In the Liturgy of the Word the covenant is ANNOUNCED and in the Liturgy of the Eucharist the covenant is RENEWED. The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the altar and presentation of the gifts.
Our offerings to the Church are rooted in an ancient custom when the people themselves provided materials for the eucharist and food for the poor. Today the Church teaches that our offerings are a “powerful expression of the participation of all present in the Eucharist and in the social mission of the Church.”
The Eucharistic prayer is the central prayer of the Mass and our faith. The priest prays this great prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification in our name. The entire prayer is about transformation. Through this prayer the gifts of bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ and we, too, pray to be transformed. When the priest prays this great prayer of thanksgiving, he calls down the power of the Holy Spirit over the gifts of bread and wine, repeats the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper, and offers this sacrifice and unblemished victim to the Father. St. Augustine explained that the mystery taking place on the altar is our mystery as well.
Thus, as the priest prays this prayer in our name, we unite ourselves with this sacred action and pray to be a people who:
Walk this earth with hearts lifted up to the Lord.
Remember the great things God has done for us.
Sing with the angels to be caught up in the love of God.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will also transform us.
Are united with all those who have celebrated this mystery throughout the ages.
Offer ourselves to the Father as the priest offers this unblemished sacrifice.
Always pray for the living and dead in union with the communion of saints.
Our sung Amen confirms our belief in all that has been prayed in our name. We confirm our participation in all that the priest has prayed.