Sacraments: The Sacraments: The EucharistEucharist

Steve Surprenant, Steve Surprenant, MBA, STB/MAMBA, STB/MA

Senior Vice President & COOSenior Vice President & COO

Mercy Community Health, CTMercy Community Health, CT

February 3, 2009

ObjectivesObjectives Understand the biblical foundations of Understand the biblical foundations of

the Catholic Sacrament of The Eucharistthe Catholic Sacrament of The Eucharist

Understand the impact of historical Understand the impact of historical changes on the Sacrament of The changes on the Sacrament of The EucharistEucharist

Understand the current sacramental Understand the current sacramental theology of the Sacrament of The theology of the Sacrament of The EucharistEucharist

Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda IntroductionIntroduction Sacraments of The EucharistSacraments of The Eucharist

New Testament and in the early Christian New Testament and in the early Christian communitiescommunities

The evolution of Catholic interpretationThe evolution of Catholic interpretation The Middle Ages and The Council of Trent The Middle Ages and The Council of Trent

The contemporary theology of the The contemporary theology of the Sacrament of The EucharistSacrament of The Eucharist Following Vatican IIFollowing Vatican II

IntroductionIntroduction Catholic ChurchCatholic Church

Also called Roman Catholic ChurchAlso called Roman Catholic Church ““catholic” from Greek for “universal”catholic” from Greek for “universal” All come under the jurisdiction of the Pope, All come under the jurisdiction of the Pope,

successor of Saint Peter, Bishop of Romesuccessor of Saint Peter, Bishop of Rome Western Rite (Latin Rite)Western Rite (Latin Rite) Eastern Catholic Churches (comprised of 22 Eastern Catholic Churches (comprised of 22

rites)rites) Byzantine, Coptic, Armenian, Maronite, Syriac and Byzantine, Coptic, Armenian, Maronite, Syriac and

ChaldeanChaldean

Scope of DiscussionScope of Discussion

What is a Sacrament?What is a Sacrament? The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ

and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. (#1131) (#1131)

A sacramental celebration is woven from signs and symbols. Their A sacramental celebration is woven from signs and symbols. Their meaning is rooted in the work of creation and in human culture, meaning is rooted in the work of creation and in human culture, specified by the events of the Old Covenant and fully revealed in specified by the events of the Old Covenant and fully revealed in the person and work of Christ. (#1145)the person and work of Christ. (#1145)

Signs taken up by Christ.Signs taken up by Christ. In his preaching the Lord Jesus often In his preaching the Lord Jesus often makes use of the signs of creation to make known the mysteries of makes use of the signs of creation to make known the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.the Kingdom of God. He gives new meaning to the deeds and He gives new meaning to the deeds and signs of the Old Covenant, above all to the Exodus and the signs of the Old Covenant, above all to the Exodus and the Passover,Passover, for he himself is the meaning of all these signs.for he himself is the meaning of all these signs. (#1151) (#1151)

The Holy EucharistThe Holy Eucharist "At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior "At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior

instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood.instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to the Church, a memorial of his death and entrust to the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.‘” (#1323)to us.‘” (#1323)

"The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of "The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being.of God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the It is the culmination both of God's action sanctifying the world in Christ culmination both of God's action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit.” (#1325)Father in the Holy Spirit.” (#1325)

Signs and SymbolsSigns and Symbols The Passover MealThe Passover Meal Early Christians viewed the Last Supper Early Christians viewed the Last Supper

from the viewpoint of the Passover mealfrom the viewpoint of the Passover meal The apostles would have seen a short-The apostles would have seen a short-

legged table surrounded by cushions where legged table surrounded by cushions where they would sitthey would sit

On the table was a bowl of saltwater and On the table was a bowl of saltwater and dish of bitter herbsdish of bitter herbs

A container of mashed apples, raisins and A container of mashed apples, raisins and plums coated with cinnamon looked like plums coated with cinnamon looked like the bricks they made the bricks they made

The Passover MealThe Passover Meal Platters of unleavened bread stood Platters of unleavened bread stood

next to the large Cup of Blessing filled next to the large Cup of Blessing filled with wine with wine

A roasted lamb symbolized the A roasted lamb symbolized the sacrificial quality of the meal and sacrificial quality of the meal and recalled the blood of a lamb on their recalled the blood of a lamb on their doorposts that saved themdoorposts that saved them

Psalms and prayers were recited to Psalms and prayers were recited to recall the ancient event when God recall the ancient event when God saved the people of Israel from Egyptsaved the people of Israel from Egypt

The Last SupperThe Last Supper Jesus opened the meal with a psalm Jesus opened the meal with a psalm

that praised God for his mighty deeds of that praised God for his mighty deeds of salvation in the Exodus. salvation in the Exodus.

