The dignity of all human life in the Eucharist

Credit here

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to take part in the annual March for Life in Dublin along with some fellow members of the Irish chapter of Rehumanize International. The event, organised by the Pro‑LifeCampaign, seeks to uphold the rights of unborn children and to promote a broader culture of life. This includes support for other vulnerable people at a time when assisted suicide is being introduced in some jurisdictions and openly supported by a significant number of members of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament).

Support for life at every stage - from conception to natural death -  is a key and fundamental part of Catholic Social Teaching as solidarity with the poorest, weakest and most marginalised members of society. I also believe it sits within a wider consistent life ethic that can, and does, find support across a diversity of political and religious viewpoints, including among those who do not profess religious faith.

Signs pointing beyond themselves

The first thing that strikes you on entering the public church of the Monastery of the Holy Cross is the water font immediately to the left of the entrance. Above it hangs a simple metal sign inscribed with the words: “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism”—a direct quotation from Ephesians 4:5. Before a single word is spoken, the church proclaims the fundamental unity of Christian life grounded in baptism.

Moving into the body of the church, your eye is drawn in an unbroken line toward the altar, the true centre and focal point of the entire space. As you approach, you notice that the altar rises a little from a large circular base, solidly grounded and yet visually expansive. What immediately struck me was its resemblance to the Eucharistic host—one form composed of many parts. It called to mind Saint Paul’s words:

“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)

How might our parish churches might like like in 2050 #5

 

The Roman Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments. Most Christians agree that Baptism – the sacrament of initiation – and the Eucharist – the sacrament of unity – are foundational, and that the other sacraments, sacramentals, and rites flow from them. Every sacrament is an outward sign and a means of inward grace. In Baptism, water and oil form part of the celebration; in the Eucharist, bread and wine – which become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – are essential.

How might our parish churches look like in 2050? #1

 

In this and following blogs I explore some possible ideas for making better use of existing spaces in our churches. 

A word by way of context: as we are only painfully aware, Mass attendance is in freefall over recent decades, priests are ageing but here and there a few little green shoots of hope are sprouting up, unexpectedly. 

The full armour

 

Continuing on from yesterday's blog, I consider once again the grounds for the practice of first Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church. The present-day sequence is as follows:

Baptism → Holy communion → Confirmation

This sequence, which has been in place since the early decades of the last century is a relatively modern practice and was fairly unique among the main branches of Christianity up until recent times.

Welcome little children

 

At this time of year, most parishes across the world in the Roman Catholic Church are preparing children for the reception of first Holy Communion. It is a special moment on the spiritual journey undertaken by families who wish that their children be admitted to full eucharistic communion with the worldwide church.  It is no small thing to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus once told his disciples:

‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs’  (Mark 10:14)

Hopefully, all of these children will continue to experience the blessings of attending Sunday Mass on a weekly basis wherever they are.  It is, of course, a family choice and parents are the guardians and the exemplars. If the Eucharist means a huge amount to us then we will take the time, effort and trouble to make it a top priority every weekend no matter what.