WHAT IS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE HOLY MASS?

The saintly Pope who conceived the phrase “active participation in the Mass” and used it first was Pope Saint Pius X. This is how he explained it: “If you wish to participate in the Mass actively, you must follow with your eye, heart and mouth all that happens on the altar. “Hence active participation means, first of all, the interior participation of all the powers of the soul in the mystery of Christ’s sacrificial love. It also means that the mind and heart are awake, alert and engaged during the Eucharistic celebration. Secondly, Participation involves exterior action. For example, as soon as we enter church, we dip our fingers in the holy water and make the sign of the cross. During the Mass we stand, sit, kneel down, bend our heads in adoration, bless ourselves, exchange peace, and fold our hands in prayer. Thirdly, active participation at the Eucharistic liturgy involves conscious presence, by praying and singing loudly and acting in union with the whole assembly. Fourthly, we actively participate in the Mass by volunteering to become greeters, users, altar servers, lectors and Eucharistic ministers and choir members. God Bless! Father Maria Joseph Kodiganti