What is 'full, conscious, and active participation' in the sacred liturgy?
Emphasized by the Second Vatican Council in Sacrosanctum Concilium, active liturgical participation is first and foremost internal: uniting one's heart, intellect, intentions, and trials with Christ's sacrifice on the altar through reverent prayer, attentive listening, and spiritual silence. Externally, this interior devotion is expressed by reciting communal responses, singing hymns, observing reverent bodily postures (kneeling, bowing, standing), and receiving Holy Communion with clean hearts.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1140-1144
- Romans 12:1
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.