What is the role of the congregation during the celebration of the Holy Mass?
The liturgy is the public worship of the entire Mystical Body of Christ, Head and members together. It is never a solo performance by the priest with the congregation acting as passive spectators.
By virtue of the common priesthood received in Baptism, all faithful present are called to full, conscious and active participation (actuosa participatio). This participation is first of all interior: uniting one's heart, personal struggles and daily work to the sacrifice of Christ being offered on the altar.
Externally, the congregation participates through attentive listening to Sacred Scripture, communal singing, making the liturgical responses, postures of reverence (standing, kneeling, bowing), and worthily receiving the Holy Eucharist when properly disposed.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1140
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1141
- Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 14, 1963
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.