ISENBRANT, Adriaen
Mass of St Gregory
Oil on canvas, 72 x 56 cm
What we celebrate
when we Christians
gather together?
24
Compendium of the Catechism
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218. What is the liturgy?
1066-1070
The liturgy is the celebration of
the mystery of Christ and in
particular his paschal mystery.
Through the exercise of the
priestly office of Jesus Christ
the liturgy manifests in signs
and brings about the
sanctification of humankind.
The public worship which is
due to God is offered by the
Mystical Body of Christ, that is,
by its head and by its
members.
Introduction
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The mystery of Christ; this
alone is what the liturgy
announces and celebrates.
Christ lives and acts in the
Church through the
sacraments. These apply the
merits of the Redemption to
humanity, thus continuing the
saving work that Jesus
carried out in the world.
He who wishes to live the life
of God must participate in the
liturgy of the Church. The
liturgy celebrates the
mysteries of our salvation, in
union with Christ and inspired
by the Holy Spirit, thereby
rendering to God the Father
the homage of adoration,
praise and thanksgiving that
He expects from His children.
Main ideas
1. What is the liturgy of the Church?
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The liturgy is the work by
which Christ –through physical
signs and symbols
glorifies the Father in the unity
of the Spirit and saves
mankind,
 acts in the Church as the
invisible Head through His
ministers,
 in order to perpetuate the
work of redemption in the
world.
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POUSSIN, Nicolas
The Seven Sacraments: Confirmation
1645
Oil on canvas, 117 x 178 cm
National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh
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In the liturgy, the Church gives
public worship to God.
The liturgy is a participation in
the prayer of Christ and a
fountain of life which flows
from the Saviour of the world.
2. The liturgy, work of the Holy Trinity
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The three divine Persons
intervene in the liturgy.
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God the Father is worshipped
and praised as the source of
blessings for creation and for
salvation;
Christ –the eternal high priest–
shows forth the glory of God
and brings about the salvation
of mankind through the
sacraments;
the Holy Spirit –as the soul of
the Church– invigorates and
enlivens the work of God in
order to bring it to perfection.
COECKE VAN AELST, Pieter
Holy Trinity
Oil on panel, 98 x 84 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid
3. The sacraments of the Church
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The Church’s liturgical life
hinges on the seven
sacraments :
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CODAZZI, Viviano
St Peter's, Rome
c. 1630
Oil on canvas, 168 x 220 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid
Baptism
Confirmation
Eucharist
Penance
Anointing of the sick
Holy Orders
Matrimony
4. The celebration of the Church’s sacraments
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Although there are different
traditions within the single Church
of Christ, there are some common
elements in the liturgical
celebrations :
a) Who celebrates? The liturgy is the
work of the whole Christ, Head and
Body.
b) How is the liturgy celebrated? The
liturgical celebration is woven from
signs and symbols.
c) When is the liturgy celebrated?
Sunday, the day of the Lord, is the
principal day for the celebration of
the Eucharist.
d) Where is the liturgy celebrated? the
Church needs places where the
community can assemble: these
are our churches.
WEYDEN, Rogier van der
Seven Sacraments Altarpiece (detail)
1445-50
Oil on oak panel
Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp
5. We must participate actively in the liturgy of the Church
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Our mother the Church asks us
to attend the celebrations
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in a conscious way (being
aware of what we are doing),
 actively (taking part in the
various ceremonies)
 and fruitfully (being well
prepared to make the most of
the celebration).
Resolutions for
Christian life
Resolutions to move forward
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Always attend with devotion
any liturgical celebration of the
Church, and especially the Holy
Mass.
Make frequent visits to the
nearest church or temple,
which is invariably a privileged
place for an encounter with
God and for prayer.