Eucharist and Forming Parishes

Less than a year after the “Year of the Rosary”, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has proposed the “Year of the Eucharist” from 10 October 2004 – 29 October 2005 and published an Apostolic Letter entitled “Mane Nobiscum Domine”.

Pope John Paul II has requested the Bishops of the local Churches to understand that this initiative is meant to take place on a deeply spiritual level, so that it in no way interfere with the pastoral programs of the individual Churches. Rather, it can shed light upon those programs. He says: “ I am not asking the individual Churches to alter their pastoral programs, but to emphasize the Eucharistic dimension which is part of the whole Christian life.”

In view of this, the Bishops responded to the proposal of Pope John Paul II during the plenary meeting of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference in autumn 2004 without giving up any of the pastoral programs in the local Churches. Thus, we have decided that the theme of the pastoral work for 2005 will be: “Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and Forming Parishes in Faith, Hope and Love Evangelizing Communities”. We will follow the proposals of Pope John Paul II to guide our pastoral programs. We will agree on some works to be done. We hope that the parish priests, the religious, Church organizations, Catholic Schools and all the faithful will do their best to work together.

I. The Eucharistic Spirituality

During the 40 th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Pope Paul II has predicted that “a Eucharistic Spirituality” in the Church will develop. St. Paul wrote: “I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. (Rom 12:1) If there is no nourishment of “Eucharistic Spirituality”, the liturgical conduct will easily become just “ceremonial” which counteracts the grace that is poured out during the liturgical celebration.

“Ecclesia de Eucharistia”, the Eucharist by the power of the Holy Spirit is indeed present in the Church to help us live a life in Christ. From the Eucharistic Celebration, one must live out the Eucharist, from its mystery to the renewal of life.

The Congregation for Sacraments and Divine Worship has lined up some important points as reference for our reflection:

“Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and Forming Parishes in Faith, Hope and Love Evangelizing Communities”
Pastoral Letter for 2005

