Florida Catholic | A Sunday Guide to Mass 6

ED FOSTER JR.| FC
Father Julio Rivera, TOR, St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

Priest: Stands at altar, leads an introductory dialogue with the congregation and prefaces the sacrifice of the Mass with words of thanksgiving before inviting the congregation to sing God’s praises. Implores the power of the Spirit, recounts the story of the Last Supper. At the words “This is my body” and “This is the cup of my blood” the bread and wine are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. Invites the congregation to proclaim the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. Offers the sacrifice to the Father, asks for blessings for members of the church, living and dead. Concludes the eucharistic prayer by glorifying the Trinity.

People: Stand, respond in the dialogue, sing the hymn of praise, then kneel. Sing or say a proclamation of the mystery. Respond to the concluding prayer of glory with what’s known as the great Amen.

Did you know? Kneeling is the posture of humble adoration chosen by the bishops of the United States for the faithful during the eucharistic prayer. In some other countries, the custom is to stand. The eucharistic prayer is the most important part of the Mass. There are nine eucharistic prayers approved for use in the United States.

Tip: If there’s no kneeler for your pew or Mass is standing-room-only, it is acceptable to stand for the eucharistic prayer. But those who do not kneel should make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after consecration.

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