Unit Content 3: Background Information
For the Jews, the Passover celebrates the Exodus event, their liberation from Egypt. Israel is delivered from slavery to freedom, from death to new life. This saving act of God is celebrated and made present to the memory of the people every time. Jesus celebrated Passover with his disciples before his death.
In the Liturgy of the Eucharist the Paschal mystery of Christ is celebrated. The word ‘eucharist’ means ‘thanksgiving’. We praise and give thanks to God for the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. It is an anamnesis or memorial. The sacrifice of Christ that reconciles us with God is not just recalled, it is made present again. In the celebration of the Eucharist, we call to mind and participate in the saving act of Jesus Christ.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist commences with the preparation of the gifts of bread and wine, the bringing of these gifts to the altar by members of the community and the prayer of the priest over the gifts. The liturgy then flows into the Eucharistic Prayer. The Eucharistic Prayer is a dialogue involving the priest and the community. The prayers and responses prayed by the community promote full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy.
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the priest leads the Eucharistic Prayer. The priest is called to the special ministry of acting as Christ’s minister through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the Eucharistic Prayer the priest repeats the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper.
The community proclaims the presence of Jesus Christ with us now, and looks forward to his second coming. In the Eucharistic Prayer, we remember that we are united as the universal Church and we pray for the whole Church. In the Communion Rite the bread and wine have become for us the body and blood of Christ. The Prayer after Communion concludes the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
At this age level it is appropriate to make links between the Last Supper and the Eucharistic prayer and the sharing of communion. Assist the students to identify the symbols, words and actions in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Take the opportunity to practise some responses of the Mass with the children.
In the Liturgy of the Eucharist the Paschal mystery of Christ is celebrated. The word ‘eucharist’ means ‘thanksgiving’. We praise and give thanks to God for the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. It is an anamnesis or memorial. The sacrifice of Christ that reconciles us with God is not just recalled, it is made present again. In the celebration of the Eucharist, we call to mind and participate in the saving act of Jesus Christ.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist commences with the preparation of the gifts of bread and wine, the bringing of these gifts to the altar by members of the community and the prayer of the priest over the gifts. The liturgy then flows into the Eucharistic Prayer. The Eucharistic Prayer is a dialogue involving the priest and the community. The prayers and responses prayed by the community promote full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy.
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the priest leads the Eucharistic Prayer. The priest is called to the special ministry of acting as Christ’s minister through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the Eucharistic Prayer the priest repeats the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper.
The community proclaims the presence of Jesus Christ with us now, and looks forward to his second coming. In the Eucharistic Prayer, we remember that we are united as the universal Church and we pray for the whole Church. In the Communion Rite the bread and wine have become for us the body and blood of Christ. The Prayer after Communion concludes the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
At this age level it is appropriate to make links between the Last Supper and the Eucharistic prayer and the sharing of communion. Assist the students to identify the symbols, words and actions in the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Take the opportunity to practise some responses of the Mass with the children.
Catholic Education Office, Sydney. (2006). Eucharist 3.7- Jesus Is With Us. Leichhardt, Australia: Catholic Education Office.