Beloved Priests, Religious, Sisters, and faithful, Less than a year after the “Year of the Rosary”, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has proposed the “Year of the Eucharist” from 10 October 2004 – 29 October 2005 and published an Apostolic Letter entitled “Mane Nobiscum Domine”. The Mystery of the Eucharist Pope John Paul II has requested the Bishops of the local Churches to understand that this initiative is meant to take place on a deeply spiritual level, so that it in no way interfere with the pastoral programs of the individual Churches. Rather, it can shed light upon those programs. He says: “ I am not asking the individual Churches to alter their pastoral programs, but to emphasize the Eucharistic dimension which is part of the whole Christian life.” In view of this, the Bishops responded to the proposal of Pope John Paul II during the plenary meeting of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference in autumn 2004 without giving up any of the pastoral programs in the local Churches. Thus, we have decided that the theme of the pastoral work for 2005 will be: “Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and Forming Parishes in Faith, Hope and Love Evangelizing Communities”. We will follow the proposals of Pope John Paul II to guide our pastoral programs. We will agree on some works to be done. We hope that the parish priests, the religious, Church organizations, Catholic Schools and all the faithful will do their best to work together. I. The Eucharistic Spirituality During the 40 th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Pope Paul II has predicted that “a Eucharistic Spirituality” in the Church will develop. St. Paul wrote: “I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. (Rom 12:1) If there is no nourishment of “Eucharistic Spirituality”, the liturgical conduct will easily become just “ceremonial” which counteracts the grace that is poured out during the liturgical celebration. “Ecclesia de Eucharistia”, the Eucharist by the power of the Holy Spirit is indeed present in the Church to help us live a life in Christ. From the Eucharistic Celebration, one must live out the Eucharist, from its mystery to the renewal of life. The Congregation for Sacraments and Divine Worship has lined up some important points as reference for our reflection: The Sacrament of the Eucharist is the springhead and summit of spiritual life, surpassing many other paths of spiritual life. Receiving frequently the Eucharist can maintain every particular grace of vocation (e.g. clergy, religious, husband and wife, father and mother etc.) as well as illuminate different circumstances in life (e.g. joy, suffering, difficulties, sicknesses, trials etc.) Love, harmony and friendly affection are all fruits of the Holy Eucharist and an expression of one’s union with Christ in the Sacrament. At the same time, being in the state of grace and practicing charity is necessary for a fruitful Eucharistic celebration. Christ is among us teaching us everyday how to be his witnesses, and building a city here on earth. II. Mystagogical Catechesis of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist His holiness Pope John Paul II says that: “In the twentieth century, especially since the Vatican Council II, there has been a great development in the way the Christian community celebrates the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. It is necessary to continue in this direction, and to stress particularly the Sunday Eucharist and Sunday itself, experienced as a special day of faith, the day of the Risen Lord and of the gift of the Spirit, the true weekly Easter.” We hope that during the Year of the Eucharist, priests, Sisters or missionaries, spiritual advisers of communities in the parishes, will give the faithful more explanations about the significance of Sunday and the Sunday Eucharist. One can refer to Catechism of the Catholic Church from #380 – 393 and the book of Pope John Paul II on “The Day of the Lord”. The Vatican Council II Documents emphasize that the celebrant of the Mass should consider the “homily” as an important part of the liturgy. The purpose of giving a homily is to explain the holy word of God and to draw out its meaning for the Christian life. Hope that priests will exert more effort to evaluate their progress in this area. Pope John Paul II pays particular attention to having “moments of silence” during the Mass. He says that: “It is not enough that the biblical passages are read in the vernacular, if they are not also proclaimed with the care, preparation, devout attention and meditative silence that enable the word of God to touch people’s minds and hearts.” We are requesting the readers to prepare very well, read very clearly, and pause after reading the whole thing before reading or chanting the Responsorial Psalm. After the priest pronounces his homily, there should also be a few moments of silence. When the distribution of Holy Communion is over and the choir stops singing, there should also be few moments of silence. The commentator should not ask the congregation to right away stand up or the choir to continuously sing. The faithful should have few moments of silence. Pope John Paul II is sincerely advising all the pastors to be committed to that “mystagogical” catechesis so dear to the Fathers of the Church, so that the faithful are helped to understand the meaning of the liturgy’s word and actions. One specific project of this Year of the Eucharist might be for each parish community to study the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (CRBC 2004 March Issue). Pope John Paul II says that: “The best way to enter into the mystery of salvation made present in the sacred “signs” remains that of following faithfully the unfolding of the liturgical year.” Eucharistic Adoration Outside Mass Pope John Paul II is asking us that: “During this year Eucharistic adoration outside Mass should become a particular commitment for individual parish and religious communities. Let us take the time to kneel before Jesus present in the Eucharist, in order to make reparation by our faith and love for the acts of carelessness and neglect, and even the insults which our Saviour must endure in many parts of the world.” Through the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, let us deepen through adoration our personal and communal contemplation. Pope John Paul II pointed out that during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, aside from reading the Bible, moments of silence, chanting, one can also pray the Rosary. Because “The Rosary itself, when it is profoundly understood in the biblical and christocentric form which I recommended in the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, will prove a particularly fitting introduction to Eucharistic contemplation, a contemplation carried out with Mary as our companion and guide.” This year, let us also celebrate with particular devotion the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (May 29 th), with its traditional procession. Pope John Paul II says: “Our faith in the God who took flesh in order to become our companion along the way needs to be everywhere proclaimed, especially in our streets and homes, as an expression of our grateful love and as an inexhaustible source of blessings.” The Eucharist: source and manifestation of communion Through the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus found a way to stay “in” them. To receive the Eucharist means to enter into a profound communion with Jesus. “Abide in me, and I in you” (Jn 15:4). God has placed in human hearts a “hunger” for his word, a hunger which will be satisfied only by full union with him. