The St. Jude Thaddeus Parish’ Experience

SUNDAY CELEBRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF A PRIEST:

THE ST. JUDE THADDEUS PARISH’ EXPERIENCE

Sem. Nomer L. De Lumen

Research Discipline:                   Preaching and Witnessing

Research subject:                  Bible and preaching

Thesis statement:                         Conflict in perceptions of the lay faithful toward the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass presided by a Priest and the Liturgical Bible service officiated by an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion especially during Sunday celebrations.

Abstract:

The Eucharist has often been called the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, a representation and anamnesis of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. However, in the Philippines, some Christian faithful have no chance of attending such celebration on account of the shortage of priests in the country while for others, nevertheless was just a trivial and lifeless celebration.

As such phenomenon reckons attention, this study would like to present current issues on account of false interpretations and perceptions of the faithful with regard to the celebration of the Holy Mass, and of Liturgical Bible service. Hence, this will show the real value of these celebrations in order to clarify the popular belief of the people towards Bible sharing with communion as substandard.

In the review of related literature, works are presented which bring to light some issues that concern the very idea of priesthood and of the laity in concurrence with the present situation of the church, particularly to the liturgical life of the Christian community. In addition, the review of related literature presented some scholastic discussions of Church’s theologians, priests, religious serving at a diocese and prominent canon lawyers on their perception and reflection towards the significance of Eucharistic celebration in the formation of the Christian community.