The Holy Eucharist
The historic pattern of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day, from the New Testament onward, has two main parts: Word and Sacrament. This remains the pattern for the liturgy of Holy Communion today. The first part focuses on the reading of Holy Scripture, preaching, and the prayers of the congregation. The second part focuses on the prayer of thanksgiving (to which the word “Eucharist” refers), the breaking of the bread, and the reception of Holy Communion. The liturgy of Holy Communion (also called Eucharist or the Mass) is the normative Christian service for Sundays and major feast days. It must be presided over by a bishop or presbyter.
Christian baptism is a non-negotiable prerequisite for anyone who desires to receive Holy Communion in the Anglican Church in North America. As the liturgy itself makes clear, it is also essential that those who receive this sacrament repent of their sins and seek to live in love and charity with their neighbors (page 112).
Candidates should understand each part of the Eucharist liturgy and what it contributes to Christian worship. They should also know how to lead a congregation in praying this liturgy. They are therefore expected to read not only the main text but also the rubrics, “Additional Directions,” and other supplementary material in this part of the Prayer Book with particular care and attention.
Areas of Liturgics
- History of Christian Worship
- Content and use of The Book of Common Prayer
- Daily Office
- Corporate and Private Prayer
- Sacramental Theology
- The Holy Eucharist
- Christian Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation
- Marriage and Children
- Rites of Healing
- Death and Burial
- Sanctification of Time
- Sanctification of Space
- Liturgy and Music
- Liturgy and Mission
