Roman Catholicism, Church Institutions & Organizations, Catholic, Worship & Devotion, History, Liturgics, Mass 

The celebration of the eucharist in the Catholic Church has undergone significant changes since Vatican Council II. These have been due to liturgical reforms mandated by the council and to the decreased number of ordained clergy available as presiders. But changes in the past thirty years can't compare to a deeper and more fundamental shift in attitudes affecting the celebration of the eucharist today. This shift, says Bernard Cooke, arises from a new perception of human sin and of the eucharist as a personal encounter with Christ. In addition, a fresh understanding of the resurrection has led people to accept Christ's constant and active presence in the believing community, changing their view of "real presence" and opening them to accept the whole body of Christ as co-celebrant with the priest. These new understandings - already evident in some Catholic congregations - will change the way all Catholics think and worship in future years. - from Amzon