liturgy & prayer

8/13/2019 Liturgy & Prayer

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LiturgyWhat is Liturgy?

What we often hear is the words, The Liturgy of the Mass. But what does

that mean? These words refer to what happens during the Mass, (the

service of God or work during the Mass). Liturgy is the public work or serviceof God by which Christ continues the redemption through the Church.

Meaning

As with all Gods work, the liturgy is His blessing to us. Our response is

adoration and praise.Focus

The saving life and mission of Christ is the central teaching of our faith: the

Churchs liturgy proclaims and celebrates this same mystery. By the Liturgy

of the Word (proclamation) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (the offering of

the bread and wine and there consecration), we celebrate the life, passion,

death, and resurrection of Jesus in the Mass. On the altar at the words of

the priest, re-presentation of Calvary occurs and we receive the Resurrected

Jesus in Holy Communion. We unite our works, sacrifices, sufferings and our

self in union with the one sacrifice of Jesus as He offers Himself to the Father,on the altar, in union with the Holy Spirit.


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Liturgy

What is Included in the Sacred Liturgy?

The Eucharistic SacrificeThe Holy Mass

The Seven SacramentsSacramentals

Liturgy of the Hours


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LiturgyLiturgy of the Mass United to Heavenly LiturgyIn the liturgy of the Mass, Heaven unites with Earth and we see the Holy

Eucharist as the mystery of faith in which Christ is the High Priest. This

sacrifice and sacrament brings creation together and offers it to God. The

Book of Revelation presents a striking imagery of the heavenly liturgy and

helps us appreciate how the Eucharistic celebration, looks heavenward. At

the same time, the Eucharist commits us to do our part to make this world a

better place in which to live. The Eucharist unites heaven and earth and calls

for our active faith response. In the earthly liturgy, by way of foretaste, we

share in that heavenly liturgy which is celebrated in the holy city of Jerusalem

toward which we journey as pilgrims. Christ crucified and risen is the Lamb

standing as though it had been slain. He is the one high priest of the true

sanctuary. The river of the water of life from the throne of God and of the

Lamb is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Recapitulated in Christ, these are the

participants in the service of the praise of God, in the heavenly liturgy: the

heavenly powers, all creation (the four living beings), the servants of the Old

and New Covenants (the twenty-four elders), the new People of God (the

144,000), the martyrs slain for the word of God, and the Mother of God (the

Woman), the Bride of the Lamb, and finally a great multitude which no one

could number, from every nation, from all tribes, and peoples and tongues

(CCC, 1137, 1138). What you have come to is Mount Zion and the city of the

living God, the heavenly Jerusalem where the millions of angels have

gathered for the festival, with the whole Church of first-born sons, enrolled as

citizens of heaven (Heb. 12:22..) The Eucharist is a foretaste of this joy. It is a

confident waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

John Paul II: The Eucharist is really a glimpse of heaven appearing on earth.

It is a glorious ray of the heavenly Jerusalem which pierces the clouds of our

history and lights up our journey.


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Liturgy

The Order of the MassThe Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Has Two Parts:

Liturgy of the WordLiturgy of the Eucharist

INTRODUCTORY RITES:

Their purpose is to unify the community and prepare the assembled believers to listen to Gods wordand then to celebrate the Eucharist.

Entrance Song or Antiphonopens the celebration and accompanies the procession. Book of Gospelsis sometime carried by the Lector.

Greeting- the ministers greet the altar by kissing the altar as a sign of veneration, and then make thesign of the cross with the whole Christian community. The priest then greets the assembled withwords expressing that we are about to celebrate the Christian mysteries.

Penitential RiteThe priest and the entire assembly make a general confession of their sins, typicallyby reciting the Confiteor ( I Confess to Almighty God) , and this is concluded by the priests absolution(May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive our sins and bring us to everlasting life) . In the Book ofJames 5: 16, Scripture tells us Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that youmay be healed.

Kyrieis a Greek word that means Lord (Kyrie eleison means Lord have mercy). The priest and theassembly recite this prayer to implore the mercy of God.

Gloriais an ancient hymn whose opening phrase comes from Scripture (Luke 2: 14). The Gloria isonly said on Sundays (except during Advent and Lent), and on Solemnities and special feasts.

Opening Prayer (Collect)The priest recites a prayer that expresses the theme of the liturgy of theday, and then petitions the Father through the mediation of the Son (Jesus Christ) and in the HolySpirit. The people make the prayer their own by saying AMEN (so be it. or yes I agree).

When on enters and leaves the church, one

blesses oneself with Holy Water saying:By this holy water and by Your Precious

Blood, wash away all my sins, O Lord. Amen.

Holy Water washes away venial sins and

prepares us to enter into the presence of God.


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LiturgyLiturgy of the Word:On Sunday, this part of the Mass is found in a book called the Lectionarywhich the lector may carry in the procession. The Lectionary has 3 cyclescalled A, B and C. Each cycle contains all the Scriptures used at Sunday Massfor a year.

First Reading this reading is almost always from the Old Testament exceptbetween Easter and Pentecost when the reading comes from the Book ofActs. The readings selected for a particular service are chosen to illustratesome common link or parallel with the selected Gospel reading. Thesereadings over a 3 year period acquaint us with the 46 books of the OldTestament.

Responsorial Psalmobviously is from the Book of Psalms, expresses manyof the emotions and troubles of human existence as the author cries out toGod, and then trusts in His deliverance.

Second Readingtypically this reading is from one of the Letters or Epistlesfrom St. Paul, St. Peter, St. James, or St. John. Thus, this reading acquaintsCatholics with the New Testament.

Gospel - This Scripture reading is introduced by a chant. Typically this is an

Alleluia chant except during Lent when the chant is typically Praise to youLord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory. The priest and the faithful also signtheir forehead, their lips and their heart to signify that Gods Word istransforming their minds, their speech and their hearts. The faithful areinstructed to stand to hear the Gospel. This is an old Catholic practice thatindicates a special significance for the Gospel, since it is the part of Scripturethat contains the words and sayings of Jesus Himself. This practice may havebeen adopted from Jesus via the book of Nehemiah. Priest or Deacon Says:The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

May the Word of God,

be on my mind,

on my lips

and in my heart.


