Chapter 27 Introduction to Liturgy

Mass and other official prayers of the church are called liturgies. Liturgy is a communal, public, official prayer of the church. Communal means we participate in liturgy together with one another, in communion with the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Public means liturgy is not the private prayer of individuals by themselves. Official means that liturgy is celebrated under the direction and guidelines of the Pope and the bishops.

One of the main effects of liturgy, especially when we celebrate Mass, is that all who participate become one. They are united to one another and to all the saints throughout time. This happens because in the liturgy, they are caught up in the love of the Trinity. Therefore, when we pray the liturgy, we participate in the reality taking place right now in Heaven and on earth, where all the saints and angels are united with us in praising God.

Our liturgies throughout the year unfold the whole mystery of Christ, from his birth through his death, resurrection, ascension into heaven, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. In Advent and Christmas, we remember how God became one of us. In Lent and Easter, we celebrate how God saved us. Throughout the rest of the year, we experience the joy of living as God's children.