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” (Acts 4:32) In the mystery of the Eucharist, Jesus builds up the “Church as a communion”. It is a hierarchical communion, based on the awareness of a variety of roles and ministries, as is seen by the reference to the Pope and the Diocesan Bishop in the Eucharistic Prayer. It is a fraternal communion, cultivated by a “spirituality of communion” which fosters reciprocal openness, affection, understanding and forgiveness. If we participate enthusiastically in the Eucharistic Celebration and receive properly the Eucharist, we make our parish community a true evangelizing community in faith, hope and love. The Eucharist and Mission The two disciples of Emmaus, upon recognizing the Lord, “set out immediately” (Lk 24:33), in order to report what they had seen and heard to the other disciples in Jerusalem. Pope John Paul says: “Once we have truly met the Risen One by partaking of his body and blood, we cannot keep to ourselves the joy we have experienced. The encounter with Christ, constantly intensified and deepened in the Eucharist, issues in the Church and in every Christian an urgent summon to testimony and evangelization.” “The dismissal at the end of each Mass is acharge given to Christians, inviting them to work for the spread of the Gospel and the imbuing of society with Christian values.” During the Year of the Eucharist, our families, parishes, dioceses, religious communities, organizations and the faithful, should all together do works of evangelization, evaluation, propose plans and materialize them. Everyone should lessen negative criticisms but give more active suggestions and start with oneself. In this Year of the Eucharist, Christians ought to be committed to bearing more forceful witness to God’s presence in the world. Pope John Paul II also points out that the “culture of the Eucharist” promotes a culture of “dialogue”. In Taiwan society, it is extremely needed to advocate the culture of dialogue, mutually listen to each other, and tolerate different opinions, rather than to be impatient with each other and exchange curses. “The Eucharist is not merely an expression of communion in the Church’s life; it is also a project of solidarity for all of humanity. The Christian who takes part in the Eucharist learns to become a promoter of communion, peace and solidarity in every situation. More than ever, our troubled world, which began the new Millennium with the spectre of terrorism and the tragedy of war, demands that Christians learn to experience the Eucharist as a great school of peace, forming men and women who, at various levels of responsibility in social, cultural and political life, can become promoters of dialogue and communion.” Pope John Paul II clearly shows: “It is not by chance that the Gospel of John contains no account of the institution of the Eucharist, but instead relates the “washing of feet”. By bending down to wash the feet of his disciples, Jesus explains the meaning of the Eucharist unequivocally. Saint Paul vigorously reaffirms the impropriety of a Eucharistic celebration if charity is lacking and not sharing with the poor. Pope John Paul II is making an appeal to make this Year of the Eucharist an occasion for diocesan and parish communities to respond in a particular way. For example: help the tragedy of hunger which plagues hundred of millions of human beings, the diseases which afflict developing countries, the loneliness of the elderly, the hardships faced by the unemployed, the struggles of immigrants. Therefore, the Bishops are appealing to each parish community to pay attention to the poor ones in the community and to extend help to them. The Commission for Social Development (Caritas-Taiwan), Taiwan Catholic Mission Foundation, Congregation of the Mission, Council of the Apostolate and other organizations can start soliciting funds and help the very poor countries, according to the indication of Pope Paul II. Value life, intensify Life Education The Lord said: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). He also said: “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.” (John 6:51) At present in Taiwan society, the percentage of people who end their lives earlier is increasing. We need to advocate how to value life and request families, parish communities and schools to intensity Life Education. The Bishops are requesting all Catholic Schools in all levels to open a course in Life Education. If it is possible to make it a compulsory course, is preferable. If not, at least make it an elective course. Fu Jen Catholic University and Taiwan Life Education Society already worked out a formation scheme for a group of teachers. May each school cooperate by sending suitable teachers to undergo this formation. Conclusion Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II is calling on the whole Church to contemplate, praise, and adore in a special way this ineffable Sacrament. May it encourage a more lively and fervent celebration of the Eucharist, leading to a Christian life transformed by love. He adds: “If the only result of this Year were the revival in all Christian communities of the celebration of Sunday Mass and an increase in Eucharistic worship outside Mass, this Year of grace would be abundantly successful.” We hope that as a result of enhancing worship of the Eucharist, our parish communities will understand more deeply the meaning of the Sacred Mass and the importance of Sunday. We will do our best to do the above mentioned ways in order to become parish communities in faith, hope and love. At the same time, through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we receive the mission to evangelize creating a society in communion, in dialogue, mutually helping each other and valuing life. As a result, we will live the Year of the Eucharist very abundantly. Happy New Year! May you be filled with God’s grace! Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference Christmas 2004