Then he took the bread, gave thanks for Then he took the bread, gave thanks for it and, breaking tradition, followed this it and, breaking tradition, followed this with new words: “Take and eat. This is with new words: “Take and eat. This is my body that will be given up for you.” my body that will be given up for you.”

This bread was now his body. It would This bread was now his body. It would be given up, that is offered on the cross. be given up, that is offered on the cross.

The Last SupperThe Last Supper At the end of the meal, Jesus took the Cup At the end of the meal, Jesus took the Cup

of Blessing filled with wine and again broke of Blessing filled with wine and again broke tradition and said, “Take and drink...This is tradition and said, “Take and drink...This is my blood. . . It will be shed for you and for my blood. . . It will be shed for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins.” all for the forgiveness of sins.”

Once more Christ referred to his forth- Once more Christ referred to his forth- coming passion where he would shed his coming passion where he would shed his bloodblood

As they drank of the one cup and ate of As they drank of the one cup and ate of the one bread, they experienced their the one bread, they experienced their unity in Christ unity in Christ

The Last SupperThe Last Supper

Finally, Christ gave them and their Finally, Christ gave them and their successors the power to celebrate successors the power to celebrate Eucharist: “Do this in memory of me.”Eucharist: “Do this in memory of me.”

They all sang a psalm and Jesus went They all sang a psalm and Jesus went forth to his saving death and forth to his saving death and resurrectionresurrection

In this event Jesus gave us the In this event Jesus gave us the sacrament of the Eucharist and the sacrament of the Eucharist and the ordained priesthoodordained priesthood

The Early ChurchThe Early Church Early Church followed command of Jesus Early Church followed command of Jesus

and “broke bread” in His Memoryand “broke bread” in His Memory Over time, the apostles and their Over time, the apostles and their

successors developed the Eucharistic successors developed the Eucharistic celebration into the structure that celebration into the structure that endures to this dayendures to this day

First named it the “Breaking of the Bread”First named it the “Breaking of the Bread” Soon the need to separate the rite from a Soon the need to separate the rite from a

meal, both because of abuses at meals (1 Cor meal, both because of abuses at meals (1 Cor 11:17-22) and because they wanted a more 11:17-22) and because they wanted a more prayerful setting for this act of worshipprayerful setting for this act of worship

The Early ChurchThe Early Church Eucharist was moved to Sunday in Eucharist was moved to Sunday in

memory of Christ’s resurrectionmemory of Christ’s resurrection In place of the meal the early Christians In place of the meal the early Christians

created a Liturgy of the Word created a Liturgy of the Word Modeled after synagogue prayer Modeled after synagogue prayer Included readings from Scripture, singing of Included readings from Scripture, singing of

psalms and an instructionpsalms and an instruction Around the words of Jesus, they added Around the words of Jesus, they added

prayers of thanksgiving, praise and prayers of thanksgiving, praise and intercession (eucharistein = thanksgiving)intercession (eucharistein = thanksgiving)

The Early ChurchThe Early Church By year 150, the basic structure of the By year 150, the basic structure of the

Mass was already in placeMass was already in place Held in people’s homes Held in people’s homes As communities grew, became more difficultAs communities grew, became more difficult

22ndnd and 3 and 3rdrd Centuries Centuries Absent the Apostles, began to reflect upon Absent the Apostles, began to reflect upon

the writings of 1the writings of 1stst generation leaders – Paul generation leaders – Paul When Jewish-Christians were no longer When Jewish-Christians were no longer

welcome at the synagogue service, they welcome at the synagogue service, they added its prayers, singing, chanting, and added its prayers, singing, chanting, and homily to the Eucharistic liturgyhomily to the Eucharistic liturgy

The Early ChurchThe Early Church Liturgy of the Word on SundayLiturgy of the Word on Sunday

Two readings by a lector Two readings by a lector Homily by the priest Homily by the priest Eucharistic Prayer and Communion Eucharistic Prayer and Communion A collection for widows, orphans and needy! A collection for widows, orphans and needy!

