United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Chapter 14. The Celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ • 175

FROM THE CATECHISM

1. What does Sunday and its vigil mean for Catholics? Sunday, the “Lord’s Day,” is the principal day for the celebration of the Eucharist because it is the day of the Resurrection. It is the pre-eminent day of the liturgical assembly, the day of the Christian family, and the day of joy and rest from work. Sunday is the “foundation and kernel of the whole liturgical year.” (CCC, no. 1193, citing SC, no. 106) Songs and music fulfill their function as signs . . . when they are closely connected . . . with the liturgical action, according to three principal criteria: beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, and the solemn character of the celebration. In this way they participate in the pur pose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful. (CCC, no. 1157) 3. What is the purpose of the Liturgy of the Word? The Liturgy of the Word is an integral part of the celebra tion. The meaning of the celebration is expressed by the Word of God which is proclaimed and by the response of faith to it. (CCC, no. 1190) 2. What are the criteria for the use of songs and music in the Liturgy?

THE LINK BETWEEN LITURGY AND LIFE Our society favors being practical and tends to evaluate people and insti tutions in this light. Practicality has led to numerous inventions that have made life more humane. It also asks people to draw a closer link between theory and everyday life, urging them to be more down-to-earth.