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The Eucharist and the Church’s Year

LEARNING STRAND > SACRAMENT AND WORSHIP

9C

RELIGIOUSEDUCATIONP R O G R A M M E

FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

THE LOGO

The logo is an attempt to express Faith as an inward and outward journey.

This faith journey takes us into our own hearts, into the heart of the world and into the heart of Christ who is God’s love revealed.

In Christ, God transforms our lives.We can respond to his love for us by reaching out and loving one another.

The circle represents our world.White, the colour of light, represents God.Red is for the suffering of Christ. Red also represents the Holy Spirit.Yellow represents the risen Christ.

The direction of the lines is inwardsexcept for the cross,which stretches outwards.

Our lives are embedded in anddependent upon our environment(green and blue) and our cultures(patterns and textures).

Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, is represented by the blueand white pattern.

The blue also represents the Pacific…

Annette Hanrahan RSJC

© Copyright 2016 by National Centre for Religious Studies

No part of this document may be reproduced in any way, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Imprimatur + Leonard Boyle DD Bishop of Dunedin Episcopal Deputy for Religious Studies October 2002

Authorised by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Design & Layout Kraftwork PO Box 19085 Wellington New Zealand

Published By National Centre for Religious Studies Catholic Centre PO Box 1937 Wellington New Zealand www.ncrs.org.nz

Māori words and advanced words are highlighted in red in the text. You can click on highlighted

words in the text to view their meaning.

You can also view all the Māori words in a glossary on PAGE 66.

PART ONEThe Idea of a Cycle

Focus: • Everything in nature, including our lives,

is part of a cycle.

The Natural CycleToday it is very hard for us to avoid knowing what the

time is. Watches, clocks, computers, radios, TVs and

school bells constantly tell us what the time is and

remind us that ours is a world ruled by time. We are

praised for being on time and hassled if we are late

for a class or an appointment. A sense of time is so much a part of our life style it is

impossible for us to imagine a world without it.

The idea that the first people did not know about time is hard for us to grasp. But it

seems that a sense of time developed only gradually as our ancestors came to make

sense of te ao mārama (the world around them – the world of light). As they realised

that nature operated according to regular patterns or cycles, te tangata (humans)

developed the familiar units of time we call the day, the week, the month and the

year.

The Day: The idea of a 24-hour day came from studying the sun. For us, a new day

starts at midnight but originally it was measured from sunrise to sunrise, or from

sunset to sunset. Although it took a long time for people to work it out, the length of

the day was determined by the time it took the earth to spin on its own axis.

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

Sabbathlunarsolarfixed

moveable

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THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

The Week: Early cultures then began to think in terms of larger units of time. Our

seven-day week was based mainly on the Jewish creation story where Te Atua (God)

took six days to make the world before resting on the seventh. This seventh day, a day

of rest, led the Jews to establish their Sabbath.

The Month: The idea of the month developed when ancient people realised that it

took about 29½ days for the moon to go around the earth. Throughout history many

religious observances have been linked to this monthly lunar cycle. For example, the

date of Te Aranga (Easter) is set according to the movements of the moon.

The Year: From the time that people first started to plant crops and harvest

them they came to realise that certain times were better for the different

aspects of cultivation than others. Hot and cold temperatures, wet and dry

conditions all served different purposes. Eventually people realised these

different conditions or seasons were all related to the changing position of the

sun in the sky and that the sun’s distance from the earth seemed to follow a set

pattern that took 365 days to complete. Science now tells us that the solar year

of 365 days is the time that it takes for the earth to move around the sun.

Task OneDraw a diagram or design a poster using pictures and words that show some aspect(s) of the cycles we find in nature.

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THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

Complete this crossword about the natural cycle:

Across2. Our seven-day week is based on this story.5. A regular repeating pattern in nature.6. This idea developed when people realised how long it took for the moon to go around the earth.7. God did this on the seventh day.8. A day is the time it takes for the earth to spin on this.9. Watches and clocks measure this.12. To do with the sun.14. To do with the moon.15. It takes 365 days for this planet to orbit the sun.

Down1. There are four of these each year.3. There are twenty-four of these in a day.4. The cycle of the four seasons takes this long to complete.6. When our day begins.10. The date of this Christian feast is set according to the moon's movements.11. The Jewish day of rest.13. Our tūpuna (ancestors) got the idea of a twenty-four hour day by studying this.

Task Two

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5 6

7

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9 10

12

11

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14 15

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The Māori CalendarLong before the Pākehā arrived in New

Zealand, Māori had their own calendars

which set the months of the year and

the days of the month. The Māori year

began in what we now call the month

of June. The Māori month was divided

into thirty days or nights based around

the movements of the moon. Each

month had set times for carrying out

certain activities such as planting crops,

harvesting, fishing, gathering kai moana

(seafood), catching eels, conservation,

sea travel and exploring.

The following maramataka (lunar

calendar) on PAGE 9 gives the days of

the month and the activities that happen

on those days. Whiro, the first day of

the month, falls after the new moon.

Rākaunui, the fifteenth day, falls on the

day after the full moon.

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

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Māori Christ, Julia Lynch RSM (1896–1975)

Task Three Work in small groups.

a. Each group is to be responsible for a different activity. Work out yourgroup’s activity with the teacher.

Planting GroupCrayfishing Group

Fishing GroupEeling Group

Questions to help you plan your activity:1. What are the best days for your activity?2. What other days are good or fair for it?3. What days should you not do the activity?

Using the information on the Māori calendar on PAGE 9 plan out the month’s programme for your group’s activity.

b. You are planning a trip by waka (canoe) to trade with a neighbouringtribe up the coast.• On what days would you not want to travel?• Which day would you choose to go on the trip?

Something to Think AboutThe Maramataka was based around the movements of the moon. What are some of the ways in which the moon affects people’s lives today?

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

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Maramataka (Monthly Calendar)1. Whiro: A good day for planting and fishing.

2. Tirea: A good day for planting, crayfishing, and catching eels by torchlight.

3. Ohoata: A very good day for planting ku-mara and any seeds; also for crayfishing or torching for eels.

4. Oue:A good day for planting, also for fishing.

5. Okoro: Just another day.

6. Tamatea Angana: Fair for planting and fishing. Windy, with strong sea currents; expect a change of weather.

7. Tamatea Āiō: A very good day for fishing, but watch out for the weather. Big waves will come up, and the weather will be overcast. Good for cropping.

8. Tamatea: Eels, fish, and ku-mara are plentiful but small in size. When boating keep an eye on the weather.

9. Tamatea Whakapau: Fair for planting from midday only, also fair for fishing.

10. Ari: A bad day.

11. Huna: A bad day (fish very timid).

12. Mā wharu: A very good day for planting but food does not keep very long: also a good day for fishing.

13. Atua: Not a very good day for fishing and planting.

14. Turu: A fair day for fishing and planting from midday to sunset.

15. Rākaunui:A very good day for planting and fishing (but not eeling).

16. Rākaumatohi: A very good day for planting and fishing.

17. Takirau: The moon is losing its brightness. Kūmara planted on this day are small; also crayfish and eels.

18. Oike:Just another day. Not the best for planting and fishing.

19. Korekore Tē Whiwhia: A bad day.

20. Korekore Rawa: A bad day.

21. Korekore Piri Ki Tangaroa: A very good day from midday to sunset for planting, fishing, and so on.

22. Tangaroa Ā Mua: A very good day for planting and fishing for crayfish and eels. Anything planted on the days of Tangaroa produces size and number.

23. Tangaroa Ā Roto: A very good day for planting and fishing for crayfish and eels.

24. Tangaroa Kiokio: A very good day for planting and fishing for crayfish and eels.

25. Tangaroa Whakapau: A very good day for planting and fishing for crayfish and eels.

26. Ōtā ne: A very good day for planting and fishing for crayfish and eels.

27. Ōrongonui: A very good day for planting, and fishing for crayfish and eels; also a good day for business.

