Requesting Theology Help: Explaining The Liturgy

[brianthephysicist]

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted too much recently, Phatmass has been taking more of a backburner to my studies recently.  I'm posting today because I'd like to ask for some help.

 

MissyP and I have a non-Catholic friend that is interested in attending Mass with us.  To help ease her into the Mass, I thought I should spend some time writing an explanation for everything that she'll see when she gets there.  That way she won't see something and be absolutely confused, bothered, or overwhelmed and zone out for the rest of Mass.  

 

Once I got started, I realized maybe instead of tailoring this to her alone, maybe I could make it generalized enough to be used as a tool for evangelization or as a starting point for new/under-catechized Catholics to grow in their faith.  It's current incarnation is as follows:

• Large paragraphs to explain things related to the document or the Church in general
• Run-down of the Mass (in order) and with appropriate descriptions/explanations
• Single-page bare-minimum "cheat sheet" for the Mass

 

It's been a long process because #1 I'm not a good writer and #2 I ended up having to sit and read so much because there's sooooo terribly much I don't know yet.  And #2 is the primary reason I'm asking for help.  There's honestly just so much in the Mass that I don't understand well enough.

 

Could you guys and gals help me by reading through and checking to make sure my theology is okay?  

 

Of particular note, I have a note on when transubstantiation occurs that I seriously need checked out.

 

I'm less concerned about the style but I will gladly accept advice on improving that (my only mandatory restriction is that the cheat sheet remain 1 page or less).

 

To facilitate changes in a manageable way, I will host the document as a google doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KcnWNBix-oZRJ_WW80SzvKmTvgbMMKRpB0EEkj6py_Q/edit?usp=sharing with viewing privileges free and only I will hold editing privileges, that way we won't be plagued by rampant edits and I won't miss an edit someone thought was inconsequential enough to change but not mention.

 

Thanks so much guys I really appreciate this.  Once it's all put together I won't be able to give you some type of reward for your efforts, but you are free to take the finished piece and freely distribute it or adapt it for your own needs (such as extending it to explain the differences in the Mass on various feast days).  I'd like to make the final product free to download and distribute for everyone if possible.

[arfink]

I am pretty sure I have never heard anybody ever say that transubstantiation happens at the Epiclesis. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I have never heard that. It happens at the words of consecration.

[Basilisa Marie]

Some people think transubstantiation happens at the epiclesis because they felt the need to define an exact point of consecration, and the epiclesis is when the Holy Spirit gets called down, so it made sense.  But it's not theologically accurate.   It happens during the Eucharistic prayer, sometime before the elevation of both elements and after the beginning of the Eucharistic prayer. As far as I know, there's no actual, official, distinct "point" when transubstantiation occurs, but the change happens during the consecration.  I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you can't claim a distinct point during the consecration that it changes. 

[Apotheoun]

I wrote a brief summary on the liturgy in a thread started by an anti-Catholic poster named Stormstopper some years ago. Perhaps it would be helpful here:

 

 

I find your comments on the nature of biblical memorials unconvincing, because both Jews and Christians in ancient times believed that "memorials" rendered present the sacred event that was being memorialized (cf. Artur Weiser "The Psalms," Max Thurian "The Eucharistic Memorial," Gerhard Von Rad "Old Testament Theology," and Ernest G. Wright "God Who Acts: Biblical Theology as Recital"). In fact, the doctrine that biblical memorials are a participation in the living eternal memory of God is found in both the writings of the Church Fathers and in the Rabbinic texts of the early Christian era (cf. Herbert Danby, translator, "The Mishnah," Pesahim 10:5, page 151).

Ultimately, the Greek word anamnesis bears the same meaning as the Hebrew word zikkaron, and both words can be translated into English as "memory" or "remembrance," but the memory that is manifested through a liturgical celebration is not the memory of a mere man, nor is it even the memory of the worshipping community per se; instead, it is the eternal and everliving memory of God [see Matthias Scheeben, "The Mysteries of Christianity," (London: B. Herder Book Company, 1946), page 509]. Now, the divine memory is manifested through the chanting of the inspired biblical narrative and through the proper use of the sacred signs established for this very purpose (i.e., the bread and wine, etc.) by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself while He walked upon the earth as Man among men. That said, the liturgy of the Church manifests three distinct realities simultaneously: (1) the liturgy renders present a past event, i.e., the incarnation and paschal mystery of Christ, making it operative today; (2) it gives grace, i.e., divine energy, in the present moment; and (3) it anticipates the Parousia at the end of time, making it a living reality for the members of the worshipping community. In fact, this third element was manifested on Mt. Tabor when Christ was Transfigured in front of the three Apostles, because Christ Himself is the Kingdom of God realized in human form, and -- as a consequence -- all those who become members of His body, the Church, are living the reality of the Kingdom here and now, and not simply as something that will happen in the future. In other words, the life of divine grace (i.e., energy) given in the sacraments is an eschatological reality in which time itself is transcended, so that the participants in the liturgy experience what was, is, and is to come in the mystery of Christ incarnate, and in the process all the members of the Church experience a foretaste of the divine eternity.         

 

Taken from the thread:  Transubstantiation Unsubstantiated

[CrossCuT]

For someone JUST starting out...that is a lot. 

I think it has a lot of nice info!

Edited September 5, 2013 by CrossCuT

[AnneLine]

Brian, my 2 cents worth... I think maybe just keep it VERY simple for someone coming for the first time.  If you toss a lot of theology and liturgy at her, she will be overwhelmed.  It is kind of like giving the chemical composition of chocolate to someone before they taste it... sometimes better to taste and THEN explain how it all works.

