Sept 4 – Changing Practices in the Liturgy of the Eucharist

New Melleray Reception of Eucharist

New Melleray’s Liturgy Committee recognized that some of our practices at the Liturgy of the Eucharist hindered our ability to sing “as one voice”, presented physical challenges to a few members of the community, and at times seemed visually haphazard. To address these issues and present a more consistent Liturgy we (monks and guests) will now participate in the same manner every day of the week. The monks will remain in the choir stalls as we have done on Saturdays and Sundays in the past. Guests will participate from the Guest Section of the church. For communion, guests are invited to come forward and follow the monks in receiving the Eucharist before the altar at the east end of the church, then return to the Guest Section.

 

from Constitutions and Statutes: of the Monks and Nuns of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance
C. 17 – Liturgical Life

1 – The spiritual character of the community is especially evident in the celebration of the liturgy. The liturgy strengthens and increases both the inner sense of the monastic vocation and communion among the brothers.

C. 18 – Celebration of the Eucharist
1 – The Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life and of the brothers’ communion in Christ. For this reason it is to be celebrated by the whole community every day. It is by sharing in the paschal mystery of the Lord that the brothers are united more closely with one another and with the whole Church.