Liturgy and Unity, Worship and BeautyCh. 6

Essential Elements

“eucharist” is greek for thanksgiving

Presider—priest saying mass

Mass is both public and communal

Essential Elements

1. proclamation of the Word of God

2. Body and Blood of Christ are offered in a prayer of thanksgiving to God for sending us the ultimate sacrifice, His Son

3. consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

4. participation in Holy Communion

Essential Elements (cont’d)

Four essential elements make up one single act of worship

Non-essential elements include: Formal procession, singing of hymns, sprinkling

of holy water, use of incense

Sacrificial Meal

Every mass is both a memorial and a sacrifice

We are fed physically by the host (sacred meal)

We are fed spiritually by the holy sacrifice

Transubstantiation

The mystery and process of turning the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ’s “Real Presence” is in the host under the appearance of bread and wine

Jesus Christ is truly and wholly present in the Eucharist

Holy Communion

The priest is obligated to receive Communion

Each Catholic is obligated to receive Communion once during the Easter Season

Each Catholic is urged to receive communion each time they participate in mass

Essential Signs

Use of unlevened bread and wine

Use of words: “This is the cup of my blood” “This is my body which will be given up for you”

Early Eucharist Celebrations

Paschal Mystery--The suffering, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ

Celebrated throughout each liturgical year as well as each mass

St. Justin Martyr—second century saint

Took many years to develop the need for a formal space of worship and to establish Sunday as the Lord’s Day

Quiz

1. Emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to this city in modern-day Turkey.

Answer “Eastern Church” or “Western Church”

2. This church relied heavily on the senses.

3. This church emphasized the altar and actions of the priest.

4. This church decorated using colorful mosaics representing biblical scenes.

5. This church hid the Eucharist behind a screen.

*Bonus: Basilicas were originally this type of building.

The Church in the East

Emperor Constantine moved his capital from Rome to Constantinople

Expression of the Kingdom of God

Appealed to the senses of the people

Church-goers were passive participants

Ritualistic movements

The Eucharist was hid behind an ornate screen

The Church in the East (cont’d)

Central space was covered by a dome that appeared to be floating

Dome represented heaven

Use of gold, silver, colorful mosaics of biblical scenes in decorations

The Church in the West

Dramatic celebration of Jesus’ Sacrifice

Emphasis on the altar and clear view of priest

Basilicas were originally government buildings

Relic of a martyr in the altar

Bishop’s chair raised behind the altar

Lecterns on either side of altar

Lay people separated from the clergy and altar

The Church in the West (cont’d)

Churches were solid and Romanesque reflecting the powerful influence of the church in the world

Great emphasis on the clergy with a railing to separate lay people form the altar

Gothic Churches in the Middle Ages with high arches and spires to symbolize God’s order and perfection

Liturgy Adapts to Culture

Prayers and rituals changed as the faith spread throughout the world

4 Essential Elements remained the same over time

Universal Catholic Church

As the Apostles spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the land around the Mediterranean Sea, different Catholic churches were established

24 different Catholic Churches follow the leadership of the pope All “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic”

8 different rites divide these churches

The Catholic Church

Latin Rite: Roman Catholic Church

Armenian Rite

Alexandrian Rite

Ge’ez Rite

West Syrian Maronite Rite

East Syrian Rite

West Syrian Rite

Byzantine Rite

Eucharist and Sins

Must be free of mortal sins and in a state of grace to receive the Eucharist

Can receive Penance to receive absolution and be in a state of grace

Receiving the Eucharist forgives the faithful of venial sins

Parts of the Church

(see handout for details)

Words to know: Nave Apse Narthex Sacristy Altar Pulpit Lectern Sanctuary

Building a Cathedral

During the Middle Ages, many cathedrals were build over several centuries

Thousands of workers were needed under the direction of a master builder

Unskilled laborers did the heavy lifting and digging

Skilled laborers sculpted statues of kings, bishops, saints, angels, and gargoyles

Arches rose 150 feet, spires rose 400 feet

Stained-glass windows depicted biblical stories

Faithful learned about their faith through the buildings’ art

Test

Test is Tuesday, January 11

Covers chapter 6 and pages 409, 410

Use your notes and this powerpoint to study