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is the springhead and summit of spiritual life, surpassing many other paths of spiritual life.

Receiving frequently the Eucharist can maintain every particular grace of vocation (e.g. clergy, religious, husband and wife, father and mother etc.) as well as illuminate different circumstances in life (e.g. joy, suffering, difficulties, sicknesses, trials etc.)

Love, harmony and friendly affection are all fruits of the Holy Eucharist and an expression of one’s union with Christ in the Sacrament. At the same time, being in the state of grace and practicing charity is necessary for a fruitful Eucharistic celebration.

Christ is among us teaching us everyday how to be his witnesses, and building a city here on earth.

II. Mystagogical Catechesis of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

His holiness Pope John Paul II says that: “In the twentieth century, especially since the Vatican Council II, there has been a great development in the way the Christian community celebrates the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. It is necessary to continue in this direction, and to stress particularly the Sunday Eucharist and Sunday itself, experienced as a special day of faith, the day of the Risen Lord and of the gift of the Spirit, the true weekly Easter.”

We hope that during the Year of the Eucharist, priests, Sisters or missionaries, spiritual advisers of communities in the parishes, will give the faithful more explanations about the significance of Sunday and the Sunday Eucharist. One can refer to Catechism of the Catholic Church from #380 – 393 and the book of Pope John Paul II on “The Day of the Lord”.

The Vatican Council II Documents emphasize that the celebrant of the Mass should consider the “homily” as an important part of the liturgy. The purpose of giving a homily is to explain the holy word of God and to draw out its meaning for the Christian life. Hope that priests will exert more effort to evaluate their progress in this area.

Pope John Paul II pays particular attention to having “moments of silence” during the Mass. He says that: “It is not enough that the biblical passages are read in the vernacular, if they are not also proclaimed with the care, preparation, devout attention and meditative silence that enable the word of God to touch people’s minds and hearts.”

We are requesting the readers to prepare very well, read very clearly, and pause after reading the whole thing before reading or chanting the Responsorial Psalm. After the priest pronounces his homily, there should also be a few moments of silence. When the distribution of Holy Communion is over and the choir stops singing, there should also be few moments of silence. The commentator should not ask the congregation to right away stand up or the choir to continuously sing. The faithful should have few moments of silence.

Pope John Paul II is sincerely advising all the pastors to be committed to that “mystagogical” catechesis so dear to the Fathers of the Church, so that the faithful are helped to understand the meaning of the liturgy’s word and actions.

One specific project of this Year of the Eucharist might be for each parish community to study the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (CRBC 2004 March Issue). Pope John Paul II says that: “The best way to enter into the mystery of salvation made present in the sacred “signs” remains that of following faithfully the unfolding of the liturgical year.”

Eucharistic Adoration Outside Mass

Pope John Paul II is asking us that: “During this year Eucharistic adoration outside Mass should become a particular commitment for individual parish and religious communities. Let us take the time to kneel before Jesus present in the Eucharist, in order to make reparation by our faith and love for the acts of carelessness and neglect, and even the insults which our Saviour must endure in many parts of the world.”

Through the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, let us deepen through adoration our personal and communal contemplation. Pope John Paul II pointed out that during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, aside from reading the Bible, moments of silence, chanting, one can also pray the Rosary. Because “The Rosary itself, when it is profoundly understood in the biblical and christocentric form which I recommended in the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, will prove a particularly fitting introduction to Eucharistic contemplation, a contemplation carried out with Mary as our companion and guide.”

This year, let us also celebrate with particular devotion the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (May 29 th), with its traditional procession. Pope John Paul II says: “Our faith in the God who took flesh in order to become our companion along the way needs to be everywhere proclaimed, especially in our streets and homes, as an expression of our grateful love and as an inexhaustible source of blessings.”

The Eucharist: source and manifestation of communion

Through the Sacrament of the Eucharist, Jesus found a way to stay “in” them. To receive the Eucharist means to enter into a profound communion with Jesus. “Abide in me, and I in you” (Jn 15:4). God has placed in human hearts a “hunger” for his word, a hunger which will be satisfied only by full union with him.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” (Acts 4:32) In the mystery of the Eucharist, Jesus builds up the “Church as a communion”. It is a hierarchical communion, based on the awareness of a variety of roles and ministries, as is seen by the reference to the Pope and the Diocesan Bishop in the Eucharistic Prayer. It is a fraternal communion, cultivated by a “spirituality of communion” which fosters reciprocal openness, affection, understanding and forgiveness. If we participate enthusiastically in the Eucharistic Celebration and receive properly the Eucharist, we make our parish community a true evangelizing community in faith, hope and love.