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Liturgy

Liturgy of the Word: (Part 2)

Homily (Sermon) - here the priests explains the three Scripture readings and gives insightinto their meaning. Often the priest will relate spiritual messages and points from thereadings that are very relevant to our life, and the local circumstances that we live in.During the homily, we should be quietly listening and learning and may also be silentlypraying for the Holy Spirit to speak through the priest to our hearts.

Profession of Faith - this is typically only done on Sunday celebrations of the Mass andSolemnities. The profession of faith is the Nicene Creed which is a statement of ourCatholic Christian beliefs that has not changed since the Councils of Nicaea andConstantinople in the 4thcentury. This profession of faith always keeps Catholicsknowledgeable as to what the church teaches now, and has consistently taught throughoutthe centuries. By reciting the Creed, the faithful are acknowledging their consent andagreement with the three previous Scriptures that were read.

General Intercessions or Prayers of the Faithfulthis prayer is generally read by the priestor the lector, and the congregation responds in antiphonal manner. As a rule the sequenceof petitions are as follows:

1. For the needs of the Church

2. For public authorities and the salvation of the world

3. For those oppressed by any need (such as the sick members of our parish)

4. For the local community

Lector: We pray to the Lord. People: Lord Hear Our Prayer


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LiturgyLiturgy of the EucharistAt the Last Supper Jesus Christ instituted the paschal sacrifice and meal. In thismeal the sacrifice of the cross is continually made present in the Church whenthe priest, representing Christ, carries out what the Lord did, & commissionedhis disciples to do in His memory.

Presentation of Altar and Gifts (Offertory)Altar is prepared then the gifts ofbread and wine are brought to the altar. Bread and Wine are Offered while thepeople respond: Blessed Be God Forever. During this part of the Mass, the

priest washes his hands as an expression of his desire for inward purification.

This custom most likely came from our Jewish roots where the Old Testamentpriests would purify themselves with several ritual washings prior to offeringthe Old Testament sacrifices. Priest asks that the sacrifice may be accepted andpeople respond: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise

and glory of His name, for our good and for the good of His Holy Church.Prayer Over the Gifts People Respond: Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer - is a hymn of thanksgiving for the whole work of salvation:the offerings become the Body and Blood of Christ. There are four standardEucharistic prayers with the second one being the oldest and the shortest.These Eucharistic prayers are in the large book that rests on the altar called theRomans Missal. The sub-elements of the Eucharistic prayer are as follows:

Preface (Thanksgiving) - in this first part of the Eucharistic prayer, the priestinvites the people to lift their hearts to God in prayer and in thanks. The priestpraises the Father and gives thanks for the work of salvation.

Acclamation - united with the angels the congregation sings or recites Holy,Holy, Holy .. (see Isaiah 6:3). Also called theSanctus.

Epiclesisin this part of the Eucharistic prayer, the priest calls on Gods power(Holy Spirit descends upon the gifts) and asks that the gifts offered by men may

be consecrated to become the Body and Blood of Christ, and that this Victimbecome a source of salvation for those who share in communion. Epiclesis

Offertory

During the offertory, the

people are to offer to

God their gifts, works,

sacrifices, good deeds,

donations and especially

their very self to God.


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Liturgy

Liturgy of the Eucharist (Part 2)

Narrative or Consecration - in this part of the Eucharistic prayer the

words of Jesus at the Last Supper are said This is my Body and

This is my Blood.. These words are found in Matthew 26: 26-28, Mark 14: 22-24, Luke 22: 19-20 and 1stCorinthians 11: 23-25.

Mystery of Faith- The priest states, Mystery of Faith and people

respond: We proclaim your death O Lord, and profess your

Resurrection until you come in glory.

AnamnesisTherefore as we celebrate the memorialis thefulfillment of the command from Christ through the apostles to keep

a memorial of the Last Supper, Do this in remembrance of Me.

Offeringhere the Church offers the spotless sacrificial victim (Jesus

Christ) to the Father and in the Holy Spirit.

Intercessionsin this part of the Eucharistic prayer the priest states

that the offering made above is for the whole Church and all of its

members, both living and dead.

Final Doxology (Great Amen)Through Him with Him and in Him O

God Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all glory and honor

are yours forever and ever. The congregation should express their

agreement by a vocal but reverent Amen.


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LiturgyLiturgy of the Eucharist (Part 3)Communion Ritesince the Eucharistic celebration is the paschal meal,

in accord with Jesus command, the Body and Blood of the Lord should

be received as spiritual food by the faithful who are properly disposed.

The sub-elements of the Communion Rite are as follows:The Lords Prayerwhich comes from Matt 6: 9-13 or Luke 11: 2-4, is recitedor sung by the congregation and the priest together. The priest ends this specialprayer that Jesus taught us with an embolism requesting deliverance andpeace, and stating our joyful hope in the Second coming of Christ.

Rite of Peacebefore we share in the Eucharist which is the Lord, we expressour love for each other and beg for peace and unity among the members of theBody of Christ. Priest: Peace of the Lord be with you. People: And with YourSpirit. The priest will say: Let us offer each other the sign of peace. Wegenerally display some outward sign of this to those near us. This is optional bythe priest.

Breaking of the Breadthis gesture of Christ at the last supper gave the entireEucharistic action its name in apostolic times. (Emmaus walk in Luke 24: 30)

Comminglingthe priest drops part of the host into the chalice (symbolicallyrepresents unity with the bishop and the two natures of Christ)

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) - these words come from John 1: 29. The host isbroken during the reciting of the Lamb of God

Reception of Jesus by the Priestthe priest shows the Eucharist to thecongregation saying, Behold the Lamb of God. as the faithful recite Lord Iam not worthy, that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word andmy soul shall be healed. This prayer comes from Matt 8: 8. During this part ofthe liturgy it is a wonderful time to ask the Lord for healing (Spiritual,

psychological, relational and physical)

Sign of Peace

Behold the Lamb of God


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Liturgy

Liturgy of the Eucharist (Part 4)Reception of Jesus by the Faithful - the faithful process to the front ofthe church to receive Jesus in His Body and His Blood. This is a mostintimate time as God Himself touches us flesh to flesh. When the priest

offers you Jesus in the Eucharist he says Body of Christ and the properresponse is a firm but very reverent Amen or So be it. (This Catholicaltar call).

