We Remember and Give Thanks

As we look for new ways to engage those preparing for the sacrament of Eucharist by recontextualising (establishing a holistic Catholic identity in the context of a secular and pluralist society by bringing the Catholic tradition and the surrounding culture into dialogue.) it is important to remember the reason for coming to the table.

Dominic Grassi in his book LIVING THE MASS-How One Hour a Week Can Change Your Life describes the Mass as both the cornerstone and apex of his prayer life and how the words of the Eucharistic Prayer fill him with awe, humility and thanksgiving. (p95-96)

Once we have been nourished by the Word of God, we turn our attention to “The Liturgy of the Eucharist”.  This is a complex prayer beginning with thanksgiving and acclamation, followed by the invocation-the priest expressing our desire that by the power of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of bread and wine will become for us the body and blood of Christ and that all who receive him will be saved. With the institution narrative-recalling Jesus’ words and actions at the Last Supper- the bread and wine become the body and blood of our Saviour and Messiah Jesus Christ. The prayer then remembers all the great and wonderful ways God has shown his love for us.  Then comes our time to offer our appreciation for all God has done for us- “We offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice…”  Then we pray for the church and all the members living and dead, that we might be strengthened by the Eucharist to do the work of the gospel.

And we end with the great Amen, the final doxology whose aim is an expression of ownership, allowing the faithful to confirm that the words of the Eucharistic Prayer are indeed our words. (Grassi p101-112)

How then can we pass on the depth and breadth of this beautiful prayer to those in the sacrament’s workshops? We must have a deep understanding of the prayer and look for ways to connect it to everyday life-we must bring our life to our faith and our faith to our life.

Ann Voskamp in her book One Thousand Gifts says that “deep ‘chara’ joy is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo-the table of thanksgiving.

Charis. Grace.

Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving.

Chara. Joy

Grace, thanksgiving, joy. Eucharisteo. (p32-33)

Ann Voskamp’s book is a journey of thanksgiving that begins and always leads to the table of the Eucharist.  She takes on a challenge and in turn challenges readers to make a list of one thousand blessings, gifts we are thankful for.  It is through the writing of this list that we learn how to be grateful and happy, whether hands full or empty-that is a secret worth spending a life on learning. (p47)

A possible activity (see photo below) would be to have a pair of novelty sunglasses for each child.  The home activity is to put on the glasses and find things they are grateful for.  They can take a photo.

Eucharisteo-thanksgiving-always precedes the miracle.

For more information on Ann Voskamp and her journey: https://annvoskamp.com/

Please feel free to contact me regarding any queries concerning sacramental preparation for school aged children. (4994 8104)

Jocelyne Benoit (Sacraments-Resource Contact Diocese of Rockhampton