The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mt 20:28)
In the celebration of Mass, the faithful gather, not as a crowd, but as the Body of Christ. Minsters imitate the love and service of Jesus Christ through their roles, assisting the prayers of those gathered through the living Word in scripture and receiving his memorial covenant in Communion.
The liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows. (Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 10)
The Eucharist is the mystery in which Christ's sacrifice on the cross is perpetuated, his death is memorialized, and the foretaste of the heaven is celebrated. For all this, the Mass is our primary way to offer thanks and praise to God. In Communion we are made one, and sent forth to transform the world.
You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind... You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Mt 22:37-40)
Each time we serve in the Mass in love, we deepen our understanding of the mystery of faith, and, in doing so, inspire others to follow. In God's love compassion we are redeemed, and by that same love, we are called to care for each other.
Liturgical Update
The Liturgical Update is a weekly email weekly email for all those involved at St. Joseph's, and includes Sunday reading reflections, scheduling, and other parish happenings.
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We are always welcoming new ministers to serve in the liturgies we celebrate. Contact liturgy@stjosephboston.org for more information.
One Sheet Protocol for Liturgical Ministries: