Eucharist Parent Material

THE ORDER OF THE MASS L I TURGY OF THE WORD There are two important reasons why Scripture readings are part of every liturgy. Jesus is present when the Word is proclaimed in the midst of the liturgical assembly; and we need to be nourished as much by God’s Word as by the Sacrament of the Eucharist. THE F IRST READING If there are to be two readings as well as the Gospel the first reading is usually from the part of the Bible we call the Old Testament. If there is only one reading before the Gospel it may be a reading from the Old Testament or from the letters in the New Testament. THE RESPONSORIAL PSALM This Psalm is from the Old Testament. It usually echoes the ideas of the other readings of the Mass. Sometimes it is read and at other times it is sung by a cantor or choir. THE SECOND READING Like the First Reading this reading is taken from the Bible (Sacred Scripture). It is usually from the New Testament, that is, the stories and letters written by the apostles and disciples of Jesus after His death. P A R T T W O S H A R E W I T H Y O U R C H I L D Help your child to realise that we meet Jesus present in the Word. Through the Scriptures we learn how to live as Jesus taught us. READ with your child the passages of the Scripture text from the Sunday Missal during the week before attending Mass. This will help them to understand the meaning behind the text. This useful activity will help them to see that this is the revealed Word of God. THE FIRST READING The reading concludes with the statement: The Word of the Lord. We all answer: Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIAL PSALM ENCOURAGE your child to take part in the responsorial psalm by echoing the response (that is, repeating what has been said or sung.) THE SECOND READING The introduction and conclusion to this Second Reading is the same as for the First Reading. SHARE this with your child. If it is possible, take time to look at the readings for the next Sunday Mass. SPEND some time talking about these readings. Your shared wisdom and understanding will help your child focus on what they are about. 11