28. Maurea: Not a very good day for planting and fishing, or eeling, and crayfish are very elusive.

29. Mutu: A bad day.

30. Mutuwhenua: A bad day. The world is in darkness, according to Maori belief.

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

NOTE: INFORMATION ADAPTED FROM TIKANGA WHAKAARO: KEY CONCEPTS

IN MĀORI CULTURE BY CLEVE BARLOW (AUCKLAND, 2001)

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Our Year in Aotearoa Following the pattern of nature, our calendar in New Zealand is organised on a yearly cycle.

Our year begins on the 1 January, New Year’s Day and ends on 31 December. People will

usually stay up celebrating past midnight on New Year’s Eve, to farewell the old year

and welcome in the new. The New Year is usually greeted with the words ‘Happy New

Year’. It is a time when we recognise that for ourselves and others the year brings fresh

opportunities for new growth. Making New Year resolutions and wishing each other

health, wealth and happiness are some of the tikanga (customs) associated with the

New Year. These traditions came about because people recognise that the New Year is

full of promises and possibilities. It won’t be like last year. It will be the best year yet.

While most New Zealanders celebrate New Year on 1 January, it is celebrated on

other dates by those communities who operate according to their own calendars.

The Jewish New Year, Muslim New Year, and Chinese New Year, for example, are

celebrated at different times from our New Year.

Other times of the year have their own special mood or spirit, and their own

traditions. We take part in different activities and experience different emotions

according to the different seasons and times: spring or autumn, school term or

holiday time, winter sports or summer pastimes. We live each of these differently and

move from one to the other as part of the natural cycle. Together these seasons make

up our year. Through them we live out the promise the year holds for us.

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

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Task Four a) Work in pairs or groups to fill in the chart on PAGE 12. Use the dates for this year. Some of these special days are fixed (they

occur on the same date each year); others are moveable (the dates change from year to year).

b) Write about any other important days for New Zealanders in the blank spaces on the chart.

c) Try to include some special days that are important to other cultures living in Aotearoa.

For example, the Jewish New Year, the Muslim New Year and the Chinese New Year.

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

Our Special DaysThe year is marked for all of us with

special days of commemoration or

celebration. Here are some of the

important days in the New Zealand

national calendar, those days that are

special to us as a nation. Different parts

of the country also have their own

special days.

• New Year’s Day

• Waitangi Day

• Anzac Day

• Mothers’ Day

• Queen’s Birthday

• Fathers’ Day

• Labour Weekend

• Local Anniversary Days (these vary

from province to province)

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THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

This year is 2

Special Day Date this Year

Fixed or Moveable

Reason for Commemoration or Celebration

Special Activities or Customs

New Year’s Day

Waitangi Day

Anzac Day

Mothers’ Day

Queen’s Birthday

Fathers’ Day

Labour Day

Local Anniversary Day

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THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

Task Five a) If you could introduce a new holiday in Aotearoa what would it be? Fill

out the details on the chart below.

New Special Day

Date this Year

Fixed or Moveable

Reason for Commemoration or Celebration

Special Activities or Customs

b) What reason would you give to convince the government we should have this new holiday?

Task Six Print out the New Zealand calendar for this year from http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/ and mark each of the special days from page 12 (including your new special day).

Extension ExerciseFor those special days which are moveable (where the date changes from year to year) there is always a rule that is used to set the date. Find out the rule that sets each moveable special day.

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http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/

Task Seven Within our own families we also go through a yearly cycle of special

occasions. Add these important days in your own year to the calendar in the workbook. Show as many of the following as you can as well as others that are special to you.

1. The four seasons: spring, summer autumn, winter.2. School holidays. Shade these in.3. Your own birthday.4. Family birthdays.5. Special family occasions (anniversaries, weddings, deaths etc.)6. Other days that are important to you.

Something to Discuss• Why is it important to celebrate special days in our country?• Why is it important to celebrate special days in our own whānau (family)?• Why is it important to celebrate special days with our friends?

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

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Seasons and Times in the BibleThe Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament speaks of the different seasons and

times that make up the human life cycle.

There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven:

A time for giving birth,a time for dying;a time for planting,a time for uprooting what has been planted.

A time for killing,a time for healing;a time for knocking down, a time for building.

A time for tears,a time for laughter; a time for mourning,a time for dancing.

A time for throwing stones away,a time for gathering them;a time for embracing,a time to stop from embracing.

A time for searching,a time for losing;a time for keeping,a time for throwing away.

A time for tearing,a time for sewing; a time for keeping silent,a time for speaking.

A time for loving,a time for hating;a time for war, a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

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Task EightCopy out those statements that you think are true according to Ecclesiastes, then put a tick next to any that especially appeal to you.

• Everything in life is part of the natural cycle• Life is always changing• Some things in nature have a purpose• Life doesn’t make any sense• Things happen when they are meant to happen• Humans should try to control time• Human experience is full of opposites• We should go where life takes us

Something to Think AboutEcclesiastes was written a long time ago.

• Is there anything said there that is especially important today? Why?

• Is there any statement that you think doesn’t apply to life today? Why not?

THE IDEA OF A CYCLE

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PART TWOThe Church’s Year

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

liturgicalseaons and feasts

martyrsymbol

Focus: • Te tau me ona ritenga tapu (the Church’s Year)

follows a cycle centred on the important events in the life of Jesus – his birth, ministry, death and resurrection.

• The different seasons and feasts of the Church are associated with different colours and symbols.

The Church’s CycleAll religions have their important religious celebrations, many originally linked to the

cycles of nature. Every year different religions set aside special days or seasons that

they consider sacred.

The Christian Church has its own special calendar called the ‘liturgical year’, an

annual cycle of seasons and major feasts. Throughout the Church’s year the events of

Jesus’ life, death and Resurrection are remembered and celebrated.

SundayGoing to Mass, joining in the prayer of the Mass, is the most important thing that

Catholics do. The day set aside for going to Mass is Sunday. It is the first day of the

week, the day on which Hehu rose from the dead.

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By going to Mass each week Catholics become part of the Church’s yearly liturgical

cycle which celebrates the important events of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and

Resurrection.

Many weekdays are dedicated to the memory of saints and martyrs, people who

witnessed to Jesus in a special way.

The Church’s year is divided into five major seasons:

• Advent

• Christmas

• Lent

• Easter

• Ordinary Time

THE CHURCH’S YEAR

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January February March

April

May

June

July August Septe

mber

O

ctob

er

Nov

embe

r Dec

ember

Holy Week

Easter

Christmas

Pentecost

Lent

THELITURGICAL

YEARCALANDAR

Te tau me ona ritenga tapu

Ordinary

Advent

Time

Ordinary Time

THE CHURCH’S YEAR

Each of the five seasons celebrates a different aspect of the life and message of Hehu

(Jesus).

AdventThe Church’s year begins late in November or early in December with Advent. Advent

is a four-week period of waiting and preparation for the birth of Hehu at Christmas.

During Advent, we look forward with hope to the coming of Te Atua among us. As

each Sunday of Advent passes, a new candle is lit on the Advent wreath in the church

to show that Christ’s coming is getting closer.

ChristmasChristmas is the second great festival of the Christian year, and celebrates the birth of

Jesus.

The word ‘Christmas’ comes from the old English ‘Chrestes Maesses’ or ‘Christ’s Mass’.

The December date was originally a Roman sun festival; no one knows the exact day

when Hehu was born. Choosing that date was a way of turning an existing celebration

into a Christian one. In the Northern Hemisphere, where it falls in the middle of

winter, Christmas is seen as a promise of the new life that Jesus brings. Christians

gather in churches all over the world late on Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas.

They hold midnight services, sing carols and waiata (songs) and offer thanks for the

birth of Jesus. Many Catholics will attend midnight Mass. Crib scenes are often set up

in churches, with models of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable at Bethlehem where

Jesus is believed to have been born.

