The priest takes Holy Communion and then it is extended to others. We are instructed to be in a state of grace for the sacrament. We are to fast from food and beverage for one hour before Communion. This does not include water and medicine. We are permitted to take the sacrament either standing or kneeling. We can receive it either upon the tongue or in the hand. We should always approach the sacrament with piety and devotion, recognizing the one who is present in the Eucharist. There should be a hunger or yearning for the sacrament. The sacrament of the Eucharist is frequently neglected because many fail to fathom its mysterious depths and meaning. Even some parents allow their children to be spiritually malnourished. Too many stay away. Too many no longer believe. Fortunately, there are still many parents mindful of their duty. They believe and extend what they…

As he did with the Collect, the celebrant introduces the Prayer After Communion. He says, “Let us pray.” Any silence and opportunity here for prayer is very brief. It may be enough to say “Thank you, Jesus” but not much more. The priest prays in the name of God’s people, the Church. He prays that the many fruits of the Mass just said will be efficacious. Who can say what miracles are made possible with each and every Mass. The sick are healed. The troubled are given peace of mind and soul. Sins are forgiven. Demons are exorcised. The weak are shielded from harm. We are nurtured and fed by the Eucharist so that we might have God’s life and holiness within us. We make all that has transpired our own by responding, “Amen.”

Just as we should come to Mass early so as to reflect upon our intentions and to prepare ourselves; at the end of the Mass we should not depart quickly. Ten minutes or so of reflection can have great spiritual value. We can reflect upon the great mystery within which we have had a part. We are moved by a profound gratitude. The dismissal is not the end of the story. It has been said that given the speed of digestion, for ten or fifteen minutes we are actual living tabernacles of the Blessed Sacrament. Once digested, and the accidents of bread are gone, then the substantial presence passes as well. However, the Lord continues to be present through grace. We are made spiritual temples of the Lord.

A famous Thanksgiving Prayer is that of St. Thomas Aquinas:

I thank You, Lord, Almighty Father, Everlasting God, for having been pleased…

The Introit Chant or Hymn & Procession

A hymn or expanded Introit chant might accompany the procession to the altar. If it is not recited or sung by the congregation then the priest will recite the antiphon verse at the altar, after the sign of the cross and greeting. The Introit opens the liturgical worship. If not to accompany the procession then it should at least promote congregational unity and help turn minds to the mystery being celebrated.

An example of such an Introit is the following prescribed for Trinity Sunday: “Blest be God the Father, and the Only Begotten Son of God, and also the Holy Spirit, for he has shown us his merciful love.” The antiphon for the Fifth Week in Ordinary time is as follows: “O come, let us worship God and bow low before the God who made us, for he is the Lord our God”…

Readings, Responsorial, Gospel Verse & Gospel

Many Protestant services end where Catholic Masses begin. There are hymns, bible readings, Gospel proclamation, preaching and petitions for the faith community and the world. If there is a communion service it may not be weekly and is directed more toward fellowship than to necessary divine worship. The focus of Christ’s presence for most Protestants is the Word but not the sacrament. Given that Catholics appreciate that the Word prepares us for the Eucharist, I have often been asked, might the Scriptures be sufficient for a saving faith? While the original reformers deliberately broke away from the Catholic Church, many Protestants find themselves by accident of birth in non-Catholic churches through no fault of their own. God understands ignorance and he also knows those who love him. The answer to what is saving is located somewhere between one’s appreciation of the truth and the…

There is little in the way of evidence that the early Church gives much thought toward the preparation for the Eucharist. I suppose this should not surprise us as the Gospels say little about the preliminaries of the first Mass or final Seder that Jesus shares with his apostles. Indeed, what we do discover in the Gospel story is first about Judas. We read:

“Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was drawing near, and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put him [Jesus] to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing him over to them. They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. He accepted their offer and sought…