Interesting thread.
Our Parish has a fully sanctioned mass.
We have an introductory rite with a song from the hymnal, a greeting, a penitential rite, the Kyrie and Gloria. After that beautiful beginning we have the Liturgy of the Word. The lector reads from the Old Testament, unless of course it is the Easter Season, then The Choir leads us in a Psalm, then we hear the lector read something from Acts, or an Epistle, or maybe even Revelations. Then after receiving a short blessing from the priest, our deacon reads the Gospel. Most of us pay attention to all this unless one of our two year olds is uncooperative, or we just did not get enough sleep the prior night, or we may be sinfully preoccupied (Everyone really should be fully participating). Some of us like to read the readings and gospel prior to the Mass. It helps us receive The Word better during the Celebration. We know what to expect because we follow the prescribed cycle. (I do get confused on occasion due to the rearrangement of Holy days.)
After a nice homily, usually well thought out and related to the readings, and the reciting of the Nicene Creed we get to the good stuff, The Liturgy of the Eucharist. We have the offertory, the invitation and the priest prays over the gifts. Then the priest prays the Eucharistic Prayer and some of us pray that he is giving us his best. I’m sure the whole congregation believes he won’t let us down and we fully support him in his efforts.
We then have the Communion Rite started with the Lord’s Prayer. We used to hold hands, but after the GIRM was updated we no longer do. I never really liked the holding hands thing, but I still prayed the Our Father with every ounce of energy I could offer. We are now encouraged to hold our hands out with our palms up during the Lord’s Prayer. I’d prefer to simply cross my hands, but I’d rather pray together with my fellow parishioners. We then have the sign of peace. I kiss my wife; shake hands with my kids and a few people around me. The Priest breaks the bread and mingles a bit with the wine, and we sing the Lamb of God. Then I get excited because I know what comes next.
My family, and everyone else gathered who is ready, receives the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. I still don’t understand it fully but I know beyond a doubt that Jesus is there. We receive the body of Christ, after a reverent bow, on our tongue or with our hands. We also receive his precious blood (except during cold and flu season) if we desire…and I desire (even during cold and flu season). I don’t care who gives it to me, the Priest, the Deacon or a male or female extraordinary minister, I receive Jesus as only a Catholic can. He gives me great strength.
Then we have the Concluding Rite with a blessing and dismissal.
I’ve been to many a Mass in Basilicas and Cathedrals. I’ve been to Masses in Latin, Italian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and English. I do prefer to understand the Word when it is ministered, and I firmly believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist regardless. I Love Him for it.
Pride in the American Church is really getting me down. I see it rampant in those trying to assert their will and change the Church to make it better reflect themselves. I am a simple Catholic. I want a Priest as a pastor lead by a Bishop who supports and follows the Pope. I want to be part of a devout laity who supports the Church, we need to get involved. We need to work to understand the Father’s will. I want to help bring the Kingdom of Heaven here to earth. I want the devil to stay in hell and leave my family alone. Unfortunately, I often fail to do the Father’s will and I sin. The Liturgy helps me endure.
Please don’t imply that your Mass is better than mine. They both bring a little bit of heaven down to Earth. I like what I see. I hope to see more.
Christ’s Peace,
TJD