Ordinary TimeOrdinary Time begins early in January after the celebration of Jesus’ baptism by

John in the River Jordan. This first section of Ordinary Time lasts six to nine weeks

depending on the date of Easter. It is a time to get back to normal after Christmas

and get on with our daily lives. Many of the readings at this time show us what an

amazing teacher Jesus was.

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Lent and Holy WeekThe season of Lent lasts for forty days. Its name comes from an old word for ‘spring’

– because Easter is a springtime festival in the northern hemisphere. Lent is used

to prepare those wanting to be Christians for Baptism and it is spent by many in

remembering Jesus’ time in the wilderness, as a preparation for Easter.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. On this day many Christians receive a cross

of ashes on their foreheads, as a sign of their sorrow for sins, and as a reminder of

death. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Christians do without certain

foods at this time. Some do not eat meat; others avoid alcohol or sweet things.

Almsgiving, the sharing of their money and possessions with those in need, helps

Christians direct their attention to God. It is also a way of working for justice in the

world. Not all Christians mark Lent, but many deliberately do without something

they normally enjoy. They believe this helps them to understand the suffering that

Hehu (Jesus) experienced.

Palm Sunday is the first day in Holy Week, the week

before Easter. It marks the day when Jesus rode into

Jerusalem on a donkey, and was welcomed by crowds

who threw down palm branches to greet him. This is re-

told around the world in Palm Sunday processions and

plays. Some Christians carry enormous palm branches,

while others use small crosses made from palm leaves

that have been blessed by a priest. The palm crosses link Palm Sunday with Good

Friday and are also burned the following year to make the ash used during Ash

Wednesday services.

In many parts of the world Passion plays and processions are performed during Holy

Week. ‘Passion’ means suffering, and the plays are based on the Gospel stories about

Jesus’ arrest and trial, and his death on the cross. Some processions are especially

famous, like those in Seville, in Spain. People dressed completely in black, with even

their faces masked from view, parade to show their sorrow for their sins. Many carry

crosses and statues of Hehu through the streets of their town.

THE CHURCH’S YEAR

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THE CHURCH’S YEAR

The Thursday before Easter is called Holy Thursday. It was the day that Jesus turned

the bread and wine into his body and blood when he celebrated the first Eucharist at

the Last Supper. This day also recalls the new commandment of love that Jesus gave

to his disciples after washing their feet (John 13:34). Many Church leaders wash the

feet of people in their churches. This reminds everyone of Jesus’ command that his

followers should serve others.

Good Friday is called ‘Good’ because on that day Jesus showed the greatest sort of

goodness possible. It is the most solemn day in the Christian year. Church services

often take place at 3pm – the time that Jesus died on the cross. Some Christians

spend the whole day in prayer and silence.

Easter Te Aranga is the most important Christian season. It is a happy time because it

celebrates the rising of Jesus from the dead on Easter Sunday after the sadness

of Good Friday. Most Christians hold services at midnight on Easter Saturday to

celebrate the beginning of Easter Day. Many use candlelight as a sign that Christ has

risen from death – and those words are used in their greetings to each other. ‘Christ

has risen!’ cries the priest. ‘He has truly risen!’ reply the congregation. The truth of

the resurrection is a living reality for Christians.

The Easter season ends with two important feasts. The Ascension, which comes forty

days after Easter, recalls Jesus leaving this world to be with Te Atua (God). Pentecost

celebrates the coming of Te Wairua Tapu (the Holy Spirit) and the birthday of the

Church.

Ordinary Time (again)The Church is now back to its regular life with a longer period of Ordinary Time. This

season takes us back to where we started – Advent. Feasts during this time include

Trinity Sunday, the Transfiguration, the Assumption, All Saints, and All Souls Days.

Ordinary Time ends with the celebration of Christ the King.

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THE CHURCH’S YEAR

Task Nine Complete the following puzzle based on your knowledge of the Church’s year.

Across5. The first season of the Church's year takes up most of this month.7. This day of the week is called good because it was the day Jesus gave his life for us.9. The date of Christmas was originally a Roman __ __ __ festival.11. This feast celebrates Jesus' birth.12. Another name for the Church's year.14. The place where Hehu was born.15. People welcomed Jesus with these when he rode into Jerusalem.

Down1. This feast forty days after Easter recalls Jesus leaving this world to return to God.2. This season prepares us for Christmas.3. This period of forty days leading up to Easter gets its name from an old word meaningSpring.4. This time when the priest wears green occurs twice in the Church's year.6. The most important Christian festival and a time of great happiness.8. On Holy Thursday Jesus washed his disciples’__ __ __ __ as a sign of arohanui (great love)and service.10. This name is used to describe the week before Easter.13. On the first day of Lent these are placed on Christians’ foreheads.

Te Tau Me Ona Ritenga Tapu

10

8 9

6

5

2 3 4

7

12 13

14

15

11

1

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THE CHURCH’S YEAR

Task TenDifferent seasons and feasts in the Church are connected with different colours. Each colour is a sign of the mood or spirit of its season or feast. Copy out each statement filling in the missing letters to spell the names of the correct Church feasts or seasons.

Purple or VioletThis colour stands for preparation and penance. It is worn in d n and L t.

GreenThis colour is for life and growth. It is worn in y T .

RedThis colour, the colour of the Holy Spirit, is a sign of inspiration, commitment and martyrdom. This colour is seen at P c and the feasts of M t y .

White and GoldThese are the colours of joy and royalty. They are worn at the important feasts of Jesus, including t r, t s and the A s .

The Church helps us to understand the meaning of Christ’s life and to grow in our Christian life, by following the events of Jesus’ life, Sunday by Sunday, through the year.

The different colours used in church remind us of the meaning of each Christian season.

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Task ElevenPictured on this and the following page are eight important symbols or events connected with different seasons and feasts in the liturgical year.

a. Name or describe the event or symbol that is pictured.b. Explain the meaning behind the event or symbol.c. Say what liturgical season or feast the symbol or event belongs to.

THE CHURCH’S YEAR

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a. b.

c. d.

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

THE CHURCH’S YEAR

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f.e.

g. h.

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

Event

Meaning

Season/Feast

Task Twelve a) Print out the calendar of important seasons and feasts of the Church’s Year

on PAGE 26.b) Shade in each season or feast with its correct colour.c) Add any other feasts (of Mary or the saints) that you are familiar with.d) Illustrate the different seasons and feasts on the calendar with suitable

symbols and drawings.

THE CHURCH’S YEAR

Something to Discuss• Why does the Church celebrate the same feasts and seasons every

year?• The Church’s calendar with its seasons and feasts was designed for

the northern hemisphere. What difficulties does this cause for us in Aotearoa when we come to celebrate feasts like Christmas and Easter? How can we deal with these difficulties?

THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR

Te tau me ona ritenga tapu

JANUARY FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRILM

AY

JUNE

JULYAUGUSTSEPTEMBER

OCT

OBE

RN

OVE

MBE

RDEC

EMBER

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PART THREEHoly Places, Holy Things and Holy Actions

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

rituals

Focus: • Certain places, objects and actions are

considered tapu (holy) because they speak to us in a special way of God’s presence in the world.

• Church buildings and many of the things found there are sacred because through them Jesus draws us closer to Te Atua (God).

• Those things that help us meet Jesus in the closest possible way during the action of the Eucharist are especially holy.

TaongaWhen someone we care for very deeply

gives us one of their own special

belongings as a gift we treasure it not

because of its cost or its usefulness but

because it belonged to the person we

love. Later, if that person dies or goes

away their gift becomes even more

precious. It reminds us of the special

times we shared with our loved one and

helps us keep our memory of them alive.

Some taonga (treasured possessions)

become so important to a whānau or

community that they are carefully

handed down from one generation to the

next and become heirlooms.

Task ThirteenDo you or your family have any taonga or heirlooms?

• What is the taonga or heirloom?

• Did it come from anybody special?

• How did you or your family come to get it?

• Why is it so precious?• What do you do to keep it

safe?

