The Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time – October 12, 2025
Being grateful to God is the core of our faith. This is sacramentalized in the great prayer of thanksgiving, the Eucharistic Prayer, the “center and high point of the entire celebration” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 78).
However, the people often perceive this prayer as merely something said by the priest that they have to get through before Communion. Here are some simple ways presiders and musicians can help make the Eucharistic Prayer a clearer high point for the entire assembly.
People often perceive the Eucharistic Prayer as merely something said by the priest that they have to get through before Communion.
First, show that this prayer belongs to all the baptized. Through the Eucharistic Prayer, “the whole congregation of the faithful joins with Christ in confessing the great deeds of God and in the offering of Sacrifice” (GIRM, 78). Therefore, be sure baptized candidates are not dismissed with catechumens. Whether Catholic or not, receiving Communion or not, all the baptized have a right and duty to pray this prayer. Also, strengthen the Preface dialogue that indicates that this is a shared act of thanksgiving.
Second, ensure that musical acclamations flow smoothly between presider and people. This may mean shortening the length of musical introductions so that the assembly’s response is not too delayed.
Finally, be sure the Great Amen is just that—great! This acclamation, which belongs only to the people, is how the people confirm and assent to everything that has been prayed on their behalf.
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