Active Participation: A Primer

December 14, 2011 By Dr. Claude Sasso

[Editor's Note: This is a topic we will be covering extensively over time.] The Second Vatican Council Fathers wrote in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (1965), Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people (1 Pet. 2:9; cf. 2:4-5), is their right and duty by reason of their baptism. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us, The liturgy is rightly seen as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ (CCC 1070). We, as the Mystical Body of Christ, are called to participate in this most sacred action surpassing all others (CCC 1070). We are called to participate in Christs own prayer addressed to the Father in the Holy Spirit (CCC 1073). Thus the value of the Holy Mass is enhanced by our preparation for it. Meditate on the readings before attending Mass and offer prayers of thanksgiving and contrition to prepare for active participation in this holy sacrifice. The laity has a vital role to play in the celebration of ChristsPaschal mystery. We are, according to the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, called to offer ourselves through Christ the Mediator in order to be drawn day by day into ever more perfect union with God and with each other, so that finally God may be all in all. St. Leonard of St. Maurice, an Italian priest and missionary (d. 1751), the patron for parish missionaries, reveals much about the Mass when he writes: What graces, gifts and virtues the Holy Mass calls down repentance for sin victory over temptation holy inspirations which dispositions to shake off tepidity the grace of final perseverance, upon which depends our salvation . . .

Traditional Prayers Before and After Holy Communion.

Here are a few prayers you might consider using before and after receiving our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion. Before Holy Communion:Prayer of Saint John of Damascus Master and Lord, Jesus Christ our God, You alone have authority to forgive my sins, whether committed knowingly or in ignorance, and make me worthy to receive without condemnation Your divine, glorious, pure and life-giving Mysteries, not for my punishment, but for my purification and sanctification, now and in Your future Kingdom. For You, Christ our God, are compassionate and loves mankind and to You we give glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit now and forever and ever. Amen. After Holy Communion:The Anima Christi Prayer by St. Francis of Assisi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee. From the malignant enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me. And bid me come to Thee. That with Thy saints I may praise Thee. Amen.