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Task FourteenPeople are sacred. But certain objects, places, and whare (buildings) can also be tapu.

In your group brainstorm to see how many different sacred objects, places and buildings you can name. Use your knowledge of different cultures to help you.

ExtensionUrupā or cemeteries are also tapu places. How do we respect the sacredness of these places?

Task FifteenTapu places such as marae also have their own tikanga (rituals), especially to do with welcoming new arrivals. What do you know about these?

In groups or pairs use the words from the box to discuss what happens on a marae when visitors arrive:

The Church – Sacred SpaceCatholics treat whare karakia (church buildings) and the special things found in them

with love and respect. This is because they belong to Hehu and help make him present

among us in a special way.

A church is built and set aside for the worship of Te Atua. It is the place where Mass

and other sacraments are celebrated, where people come to pray in the presence of

Jesus. All through history Christians have gone to a great deal of trouble to make

God’s house beautiful and to furnish it well. Over time certain churches have become

so important to God’s people that they are loved by Christians all over the world.

Something to Think AboutHow is a marae like a church? How are they different?

• Manuhiri• Tangata whenua• Turanga waewae• Karanga• Tapu• Koha• Hui• Kai

HOLY PLACES, HOLY THINGS AND HOLY ACTIONS

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Sign Mass Dip Spirit Bow

Son Knee Cross Ground Bread


Task Sixteena. When Catholics enter or leave a church, because we are entering or

leaving a holy place, we carry out certain actions called rituals. Fill in the spaces with words from the box to complete the statements about what these are.

When we enter a church:1. We our fingers in holy water and make the of

the over ourselves in the name of the Father, the and the Holy . This reminds us of our

Baptism, our entry into Christ’s family, the Church.

2. We face the direction of the tabernacle and bend the right till it touches the . This is called

genuflection. We do this because Jesus is really present in the tabernacle in the form of .

3. If the tabernacle is not in the main part of the church we in the direction of the altar. The altar is honoured because it is on the altar that Jesus becomes present during the .

b. How else can we show respect for God’s house?

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Inside a ChurchWhare karakia come in all shapes and

sizes but whatever the style and type of

building certain things will be found in

Catholic churches all over the world.

• The altar

• The lectern

• The tabernacle

• The crucifix

• The baptismal font

• Holy water stoups or fonts

• The sanctuary lamp

• The priest’s or bishop’s chair

• The Stations of the Cross

• Statues and pictures (of Our

Lady, the Sacred Heart, the

Saints)

• The credence table

• The reconciliation room

• The pews or seats for the people

• The organ or piano

Task Seventeena. How many of the items on

the above list can you identify in your local church or school chapel?

b. What other items are there but are not on the list? Add them to it.

Task EighteenDraw a plan of your local Church or school chapel or use the plan given to you by your teacher. Mark on the plan where the list items are found.


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Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Merseyside, UKG

GET

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Task NineteenSome things found in a church are more tapu or more important than others. In your group go through the above list and number the items in order from the most tapu to the least tapu, the most important to the least important. Which things are essential items? Make sure you can justify your opinions.

Special Items used during MassToday when we celebrate Mass we usually do so in a church. Many of the things we

find in the Church, the way these are arranged and used, have a special purpose to

do with the Mass. When we gather for Eucharist these things help us to meet Hehu in

the closest way possible.

Task TwentyGo into the sacristy of your Church or chapel. Sketch and label the following items which are all used during Mass:

a. The chaliceb. The altar breadsc. The wine and water jars

(cruets)d. The candlese. The lectionaryf. The ciborium

g. The corporalh. The purificatori. The stolej. The chasublek. The albl. The sacramentary


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Task Twenty-OneHow well do you remember the different items that are used at Mass? Complete each of the following descriptions by choosing the correct term for each item.

a. The is a long white robe reaching from the neck to the feet that is worn by the priest.

b. Lighted burn beside the lectern and on the altar during Mass to honour the presence of Christ.

c. The is a cup, usually made of precious metals, into which the priest pours the wine and a few drops of water that will be changed into the Precious Blood of Christ.

d. The is the priest’s outer garment. It is usually a long silk robe. The colour of the chasuble varies according to the liturgical season and feast being celebrated. The colours used are red, white, purple, green, and gold.

e. The is a container usually made of precious metals which contains the altar breads to be consecrated during Mass. Any consecrated hosts left over after communion are kept inside the tabernacle in this.

f. The is a cloth which the priest places on the altar for the chalice and ciborium to rest on.

g. The are the small jugs that contain the wine and water that are poured into the chalice.

h. The are the round, flat, white pieces of unleavened bread that become the Body of Christ.

i. The is the book containing the scripture readings that are read at Mass.

j. The is a linen cloth used for cleansing the chalice.

k. The , a sign of priestly power, is a long band worn over the shoulders. The colour of the stole varies according to the liturgical season and feast being celebrated. The colours used are red, white, purple, green, and gold.

l. The is the book containing all the prayers needed by the priest for Mass.

PART FOURPreparing for a Celebration

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

sign

Focus: • It is important to prepare properly for the

celebration of the Eucharist or Mass so we may respond more fully to Jesus’ presence.

Task Twenty-TwoListen to the story that your teacher will read to you.

a. List all the things the host did to prepare for the celebration.

b. In your opinion, which were the most important? Why?

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Task Twenty-Three

a. If you were responsible for organising a class party, school dance, or other gathering of your own choice what preparations would you need to make?

b. Why is it important to be well organised for such occasions?

PREPARING FOR A CELEBRATION

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Preparing For MassHehu is always present in the Eucharist

whether it is well-prepared or badly

organised. But a carefully prepared

liturgy is a much better sign that Jesus is

really present among his people.

Task Twenty-FourIn your group, brainstorm all the different things that need to be done to get ready for the celebration of the Mass.

Task Twenty-Five (game)

Preparing For MassPlay the game “Preparing for Mass”. You will need a dice and counters for the game.

The rulesIf you land on a square with a tick (Ç), a cross (Ó), or a question (?) throw again to see what happens. The number you get will provide the instructions. Each turn continues until the player lands on a blank square.

◊ Ticks1. You arrive at the church in

plenty of time to get things ready. Have an extra turn.

2. You place the lectionary on the lectern and open it at the page for the first reading. Move ahead six spaces.

3. You check that the priest has remembered to prepare the gifts of bread and wine that you are bringing up in the offertory procession. Have two extra turns.

4. You practise reading the Prayer of the Faithful and calm down your nervous friend who is reading with you. Move forward four spaces.

5. You remember to have some matches and a taper handy in case a candle blows out. Have an extra turn.

6. You notice that the tabernacle key is not where it should be and tell a minister of the Eucharist. Go to 42.


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Ó Crosses1. You spill some wine when you

are pouring it too carelessly into the cruet. Go back to 5.

2. Because you are in a hurry you knock over a lighted candle and spill wax on the altar cloth. Miss two turns.

3. You forget to check the scripture readings and read the wrong one. Go back ten spaces.

4. An OHP transparency is missing and it is too late to get it from the sacristy. Nobody sings the opening song. Go back 20 spaces.

5. You notice that the purificator is not with the chalice but don’t tell the priest because it is not your business. Miss a turn.

6. Your friend who is a Eucharistic minister is sick and asks you to stand in for her. You can’t be bothered. Go back to 8.

? Chances1. No one can hear the readers

because you didn’t turn on the microphone. Go back to 3.

2. You adjust the OHP so that it is focusing well. Even the people at the back will be able to see the words. Have two extra turns.

3. You are in the music group but haven’t taken time to learn the new communion song. Go back to 8.

4. You remember to bring some money to put in the collection. Have an extra turn.

5. You laugh and joke loudly with your friends and disturb others who are trying to pray before Mass. Go back 10 spaces.

6. As the Mass begins you start to panic because you might have forgotten something important. You trust in the Lord. Move ahead 12 spaces.


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Preparing For Mass

1start

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26

34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42

50finish

Task Twenty-SixAfter you have completed the game make a list of guidelines about what needs to be done to prepare for Mass.


