LITURGY &
SACRAMENTAL LIFE

“The Church, therefore, earnestly desires that Christ’s faithful, when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators; on the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration.

“They should be instructed by God’s word and be nourished at the table of the Lord’s body; they should give thanks to God; by offering the Immaculate Victim, not only through the hands of the priest, but also with him, they should learn also to offer themselves; through Christ the Mediator, they should be drawn day by day into an ever more perfect union with God and with each other, so that, finally, God may be all in all” (Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, paragraph 48).

An Act of Spiritual Communion

A prayer to use when reception of Holy Communion at Mass is not possible.

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you, my Lord and my God! Amen.