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218 • Part II. The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated
1. The Introductory Rites
The Christian community, united by the Holy Spirit, gathers for worship
in response to God’s call. Jesus, our High Priest, is the principal agent
of our celebration. The bishop or priest acts in the person of Christ,
the Head of the Church. All the worshipers participate actively with
interior devout attention and with external reverence shown by singing
the hymns and giving the responses and, when appropriate, observing
silence. There are also the deacon, the lectors, those who present the
offerings, the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, the altar
servers, the musicians, and other ministers. This first movement contains
the Introductory Rites, which begin the celebration of the Mass. These
include the Penitential Rite, the
Gloria
, and the Opening Prayer.
Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be
led to that full, conscious and active participation in liturgi-
cal celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the
liturgy, and to which the Christian people, “a chosen race, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people” (1 Pt 2:9,
4-5) have a right and obligation by reason of their baptism. (SC,
no. 14)
2. Liturgy of the Word
Over the course of the liturgical year, readings from Scripture, especially
the Gospels, provide the heart of this part of the celebration. The procla-
mation of God’s Word and its explanation are meant to arouse our faith
and prepare us for an ever deeper participation in the mystery of the
Eucharist. The readings are followed by a homily from a bishop, priest,
or deacon; the Profession of Faith in the recitation of the Creed; and
intercessory prayers.
3. Liturgy of the Eucharist
a.
The Preparation of the Gifts
(Jesus took bread and wine). The
offerings of bread and wine are received by the priest, who may be
assisted by a deacon. “They will be offered by the priest in the name of
Christ in the Eucharistic sacrifice in which they will become his Body