“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” - St. Pope John Paul II

What is the Eucharistic Prayer?                               05-22-2022   Continued....

What is the Epiclesis?

Following the Holy, Holy (or conclusion of the Preface) comes the Epiclesis. The word Epiclesis comes from the ancient Greek meaning “invocation.” The priest invokes God, the Father, through Jesus, to send down the Holy Spirit to “accept and bless these gifts, these offerings, these holy and unblemished sacrifices.”

How many versions of the Eucharistic Prayer are there? There are numerous versions of the Eucharistic Prayer, at least 10 approved for use in the United States. They may vary depending on the occasion, season, feast, or if the assembly is predominantly pre-adolescent children. However, there are four that are most frequently used. This week, we will focus on the Roman Canon, or Eucharistic Prayer I.

Eucharistic Prayer I
 

• Also known as the Roman Canon (Canon is that part of the Mass that occurs between the Offertory and before Communion Rite)
• It is the only Eucharistic Prayer in use in the Roman rite for at least 1,500 years (it was set in place by Pope St. Gregory the Great in the seventh century)
• It is the only one of which it is said it “may always be used”
• It is the only one for a general congregation that includes an option to name a living person.

COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING

With hands extended, one of the concelebrants or the principal celebrant continues: Remember, Lord, your servants N. and N.

Eucharistic Prayer I contains optional fixed lists of apostles and martyrs that may be used on their feast days;  In communion with those whose memory we venerate, especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ, t and blessed Joseph, her Spouse, your blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, (James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Jude; Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian) and all your Saints; we ask that through their merits and prayers, in all things we may be defended by your protecting help.

Eucharistic Prayer I contains embolisms (blocks of text) to be inserted for use on Epiphany, Ascension, Pentecost, and during the octaves (eight day periods) of Christmas and Easter such as the following:  

FROM THE MASS OF THE EASTER VIGIL UNTIL THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Celebrating the most sacred night (day) of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, and in communion with those whose memory we venerate, especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ…
 

1. It’s not new It’s a call to share Christ and bring the Gospel, with renewed energy and through ever-changing methods, to new and different audiences.
2. It begins with personal conversion. We are called to deepen our faith to better share it with others.
3. It’s for believers and non-believers alike. Evangelization invites all people to discover faith anew.
4. It’s about a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Evangelization is about promoting a personal encounter with Christ for all people, wherever they are in their lives.
5. It’s not an isolated moment, but an ongoing practice. Personal conversion and the encounter with Christ is an ongoing experience that lasts a lifetime. It comes through formation, prayer, the Sacraments, service for others, and an openness to welcome the stranger and those who feel distant from God.
6. It’s meant to counter secular culture. Evangelization encourages Catholics to enthusiastically share Christ in word and through the credible witness of their lives.
7. It’s a priority for the Church.  All Catholics are to embrace the grace of their baptismal call and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their family, friends, and neighbors.