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PART FIVEThe Structure of the Mass

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

liturgystructuremysteryposturesgestures

Focus: • Jesus is present to us in a special way in the

Eucharist.• The two most important parts of the Mass are

the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

• In the Liturgy of the Word we listen to Te Atua speaking to us.

• In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we offer ourselves to God in union with Hehu who is God’s special gift to us.

• During the Eucharist we participate with our bodies, voices and thoughts.

Understanding the MassEver since Jesus said, “Do this in memory of me” at the Last Supper, the Eucharist or

Mass has been the central act of worship for Catholics. For centuries, in all sorts of

places – cathedrals, prisons, palaces, slums and battlefields – all types of people have

gathered for that celebration which unites them all in a mysterious way with Te Atua

and each other.

Each time we celebrate the Eucharist (which is the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’) we

are doing what millions of people, the famous and the completely unknown, have

been doing for nearly two thousand years. We are meeting in the real presence of the

Lord.

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Although a person may have attended hundreds of Masses in their lifetime, and may

attend hundreds more, there is always something new to experience and appreciate

about the Mass. Because the Mass is a mystery its meaning can never be fully

understood, but we can enter the mystery and grasp its meaning ever more deeply.

In Year Ten there is a whole topic designed to help you appreciate better the meaning

and the significance of the Eucharist. But to begin with, it is important to have an

understanding of the different parts of the Mass and its overall structure if we are to

make the most of our attendance at the Eucharist and appreciate the great gift Jesus

has given us.

The Mass has two main parts – the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the

Eucharist. The celebration focuses on these two important rites. Everything else is

less important. The introductory and concluding rites have their place in the total

flow of the Mass, but they are not high points.

This diagram is one way of remembering the main parts of the Mass. Copy it into your books.

The structure of the Mass reminds us that every time we meet to celebrate the

Eucharist, the sacrifice of Jesus, we do a number of important things:

• We gather• We listen• We give thanks and

we join in sacrifice

• We receive• We go

Introductory Rites

The Liturgy Of The Word

The Liturgy Of The EucharistConcluding Rite

THE STRUCTURE OF THE MASS

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Task Twenty-Sevena. Fill in the gaps using the word(s) from the box that fit(s) best.

1. We the body and blood of Jesus in communion.

2. We to God’s word from the Scriptures.

3. We to give praise to our loving Creator God.

4. We to God for our lives and for God’s great gift to us of Jesus.

5. We with Jesus who offers himself to God on our behalf.

6. We to be people of hope and peace.

b. Decide on the correct order for each of the statements.

The Liturgy of the WordIntroductory RiteOn Sunday we usually begin Mass with a waiata (song) as we gather to give praise to

God. The priest and other ministers come through the church to the altar and we all

make the Sign of the Cross together. The priest asks us to think of Te Atua who loves

us and forgives our sins. In a time of quiet we bring to mind anything we have done

wrong and tell God we are sorry. We then praise and thank God with a special karakia

which we usually sing or say together. The priest reads the prayer for the day.

The Liturgy of the WordDuring the Liturgy of the Word we listen to God’s word from Te Paipera Tapu (the Holy

Bible).

gather listen give thanks

join in sacrifice receive go

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The first reading, which usually comes from the Old Testament (sometimes called

the Hebrew Scriptures), often deals with some aspect of the special relationship

God had with the Jewish people before the time of Hehu. A psalm is then sung or

read. After each verse we join in the response. The second reading is usually taken

from a letter written by one of the apostles to a group of early Christians. Often the

Gospel book is carried to the lectern and we welcome God’s word by standing and

singing the Alleluia or another acclamation. The Gospel tells of Te Rongo Pai (the

Good News) of Jesus. Each year we focus on a different Gospel by one of Matthew,

Mark or Luke. On some occasions we read from John. During the homily, the priest

talks to us about how God speaks to us in the scripture readings we have just heard.

We are encouraged to see how Te Atua is present and acting in our lives. We then say

the Profession of Faith or Creed together. Here we state that we believe in God, the

Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and in the teachings of the Church. The Liturgy of

the Word ends with the Prayer of the Faithful, also called the General Intercessions.

In these we pray as a community for all of God’s world.


41

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Glory to God

Sign of the Cross and Greeting

Penitential Rite

Entrance Procession and Song

Opening Prayer

Responsorial Psalm

Profession of Faith

Second Reading

General Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Alleluia or Gospel Acclamation

Homily

First Reading


Task Twenty-EightHow well do you know the Introductory Rite and the Liturgy of the Word? Use your own experience of the Mass and a copy of the words of the Mass to complete the following.

a. Using the words in blue on the right, fill in the names of the missing parts of the Introductory Rite in the correct order:

Introductory Rite

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

b. Using the words in blue on the right, fill in the names of the missing parts of the Liturgy of the Word in the correct order:

The Liturgy of the Word

1.

2.

3.

4.

5. Gospel

6.

7.

8.

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Task Twenty-NineMatch up the items in the left-hand column with the corresponding part of the Liturgy of the Word in the right-hand column by writing the matching letter in the space provided.

1. A passage from the New Testament A. The Greeting

2. What Catholics believe B. The Penitential Rite

3. Words of welcome C. The Gloria

4. One of the 150 Psalms D. The First Reading

5. Usually from the Old Testament E. The Responsorial Psalm

6. Reflection on readings by priest F. The Second Reading

7. The Prayers of the People gathered G. The Gospel

8. ‘Glory to God in the Highest...’ H. The Homily

9. From Matthew, Mark, Luke or John I. Profession of Faith (Creed)

10. The “I confess ...’ J. The Prayer of the Faithful

The Liturgy of the EucharistDuring the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the priest prays a special prayer of blessing and

thanksgiving over the bread and wine. During this prayer the bread and wine are

changed into the Body and Blood of Hehu.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the gifts of bread and wine

that are usually brought to the altar in a procession. The priest then prays over the

bread and wine and invites us to join in offering the gift of Hehu to God our Father.

During the Eucharistic Prayer we remember God’s goodness to us and give thanks

and praise. The Preface and Holy, Holy, Holy lead us directly into the Eucharistic

Prayer. We hear the story of how the Eucharist came into being through Jesus’

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words and actions at the Last Supper

– this is sometimes called the

institution narrative. The priest then says

the words of consecration. It is the Word

of Christ and the action of the Holy Spirit

that change the bread and wine into

Jesus’ Body and Blood.

After we join in proclaiming the mystery

of faith, we remember that Jesus

suffered, died and rose from the dead

to save us. The priest, on our behalf,

then offers Jesus back to Te Atua as the

holy and perfect sacrifice. Following

other karakia for the dead and ourselves, the Eucharistic Prayer ends with the priest

holding up the Body and Blood of Christ while he prays a final great prayer of praise

to God. We respond in word or song, “Amen”.

Next we say together the Lord’s Prayer before praying for peace for the world and

each other. We then share a Sign of Peace. As the priest breaks the consecrated bread,

the Body of Christ, we sing or say together the Lamb of God as we prepare for Holy

Communion. During Communion we go to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. After

receiving Communion we pray silently in our hearts or sing together. It is a time

when we thank Te Atua for the gift of Jesus, for the Church, our whānau, our friends

and our world. The priest then says a karakia which asks that we may be changed by

receiving Jesus in Holy Communion.

Concluding RiteAs we come to the end of our celebration of the Mass the priest blesses us. We are

sent out into the world to do good works, praising and blessing the Lord in our daily

lives.


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ISTO

CKPH

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WO

JTEK

KRY

CZKA

Eucharistic Prayer

Lord’s Prayer

Preparation of the Gifts

Lamb of God

Sign of peace

Dismissal

Institution Narrative and Consecration

Communion

Holy, Holy, Holy


Task ThirtyHow well do you know the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Concluding Rite? Use your own experience of the Mass and a copy of the words of the Mass to complete the following.

