Coming Together
This first thing we see is people coming together. They come from different homes and situations: some happy, some sad, some fulfilled, some lonely. But there is a unity. Catholics are united in that we believe that coming together for the Sunday Eucharist, or Mass, is important. For we believe that, despite all the problems, God’s power is at work in the world and that God’s strength can overcome human weakness. This is true for people of every race, colour and creed.
Our coming together as Christ’s followers brings this belief in God’s power within each one of us into focus.
Listening
The second thing we see at Mass is that very soon everyone sits down to listen to the scriptures being read. At the final reading, which is from the Gospels, we stand to listen to the words Jesus himself spoke.
When we listen to God’s word in the scriptures it brings God’s voice in the world into focus.
Thanksgiving
The third thing we see as central to the Mass is what Catholics call the Eucharistic Prayer. The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”. Everyone gathers around the altar with the priest to re-enact what Christ did with his disciples at the Last Supper.
We believe what Christ said. We believe that when we remember and act on his words, Jesus is present. This is the most precious moment of life. The bread and wine which have been brought forward to represent our life and work are now changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. He is present, as he said he would be, and is our reminder of God’s unending promise.
Communion
Finally, at the heart of the Mass is Holy Communion. This is a personal moment. When we share in this sacred meal we do indeed share in the life of Christ. We are experiencing the result of God’s great desire to come to us and be one with us.
When we think about the reality of what our celebration at Mass tells us it becomes clear that in the Eucharist we find all that we need in life. We find unity with others, guidance from our heavenly Father, food for the journey and confirmation of the promise which was made to us by Jesus Christ, that he “would be with us always, even to the end of time”.
Arrangements
The sacrament of the Eucharist is carried out every year in the parish with the help of the parishes primary schools.
More details will be announced closer to the date on the parish website. You can also get more information on the sacrament of the Eucharist from the parish office.
