Chapter 27 Introduction to Liturgy

Chapter 27 Introduction to Liturgy

Poll

What three activities do you think are most important for Catholics to do?

• Pray the Rosary

• Take care of the needy

• Read the Bible

• Attend religious education classes

• Attend mass

Liturgy

Mass and other official prayers of the church are called liturgies. Liturgy is a communal, public, official prayer of the church. Communal means we participate in liturgy together with one another, in communion with the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Public means liturgy is not the private prayer of individuals by themselves. Official means that liturgy is celebrated under the direction and guidelines of the Pope and the bishops.

Multiple Choice

When you go to your room and pray in private, that is considered liturgy.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

When you attend a Baptism ceremony, you are attending a liturgy.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The order of the parts of the mass is the same all over the world.

• True

• False

Poll

The mass would be more interesting for me if...

• It didn't last so long.

• The music was different.

• The message in the homily/sermon was more relevant.

• There were more ways for middle school students to be involved.

• I could just sit and be quiet and not have to do anything.

The Catholic Mass is one of the greatest treasures of the Catholic faith.

Open Ended

How would you define the word 'symbol'?

Symbols

• things visible to us that help put us in touch with something that is real, but unvisible

• Every liturgy is made up of symbols.

• Our lives are full of symbols.

Multiple Select

Which of these are symbols?

• A Valentine's Day heart

• Wedding rings

• Graduation cap, gown, and diploma

• Starbucks holiday cup

Important point: When liturgy is at its best, Christ is made real in the symbols we use at Mass!!!

Main Effect of Liturgy

One of the main effects of liturgy, especially when we celebrate Mass, is that all who participate become one. They are united to one another and to all the saints throughout time. This happens because in the liturgy, they are caught up in the love of the Trinity. Therefore, when we pray the liturgy, we participate in the reality taking place right now in Heaven and on earth, where all the saints and angels are united with us in praising God.

Multiple Choice

Why is Sunday called the Lord's Day?

• It is the day on which Jesus rose from the dead.

• It is the first day of creation.

• It is the day of Pentecost.

• All of the above.

Liturgical Seasons

Our liturgies throughout the year unfold the whole mystery of Christ, from his birth through his death, resurrection, ascension into heaven, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. In Advent and Christmas, we remember how God became one of us. In Lent and Easter, we celebrate how God saved us. Throughout the rest of the year, we experience the joy of living as God's children.