The Eucharist and Mission

The two disciples of Emmaus, upon recognizing the Lord, “set out immediately” (Lk 24:33), in order to report what they had seen and heard to the other disciples in Jerusalem. Pope John Paul says: “Once we have truly met the Risen One by partaking of his body and blood, we cannot keep to ourselves the joy we have experienced. The encounter with Christ, constantly intensified and deepened in the Eucharist, issues in the Church and in every Christian an urgent summon to testimony and evangelization.”

“The dismissal at the end of each Mass is acharge given to Christians, inviting them to work for the spread of the Gospel and the imbuing of society with Christian values.”

During the Year of the Eucharist, our families, parishes, dioceses, religious communities, organizations and the faithful, should all together do works of evangelization, evaluation, propose plans and materialize them. Everyone should lessen negative criticisms but give more active suggestions and start with oneself.

In this Year of the Eucharist, Christians ought to be committed to bearing more forceful witness to God’s presence in the world. Pope John Paul II also points out that the “culture of the Eucharist” promotes a culture of “dialogue”. In Taiwan society, it is extremely needed to advocate the culture of dialogue, mutually listen to each other, and tolerate different opinions, rather than to be impatient with each other and exchange curses.

“The Eucharist is not merely an expression of communion in the Church’s life; it is also a project of solidarity for all of humanity. The Christian who takes part in the Eucharist learns to become a promoter of communion, peace and solidarity in every situation. More than ever, our troubled world, which began the new Millennium with the spectre of terrorism and the tragedy of war, demands that Christians learn to experience the Eucharist as a great school of peace, forming men and women who, at various levels of responsibility in social, cultural and political life, can become promoters of dialogue and communion.”

Pope John Paul II clearly shows: “It is not by chance that the Gospel of John contains no account of the institution of the Eucharist, but instead relates the “washing of feet”. By bending down to wash the feet of his disciples, Jesus explains the meaning of the Eucharist unequivocally. Saint Paul vigorously reaffirms the impropriety of a Eucharistic celebration if charity is lacking and not sharing with the poor.

Pope John Paul II is making an appeal to make this Year of the Eucharist an occasion for diocesan and parish communities to respond in a particular way. For example: help the tragedy of hunger which plagues hundred of millions of human beings, the diseases which afflict developing countries, the loneliness of the elderly, the hardships faced by the unemployed, the struggles of immigrants.

Therefore, the Bishops are appealing to each parish community to pay attention to the poor ones in the community and to extend help to them. The Commission for Social Development (Caritas-Taiwan), Taiwan Catholic Mission Foundation, Congregation of the Mission, Council of the Apostolate and other organizations can start soliciting funds and help the very poor countries, according to the indication of Pope Paul II.

Value life, intensify Life Education

The Lord said: “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). He also said: “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.” (John 6:51)

At present in Taiwan society, the percentage of people who end their lives earlier is increasing. We need to advocate how to value life and request families, parish communities and schools to intensity Life Education. The Bishops are requesting all Catholic Schools in all levels to open a course in Life Education. If it is possible to make it a compulsory course, is preferable. If not, at least make it an elective course. Fu Jen Catholic University and Taiwan Life Education Society already worked out a formation scheme for a group of teachers. May each school cooperate by sending suitable teachers to undergo this formation.

Conclusion

Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II is calling on the whole Church to contemplate, praise, and adore in a special way this ineffable Sacrament. May it encourage a more lively and fervent celebration of the Eucharist, leading to a Christian life transformed by love. He adds: “If the only result of this Year were the revival in all Christian communities of the celebration of Sunday Mass and an increase in Eucharistic worship outside Mass, this Year of grace would be abundantly successful.”

We hope that as a result of enhancing worship of the Eucharist, our parish communities will understand more deeply the meaning of the Sacred Mass and the importance of Sunday. We will do our best to do the above mentioned ways in order to become parish communities in faith, hope and love. At the same time, through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we receive the mission to evangelize creating a society in communion, in dialogue, mutually helping each other and valuing life. As a result, we will live the Year of the Eucharist very abundantly.