What is meant by the Liturgy of the Eucharist?
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the very heart of the Mass. Using one of the approved Eucharistic prayers, the priest prays over the gifts, asks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them, recites the narrative of consecration, elevates the host and cup for the faithful to reverence and proceeds to call to mind the passion, resurrection and glorious return of the Lord Jesus. In this sacred, sacramental action the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ and we, through our participation in this mystery of faith, share spiritually in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Saint Justin describes this great prayer of thanksgiving and then notes “when he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: ‘Amen.'” In describing the liturgy of the Eucharist, the Catechism tells us that “We carry out this command of the Lord by celebrating the memorial of his sacrifice. In so doing, we offer to the Father what he has himself given us: the gifts
