WHAT HAPPENS AFTER COMMUNION

The final ritual unit on Sunday is deceptively simple. The community joins in joyful singing as people come in procession to the ministers of the Eucharist. After receiving both the bread and the cup, all continue communal singing till everyone has received and is seated. We are in communion with the Lord and one another. The singing concludes when all are seated.

We then enter into sacred silence in order to give deeply personal thanks to the Lord. The silence should be neither too long nor too short. It should not be dropped or neglected. We need to cultivate a communion of hearts by participating in sacred silence. This time allows the word to become enfleshed in our innermost being. Both adults and children need to learn together the spiritual discipline of waiting quietly, patiently, and calmly on the Lord.

This important moment can be short changed when the space is occupied by a second collections and instrumental mood music or inane musical virtuosity. This is totally inappropriate. We are afraid of communal silence. It is awesome. Second collections, intended to meet the needs of churches nationally and internationally, should be taken seriously. We are not a federation of sectarian communities. Our catholicity demands that we take responsibility for the local and universal church. Wise stewardship is magnanimous and visionary. Successful parishes do first and second collections only once when the gifts are presented.

The presider learns to feel the rhythm and style of each Assembly's silent prayer. When silent prayer is finished, he rises and invites the people to sum up personal prayer with the prayer after communion. This prayer links the present communion experience to the communion we'll all share at the heavenly banquet table. This prayer concludes with a loud, hearty, and robust Amen

Announcements follow. Assemblies need to listen well because announcements spell out how we-church will do our ministries, activities, and service during the week. Announcements set a tone, a mood, a style. Those composing announcements and those speaking them encourage and support Christian service. It is through action and service that young and old express Christ to the world. We continue Jesus' incarnational presence and mission in our circle of work, school, home, neighborhood, and society.

Then the blessing follows. The presider prays God's blessing upon sisters and brothers. The sign of the cross accompanies the words of blessing. The cross is our trophy and sign of victory. Its power frightens the evil one because Christ's radiant light banishes darkness.

The deacon, minister of community service, dismissed us. This formal action missions us to bear Christ and send us to carry Gospel to a world groaning for salvation. Communion with Christ not only nourishes us, It also sends us into a world where the power of grace engages people positively.

Finally, the Assembly joins in singing praise and thanks. The Mass is over when the singing is finished. Then people may linger for friendship and fellowship. Or they may go unhurriedly to their cars. Those who habitually leave early miss the point. The point is that graceful and warm leave taking is a sign of courtesy, kindness, and Christian charity.