Communion Hymn or Antiphon expresses the spiritual union of thecommunity as we shared in the Eucharist who is the One Lord of us all.

Prayer after Holy Communion -it is desirable after receiving Holy

Communion that the priest and the congregation spend some time insilent prayer as this is meant to be a most intimate time for communingwith the Lord in our body, mind and spirit. This period of silence is endedby the priest saying the Prayer after Communion from the Roman Missal.

CONCLUDING RITE:

This consists of the following:

Priests Blessingthe priest blesses the congregation in the Name of theFather and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Dismissalthe priest or deacon sends each member of the congregationout into the world to do good works to bring glory and praise to God.The word Mass comes from the Latin word for dismissal. Go forth, theMass has ended.

Processional Hymn

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Liturgy

Liturgical Year

This is the name given to the days an seasons within a years

time in which the Church celebrates Christs paschal mystery.The liturgical seasons begin with Advent (the new liturgical

year), in which we prepare for Christmas.

The Christmas Season, celebration of Christs Birth.

Lent, which are 40 days of preparation for Easter.

Easter, which is the celebration of Christs Resurrection, which

lasts until 50 days after the Easter and ends onPentecost

Sunday.Ordinary time, which is the season of the year outside of

Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter seasons. One part of

ordinary time falls between Christmas Season and Lent and

the other falls between Pentecost and Advent.


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Liturgy

Liturgical Year

The Liturgical Readings at Mass

Sunday- Year A, Year B, Year C

For example: 25thSunday Year B, Ordinary Time

readings are: Wis. 2:12, 17-20, Psalm 54, James 3: 16-

4:3, Mark 9: 30-37.

Weekday- Year 1 and Year 2

The Liturgical readings help us to hear most of the Bible

at Holy Mass in a 3 yr. period on Sunday and in 2 yrs,

during the week.

Sanctoral Calendar- The calendar of saints throughout

the year, example June 13this always the feast of St.

Anthony of Padua. The Catholic Calendar lists the dates

of the Holy Days of Obligation in the United States for

2013, as well as the dates of moveable feasts (holy days

whose dates change from year to year), such as Ash

Wednesday. And dates of Saint feast days. Easter is a

moveable feast and is always first Sunday after the first

full moon, after the vernal equinox (spring).

Months are dedicated to certain

Saints or Devotions.March- St. Joseph

May- Blessed Virgin

June- Sacred Heart

July- Precious Blood

October- Rosary

November- Holy Souls

December- Nativity

Weekdays are Dedicated to CertainSaints or Devotions.

Sun.-Resurrection and Trinity

Mon.- Holy Spirit and Poor Souls

Tues.- Holy Angels

Wed. St. Joseph

Thurs. Eucharist and Priesthood

Fri.- Jesus Suffering & Sacred HeartSat.- Blessed Virgin & IHM


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Liturgy

Liturgical ItemsAmice- Cloth that goes Around Shoulder and Neck of Priest

Alb- White garment under the Vestment

Cincture- Rope (Girdle) around the waist of the Priest

Vestment(Chasuble)

Stole- Cloth Goes Around the Priests Neck

Dalmatic(Deacon Vestment)

Purificator-Cloth used to purify chalice

Pall- Square Cover Goes on Top of the Chalice

Corporal(cloth on top of altar) Name comes from Body

Altar-Marble Table used to Offer the Holy Sacrifice of the MassAltar Cross- Crucifix Placed on the Altar

Confessional Stole- Purple Stole Used for Confession

Thurible- Censor used to burn incense on black coals. Boat- Contains Incense

Processional Cross- Crucifix Carried in Procession beginning and end of Mass

Credence Table- Small Table used to hold hosts, wine, chalice, water, bowl and hand towel

Ablution Bowl- used to wash fingers of Sacred Particles after touching Host when finished distributing Communion

Chalice Paten- Metal Plate which holds Priests Host

Server Paten- Metal Plate with a handle use to collect particles that may fall during Communion

Altar Candles- Candles on the Altar

Altar Cloth- Cloth Covering the Altar

Chalice-Gold Plated Cup used to Consecrate wine into the Blood of Christ

Ciboria- Round Metal Container used to hold Consecrated Hosts and has a Lid

Surplice- White Top used by Servers and Priest

Cassock- Black Clothing Used by Priests and Some Servers

Lectern- Pulpit

Book of Gospels

Lectionary- Scripture Readings

Roman Missal- Mass Prayers

Cruets

Cope and Humeral Veil - Used For Benediction

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LiturgyLiturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) (Breviary)

The remote origin is given to the inspiration of the Old Covenant. God commanded the

Aaronic priests (c.1280 BC) to offer a morning and evening sacrifice (Ex. 29:38-29). During the

Babylonian Exile (587-521 BC), when the Temple did not exist, the synagogue services of

Torah readings and psalms and hymns developed as a substitute for the bloody sacrifices ofthe Temple, a sacrifice of praise. The inspiration to do this may have been fulfillment of

David's words, "Seven times a day I praise you" (Ps. 119:164), as well as, "the just man

mediates on the law day and night" (Ps. 1:2). After the people returned to Judea, and the

Temple was re-built, the prayer services developed in Babylon for the local assemblies

(synagogues) of the people were brought into Temple use, as well. We know that in addition

to Morning and Evening Prayer to accompany the sacrifices, there was prayer at the Third,

Sixth and Ninth Hours of the day.The Acts of the Apostles notes that Christians continued to pray at these hours. Monastic

and eremitical (hermit) practice as it developed in the early Church recognized in the Psalms

the perfect form of prayer and did not try to improve upon it. The practices were quite

individual from monastery to monastery. At first some tried to do the entire Psalter(150

Psalms) each day, but eventually that was abandoned for a weekly cycle built around certain

hours of the day. Among the earliest Psalter cycles of which we have a record is the division

given by St. Benedict in his Rule (c.550), with canonical hours of Lauds (Morning Prayer)offered at sunrise, Prime (1st hour of the day), Terce (3rd hour, or Mid-morning), Sext (6th

hour or Midday), None (9th hour or Mid-Afternoon), Vespers (Evening Prayer) offered at

sunset, and Compline (Night Prayer) before going to bed. In addition, the monks arose to

read and pray during the Night. This Office of Matins (Readings) likewise had its divisions,

into nocturnes, corresponding to the beginning of each of the "watches of the night" (Ps.

