A closer Look at the Masss

THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

The Preface

The Eucharistic Prayer is the climax of the Mass. It begins with a dialog between the celebrant and the assembly which reveals the main theme of the Mass—thanksgiving and praise to God. After the dialog, a Preface follows. It varies according to the mystery being celebrated. There are prefaces for Sunday, Weekdays, Feasts of the Virgin Mary, Saints, Weddings, Funerals, etc. Each describes the reasons why we should offer thanks and praise to God. Invoking the angels, the preface leads to the singing of the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), the oldest part of the Mass, added between the 1^st and 5^thcenturies. It places us before the throne of God’s divine majesty.

The Eucharistic Prayers (Canons) 

The Roman Missal contains ten Eucharistic Prayers (aka “canons,” i.e., “rule” or guide”): Canons I-IV may be used on any day; two can be used in Masses of Reconciliation;  four can be used in Masses for various needs. Each Eucharistic Prayer contains the following essential elements:

• Epiclesis: a Greek term that refers to the Invocation of the Holy Spirit, to change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.implores the Holy Spirit to transform the assembly into a more pure and holy people. is done when the celebrant extends his hands over the bread and wine.  
• The Institution Narrative & Consecration—the pinnacle of the Eucharistic Prayer that calls to mind Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper: “Take this, all of you, and eat: this is my Body which will be given up for you,” and “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my Blood, the Blood of the new and everlasting Covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven.” The Holy Spirit consecrates the bread and wine and changes them into Christ’s Body and Blood.  The priest raises each for the adoration of the faithful.  
• The anamnesis: a Greek term that means the act of remembering—in this case the mystery of faith.
• The offering is our petition to God to make the offering holy and acceptable.
• The intercessions connect the assembly with the local diocese and the Church universal. 
• The doxology:  The celebrant lifts the hosts and chalice and concludes the Eucharistic Prayer praising the Triune God.  The assembly responds “Amen.”