The Sacrament of the Altar

The Peace

St. Paul writes in Romans Chapter 5, "Therefore, being justified by faith we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." The pastor proclaims this gift of peace to us, and we in turn greet and proclaim this peace to each other.

Presentation of the Gifts

In response to God's gift of love, we joyfully give back to Him what He has first given us - "our selves, our time and our possessions". We present our monetary offerings, as well as gifts of bread and wine to be used in the Holy Communion.

The Great Thanksgiving

The celebrant and congregation greet one another, and we lift our hearts to God, giving Him thanks for the gift of His Son, who comes to us with His Body and Blood in the bread and wine. The words of this part of the liturgy have been used since the time of the early church, and we join with saints of every age, singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might…"

Eucharistic Prayer and Words of Institution

The Prayer of Thanksgiving reminds us of God's wonderful work of salvation, specifically of Christ's holy life, and sacrificial death, and the institution of the Sacrament of the Altar. We pray for the Holy Spirit to act within this sacrament to bring us life and salvation.

The Lord's Prayer

We join in praying the prayer our Lord taught us, a reminder that we look for His kingdom to come, when we share with Him the great and promised feast.

Agnus Dei - Lamb of God

As we prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we sing the words of John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".

Holy Communion

Under the forms of bread and wine, we receive the very Body and Blood of Christ, and by faith in the words, "given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sin", also receive what they offer.

Post Communion Canticle & Prayer

We give thanks to God, and pray that He would strengthen us in faith through His "gift of life".