Capstone

OBJECTIVE

Students will gain a deeper understanding of the different parts of The Holy Liturgy and its symbolism as it correlates to Scripture.

INSTRUCTIONS/IDEAS

  • The servant will have a whiteboard and write the three sections of the liturgy: The Offertory, The Catechumen, and the Liturgy of the Faithful. Then each student will be given a Holy Liturgy book to create a summary of the liturgy.
  • The class will break down into three groups. Using the liturgy book, each group will write down the important parts of each section of the liturgy as follows:
  1. The Offertory - Offering of the Sacrifice:
    1. Thanksgiving Prayer
    2. Procession of Absolution of the Minister
    3. Prayer of Incense of the Pauline Epistle
    4. Hymn of the Censor
    5. Readings: Pauline Epistles, Catholic Epistles, Acts of the Apostles, Synaxarium, and Gospel
    6. Three Long Litanies
    7. Orthodox Creed
    8. Prayer of Reconciliation
    9. etc
  2. The Catechumen - this covers those who (in ancient times) were preparing to join the faith or chose to be baptised. In this section of the Mass the readings cover the letters, the Gospel and the sermon.
  3. Liturgy of the Faithful - this covers the consecration of the sacrament until it is distributed to participants.
  • Make sure that each student knows the important parts of each section when the bread and wine are converted to the body and blood of Christ, and when the Holy Spirit descends on the altar.
  • If there is time, you could have the priest give an instructional liturgy for the students to attend and follow along using the guide they created.
  • There is a very good instructional cartoon video of the Liturgy of Saint Basil that can be used as a guide: