf of those present.
Sacred Dialogue & Preface: sets tone
Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus): threefold proclamation of
God – Trinity.
                                                Eucharistic Prayer (4 regular; 2 children, 2 reconciliation)
                                                Great Amen (Communal Proclamation of faith)
                                                Lords’ Prayer & Doxology
                                                Sign of Peace
                                                Lamb of God (hymn of preparation)
                                                Reception of Communion:
                                                          Amen – personal proclamation of faith Prayer after                                                                               Communion: thanksgiving
                                                Announcements (if any; needs of parish/diocese/church)
                                                Final Blessing
                                                Hymn of Going Forth (bring Jesus into the world)
    
   **Vertical Experience of the Cross