63:6), that is, 9 pm, midnight and 3 am. With the reforms of the Second Vatican Council the

traditional one-week Psalter cycle became a four-week cycle. (Today the Office is requiredto be prayed by Priests and Religious. Lay persons are encouraged to pray the Office.)

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Liturgy

What is Advent?

The purpose of Advent is to focus on the coming of our Lord. (Advent

comes from the Latin adventus, meaning coming.) The Catechism

stresses the two-fold meaning of this coming : When the Church

celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this

ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long

preparation for the Saviors first coming, the faithful renew their ardent

desire for His second coming(No. 524). Therefore, on one hand, thefaithful reflect back and are encouraged to celebrate the anniversary of

the Lords first coming into this world. We ponder again the great

mystery of the incarnation when our Lord humbled Himself, taking on

our humanity, and entered our time and space to free us from sin. Onthe other hand, we recall in the Creedthat our Lord will come again to

judge the living and the dead and that we must be ready to meet Him.

A good, pious way to help us in our Advent preparation has been the

use of theAdvent Wreath.

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How to Prepare for Christmas

Through Advent we prepare to celebrate the Birth of Jesus on

Christmas and we also prepare for the Second Coming ofJesus. Since there are four weeks of Advent, we are able to

prepare for Christmas by doing something during each week.

For example, on each Sunday of Advent, we can light a candle

on our advent wreath, before we offer our prayer before ourmeal.

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LiturgyAdvent Wreath

The wreathe is a circle, which has no beginning or

end: So we call to mind how our lives, here and now,

participate in the eternity of Gods plan of salvation

and how we hope to share eternal life in the Kingdomof Heaven. The wreath is made of fresh plant

material, because Christ came to give us new life

through His passion, death, and resurrection. Three

candles are purple, symbolizing penance, preparation,

and sacrifice; the pink candle symbolizes the same

but highlights the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete

Sunday, when we rejoice because our preparation is

now half-way finished. The light represents Christ,

who entered this world to scatter the darkness of evil

and show us the way of righteousness. The

progression of lighting candles shows our increasing

readiness to meet our Lord. Each family ought to have

an Advent wreath, light it at dinner time, and say the

special prayer. The tradition helps each family to keepits focus on the meaning of Christmas.

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LiturgyDuring Advent

Attend Mass During the Week- We will grow spiritually if we attend weekday

Masses during Advent. Special weekday Masses include (Dec. 6thSt. Nicholas),

(Dec. 8th

, the Immaculate Conception), which is a Holy Day of Obligation, and(Dec. 12ththe Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Advents 1st readings involve

waiting; the 2ndweek, its John the Baptist; the 3rdWeek, we rejoice with

Gaudete Sun.; the 4thweek focuses on the Nativity.

Daily Personal Prayer- Every day, we should pray to God for about 10 to 15

minutes. We should also pray the Rosary every day and pray the Rosary withour family.

Confess our Sins - Confess at least twice during Advent. Take the family to

confession several times, during Advent. You would be surprised at how many

children actually want to go to confession, but do not have the opportunity.

Strive to work on one sin and examine your conscience every night before

going to bed and see how well we did with that sin. To overcome sin, it is best

to practice the opposite virtue. For example, if we struggle with pride, we

should practice humility. We are required to Confess our sins at least once a

year. The Easter Duty asks that we receive Holy Communion at least once yearand during the Easter Season.

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Create a Family Altar

On the top of a small table, place an opened bible, a

rosary, a crucifix and a picture or statue of Mary. Whenthe family gathers to pray, everyone faces the altar, and

may kneel down and pray together.

Family Prayer

Pray as a family before going to bed. Turn off the TV,

Internet, etc.. and gather in the living room. Begin by

making the sign of the Cross, then ask each person, who

they want to pray for. Then ask each person what they

are thankful for the past day. Then read a short section

from one of the Gospels. Finally, close with an Our

Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, or Pray a decade of the

Rosary, or pray the whole Rosary. Some may want add

the Guardian Angel Prayer, or the Prayer to St. Michael,

or the Memorare. End with the Sign of the Cross. When

praying before meals, add one Our Father, One HailMary & the Glory be.

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Eucharistic Adoration of Jesus

Come to Adore Jesus during the week when there is

Eucharistic Adoration. Or come before Jesus in the

Tabernacle. Our Lord waits for us to come to Him and when we do

come to Him, we always leave with peace in our heart. To spend a

Holy Hour once a week, can transform the family and bring about

peace, unity and forgiveness.

Visit or Call Someone- Many elderly would enjoy your visit, whether

they are in the hospital, at home, in the nursing home. Or call or visit

a friend or relative, who may need encouragement.

Help a Neighbor- Many neighbors need help with Christmas

decorations, raking their yard, removing snow or perhaps going tothe store for them. A good deed is a loving way to prepare for the

coming of Jesus. We can also help others by way of money, or food.

Charitable organizations need your help to help others. Call local

agencies to see how you can be of help.

