Every week we are invited to joyously come break bread at the Lord's table.  That's right, Mass is a joyful celebratory meal shared with your faith community here at St. John Fisher and around the world.  Isn't it incredible that people round the world are worshiping our Lord by celebrating the Eucharist just as we are in Marlborough, Connecticut!!   

As in the time of Jesus, this does not happen alone, but in community.  Together we learn, we share then we break bread.  Mass allows us to slow down and be in the presence of our loving Father.  We are both spiritually and physically fed in a powerful way that brings us closer to God.  We repeat the Last Supper every time we celebrate Mass.  Jesus "took his place at the table with the apostles ...  Then he took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which will be given for you. Do this in memory of me" (Luke 22:14,19).  When we go to Mass we are honoring Jesus' request to "do this in memory of me," and we are reminded not only of his sacrifice, but of his great love for us as well.  Simply stated, Mass is an opportunity to worship our heavenly Father. At the Lord's table, we worship, give thanks, listen to sacred scripture, celebrate the Eucharist and offer up prayers to a loving Father as a spirit-filled community.   Come find your place at the table! 

How awesome is it that every time we go to Mass we encounter the true Christ through the Eucharist?  One of the greatest mysteries of our faith, fills us spiritually and physically with the true presence of our Lord. 

What are some of your favorite mealtime rituals/memories?

How do you celebrate special meals?

How is this similar to how we celebrate special Masses at church?  Can you come up with 5 similarities?

When did Jesus share a sacred meal with his apostles that provides the foundation for our Mass?

What words did Jesus use then that we hear during the Eucharistic prayer at Mass today?

Additional resources:

Be sure to check out our parish library!

https://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/category/Mass/4/?per_page=all – a collection of videos and activities about the Mass.

https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/scripture-and-tradition/mass-and-liturgy/an-overview-of-the-mass

http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/index.cfm

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