Fill in the names of the missing parts of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Concluding Rite in the correct order in the spaces provided:

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

1.

2. Prayer over the Gifts

3.

4.

5.

a. Preface

b.

c.

d. Offering

e. Great Amen

4. Communion Rite

a.

b.

c. Breaking of the Bread

d.

e.

f. Prayer after Communion

Concluding Rite

5. Blessing

6.

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Task Thirty-OneRead this extract from the first Eucharistic prayer for children, and answer the following questions in your Workbook:

God our Father, you are most holy and we want to show you that we are grateful. We bring you bread and wine and ask you to send your Holy Spirit to make these gifts the body and blood of Jesus your Son. Then we offer to you what you have given to us.

On the night before he died, Jesus was having supper with his Apostles. He took bread from the table. He gave you thanks and praise. Then he broke the bread, gave it to his friends, and said: “Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my Body which will be given up for you”.

When supper was ended, Jesus took the cup that was filled with wine. He thanked you, gave it to his friends, and said: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my Blood, the Blood of the new and everlasting Covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven.” Then he said to them: “Do this in memory of me.”

We do now what Jesus told us to do. We remember his death and resurrection and we offer you, Father, the Bread that gives life and the Cup that saves us.

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AGÊN

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BRAS

IL

According to the prayer:1. Who do we ask the Father to send to us?

2. Who is it that the Father has given to us and we wish to give to him?

3. When did Jesus have his last supper?

4. Who was at the supper with Jesus?

5. Eucharist means ‘give thanks’. Why do you think this prayer is called a Eucharistic prayer?

6. What did Jesus say the bread was?

7. What did Jesus say the wine was?

8. What does Jesus say his blood will be shed for?

9. What instruction does Jesus give to his followers?

10. What incidents in Jesus’ life does the prayer mention?

11. In the middle of this prayer we hear a story. When does the story in the prayer begin and end?


47


Postures and GesturesWhen we worship Te Atua we do so with our bodies as well as with our voices and

thoughts.

At different times during Mass we use the following movements of our body

depending on what is happening:

• The Sign of the Cross

• Standing or kneeling to pray

• Sitting to listen

• Bowing to show reverence

• Moving forward to present and receive

• Exchanging the Sign of Peace

Task Thirty-TwoIn pairs or groups go through the different parts of the Mass (the ones you listed in Tasks Twenty-Eight and Thirty) and work out which actions go with which prayers.

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PART SIXJewish Worship and the Mass

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

synagogueTemple

Focus: • The Eucharist reflects aspects of Jewish

worship at the synagogue, the Temple and the Passover meal.

Synagogue and TempleThe Eucharist or Mass is the coming

together of God’s people. It unites us more

fully with Christ and with one another.

In Jesus’ day the Jews came together to

worship Te Atua in two different places –

the synagogue and the Temple. There was

a synagogue in every town but only one

Temple, in Jerusalem.

The synagogue was a place of prayer and

instruction where people gathered to

listen to God’s word. The Temple was also

a place of prayer but its special purpose

was as a place of sacrifice. People

gathered there to make offerings to God.

Hehu worshipped at both the synagogue

and the Temple.

In its two main parts – the Liturgy of the

Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist

– our Mass reflects what happened at

both the synagogue and the Temple. The

Liturgy of the Word is like the synagogue

service because we listen to God’s word

and are instructed by it. The Liturgy of

the Eucharist is like the Temple service

in that it involves sacrifice, not the

offering of animals or crops, but Jesus

offering himself to Te Atua on our behalf.

Task Thirty-Threea. How is the Liturgy of the

Word like the synagogue service?

b. How is the Liturgy of the Eucharist like the Temple service? How is it different?

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The PassoverJust before his death, Jesus, during a hākari (special meal or feast) with the twelve

Apostles, gave all his followers down through time the greatest sign of his aroha – the

Eucharist.

Jesus arrived in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover, the most important religious

feast of the Jews. The Passover recalled God freeing the Jews from slavery hundreds of

years earlier. Jesus knew that going to Jerusalem was dangerous as it would bring him

close to those Jewish leaders who saw him as a threat. In spite of the protests of the

disciples Hehu was ready to face whatever was waiting – even death.

As they sat at table in the Upper Room Jesus said to the apostles: “I have very much

wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” During the meal he passed on to

his disciples his greatest gift of love – a gift that would make sure his presence was

with his followers for all time. St Paul describes how this gift, the Eucharist, came

about:

For the tradition I received from the Lord and also handed on to you is that on the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and after he had given thanks, he broke it, and he said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” And in the same way, with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial to me.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-25

The Eucharist was Jesus’ greatest sign of love because it represented the suffering and

death he was prepared to undergo for all humanity. Ever since that night Christians

have gathered to follow Jesus’ command to remember and make present his sacrifice by

eating the bread and drinking ‘the cup of eternal salvation’. At the time the apostles did

not fully appreciate the meaning of Jesus’ actions and what he was asking them to do.

But they remembered what he said, and they believed his words to be true.

Gradually Jesus’ followers realised that the Lord’s Supper completely fulfilled the

Passover, so they understood and celebrated it differently.

JEWISH WORSHIP AND THE MASS

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Task Thirty-FourWhen Hehu gathered with his disciples at Passover time he was celebrating an important event in Jewish history, the escape of the Israelites from Egypt.

Read Exodus Chapter 12 to find out more about the first Passover. Fill in the gaps below.

God told the people of Israel to:

• Get the head of each family to choose or young to eat.

• the animals.

• Put the animal on the door posts and above the .

• Roast the animals and eat them with bitter and made without yeast.

• Eat the meal, dressed and ready to .

In return God promised the people of Israel he would:

• Pass through Egypt and kill the firstborn in every Egyptian family and the firstborn of all the animals.

• Punish the gods of .

• Pass over the houses of the Israelites when he saw the on their doors.

• Bring terrible disasters on .

The people of Israel followed God’s instructions and were able to escape from the Egyptians. Ever since, the Jews at God’s command have celebrated the feast of the Passover in memory of this saving event. The seder meal is the Jewish celebration of the Exodus from Egypt.


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The Passover at the Time of JesusThe seder (from the Hebrew word for “order’’) is eaten on the first two nights of

Passover. So when Hehu gathered for the Last Supper with his friends they were

probably gathering for the seder meal, a meal still eaten at Passover by Jews today. In

the New Testament times the Passover lamb was slaughtered in the Temple, but the

meal could be eaten in any house inside Jerusalem. A group such as that of Jesus and

his disciples would celebrate the Passover as a whānau.

During the meal, the story of the escape of the Jews from Egypt is retold and re-

experienced by those gathered. Special foods are eaten in a set order during the

ceremony, including:

• matzoth, the unleavened bread or thin bread that God told the Jews to eat

at the time of their escape

• maror, or bitter herbs (grated horseradish), commemorating the bitterness

of slavery

• baitzah, a hard-boiled egg, symbolic of life’s cycle of birth and death

• zaroah, roasted Iamb representing the paschal Iamb

• haroseth, chopped nuts, apples, and wine, symbolic of the clay used by the

slaves to make bricks

• karpas, parsley, lettuce or other greens, as a reminder of the new growth of

spring

Four cups of wine are drunk during the ceremony, and an extra cup of wine is placed on

the seder table in the hope that the prophet Elijah, whose appearance is said to speed

up the coming of the Messiah, will enter and drink the wine that is there for him.

Something to think aboutHow is the Last Supper like a Passover meal? How is it different?


BIGStoCkphoto.Com

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Task Thirty-FiveComplete the word puzzle about the Passover and the Eucharist.

Across3. The Eucharist is Jesus' greatest gift and a sign of this.4. The bread that was eaten at Passover time.6. During the Last Supper Jesus changed this into his blood.8. This meat was eaten at Passover time.12. In New Testament times the Passover lamb was often killed here.14. In this Jewish place of worship instruction took place.15. This along with prayer was an important activity at the Temple.16. This was sprinkled around the doors so that the Angel of God would not kill the firstborn males of the Israelites.17. This name is given to the Passover meal.