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During Advent

Mortification and Fasting

We should do penance during Advent. The color purple represents penance. All of us should

strive to deny our self pleasures, such as avoiding sweets, not drinking pop, avoiding desserts,not speaking as often, not watching TV, or wasting time on the Internet. We should try to be

silent. But also do things for the love of God, such as our daily duty, keeping the house clean,

doing the best we can at our job, taking care of our self and our children. Every Friday of the

year, we are supposed to Fast or do some penance. Avoid eating meat, or eat foods you do not

prefer. Most of all---fast from sin. To mortify is to die to ones self and ones earthly desires.

Prepare a Manger for Baby JesusMake a homemade manger out of sticks using glue, and place within it one straw for every time

you make a sacrifice. Then on Christmas Eve place the Infant Jesus on the bed of straws, as a

sign you prepared for His Coming.

Keep Watch!

No one knows the day nor the hour of our judgment.And no one knows the day or the hour when Jesus will come again.

We should live everyday as though it were our last

and prepare as though we had no tomorrow.

Pray for a conversion of heart, turn away from sin and be

faithful to Jesus, in this way, you will be prepared for Christmas!

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LiturgyChristmas

Attend Midnight Mass or Mass on Christmas Day- There is a

tradition Jesus was born at midnight and so people enjoy

celebrating His birth at the Christmas Midnight Mass.

Presents-St. Nicholas of Myra was a bishop, who gave gifts

and money to the poor. Rather than creating a tale, about him,

ask St. Nicholas to obtain presents from Jesus on Christmas. All

gifts come from God, so why not refer God as the giver of the

gifts? Christmas has been commercialized and the true meaning

of Christs birth is becoming lost. The word, Christmas, refers to

what the Christians referred to as Christs Mass.

Christmas CarolsMany families sing Christmas carols together

before eating their Christmas dinner. Some families join other

families and Church groups to go Christmas Caroling to thosewho are shut-in.

12 Days of Christmas- Thesong is symbolic and reminded

persecuted Christians of Christian beliefs. For example: Two

turtle doves is symbolic of Christs 2 natures, both human and

divine. 12 days refers to the 12 days of the Christmas season. The13thda is the Feast of the E i han .

St. Francis of Ass isi

In the 1200s, he

created the first

nativity scene, which

had real animals & a

manger during theMass. The Christ

Child appeared in his

arms during the

Mass, witnessed by

those present. Since

then Christians made

crches for their

homes.

St. Clare

She miraculously saw

the Midnight Mass

and heard the homily

from her bed when

she was sick andunable to go to Mass.

Lent


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Lent

Lent- What is It?

Forty days of preparation for Easter in imitation of Our

Lords forty days in the desert, which he suffered

temptation from the devil. He fasted and prayed. Italso reminds us of the people of Israels 40 years in the

desert and Moses 40 days on the mountain in which

he fasted.

Lent originated as a time in which non-Christians were

preparing to become Christian. Later, those whowere already Christians wanted to also prepare for

Easter as those becoming Catholic and they too

adopted this time, which spread throughout the

Church. It was a spiritual time of examination,

mortification, penance, meditation, prayer and

almsgiving to prepare to receive the Sacraments of the

Church, including Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation.

The 40 days do not include the Sundays during Lent,

because every Sunday, even during Lent is a

celebration of the Lords Resurrection.

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Three Key Penitential Practices

One of the greatest preachers of the early church explains the key

penitential practices of Lent prayer, fasting, and almsgivingor mercy. SaintPeter Chrysologus declares that Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains,

mercy receives.

But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to

your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

Matt. 6:6

Prayer- Praying more than we usually do everyday. And try to pray with

deeper intensity and love. To pray the heart, seeking Gods will in our

life. We come to daily Mass if possible, pray before Jesus in Adoration in

the tabernacle and pray at home in the silence of our heart. Wemeditate on Sacred Scriptures especially the sufferings of Jesus. We

think of Our Lords passion and death so as to grow in deeper love for

Him and it inspires us to turn away from sin and to be faithful to Him

and the Gospel.


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Liturgy


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Liturgy

Fasting

But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may

not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your

Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.

Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. In fact, the

paschal fast predates Lent as we know it. The early Church fasted intensely

for two days before the celebration of the Easter Vigil. This fast was later

extended and became a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter.Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to

prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. Fasting

should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their

poverty. It should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering.

Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could

seldom afford meat for their meals. It can do the same today if we

remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a spiritual link to

those whose diets are sparse and simple. That should be the goal we set

for ourselvesa sparse and simple meal. Avoiding meat while eatinglobster misses the whole oint!

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LiturgyFasting in PracticeIn the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has declared that "the age of fasting is

from the completion of the eighteenth year to the beginning of the sixtieth." The USCCB also allows

the substitution of some other form of penance for abstinence on all of the Fridays of the year,

except for those Fridays in Lent. Thus, the rules for fasting and abstinence in the United States are:

Abstain from Meat in Lent

Every person 14 years of age or older must abstain from meat

(and items made with meat) on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday,

and all the Fridays of Lent.

Fast in LentEvery person between the age of 18 and 60 must fast on Ash

Wednesday and Good Friday. To fast means to eat one meal in

one day and not to eat snacks. For some two smaller meals can

be taken as long as combined they dont equal one meal.

Abstain from Meat All Fridays of the Year

Every person 14 years of age or older must abstain from meat

(and items made with meat) on all other Fridays of the year,

unless he or she substitutes some other form of penance or good

deed. If we do not plan to do another form of penance or do a

good deed (ex: visit the sick), we are to abstain from meat.

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Liturgy

LentTurn away from Sin- Examine our Conscience and

Frequent Confession

During Lent, we examine our conscience everyday and

to work on one particular sin throughout Lent, striving

to practice the opposite virtue. It is good to go to

Confession often at least once a month during Lent and

hopefully more often as often as once per week if we like.Stations of the Cross

Many parishes have Stations of the Cross on Fridays

of Lent. This a tradition that goes back to the early

Christians, who use to make pilgrimages to theHoly Land to walk the actual foot steps of Christ on

His way to Calvary. The Stations were popularized

by the Franciscan Order, which helped to establish them

in each parish, so people who could not go to the Holy

Land, could make the Stations in their own parish.

