SAINT Luke’s Parish in Woodvale held a Ministries Formation Day on the Eucharist on 9 April, during which the upcoming Missal translation changes were well accepted.
Forty-five members involved in various ministries within the parish including acolytes, special ministers, readers, ushers, musicians, choir members and others attended the Formation day, which was “extremely well presented” by acting parish priest Fr Dennis Sudla, according to a statement from the parish.
The day began with Morning Prayer in the church which was a very new experience for most, because, apart from appropriate hymns at the beginning and end, Fr Sudla led it by involving the group in the shared chanting of the Psalms which was made more beautiful by his “outstanding and melodic voice”.
The actual subject for the day, the Eucharist, commenced with Fr Sudla explaining the connection of the Jewish Passover and Exodus with Christ’s ultimate Passover and the Eucharist. He continued to explain the history and development of the Eucharist over the centuries and gave the reasons for changes, whether appropriate or not, that took place during the various centuries to the present day.
The final subject presented for the information of the group was the session on the new Missal. This stimulated some interesting discussion but the changes appeared to be generally well accepted.
“It would be have to be considered as an extremely interesting and rewarding day and an awakening and understanding of the true meaning of the word Eucharist,” the parish statement said.
“From various comments of the group, everyone enjoyed the day and Father’s presentation and knowledge was very impressive to all those present.”