Down1. At the Last Supper Jesus changed the bread into his ................... .2. In this city Jesus celebrated the Passover with his apostles.5. This Old Testament book tells the story of how the Jews were freed from slavery.7. This liturgy of the Mass re-enacts Jesus' sacrifice.9. The taste of the herbs eaten at the Passover meal.10. At Passover meals a cup of wine is placed on the seder table for this prophet.11. This Jewish feast recalls the escape of the Israelites from Egypt.13. This liturgy of the Mass reflects the synagogue service.18. At the seder this food represents the cycle of birth and death.

The Passover and the Eucharist

4 2

3

4

10

9

12

876

13

11

14

16

15

5

17 18

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PART SEVENEarly Christian Worship

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

pagandeacon

Focus: • The Eucharist celebrated by the early

Christians soon became a rite of its own.• The different prayers and actions that were

important aspects of the early Christian celebration of Eucharist are still part of our Mass today.

A New Way of WorshippingIn the days following Jesus’ death and resurrection, the

disciples continued to attend the Jewish synagogue and

practise Jewish customs, but they also began to meet

in each other’s homes for karakia and breaking bread.

As time went by, they struggled to build a new Church

with its own way of worship.

When the first Christians gathered to celebrate the

Lord’s Supper, they met in the late afternoon and the

service was followed by a meal. Towards the middle of

the second century the Eucharist as we know it became a rite of its own. At that time,

the celebration was moved to the early hours of Sunday morning, the first day of the

week, instead of the Jewish Sabbath, the last day of the week. This grew from their

belief that Hehu rose from death on that day. The Eucharist was joined to a service of

reading and preaching. A liturgy began to take form.

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GET

TY IM

AGES

The Last Supper, 1648 (oil on canvas). Artist Champaigne, Philippe de (1602-74)

An Early MassThe earliest written description of the Mass comes from Justin the Martyr in a letter

he wrote around 155 AD. Justin was writing to the pagan Emperor to explain what

Christians did when they gathered:

On that day we call the day of the sun, all who live in the towns and in the country gather together in the same place for the communal celebration. And then the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits.

After the reader has finished, the one presiding gives a talk, urging his hearers to practise these beautiful teachings in their lives. Then we all stand up together and offer prayers for ourselves and others. After the prayers are over we exchange the kiss. The bread and the wine mixed with water are brought forward, and the person presiding over the gathering offers up prayers and thanksgivings, for a considerable time, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The people join in with an ‘Amen’.

Then takes place the distribution to all those present of the things over which the thanksgiving had been spoken. Those we call deacons bring a portion to those who are absent.

Those who are well-off give whatever they can; what is collected is left with the president, who uses it to help orphans and widows, those in want owing to sickness or any other cause, prisoners, travellers, and in short anyone who is in any need.

EARLY CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

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Task Thirty-Sixa) The prayers and actions that were part of Justin Martyr’s Eucharist are

part of our Mass today. Fill in the names of those parts of our Mass which match those Justin described. Choose from the box below.

• People put money in the collection basket• The priest gives a homily• The koha of bread and wine are brought up in an offertory procession• Holy Communion is given out• We pray for the needs of the Church, the community and the world• The scriptures are read• We prepare for the mass by calling to mind the reason why we have assembled together• Through the prayers and blessings of the priest the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ• Everyone says ‘Amen’ at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer

Justin’s Eucharist Our Mass

The people gather together.

The memoirs of the apostles or writings of the prophets are read.

The one presiding gives a talk.

All stand and recite prayers.

The bread and wine mixed with water arebrought forward.

The president offers up prayers and thanksgivings.

The people join in with an ‘Amen’.

The distribution to all those present of the things over which the thanksgiving had been spoken takes place.

Those who are well-off give whatever they can.


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b) Do any of the prayers and actions of our Mass come in a different order from the way Justin describes them?

c) Is there anything important in our Mass that does not seem to be part of Justin’s Eucharist?

Easter Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption of Virgin Mary in Zagreb, Croatia on 5 April, 2015.

BIG

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High Standards ExpectedMany people were attracted by Christian teaching. It is clear that high standards

of behaviour were expected of the growing number of believers who gathered to

celebrate the Eucharist.

Less than one hundred years after Hehu died the Roman historian Pliny wrote that

Christians worshipped in the countryside as well as the towns of the Roman Empire.

This is what he said:

They were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang an anthem to Christ as God, and bound themselves by a solemn oath not to commit any wicked deed but to abstain from all fraud, theft and adultery, never to break their word, or deny a trust when called upon to honour it; after which it was their custom to separate, and then meet again to partake of food, but food of an ordinary and innocent kind.

The Didache, an important document of the early Church, gives instructions for

worship and leadership:

On Sunday, the Lord’s own day, come together, break bread and carry out the Eucharist, first confessing your sins so that your offering may be pure. Let no one who has quarrelled with his friend join the meeting until they have been reconciled, so that your offering is not polluted. For this is the offering spoken of by the Lord: ‘Everywhere and at all times offer me a pure sacrifice. For my kingdom is great, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations. Appoint for yourselves, therefore, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord; men who are meek and not money-lovers, true and approved, for they also perform for you the ministry of prophets and teachers. So do not despise them; they are the honourable men among you, together with the prophets and teachers.’

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Task Thirty-Seven List what early Christians were expected to do and how they were supposed to behave if they wanted to join in the Eucharist.


Something to think about

What is your response to these requirements about joining in the Eucharist?

Something to find out

Today are there any instructions we need to follow or things we need to do if we wish to receive Holy Communion? What are they?

The Last Supper, by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1593).

PUBL

IC D

OM

AIN

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PART THREEJesus’ people – their history and religion

PART EIGHTLater Developments in the Mass

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

basilicaLatin

Second Vatican Council

Focus: • The central meaning of te Miha (Mass) and its

importance for Christians has always remained the same.

• Over the centuries the way the Mass has been celebrated has changed.

‘Ever old yet ever new’Over the centuries the central meaning of the Mass and its importance for Catholics

has always stayed the same but the style of the Mass – the way in which it is

celebrated – has changed. Maybe that is why the Eucharist is sometimes described as

being ‘ever old yet ever new’.

For its first four hundred years, especially during the periods when Christians were

persecuted for their faith, the Eucharist was often held in secret and mostly in private

homes. The community aspect of the celebration was strong and worship was centred

around a meal. Because Greek was the common language of the people it was also the

language that was used for Eucharist.

When Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman Empire in 321 and

worship moved into large public buildings or basilicas, the style of the Eucharist

started to change.

Over the next one thousand five hundred years te Miha developed in ways that the

early Christians would not have imagined.

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Task Thirty-Eight Here are some of the features of the Mass as it has been celebrated in the centuries up to 1965 and as it is celebrated today.

Write A. or B. against each of the following statements to identify features from before and after 1965. We have started you off with two answers.

A. Some features of the Mass as it was at times in the past (up to 1965).B. Some features of the Mass as it is today.

The Mass is celebrated in the language of the local people

Throughout the world the Mass is celebrated in Latin

The altar is placed against the church’s wall

The altar is freestanding

The priest faces the people

The priest has his back to the people

The Liturgy of the Word is not considered so important

The scripture readings are considered very important

Important words are whispered by the priest

Important words are said clearly by the priest for everyone to hear

Communion is received only on the tongue

Communion is received in the hand

Lay people read and distribute Communion

There are no lay readers or ministers of Communion

The people are only able to receive Communion in the form of bread

The people are able to receive Communion in the form of both bread and wine

The people join in by saying the responses and through singing

The people quietly say their own prayers while the priest gets on with the Mass

The focus of the Mass is on worshipping Jesus as God present in the Eucharist

The Mass celebrates Jesus present among the community of believers

LATER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MASS

A

B

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Something to think aboutTalk to some older family members or friends who were around before the Second Vatican Council finished in 1965. Ask them what it was like going to Mass before it changed. Some may still have their old Mass books (missals) with the words in Latin for you to look at.