Celebrant had considerable freedom in Celebrant had considerable freedom in the creation of prayersthe creation of prayers Over time, became more standardizedOver time, became more standardized Second Eucharistic Prayer from Hippolytus of Second Eucharistic Prayer from Hippolytus of

Rome in 215 was incorporated by many Rome in 215 was incorporated by many communitiescommunities

Changes in the CelebrationChanges in the Celebration Year 313 was a turning point Year 313 was a turning point Persecutions suddenly ended and Persecutions suddenly ended and

Constantine gave freedom to ChristiansConstantine gave freedom to Christians Used basilicas for Eucharistic worship so Used basilicas for Eucharistic worship so

modest house churches gradually ceased modest house churches gradually ceased Stately ceremonies suitable in a huge Stately ceremonies suitable in a huge

church emerged. Processions, courtly church emerged. Processions, courtly movement in the sanctuary, metered movement in the sanctuary, metered chant (composed by St. Ambrose) and chant (composed by St. Ambrose) and sung litaniessung litanies

Changes in the CelebrationChanges in the Celebration Latin became the language of the Latin became the language of the

celebrationscelebrations Incense and bells, kissing sacred objects Incense and bells, kissing sacred objects

and the use of genuflections began to and the use of genuflections began to accompany the ancient structure of the accompany the ancient structure of the EucharistEucharist

The celebrants wore vestments, clothes The celebrants wore vestments, clothes worthy of a Roman senator worthy of a Roman senator

Simple plates and cups of house worship Simple plates and cups of house worship became elaborate chalices and patensbecame elaborate chalices and patens

Changes in the CelebrationChanges in the Celebration 77thth C, Pope Gregory the Great declared C, Pope Gregory the Great declared

that the Latin Mass in Rome was the that the Latin Mass in Rome was the standard for the Western church standard for the Western church

Pope Gregory's decree, with some Pope Gregory's decree, with some changes made by Pope Pius V in 1570, changes made by Pope Pius V in 1570, gave the Roman rite its basic form until gave the Roman rite its basic form until the reforms of Vatican II the reforms of Vatican II

An inevitable evolution due to social An inevitable evolution due to social acceptance, organizing an empire-size acceptance, organizing an empire-size Church and, indeed, ecclesial prosperityChurch and, indeed, ecclesial prosperity

Changes in the CelebrationChanges in the Celebration This era witnessed the rise of This era witnessed the rise of

extraordinary bishops, known now as extraordinary bishops, known now as Church Fathers, such as Augustine Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, whose homilies were and Chrysostom, whose homilies were rich in theology and pastoral in rich in theology and pastoral in applicationapplication

Their theme was “The Body of Christ Their theme was “The Body of Christ [Eucharist] builds the Body of Christ [Eucharist] builds the Body of Christ [Church].“[Church].“

““Become that which you receive.”Become that which you receive.”

Changes in the CelebrationChanges in the Celebration The sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist The sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist

grew in importance while the meal grew in importance while the meal symbolism faded into the backgroundsymbolism faded into the background

The theology stressed Christ's divinity The theology stressed Christ's divinity Led to the people feeling less worthy to Led to the people feeling less worthy to

approach the Lord, the creator and judge approach the Lord, the creator and judge of the universeof the universe

As a result, there was a decline in the As a result, there was a decline in the reception of communionreception of communion

“ “The Ages of Faith” The Ages of Faith” (9(9thth – – 1515thth C) C) Stunning Gothic cathedrals in medieval Stunning Gothic cathedrals in medieval

Europe signaled a resurgence of faithEurope signaled a resurgence of faith Religious processions, pilgrimages to holy Religious processions, pilgrimages to holy

shrines, and birth of new religious ordersshrines, and birth of new religious orders But also decline in active participation in But also decline in active participation in

the Massthe Mass Emphasis on the sacrificial nature of the massEmphasis on the sacrificial nature of the mass Growing sense that the laity were spectators Growing sense that the laity were spectators

to a drama unfolding on the altar to a drama unfolding on the altar Led to a feeling that the consecration was the Led to a feeling that the consecration was the

high point of the Mass high point of the Mass

““The Ages of Faith”The Ages of Faith” Focus fell not on receiving Jesus in Focus fell not on receiving Jesus in

communion but on seeing and communion but on seeing and adoring the Lord in the Eucharistadoring the Lord in the Eucharist

The assembly was removed from The assembly was removed from participating by screens of stone or participating by screens of stone or iron that hid the choir and altar from iron that hid the choir and altar from public viewpublic view

Ringing of bells were introduced to Ringing of bells were introduced to focus attention of the congregants to focus attention of the congregants to the consecrationthe consecration

““The Ages of Faith”The Ages of Faith” The monks and priests conducted their The monks and priests conducted their

corporate liturgy away from the corporate liturgy away from the assemblyassembly

The Mass remained in Latin, even The Mass remained in Latin, even though people began using their local though people began using their local languages for most things in their lives languages for most things in their lives