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LiturgyAsh Wednesday

Ash Wednesday begins Lent. Its a day of fasting

and abstinence. While its not a holy day of

obligation, many Catholics come to Mass toreceive ashes which remind us of the need to

turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel

and it reminds us of our mortality. That we shall

all one day return to ashes. Ashes are burnt palm

branches from the previous year Palm Sunday.

The day before Ash Wednesday is called by some

Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). On this day,

Christians used to use up all the fat so that they

would not spoil during Lent. However, the dayshould not be a day in which we do all sorts of

sins and eat all kinds of sweets. The day is called

by some Carnival day due to the last day in

which some people would eat meat. DecadenceDa is a horrible da which reatl offends God.

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Liturgy

Lent

Sacrifices- We are called during Lent to offer

sacrifices, to prepare our hearts for Easter. Suchsacrifices include avoid eating sweets, ice-

cream, deserts, soda pop, alcohol, stop

smoking, avoid television, movies, etc.. But the

most important sacrifices include turning away

from the pleasures of sin, accepting sufferings

in our life, and doing our daily duties (washing

clothes, doing our homework, keep our room

clean, daily work, job, etc..) with love and joy.

Some people will adjust thermostats, so as toavoid the comfort of bodily pleasure. These

sacrifices when united to the sacrifice of Jesus

on the Cross are called offering up, in which

we offer them up for the salvation of souls.

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LentHoly Week

Begins with Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday

before Easter. On Palm Sunday, palm branches are blessed and given to

the people. There is often times a procession carrying the palm

branches at the beginning of the Mass and a Gospel reading before

Mass starts about Jesus entering Jerusalem. The Gospel is proclaimed,

which is always the reading of the Passion of Jesus.

Holy Week Days- Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday

(special readings for each day) Holy Thursday- Chrism Mass at the

Cathedral, which can be moved to another day such as Holy Tuesday.

During the Chrism Mass priests renew their promises, oils of blessed (Oil

of the Sick, Chrism, Oil of Catechumen) by the bishop. Representatives

from each parish in the diocese present at the Mass return with the 3oils to their parish. In the evening the Mass of the Lords Supperis

celebrated in parishes. Good Friday- Celebration of the Passion of Jesus.

Holy Saturday- Easter Vigil (Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus)

Easter Sunday- Renew Vows of Baptism and sprinkling rite are added.

LiturgyEnd of Lent


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LiturgyEnd of LentLent officially ends on Holy Thursday. That is when the "Triduum", great three

Days of holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday occur leading to Easter.

Easter is not only a day but an Octave (eight day) celebration leading to a Season

of the Church, Easter Season, which ends on Pentecost.

Holy Thursday- Celebration of the Lords Supper. Hosts are removedfrom the tabernacle before Mass and after Mass people will pray before

the Hosts in an altar of repose commemorating Our Lords agony in the

Garden, when He asked His apostles to stay awake and pray. During the

Mass, the priest washes the feet of 12 men in imitation of Jesus washing

His 12 apostles. It is the day, Jesus instituted the Eucharist & Priesthood.

Good Friday- (only day no Mass is celebrated). Celebration of the

Passion of Christ is usually at 3pm in parishes, the time Jesus died on the

Cross. In the liturgy of the Word we read the Passion of Jesus, liturgy of

the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.

Easter Vigil- The Greatest of All Masses of the Year. There is the Liturgy

of the Fire, which is the blessing of the fire, procession of the EasterCandle, which represents Christ rising from the tomb in the world of

darkness. The lights of the Church are not on as the candle is carried.

Then the Exultant is sung. Followed by the Liturgy of the Word with as

many as 9 readings (7 Old Testament and 2 New Testament) and the

Gospel. Homily. Then those who are becoming Catholic will be Baptized

after the water is blessed, Confirmation, Profession of Faith, FirstCommunion. Catholic renew their baptismal promises.

LiturgyE t


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LiturgyEaster

There is a tradition that Our Lord first

appeared to His Mother before He

appeared to Mary Magdalene and the11 Apostles.

Easter celebrates the Resurrection of

Jesus. By His resurrection, Jesus

conquered, sin, death and the devil.At the end of the world, there will be a

General Resurrection, where everyone

will receive a new body, both the living

and the dead, the good and the bad.

The Easter Season lasts for 50 days

until Pentecost, the descent of the

Holy Spirit.

Resurrexit Sicut Dixit (He has risen as He said)!Alleluia!

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PrayerCome to me, all you weary and are burdened, and I willgive you rest. Matt. 11:28

What is Prayer? Communication with God. Its talking toGod with mind and heart, and often with the voice. It is

a response to Gods invitation to seek Him.

Christians pray in the name of Christ- Through baptismwe are one with Christ and His Church, and therefore allour prayers are offered with His to the Father in the HolySpirit. Jesus is the focal point of our prayer. We strive to

have a personal and intimate relationship with Jesusthrough prayer.

By groping about after Him they might search for andfind God, for He is not far from any of us. Acts 17:27

Everyone Must Pray- God calls everyone to pray. Hewants to engage us in a personal relationship with Him.Even if we dont hear the call, God continues hisinvitation to each human heart. If you pray, you will becertainly saved; if you do not pray, you will be certainlydamned. St. Alphonsus Ligouri

Everyday, we should pray at least 10 to 15 minutes.

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Prayer

Why Pray?

Because God created us to know, tolove, to serve Him and be with Him inthe next, our deepest desire in ourheart is for God.

-When we experience the things of theworldwe desire God above all else.

St. Augustine said, You have made usfor yourself O God and our hearts arerestless until they rest in you.

-All of us long to rest in God.

-God the Father sent His Son into theworld to draw us back in communionwith Him and to be our source ofcompassion and mercy for our

troubled hearts.

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yJesus is our Example of PrayerThe apostles saw very often Jesus praying.

He went into the desert to pray.

He prayed before He chose His 12 apostles.

He prayed before He raised Lazarus from the dead.He prayed for His apostles at the Last Supper(the long discourse),which was His priestly discourse. He prayed often times in a quietout of the way placeand took His disciples away to places to pray.

