Eucharistic Prayer V

by Fr. John Granato  |  11/17/2024  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

We finish up the Eucharistic prayers today. As I mentioned in a previous bulletin letter, there are two Eucharistic prayers for Reconciliation. Many priests choose one of these prayers during the season of Lent, but they can be used at any time. There were three Eucharistic prayers for children, but mercifully they were left off the Third Edition Roman Missal in 2011. They were to be primarily used during Masses with children, but in my opinion, as well as the opinion of many other priests and theologians, these Eucharistic prayers were pitifully written and treated children as if they were not able to understand or comprehend eternal truths. It was dumbing down of the faith.

It is similar to the dumbing down as well with certain pieces of music for children. For centuries, children were able to sing sacred polyphony and Gregorian chant, and the young boys were able to serve at the altar once they memorized the Latin responses. When we challenge our youth and young children, they will rise to the challenge. They are capable of understanding eternal truth and beauty.

There are four other Eucharistic prayers in the Roman Missal. They are listed as Eucharistic prayers for use in Masses for various needs. They are more appropriate for weekday Masses when the priest celebrant has the option to use the Mass prayers for various needs in the back of the Roman Missal. Since even daily Mass attendees are still only familiar with the first three Eucharistic prayers, it can be difficult for a celebrant to use Eucharistic prayer IV, the two reconciliation Eucharistic prayers, or any one of the four Eucharistic prayers for various needs. The original Eucharistic prayer for various needs was first composed for a Swiss synod in the 1970s. Pope St. Paul VI approved its use in various national bishop’s conferences.

The body of each Eucharistic prayer is standard for the most part. There are minor differences from each other. The major difference is that each prayer has its own thematically arranged preface before the Holy, Holy, Holy. As long as the priest celebrant says the words of consecration, it is a valid Mass. Each Eucharistic prayer also has the names of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the current Holy Father, and the current (arch)bishop of the (arch)diocese. God bless.