CENTRALITY OF THE SUNDAY EUCHARIST

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Eucharist makes the Church” (CCC 1396). No other activity in which we participate as Catholics surpasses the salvific value of the Sunday Eucharist. All parish programs, activities and events should flow from this weekly gathering of the People of God. We must recognize that there is no more important commitment than this. No secular activity, including sporting or recreational events, should take priority over the weekly obligation to participate in the Sunday Eucharist. When we share in the Sunday Eucharist, we are nourished and strengthened by the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This nourishment assists us both as individuals and as a people sent forth by God to build up his Kingdom in the world in which we live.

In light of the centrality of the Sunday Eucharist in the life of the Church, it is incumbent upon every parish to insure that Sunday Eucharist reflects the highest standards of good liturgy. This would entail an examination and possible adaptation of elements of liturgy that include: presiding, preaching, functions of liturgical ministers, music, and environment and art. Since formation in our faith revolves around the Sunday Eucharist, it is essential that we model in our Sunday Eucharistic celebrations, the same level of excellence that we desire in our Faith Formation programs. Indeed, the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is the ultimate experience of faith formation.