Liturgy of the Eucharist
by Patricia Mathson
As catechists, we are asked to explore
the Mass and show our learners how to
live what we celebrate.
This series will help you do that. Each
day we'll focus on a particular part of
the Mass.
Coming tomorrow: Concluding Rites.
Jan 06
Activities for Exploring the Mass
Liturgy of the Eucharist
We thank God for all that God has done for us; we thank God for life itself. We give over to God all that we are and all that we do. We remember that we depend on God for all things. Together we offer to the Father the gift of Jesus Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is the greatest gift we can offer.
Write a thank-you letter to God
Explain to your learners that the word eucharist means “thanksgiving.” In the Eucharistic Prayer we offer thanks to God. Encourage learners to think of things for which we should give thanks, such as creation, people, and God’s love. Invite learners to write thank-you letters to God. Encourage them to give thanks to God each day.
Ask questions about the Our Father
Jesus taught us the Our Father (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4), which is also called the Lord’s Prayer. When we pray the Our Father, we are saying that we are one with all people. Discuss this prayer and ask questions of the learners such as: What does it mean to call God our Father? How can we honor God’s name? Why is it important to forgive others? Explore the idea that we are not just to say the words of the Our Father, but to live every day what the words mean.
Draw a picture of living in peace
At the Sign of Peace we say to one another “Peace be with you.” These are the words that Jesus said to his Apostles in the Upper Room after his Resurrection (John 20:19). He forgave the Apostles who had run away and denied him. He offered them his peace.
Talk with learners about ways to be peacemakers. Include ideas such as asking forgiveness of those we have hurt, letting go of grudges, and standing up for the rights of others. We must take responsibility for our actions and not make excuses. Ask learners to draw pictures showing one way they can live in peace with others. This personalizes the idea of how we live out these words.
Look up the Last Supper
Read aloud the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22:14-20. Emphasize that the Eucharist is a gift that is freely given to us by God out of love. The Eucharist is the gift of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ himself. Explain that the response, “Amen,” is a declaration of our belief.
Questions for Review -- Liturgy of the Eucharist
Q: What part of the Mass comes after the Liturgy of the Word? A: Liturgy of the Eucharist
Q: What does the word eucharist mean? A: Thanksgiving
Q: For what do we thank God? A: For sunshine, flowers, music, life, people, love, everything
Q: What prayer did Jesus teach his disciples? A: Our Father (the Lord’s Prayer)
Q: What can we say to one another at the Sign of Peace? A: Peace be with you
Q: Where do the words of the Sign of Peace come from? A: Greeting of Jesus to his disciples after the Resurrection (see John 20:19)
Q: Who is present in the bread and wine of the Eucharist? A: Jesus Christ
Q: When did Jesus give us the Eucharist? A: At the Last Supper
Patricia Mathson has many years experience in faith formation as a DRE and holds a Master of Religious Education degree. She is currently the children's ministry coordinator at Hope Family Center in Des Moines, IA. She is the author of ten books with the latest title 70 Sacrament Starters for Children (Twenty-Third Publications).
Source: CATECHIST Magazine, January 2010
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