When the people complained of the When the people complained of the Mass’s remoteness, they were given Mass’s remoteness, they were given side altar Masses where the priest side altar Masses where the priest faced the wall and prayed in Latinfaced the wall and prayed in Latin

““The Ages of Faith”The Ages of Faith” The people compensated for their The people compensated for their

estrangement by asking the priest to hold up estrangement by asking the priest to hold up the host for their view and adorationthe host for their view and adoration

Many Catholics had ceased receiving Many Catholics had ceased receiving CommunionCommunion Had long since moved to using “the host” at Mass Had long since moved to using “the host” at Mass

(sacrificial nature of the term)(sacrificial nature of the term) Lateran Council IV (1215) also mandated Lateran Council IV (1215) also mandated

Communion at least once a year at Easter timeCommunion at least once a year at Easter time Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament became Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament became

popular along with benediction, Corpus Christi popular along with benediction, Corpus Christi processions, etc.processions, etc.

““The Ages of Faith”The Ages of Faith” At Lateran IV Church affirmed Christ’s At Lateran IV Church affirmed Christ’s

Real Presence and introduced the concept Real Presence and introduced the concept of transubstantiation (Thomas Aquinas)of transubstantiation (Thomas Aquinas) All things are made up of “substance” and All things are made up of “substance” and

“accidents”“accidents” During the Eucharistic celebration, the During the Eucharistic celebration, the

“substance” of the bread and the wine are “substance” of the bread and the wine are replaced with the “substance” or “being” of replaced with the “substance” or “being” of Christ Christ

Therefore, Jesus’ Real Presence in His Body Therefore, Jesus’ Real Presence in His Body and Blood at the celebration of the Massand Blood at the celebration of the Mass

The ReformationThe Reformation Council of Trent (1545) to deal with the Council of Trent (1545) to deal with the

Reformation and its challengesReformation and its challenges Re-affirmed “Real Presence” and theology of Re-affirmed “Real Presence” and theology of

TransubstantiationTransubstantiation Upheld “sacrificial nature” of the MassUpheld “sacrificial nature” of the Mass In 1570, Pius V decreed a standard book for In 1570, Pius V decreed a standard book for

the celebration of Mass for the Westthe celebration of Mass for the West Participation of the people would be Participation of the people would be

devotional rather than liturgical devotional rather than liturgical Mass text was to remain in LatinMass text was to remain in Latin

The Late Middle AgesThe Late Middle Ages Introduction of Baroque architecture Introduction of Baroque architecture

Choir stalls, screens and walls were removed Choir stalls, screens and walls were removed Distance between altar and assembly was Distance between altar and assembly was

shortened; separated only by altar railshortened; separated only by altar rail Altar was placed against the wall, which was Altar was placed against the wall, which was

lavishly decorated from floor to ceiling lavishly decorated from floor to ceiling Tabernacle rested on the altar and above it was a Tabernacle rested on the altar and above it was a

niche provided for exposition and adoration of the niche provided for exposition and adoration of the Blessed SacramentBlessed Sacrament

Soaring pulpit was situated near the middle of the Soaring pulpit was situated near the middle of the Church indicating the importance of a sermon but Church indicating the importance of a sermon but not a homilynot a homily

The Late Middle AgesThe Late Middle Ages Worship space glowed with self-confidence Worship space glowed with self-confidence

and triumph and triumph Suited the mood of this Counter-Reformation Suited the mood of this Counter-Reformation Church was a throne room; the assembly was Church was a throne room; the assembly was

the audiencethe audience Sadly, most Eucharists were “Low Masses,” Sadly, most Eucharists were “Low Masses,”

generally without music and which the generally without music and which the assembly attended in silence assembly attended in silence

Eventually, in the 19th century, it became Eventually, in the 19th century, it became clear that a return to the sources of the clear that a return to the sources of the liturgy was neededliturgy was needed

Pre-Vatican CouncilPre-Vatican Council Mid 1800’s liturgical change had begunMid 1800’s liturgical change had begun

Benedictines revived earlier liturgical practices and Benedictines revived earlier liturgical practices and were studying the roots of Christian liturgywere studying the roots of Christian liturgy

Pope Pius X (1903-1914) encouraged the use Pope Pius X (1903-1914) encouraged the use of Gregorian chant, frequent Communion and of Gregorian chant, frequent Communion and lowering the age for First Communionlowering the age for First Communion

Pius XII’s Pius XII’s Mediator DeiMediator Dei (1947) lent powerful (1947) lent powerful impetus to the liturgical movement impetus to the liturgical movement

1951 Joseph Jungmann, S.J., published 1951 Joseph Jungmann, S.J., published The The Mass of the Roman RiteMass of the Roman Rite, that revealed the , that revealed the complex history of the Mass. complex history of the Mass.

