NOVENA 2011

We know what happens at Mass.

After all we have been to lots of them over the years.

Many of us go every Sunday, some of us even more
often. So we know what happens. We are familiar
with the rubics and the ritual, the words and the
gestures.

We are also aware of the extraordinary
mystery we celebrate, how the bread and wine
is transformed into the body and blood of Christ.
And how this celebration calls us to be changed
and transformed, too.
But there is a danger our Mass-going can
become routine. We are so accustomed to the
words and the ritual that we can go through the
motions or take them for granted, and end up not
participating like we should.

We can lose our sense of wonder at what is
taking place, or not fully appreciate or understand
the significance of what we do every time we
gather round the table of the Lord.

Our novena this year is about the Mass.

Each day will focus on a different moment in the celebration of the Eucharist, looking in depth at
its meaning and significance. It is an opportunity for us, in the build up to the Eucharistic Congress, to think more deeply about the Mass and its implications for us as individuals and
as a community, how it shapes our lives and relationship with God and one another. It is a chance to deepen or reawaken our sense of awe
and wonder at the amazing event that takes place every time we gather round the Lord's table.

In the Eucharist we are nourished by Christ's
own body and blood. It is our spiritual food for
the journey, food for life.