Some Key Dates in the Development of the Mass After the 4th Century321

» Sunday becomes a day of rest

384

» Latin becomes the language of the

Liturgy

6th century

» Priests begin to say private Masses

» The altar is moved away from the

people and against the church’s end

wall

1000 » Communion has to be received on

the tongue

1570 » Rules for the celebration of Mass are

laid down which would apply for the

next 400 years

16th century » Tabernacles are placed on the altar

1910 » Pope Pius XII encourages more

frequent Communion and lowers

the Communion age

1960s » Vatican II allows the people to

participate more in the Mass

» Communion under both kinds again

» Use of the language of the people as

in the early Church

» The priest faces the people once

more


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Task Thirty-Eight Make a timeline that presents some of the important information about developments in the Mass over the last 2000 years. Don’t worry about trying to fit in all the dates. Illustrate your timeline.

Something to learnOne of the obvious differences between today’s Mass and the Mass as it was celebrated before the Second Vatican Council is that it is spoken in the language of the people rather than in Latin.

In Aotearoa we have two official languages, Maori and English.

Compare the Sign of the Cross – the prayer that begins the Mass – in the three versions: English, Māori and Latin.

Can you say all three versions?

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu. Amene.

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

500 1 000 1 500 2 000

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PART NINESummary

• Everything in nature, including our lives, is part of a cycle.

• Te tau me ona ritenga tapu (the Church’s Year) follows a cycle centred on

the important events in the life of Jesus – his birth, ministry, death and

resurrection.

• The different seasons and feasts of the Church are associated with different

colours and symbols.

• Certain places, objects and actions are considered tapu (holy) because they

speak to us in a special way of God’s presence in the world.

• Church buildings and many of the things found there are sacred because

through them Jesus draws us closer to Te Atua.

• Those things that help us meet Jesus in the closest possible way during the

action of the Eucharist are especially holy.

• Hehu is present to us in a special way in the Eucharist.

• It is important to prepare properly for the celebration of the Eucharist or

Mass so we may respond more fully to Jesus’ presence.

• The two most important parts of the Mass are the Liturgy of the Word and

the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

• In the Liturgy of the Word we listen to Te Atua speaking to us.

• In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we offer ourselves to God in union with

Hehu who is God’s special gift to us.

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• During the Eucharist we participate with our bodies, voices and thoughts.

• The Eucharist reflects aspects of Jewish worship at the synagogue, the

Temple and the Passover meal.

• The Eucharist celebrated by the early Christians soon became a rite of its

own.

• The different prayers and actions that were important aspects of the early

Christian celebration of Eucharist are part of our Mass today.

• The central meaning of the Mass and its importance for Christians has

always remained the same.

• Over the centuries the way the Mass has been celebrated has changed.

PART NINE – SUMMARY

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This glossary gives explanation of Māori terms which are italicised in the text. The

first time a Māori term appears in the text, its English meaning appears in brackets

after it.

Pronunciation – correct pronunciation of Māori comes only with practice in listening

to and speaking the language. The English phonetic equivalents provided under each

Māori word are intended to provide a reasonably accurate guide for students. If in

doubt please seek assistance from someone practised in correct pronunciation of Te

Reo Māori.

´ indicates stressed syllable

Arohaúh-raw-huh

In general, means love and/or compassion. Note that the word is used in two senses:

1. a joyful relationship involving the expression of goodwill and the doing of good, empathy.

2. sympathy, compassion towards those who are unhappy or suffering.

Atuaúh-too-uh

The Māori word Atua has been used to describe God in the Christian sense since missionary times. Before the coming of Christianity, Māori used the word atua to describe many kinds of spiritual beings (in the way we now use the word “spirit”) and also unusual events.

GLOSSARYof Māori terms

66

Hākariúh-raw-huh

A feast.

Hehuhéh-hoo

Jesus.

Huihóo-ee

A meeting or gathering.

Kaikúh-ih

To eat food. Food.

Kai Moanakúh-ih máw-uh-nuh

Sea food.

Karakiakúh-ruh-kee-uh

Prayer, ritual.

Karangakúh-ruh-nguh

Call to welcome visitors on to a marae.

Kohakáw-huh

Gift or donation of money to the hosts.

Manuhirimúh-noo-hih-ree

Visitors to a marae.

Maraemúh-ruh-eh

The traditional meeting place of the Māori people.

Maramatakamúh-ruh-muh-tuh-kuh

Monthly calendar.

Rākaunuiráh-kuh-oo-noo-ee

The fifteenth day of the month.

GLOSSARY OF MĀORI TERMS

67

Tangatatúng-uh-tuh

Person, people.

Tangata Whenuatúng-uh-tuh féh-noo-uh

Indigenous people of the land, or their descendants. Local people, home people, people of a marae are usually spoken of as hunga kāinga, iwi kāinga or tangata kāinga,not tangata whenua.

Taongatúh-aw-nguh

A treasure; something greatly valued. It may be something physical such as a carved heitiki, or it may be something intangible such as the language – te reo Māori.

Taputúh-poo

Sacred, holy.

Please note: when tapu refers to the Tapu of God it is written as Tapu.

Te Ao Māramateh úh-awe máh-ruh-muh

The world of light – this world, which God created out of darkness.

Te Arangateh úh-rung-uh

The Resurrection.

Te Mihateh mee-huh

The Mass.

Te Paipera Taputeh púh-ih-peh-ruh túh-poo

The Holy Bible.

Te Rongo Paiteh ráwng-aw púh-ee

The Gospel or Good News.


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Te Tau Me Ona Ritenga Taputeh túh-oo meh aw-nuh rih-teh-ng-uh túh-poo

The Liturgical Year.

Te Wairua Taputeh wúh-i-roo-uh túh-poo

The Holy Spirit.

Tikangatíh-kung-uh

Custom or protocol; a particular way of doing things.

Turangawaewaetóo-rung-uh-wuh-eh-wuh-eh

The standing place from where one gains the authority to belong.

Urupāoo-roo-páh

A burial place or cemetery of the extended family.

Waiatawúh-ee-uh-tuh

Song or hymn.

Wakawúh-kuh

Canoe

Whānaufáh-nuh-oo

Extended family.

Wharefúh-reh

A house or building.

Whare Karakiafúh-reh kúh-ruh-kee-uh

Church building.

Whirofíh-raw

The first day of the month.


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LOGO: Annette Hanrahan RSCJ

FIRST EDITION (1991)This booklet was part of a series prepared by the members of a Writing Party:

David Hawke FSC (Auckland) Rita Haase (Auckland) Anne Ward RSJ (Hamilton) Barbara Henley RNDM (Palmerston North) Gary Finlay (Wellington) Mervyn Duffy SM (Wellington) Marcellin Wilson RSM (Wellington) Charles Shaw (Christchurch) Edwige Fava (Dunedin)

SYLLABUS CO-ORDINATOR: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington)

EDITORS: Gary Finlay (NCRS, Wellington) Elizabeth M Russell SJC (NCRS, Auckland)

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTORS: + John Mackey DD Paul Williamson SM, S.T.D., M.A. (Hons)

SECOND EDITION (2001)

CO-ORDINATOR/EDITOR: Charles Shaw

THEOLOGICAL CONSULTOR: Mons. Vincent Hunt

LITURGICAL CONSULTOR: Rev. Anthony Harrison

CONTACT FOR MĀORI CONSULTATION: Rev. Bernard Dennehy

NCRS: Gary Finlay, Director Joan Parker RNDM, Editing Marilyn Roberts, Secretary

DIGITAL EDITION (2016) NCRS: Chris Duthie-Jung, DirectorDESIGN: Rose Miller, Kraftwork

COVER IMAGE: The Last Supper, 1630–31 (oil on canvas), Rubens, Pieter Paul (1577–1640). Collection of the State A. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow / Getty Images.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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