1. The Mass and body language
What does it all mean ?

2. Brief History of the Mass
The Mass was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper
Before the Last Supper, Jesus performs the miracles of the multiplication of fishes and loaves....the food and drink of life that will never run out
At the last supper Jesus tells us that when we celebrate the Eucharist....we eat his body and drink his blood.
We are instructed " Do this in remembrance of me"
Jesus tells us his body and blood will be given for us for the forgiveness of sins

3. Brief history of the Mass
The Jews believed that in order for sins to be forgiven sacrifice had to be offered to God...they offered animals ( lambs), food , blood..Jesus presents himself as the lamb of God
Jesus offers himself as a sacrifice for our sins so that they may be forgiven
When we celebrate Mass we offer the sacrifice for our own sins...we offer our prayers and our lives as sacrifices to God as we ask His blessing

4. Brief history
When sacrifices of food and drink we're offered, they were then consumed
At Mass we believe the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
This is called Transubstantiation
The celebration of the Eucharist is called the " source and summit" of our faith
As Catholics it is our highest form of prayer....it is what makes us Catholic.....universal

5. Gestures and postures of Mass
Most of our communication in life is nonverbal
During Mass there are many gestures and psotures that are used

6. Gestures and postures
How we begin our prayer as Catholics

7. Epiclesis
One of the most important....it is the calling down of the Holy Spirit
Happens during the Eucharistic prayer

8. The elevation
Several during Mass
Five during the Eucharistic prayer

9. Other elevations Lifting of the cross Lifting of the Book of Gospels
All remind us of the elevation of Jesus on the cross

10. The fraction rite
The priest breaks a small piece of the host and places it in the chalice
In this we receive the body and blood of Christ....a complete sacrifice

11. Other gestures and postures
Orans ..the offering of prayer on behalf of the people

12. Other gestures and postures
Reverencing the cross....the priest also reverences the altar

13. Gestures and postures- others
Folded hands
Genuflection
Bowing
Sign of peace

14. Gestures and postures
Blessing/greeting

15. Gestures and postures
Catholic gestures and postures