specifically, it is Christ's sacrifice, and our offering is united to his...for the praise and glory of the Father's name.

     Last week I quoted Vatican II's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, which calls for the laity's "full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebrations" (SC #14).  This week, I like to consider the Offering.
     In the ancient Roman Church, members of the community would bring with them, to the church on Sunday, bread and wine, as well as other sacrificial gifts, such as chicken or fruit, etc., for the poor.  Within the Catholic liturgy, these gifts would be processed forward by the people, and received by deacons, the bread and wine being separated and prepared for the sacrifice of the mass.  Some scholars think that       initially, water was placed in the wine, in order to dilute what would have been a very potent alcohol content.  However, this  liturgical act, with the deacon's or priest's corresponding prayer ("By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to have a share in our humanity" - usually prayed unaudibly), was judged very important to retain, by Vatican II's reform of the liturgy. 
     Today, a small procession of one family carrying the gifts of bread and wine, symbolizes what would have been a     procession by many members of the ancient church...each bringing their homemade bread and wine.  If you will, the monetary donations collected at mass today, pay for the    purchasing of the bread and wine which are brought forward (as well as church expenses and a portion is given to the poor as alms).  Thus we can see the importance of this procession within the  liturgy:  the family which brings forth bread and wine, is bringing not their own offering, but the offering of the whole community.  Our hearts are processing with them.  And it's not just a monetary offering, which we offer, but it's also, and more importantly, a sacrifice of praise, the sacrifice of our good deeds, indeed the     sacrifice of our whole lives lived for God!  All of these elements come together, and are united with the sacrifice of Christ himself, offered to the    Father upon the altar.
     The priest standing in the person of Christ (in persona Christi), offers what has become (transformed into), the body and blood of Christ, to the Father, on behalf of all God's   people.  It is really Christ himself who offers the sacrifice of the mass, which is why we speak of the priest as "in persona Christi."  Christ offered the sacrifice of his body and blood once and for all on Calvary; the mass is a re-presentation of this sacred event (the suffering and death of Christ).  Through the mass, we are able to participate in that salvific event, and are able to receive graces for eternal life.
     In conclusion, the Offering of the Mass, is really the    offering of our whole lives (including good deeds, daily sacrifices, money, and praise given to God), now united to Christ's self-offering. The Eucharistic prayer, which is prayed by the priest, is not the priest's prayer alone, but the whole communities.  Though the sacrifice takes place at the priest's hands, it is not his sacrifice, but out sacrifice.  More         

CONFIRMATION:
RETREAT FOR PARENTS:  Topic:  Confirmation...What is it?  Affirming student & Confirming self.
Monday, October 11 from 7:00--8:30pm (school   cafeteria).

ADULT FAITH FORMATION:
Committee seeking new members.  Please join us!

SEEKERS:  Adult Theological Book Club
Just who are we?  We are a group of people who want to explore our faith in traditional and non-traditional ways.  We are not afraid to share our minds and hearts, our doubts and fears.  We are not afraid to go wherever our questions may lead us, we want to explore the mysteries of our SELF and GOD.  If we should become "prodigal sons and daughters," we trust our loving God to lead us home again.  If this sounds good to you, please join us.  Second Thursday of every month until May from 7:00--8:30pm, Parish Center/Francis Room.  BOOK TO READ FOR OCTOBER 14 MEETING:  Borg,   Marcus J.,  MEETING JESUS FOR THE FIRST TIME,             HarperSanFrancisco.  Marcus Borg Web Site:  Portraits of Jesus:  www.united.edu/portrait.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENTS
     For the safety and security of students in grades 1-8  Religious Education programs at 4:45 and 6:30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, all doors to the school will be locked except the gym doors (located at the front parking lot).  ALL STUDENTS WILL BE         REQUIRED TO ENTER AND EXIT THROUGH THESE DOORS.  HALL MONITORS MUST CHECK INTO ROOM 7 IF YOU ARE ENTERING THE SCHOOL BUILDING.         RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF, CATECHISTS, AND     VOLUNTEERS WILL WEAR IDENTIFICATION BADGES.  If you are in the building and you are not recognized by a staff person you will be asked to identify yourself.  Thank you for your understanding.
     We apologize for any inconveniences but we          appreciate your cooperation as we attempt to keep the Religious Education program safe for your child.  Many parents have complimented us on the new security measures.  If you have questions or concerns about this arrangement please call Tim Carter at (651) 633-1540.