Product Description

The Second Vatican Council presented a renewed understanding of the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life. A pivotal dimension of the Council’s liturgical reform was its call for the “full, conscious, and active participation” of all Catholics in the celebration of the Eucharist.

But three decades after Vatican II, this vision of participation in the Eucharist remains an unrealized ideal for many. This is partly due to the way the Eucharist is celebrated today, but, more importantly, the result of many Catholics not having an understanding of the Eucharist that is meaningful for them.

Eucharist: Participating in the mystery addresses both these aspects of the problem. Drawing on his years of experience as a liturgist and an adult faith-educator, Frank Andersen presents fresh perspectives, grounded in the biblical and wider Christian tradition, on the meaning and celebration of the Eucharist. Fr. Andersen explores the ways in which the celebration of the Eucharist enables us to embody Jesus and his values in our lives, both as individuals and communities. Through the Eucharist we come to know and embrace God’s faithful compassion for all. And we are challenged to continue Jesus’ mission in this time and place, particularly to the oppressed and marginalized.

Eucharist is ideal reading for anyone wishing to be renewed in their participation in this central celebration of the Christian community. The inclusion of questions for reflection and discussion make the book suitable for individual or group use.