• • St. Mary's Catholic Church worships together as a community of believers.

    
    Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God's holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
    (CCC #2182)
    
    The Sunday celebration of the Lord's Day and his Eucharist is the heart of the Church's life.
    (CCC #2177)
    
     

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    Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist
    Our eucharistic celebration or Mass is made up of two main parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
    Preceded by introductory rites, the Liturgy of the Word consists of the proclamation of the word of God, the profession of faith, and the prayer of the faithful.
    The sections of the Liturgy of the Eucharist are the preparation of gifts, the eucharistic prayer, and the communion rite.
    
    The Mass ends with a brief concluding rite.
    In both parts together we experience God and participate in a single integrated act of worship. It is through hearing the word of God that we believe in sharing the bread of life and through sharing the bread of  life that we are empowered to live the word of God.
     
     
     
    This bulletin insert was written by Marion Eagen, a liturgist and musician in the diocese of Scranton, Pa. © 2002 Resource Publications, Inc., 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505. All rights reserved.