St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 19399 E. Hwy. 120, Ripon, CA 95366 US - Recent Changes in the Liturgy
| Recent Changes in the Liturgy |
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Our gestures intensify our prayer at Mass. During the Confiteor ("I confess"), the action of striking our breasts at the words "through my fault" can strengthen our awareness that our sin is our fault.
There will be a period of silence following the homily at which time the congregation reflects on the readings and the homily.
In the Creed, we are invited to do a profound bow at the words commemorating the Incarnation: "by the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man." This gesture signifies our deep respect and gratitude to Christ, for though being God, did not hesitate to come among us as a human being.
During the Communion Rite of Mass, the United States bishops have recommended that, as we pray the Lord's Prayer, we extend our hands upward (not hold hands) signifying our humble dependence on God and our openness to receiving the gifts our daily bread and forgiveness that we seek in this prayer. The Our Father is followed by the Exchange of Peace with hand clasping and prayerful greetings of peace.
The new instructions call for each communicant to make a sign of reverence before receiving Communion standing. The bishops of this country have determind that this sign will be the bowing of the head before receiving the Body and also before receiving the Blood of Christ.
The congregation is to remain standing from the Our Father until the last person has received Communion. At that time, the faithful may sit or kneel in silent prayer. There should be no music or song at this time.