THE EVOLUTION OF THE EUCHARIST Class #12, Q. 2—RS3

JOURNAL QUESTION: What do you, personally, believe about the Eucharist? What is it? What does it do to you/for you?

OUR CHALLENGE… THE EUCHARIST IS: TAKEN BLESSED BROKEN GIVEN HOW ARE YOU: TAKEN BLESSED BROKEN GIVEN

From the 4th to mid-20th centuries: Mass was considered a sacrifice, only requiring a priest Communion was “from a distance” Mass became a performance It became unintelligible to the common person

VATICAN II RENEWAL BEFORE AFTER Altar facing the back wall of church Mass was celebrated in Latin Prayers spoken by priests and servers only An altar rail separated the congregation from the altar AFTER The altar became more of a table Mass is celebrated in the vernacular Prayers are spoken by the whole assembly The altar rail is gone

CHANGES (cont.) BEFORE Receiving Communion on your knees You could only swallow Communion Only the Bread was offered to the congregation AFTER Receiving standing up or bowing before reception You could chew the host & swallow it Bread and Wine used during Communion

CHANGES (cont.) BEFORE Singing/chanting done by priests alone Prayers were often directed only by the priests Laypeople were passive observers AFTER The Congregation is invited to sing Prayers of the Faithful reflected the needs of the community Laypeople are actively involved