 

 

If it were me, I'd let her know what to expect in a Catholic Church, and what to expect at Mass. 

 

ABOUT VISITING A CHURCH:

 

Tell her that this a a very special place for you, and that you want her to feel like she has some idea what to expect.   I'd explain about why the Church is set up the way it is, about the Altar and the Tabernacle.  If you have an altar rail, explain what that is and why it is there.  Explain what a genuflection is, and why you will bless yourself with holy water when you come in the door. 

 

I'd tell her about what else she might see -- statues, crucifix, Baptismal Font, whatever.  Sometimes people like to know about the colors of vestments, or particular shrines, stained glass windows, etc. 

 

Tell her about the people she might see -- the priest, deacon, readers, etc.  And that a collection is taken during the offertory.  You might explain how the missalette works if she is someone who might like to follow along or sing.

 

Tell her you will take her around after Mass and answer questions.  Maybe light a candle if she would like.  :)

 

 

ABOUT THE MASS:

 

I think I agree with CrossCut that too much info would be scary.  I have usually told people what to expect by giving a very simple overview of the Mass.... more focusing on the externals and the Eucharist Itself. 

 

Explain in very general terms the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

 

Explain how at the start of Mass, we first ask pardon for anything that keeps us from approaching God worthily (confiteor, kyrie), and that we listen to scripture readings (1st and 2nd Readings & Gospel), and why we stand for the Gospel.  Then that there will be a homily, which is based on those readings.  Then we profess our faith, stating exactly what it is we believe as Catholics.  

 

Then explain that Father will prepare the gifts, and head into the central part of the Mass, the Eucharistic Prayer.

 

l would tell her in general terms that Catholics believe that during the middle of Mass the bread and wine is changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus, even though it still looks like bread and wine.  (You can use the correct terms or not... judge your audience....).  Explain that this is why in the Roman Catholic Church we kneel at this point in the Mass. 

 

If they use bells in your parish, let her know to expect them, and that she can know at that point that the bread and wine has become Jesus.

 

Then explain that while you and Missy will be going up to Communion, this is only for Catholics who have prepared themselves to receive Jesus.  (If they do blessings for adults in your parish, you could explain that to her and let her know she is welcome to come if she wishes, and show her what to do.)  Or that it is also fine to wait respectfully in the pew.  I'd tell her you will pray very specially for her after you have received Jesus, and ask if there is anything specially she would like you to pray for.  (Most people are open to this... and it makes a big impression on them.)  (And of course, you would pray very specially for her!!!)

 

And I will be praying that Our Lord will touch her in a very special way during her visit.  :pray:

Edited September 5, 2013 by AnneLine

[Basilisa Marie]

In general, I think it's great to be putting a one-size-fits-all type of document like this for reference, but when you're in the weeds of bringing someone to mass the first time, I agree with what Anneline said. Give general explanations first, talk about different body positions, follow along with her in the missallette so she can see the words being said as they're spoken, and explain communion.  Unless the person is someone who is already super into theology, any more than that will be overwhelming for a first time.  Instead of focusing on making sure she understands all the things, I think it'd be better to let go and let God do the spiritual heavy lifting.  Most people are going to encounter the mass first with their senses, rather than their brains. 

 

I do think what you're doing with this document is really good though, as something that people taking a first-timer to mass to read so that they are prepared to answer whatever questions the person may have.  

[AnneLine]

Yeah, I should have said that directly.

 

 I like what you are putting together, Brian, but more as either a reference for a person wanting to deepen their faith or for someone when they ask for more info after the first visit.

But you know the person, so follow the Spirit's leadings.....

[LouisvilleFan]

On the moment of transubstantiation, that would be the words of institution: "This is my Body," "This is the Blood of the New Covenant."

 

As for your friend, I'd say just bring her to Mass and let her experience it firsthand. Many non-Catholics are turned off by the impression that our faith is very complicated. Explanations of why we do stuff that dive into ancient Hebrew, etc. probably reinforce that. Of course, some people dig history and theology. Most people need a more personal connection, which is exactly what Jesus gives us in the sacraments and life of the Church. So in explaining things, I would focus on what makes it personal to us. For instance, Baptism cleanses our sins and blessing ourselves with holy water is a remembrance that we died to Christ (hence why we sign the Cross) and have new life in Him.

[brianthephysicist]

Thanks guys I can't begin to explain how amazing all of you have been in this process, from people in this thread, PM's, emails, and FB messages you guys have given me an immense amount of support and help with this.

 

I'm still not sure I understand what to do with the transubstantiation question.  I've heard conflicting statements from serious lay people as well as priests and religious. I'm gonna keep digging on my own, but I think I'm also gonna leave it for the wonderful scholars in the Q&A section to see what they can dig up on this.

 

You guys are right about missing my audience with all the deep theology.  I need to make things simpler.  Here's part of what I wrote in an email to someone talking about this issue:

 

 

I've also been thinking about what people have said about the level of theology in this and I think there's some honest truth to that.  I don't mean to say that what I've written is useless, but that it's optimal audience is not the originally intended audience.  This would be good for people that have been coming to Mass and know a fair chunk of what is going on, but want a small step forward into learning more about the Liturgy. 

 

So instead of scrapping the project entirely, I think I'd like to make some kind of simpler version of this and incorporate this into what I already have.  Maybe I'll even end up making some kind of ranking system for theological difficulty: firstcomer, novice, disciple, apostle. 

 

For this new simpler version, I want to step out of the nitty gritty details and explain the gist of what is happening in sweeping strokes.  

 

I certainly won't have the new version up immediately, but as soon as I do (even if it might take more time than I'd like), I will let you know.

 

Thanks again guys, I couldn't do this without your help.