As a Jew, Jesus prayed the Psalms. All the apostles did this at theLast Supper.

Jesus offered prayer in simple language, calling His Father, Abba,which means Daddy.

He prayed to conform His will to His Fathers during the agony inthe garden.

He prayed for Peter that He would not fail.

He commended the publican who prayed, God be merciful to me

a sinner.He prayed on the Cross, asking His Father to forgive.

He showed us the importance of praying to His Father and to praywith faith emphasizing that importance of faith in order to receivewhat we wanted. Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, ifyou have faith Matt. 21:22

He encouraged prayer of repetition, Ask and you shall receive,knock and the door, shall be opened.

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yHe was praying in a certain place, andwhen he ceased, one of his disciples saidto him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as Johntaught his disciples." Lk 11:1-3

The Apostles asked Jesus to teach them topray and so Jesus gave them the perfectprayer, the Our Father.

The Our Father

This is how you are to pray:Our Father in heaven, hallowed be yourname, your kingdom come, your will bedone, on earth as in heaven. Give us todayour daily bread; and forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors; and do notsubject us to the final test, but deliver usfrom the evil one. If you forgive otherstheir transgressions, your heavenly Fatherwill forgive you. But if you do not forgiveothers, neither will your Father forgive

your transgressions. Matt. 6:9-15

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yPrayer from the Heart-Whether we recite formal written prayers or pray spontaneously, weshould pray from the heart.

-Praying from the heart it to talk to God with love and attention.

-To pray mechanically without thinking what we are praying is notpraying with the heart.

-It also means that we are honest with our self.

-We dont hide from God anything. He sees & knows all things.

-We should also quietly listen to God and allowing Him to come intoour heart.

-When we pray with the Heart we pray with our whole being, tellingGod our sorrows, our joys, our feelings, being very open to God andexpressing what we desire, our fears, anxieties, our disappointments.

Pray throughout the DayAsk Jesus to be with you when you are working, shopping, resting,talking to others. Our Lord is always with us, but He especially

desires that we become aware of His presence and constantly inviteHim into everything we do.

By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit;

and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for allthe saints. Ephes 6:18Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is

the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:17-18

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y

Is the Rosary Babbling?In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will beheard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Fatherknows what you need before you ask him. Matt. 6:5-8

The purpose of the different beads on the rosary is to count thevarious prayers as they are said. The prayers of the rosary are meant tooccupy our whole being, body and soul, whilemeditating on the truthsof the Faith. Any prayer is vain, however, if said mechanically withoutdevotion. Simply to repeat prayers is not the vain repetitioncondemned by Christ (Mt 6:7), since He Himself repeats His prayer inthe Garden three times (Mt 26:39, 42, 44) and the Psalms (inspired bythe Holy Spirit) are often very repetitive (Ps 119 has 176 verses and Ps.

136 repeats the same phrase 26 times).

Psalm 136:1-26Praise the LORD, who is so good; God's love endures forever; Praise theGod of gods; God's love endures forever;. . . Praise the God of heaven,God's love endures forever.

Matthew 26:39 He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying,"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will,but as you will. Matthew 26:42 Withdrawing a second time, heprayed again, "My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass withoutmy drinking it, your will be done! Matthew 26:44 He left them andwithdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again.

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y

Gift of Prayer

-Prayer is a gift from God and it is something we learn.

-It is combination of our own work and the work of God within us.

-Prayer establishes a real communion with God and a realrelationship with Him.

-If we begin to do what we can and ask Him for help, He will help us.

-Lord teach me to pray, help me to pray, help me to have a goodrelationship with you.

-Developing a prayer life can only happen if one makes time for theLord everyday.

Method of Prayer by St. Alphonsus Ligouri (ACTS)

Adore-Call to mind Gods presence before us. I love you, I adore you.I praise You. I worship You. I bless You.

Confess-Tell God sins, then make an Act of Contrition (Sorrow)

Thanks- Give thanks to God for everything.

Supplication -Pray for others and for our self and Pray with the Heart

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y

Why Do We Have to Keep Asking? Why Arent Some of Prayers Answered?Not Appreciate- If we got what we wanted right away, we would not appreciate what wereceived. We would take Godsgoodness for granted.

Not the Right Time- If we obtain the answer too soon, we may later squander what God hasgiven us and so it would be it would be better for us a later date. He teaches us to persevere.

Asking for the Wrong Things- We dont see the fullness of what would happen if our prayer wasanswered, but God sees how will we react to the answered prayer. You ask and you do notreceive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.(James 4:3).

May Be Harmful to Us- Sometimes we ask for things that would be harmful to us spiritually.These seemingly good things could possibly cause us to lose our salvation. For example, if wetell God, if we win a million dollars in the lottery, we will give it all to charity. But what we dont

see is that even if we would win, it could cause us to develop pride, which can cause us to fallaway from God. God can also something better in mind for us, other than what are asking.

Lack of Humility-Sometimes we feel that we know whats best and proceed to tell God what weneed. Even worse, we get angry when He doesnt answer fast enough or in the way that wewant. We need to ask God for what we need with love, reverence, and humility, not forgettingthat we are creatures and He is God.

Its a Mystery, Sometimes We Just Dont Know- God is love and does nothing but loving things

for us. We have to trust that if our prayer isnt answered, God has in mind what is best for oursalvation and He does not permit the prayer to be answered out of love for us and others.

Lack of Faith- When the disciples came to Jesus and asked why they were unsuccessful incasting a demon out of a boy, the Lords response was blunt and to the point Because of yourlittle faith(Matthew 17:20). According to Jesus, whatever you ask for in prayer, you willreceive, if you have faith(Matthew 21:22). Does that mean that every time God doesnt grantour request its because our faith is lacking? No, but it could be a contributing factor and should

be addressed. We can always pray: I do believe; help my unbelief!(Mark 9:24)

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yWhere to Pray?

