In the first of a seven-part series of reflections and videos on the Catholic liturgy from our partner Catholic News Service, learn how active participation in the liturgy is the new norm, and how preparation can help us celebrate the liturgy well on Sundays, and afterward.
The Mass: Not a spectator event
A football game or a film both can cause viewers to feel caught up in action before them, but they take no part in it. But in the liturgy, Vatican II called every worshiper to “take part in the sacred action.”
Parishioners prepare for Sunday worship
The prioritization of Mass as our first weekly activity sets us up for good practices during the week ahead, including meditation, reading the Word of God, volunteering and prayerful work.
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Vatican II has CALLED for, but is NOT getting this type of active participation. Even in this Archdiocese, click on most Parish bulletins and you also see that participating is a REQUIREMENT for school parents so that the parish pays the subsidy to the school. Just real tough when few people (school parent or not) even bother picking up a missalette – even at Christmas.