Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Liturgy 101 - Parts of the Mass #11
On Sundays and feast days , the reading of the Gospel is followed by the homily (sermon). This reflection on the Scripture readings, given by a priest or a deacon, is intended to show us that God’s Word is just as relevant for His people today as it has always been. A good homily focuses on the theme of the Scripture readings, helping us to better understand how to live out what we have just heard in the Liturgy of the Word.
Liturgy 101 - Parts of the Mass #10
The final scripture reading in the Liturgy of the Word is the Gospel. Because it tells of the ministry and preaching of Jesus Christ, it receives special emphasis, with signs of honor and reverence. The assembly stands to hear the Gospel, and it is preceded by an acclamation of praise.
For most of the year, the Gospel acclamation is the “Alleluia” (from the Hebrew for “Praise the Lord”). Usually, if the Alleluia is sung, a short phrase from the Gospel to be read will be sung by the cantor, alternating with the full assembly singing the word “Alleluia”.
The Gospel is read by a deacon or, if no deacon is present, by a priest.
For most of the year, the Gospel acclamation is the “Alleluia” (from the Hebrew for “Praise the Lord”). Usually, if the Alleluia is sung, a short phrase from the Gospel to be read will be sung by the cantor, alternating with the full assembly singing the word “Alleluia”.
The Gospel is read by a deacon or, if no deacon is present, by a priest.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Liturgy 101 - Parts of the Mass #9
For the Sunday Mass, the Responsorial Psalm is followed by the second reading, usually from one of the epistles, which were letters written to the early church.
While the first reading, usually from the Old Testament, reflects the theme of the Gospel, the second reading usually stands alone in regard to theme. This is because the reading is semi-continuous; each Sunday, the reading picks up close to where it left off the previous Sunday, though some passages are not read.
Sunday readings follow a three year cycle, labeled A, B, and C. Weekday readings follow a two year cycle, labeled Year I and Year II. There is one reading on weekdays in addition to the Gospel. It may be taken from the Old or New Testament and, typically, is read semi-continuously (i.e., some passages are not read) until it is finished and a new book is started.
While the first reading, usually from the Old Testament, reflects the theme of the Gospel, the second reading usually stands alone in regard to theme. This is because the reading is semi-continuous; each Sunday, the reading picks up close to where it left off the previous Sunday, though some passages are not read.
Sunday readings follow a three year cycle, labeled A, B, and C. Weekday readings follow a two year cycle, labeled Year I and Year II. There is one reading on weekdays in addition to the Gospel. It may be taken from the Old or New Testament and, typically, is read semi-continuously (i.e., some passages are not read) until it is finished and a new book is started.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Liturgy 101 - Parts of the Mass #8
Parts of the Mass – The Responsorial Psalm
Following the first reading, and a brief period of silence for reflection, the Responsorial Psalm is sung or said. In the early church, chants of the psalms were sung by a soloist who was also the reader. The chant was called the Gradual or Gradual Response because it was sung on the gradus (step) of the ambo (like a pulpit) where the readings were given.
Some important points to remember about the Responsorial Psalm:
• Though it awakens attention by breaking the rhythm of the readings, it should be understood as a continuation of the Liturgy of the Word, and not a performance or interlude.
• Our participation, by our response, can be viewed as a way in which to pray the scriptures, with the psalmist or cantor leading the prayer.
Following the first reading, and a brief period of silence for reflection, the Responsorial Psalm is sung or said. In the early church, chants of the psalms were sung by a soloist who was also the reader. The chant was called the Gradual or Gradual Response because it was sung on the gradus (step) of the ambo (like a pulpit) where the readings were given.
Some important points to remember about the Responsorial Psalm:
• Though it awakens attention by breaking the rhythm of the readings, it should be understood as a continuation of the Liturgy of the Word, and not a performance or interlude.
• Our participation, by our response, can be viewed as a way in which to pray the scriptures, with the psalmist or cantor leading the prayer.
Liturgy 101 - Parts of the Mass #7
Parts of the Mass – Liturgy of the Word
At the conclusion of the Collect, the Liturgy of the Word begins with the first reading, which is taken from the Old Testament and generally has a theme which is linked with the Gospel reading for the day. If we are alert to this link, salvation history is illuminated for us, and we can see the foreshadowing of the new covenant contained in the old.
In the past, the Liturgy of the Word was also known as the Mass of the Catechumens. It was so called because the catechumens (Greek, for “the instructed”) were dismissed following the Liturgy of the Word and not admitted to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which was also known as the Mass of the Faithful.
At the conclusion of the Collect, the Liturgy of the Word begins with the first reading, which is taken from the Old Testament and generally has a theme which is linked with the Gospel reading for the day. If we are alert to this link, salvation history is illuminated for us, and we can see the foreshadowing of the new covenant contained in the old.
In the past, the Liturgy of the Word was also known as the Mass of the Catechumens. It was so called because the catechumens (Greek, for “the instructed”) were dismissed following the Liturgy of the Word and not admitted to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which was also known as the Mass of the Faithful.
Liturgy 101 - Parts of the Mass #6
Parts of the Mass – The Collect
Following the Gloria, the celebrant invites the people to pray. He then concludes the introductory rites with a prayer called the Collect. It is so called because of its history.
In the early days of the church, when the now familiar invitation “Let us pray” was given, the gathered assembly knelt in silent prayer. When they were invited to stand, the celebrant gathered up or “collected” their prayers in a general petition.
Following the Gloria, the celebrant invites the people to pray. He then concludes the introductory rites with a prayer called the Collect. It is so called because of its history.
In the early days of the church, when the now familiar invitation “Let us pray” was given, the gathered assembly knelt in silent prayer. When they were invited to stand, the celebrant gathered up or “collected” their prayers in a general petition.
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