A group of the community met earlier in the week to prepare for this Eucharist. They gathered to review the readings so to prepare for their monitions. These "monitions" are very brief "synopsis like" introductions to the readings. They help those listening to be ready and attentive to the Word of God. The group also prepares the environment of the celebration such as the flowers, linens, sacred vessels and the bread & wine.
The bread that we use for consecration is not a wafer and is not a dinner roll for that matter. Those tasked to prepare the bread are instructed to make the bread according to the regulations set forth by the church. In short, nothing is added to the flour, it is unbleached and unleavened. It is to my understanding that this form of bread is actually what is prescribed by the church. The wafers that are used at Sunday Mass are only allowed when the unleavened bread is not feasible. Regular altar wine is always used for consecration during the Eucharist.
There are certain things that are a bit different from the Regular Mass but these have been approved by the church.
1. The short monitions before the readings.
2. The Sign of Peace takes place before the Preparation rather than before the Agnus Dei(Lamb of God).
3. Both Species (Body & Blood) are distributed for Communion.
4.Those receiving communion stand in their place and the priest distributes communion to them while standing.
As soon as the Priest has ended the Eucharist and has recessed out of the assembly, the community begins the dance. Even though I dont usually participate in this dance because of my lack of rhythm(lol), I see this as a way of us showing the joy and thanksgiving that we have for the Eucharist. Its as comparable as to the times I remain kneeling after Sunday Mass to give thanks to God for allowing me to experience this heaven on earth miracle of the Mass.
Tonights Eucharist was beautiful. The readings were a word for me in my life today. The Gospel was one of my favorite parables, the Parable of the Sower.
Afterwards we had a little potluck of a dinner. I cant wait for the next Celebration.
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