Vatican CouncilVatican Council First document approved by Vatican II First document approved by Vatican II

was was Sacrosanctum Concilium Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963)(1963) Little debate and very small opposition, Little debate and very small opposition,

the the Constitution on the LiturgyConstitution on the Liturgy was was approved by the Council Fathers vote approved by the Council Fathers vote 2,147 to 4 opposed 2,147 to 4 opposed “The liturgy is the “The liturgy is the summit to which the activity of the Church is summit to which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows” (10).power flows” (10).

The celebration of the Eucharist is the The celebration of the Eucharist is the celebration of the entire communitycelebration of the entire community

Post-Vatican IIPost-Vatican II A number of changes were introduced A number of changes were introduced

Priest now faced the people Priest now faced the people Vernacular languages replaced the Latin Vernacular languages replaced the Latin People shook hands at the greeting of peace People shook hands at the greeting of peace Congregation was asked to participate actively in the Congregation was asked to participate actively in the

Mass, to sing and pray at various timesMass, to sing and pray at various times Inclusion of the Prayer of the FaithfulInclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful

People were invited to receive Communion People were invited to receive Communion Either in the hand or on the tongue and to stand at its Either in the hand or on the tongue and to stand at its

receptionreception They were offered the chalice so they could share They were offered the chalice so they could share

Communion under both species, the Eucharistic Bread Communion under both species, the Eucharistic Bread and Wineand Wine

Post-Vatican IIPost-Vatican II Laity and religious could serve Communion as Laity and religious could serve Communion as

extraordinary ministersextraordinary ministers Married deacons appeared, to assist the priest at Married deacons appeared, to assist the priest at

Mass and to preach homilies Mass and to preach homilies Entrance processions were added Entrance processions were added People brought up the gifts at the presentation of People brought up the gifts at the presentation of

the offeringsthe offerings Mass readings provided a three-year series of Mass readings provided a three-year series of

Scripture in which large sections of the Bible would Scripture in which large sections of the Bible would be heardbe heard

Homilies were expected to explain Scripture and Homilies were expected to explain Scripture and apply it to everyday lifeapply it to everyday life

Post-Vatican IIPost-Vatican II Church architecture became functional and Church architecture became functional and

minimalist in decorationminimalist in decoration Guitar Masses surfaced and new hymns were Guitar Masses surfaced and new hymns were

composed, leading to many arguments about composed, leading to many arguments about taste and suitabilitytaste and suitability

Some experimentation went over the top. But in Some experimentation went over the top. But in fact the amazing thing is how little disturbance fact the amazing thing is how little disturbance actually happenedactually happened

The dreams of the liturgical movement were The dreams of the liturgical movement were fulfilled and expanded upon. People are realizing fulfilled and expanded upon. People are realizing that they can enrich their spirituality mainly from that they can enrich their spirituality mainly from the celebration of the Eucharistthe celebration of the Eucharist

Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts Changes in the Eucharistic celebration, Changes in the Eucharistic celebration,

whether large or small, have been whether large or small, have been occurring since the Last Supper occurring since the Last Supper

The basics have never changed, but the The basics have never changed, but the details, decisions by Church authority details, decisions by Church authority and the attitudes of the participants have and the attitudes of the participants have undergone modifications and undergone modifications and developmentdevelopment

In this sense the celebration of the In this sense the celebration of the Eucharist is a dynamic and living realityEucharist is a dynamic and living reality

Concluding ThoughtsConcluding Thoughts While a constant diet of experimentation is While a constant diet of experimentation is

not healthy, a loving attention to the quality of not healthy, a loving attention to the quality of the divine celebration is a necessitythe divine celebration is a necessity

The noble core of the Eucharist from the The noble core of the Eucharist from the Upper Room to an urban cathedral or a village Upper Room to an urban cathedral or a village church has withstood the tumults of history—church has withstood the tumults of history—and always willand always will

Today, we emphasize "celebrating the Today, we emphasize "celebrating the Eucharist." The mass is public worship in Eucharist." The mass is public worship in which the community, led by the priest, join in which the community, led by the priest, join in thanking, praising, and adoring Godthanking, praising, and adoring God