1. At Home in Inner Room.

2. Prayer Spot (home altar).

3. Inner Room of the Heart.4. At Church before a Tabernacle.

5. At Holy Mass.

6. To God, who is in heaven.

7. To God who is within usthrough baptism.

8. Adoration Chapel.

9. Before Meals. (in restaurants too)

10. With the Family. (especially Rosary)

11. With Each other:

Two or there are gathered in

my name I am with you.Matt 18:20

12. Everywhere.

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For Whom Should We PrayFirst of all, I urge supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all menkings, and for all those in positions of authority. 1 Tim. 2:1-2

Ourselves

Our FamilyRelatives

Friends

Neighbors

Enemies

Pope

Bishops

Priests

Government Leaders

Lawmakers

Sick

Dying

Sinners

Unbelievers

Souls in Purgatory

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Ask Others to Pray for Us

Prayer Chains

Rosary Groups

Friends

Family

Saints in Heaven Friends of God, who are with God

Blessed Virgin Mary - (Greatest of All Saints)

NovenasNovenas to a Particular Saint or directly to God

9 days of Prayer for a Particular Intention

54 Day Rosary Novena

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Three Kinds of Prayer

Vocal Prayer with the voice out loud or silently

Meditation (thinking about, pondering, using your imagination).

1. Place yourself in the presence of God.2. Ask to help you to meditate.

3. Imagine a scene about God or a truth of the faith you wish to meditate on & place yourself in

the scene.

4. Thank God for meditation.

ContemplationInfused Prayer given by God, which we cannot produce our self, only open our self up to it.

Person becomes freely absorbed in God producing a real awareness, desire, and love for Him.

This often gentle or delightful encounter can yield special insights into things of the spirit and

results in a deeper and tangible desire to love God and neighbor in thought, word, and deed.

Mass the Greatest Prayer

Prayer to God is worship. The greatest prayer is the Mass because the Mass is the sacrificial

worship of God, as we offer our self and our sacrifices in union with Jesus offering of His

sacrifice to the Father.

Rosary is meditation AND vocal prayer. Most powerful prayer after the Mass.

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Problems in Prayer

Distractions in Prayer: Gently turn back to God

1. We are tired and cant focus 2. Devil tries to distract us. 3. OthersDistract us 4. Noise Distracts us. 5. Emotions

Dryness in Prayer

No consolation. We dont feel like praying.To help us grow in faith and hope: we pray when we dont feel like it. We

believe, though we do not feel. God hides to help us to draw closer

to Him but also at times to help us to give up serious sin. We feel

abandoned by God and want to draw closer to Him, we realize thatour sins keep us from Him. In times of dryness of prayer, we should

pray more, use other things to help us to pray, such as the bible,

prayer books, meditations, etc..

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Avoid:

Centering Prayer- Focus becomes self and not God,avoids personal conversation with God.Centeringprayer may be hazardous to your spiritual health! Iscentering prayer an ancient form of authenticallyChristian prayer? The origin of centering prayer wasdescribed by its inventor, Thomas Keating, as theoutgrowth of a retreat given by a Zen Buddhist master.

Keating said, "There was nothing comparable in the

Christian tradition. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger cautionsthat "not everyone is equally suited" even to forms ofEastern meditation which are authentically Christian,stating that such forms "can even become an idol . . .can degenerate into a cult of the body and can leadsurreptitiously to consider all bodily sensations as

spiritual experiences.Yoga as Prayer- Stretching exercises are in themselvesgood, but not when associated with and practicing anon-Christian religion.

Eastern Prayer (empty one self out) Get rid ofdistractions. But, where is God?

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Eucharist and Prayer

Holy Communion- There can no greaterunion with God here on earth. Their

can be not greater personalrelationship with Jesus as in theEucharist. We are one with Jesus inCommunion.

Adoration Chapel-We can spend time

with Jesus in adoration. If we want tolearn how to pray, if we want to grow inholiness quickly come to Jesus in theadoration chapel. Spend one hour withJesus every week or every day ifpossible.

Tabernacle-When ever we come intoChurch our focus should be on Jesus inthe tabernacle.

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Master Pieces on Prayer

St. Teresa of AvilaThe Interior Castle

St. John of the Cross- Dark Night of the Soul

Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay

Deep Conversion- Deep Prayer Fr. Thomas Dubay

Opening to God, A Guide to Prayer Thomas Green

The Churchs Prayer:

Liturgy of the HoursThe OfficeThe Breviary

(morn, noon, even, night)

Praying the Psalms

PrayerVotive Candles


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Votive CandlesIn Judaism, a perpetual light was kept burning in the Temple and thesynagogues not only to insure the ability to light other candles or oil lampsin the evening but also to show the presence of God (cf. Ex 27:20-21 & Lv.24:2-4). Later, the Talmud prescribed a lit lamp at the Ark, where the Torahand other writings of Sacred Scripture were kept, to show reverence to theWord of God. (This practice probably influenced our own tradition ofhaving a lit candle near the Tabernacle to indicate the presence of and toshow reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.)

As in early Christian times, we light a candle before a statue or sacredimage of our Lord or of a saint. Of course, we do not honor the statue orthe image itself, but whom that statue or image represents. The lightsignifies our prayer offered in faith coming into the light of God. With thelight of faith, we petition our Lord in prayer, or petition the saint to praywith us and for us to the Lord. The light also shows a special reverence andour desire to remain present to the Lord in prayer even though we maydepart and go about our daily business. When you enter a Catholicchurch, you might see a shrine, small side chapels or side altars withstatues or icons and rows of votive candles. The word votive comes fromthe Latin votum meaning vow, and these candles (which are blessed)

are, when lit, used to symbolize our prayers, vows of prayer or simply ourhonoring God or one of His Saints. They are lit by people outside of Mass(before or after, or during a simple visit to the church) usually for aspecial intention. Its a very Catholic thing to say to someone that you willlight a candle for them, meaning that you will pray for them and rituallysymbolize those prayers by the lighting of votives. We light the candlewhile praying for our intention or offering our thanks and then leave the

liturgy & prayer

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