Introduction to the Liturgy and the Sacraments – Part I (CCC 1066-1209)

The One Minute Catechism: Introduction to the Liturgy and the Sacraments – Part I (CCC 1066-1209)

We now begin the second part of the Catechism. Havingexamined the Creed, our focus moves to the Liturgy and the Sacraments.

Liturgy embraces all of the official public worshipand prayer life of the Church. The word “liturgy” comes from Greek and refers to “a publicly performed work on behalf of an organized community.” In Catholic liturgy, Christ, as head of the Church,acts through His body, the Church. The Holy Trinity is the center of all liturgy: We worship Godthe Father, through the Son, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit. In liturgy, we learn about and participate in Christ’s Paschal Mystery, through which Christ saves us. And the Holy Spirit draws us together through liturgical actions, the most important of which are the Eucharist and the other Sacraments.

The entire Church community celebrates the liturgy. Christ calls each of us to actively participate in the liturgy, to make our thoughts conform to what we say and hear, and to cooperate with the divine grace we receive through the Sacraments. Within the liturgy, priests have a special office to act in the person of Christ, most especially in the Liturgy ofthe Eucharist and other Sacraments.

The Church celebrates the liturgy and Sacraments using many signs, symbols, and rituals, including scriptural readings, homilies, music, processions, blessings, bread, wine, oil, physical gestures and postures, incense, holy water, candles, and ritual vestments. We celebrate in a holy physical environment in which the art and architecture reflect the transcendent mystery of God as well as the unity of His people. We use all of these things tohelp us experience God’s invisible presence. The Liturgy of the Word is especially important and ispart of all sacramental celebrations. Christ speaks to us through this reading of Sacred Scripture, enliveningour faith and helping us to have a deeper appreciation of the liturgical celebration.

The Church recognizes seven liturgical traditions or “rites”: Latin (Roman), Byzantine, Alexandrian (Coptic), Syrian, Armenian, Maronite, and Chaldean. The Church holds all of these rites to be equal in right and dignity and seeks to preserve each.

Reflect: Do you actively participate in the Mass and help others around you do so? Or do you talk, fidget, look at your phone, daydream, or allow your children to disrupt the liturgy?

Pray: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me. To You, O Lord, I return it. All is Yours, dispose of it wholly according to Your will. Giveme Your love and Your grace, for this is sufficient for me. Amen.