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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Mass Claire Thursday, April 7, 2005

Question:

Hello and God bless,

I was wondering if there are any written materials on how the early Church Masses were celebrated? I hear from anti-Catholics that "we" (the RCC) have changed our Masses over the centuries, but I can't really respond since I have no real knowledge on this subject. I've looked at the Didache on-line but can't really tell...

If our Mass has changed, how has it and what are the really important parts that can never change if this is so?

THanks so much,
Claire

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Claire,

Yes, actually I just did a search with a search engine and found several interesting and easy to read web pages on this subject.

I wouldn't say that it is the MASS that has changed over time, the Mass, the sacrifice, is the same always.  What has changed many times over the years is the WAY that the Mass is celebrated.  Words, prayers and rituals can change, but it is always the same sacrifice, which of course is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

I guess I don't understand your friend's claim against the Church...  Of course the celebration of the Mass has changed, what could possibly be wrong with that?

As far as a "bare minimum" of what must happen, I would say that Christ's command be followed:  "take this all of you and eat it" and "do this in memory of me", meaning that there is a meal at which bread becomes the body of Christ and that wine becomes His blood.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

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