What is the Liturgy of the Eucharist?

• A. The first major part of the Mass, consisting of the Introductory Rites.
• B. The second major part of the Mass, it comprises the preparation of gifts, the Eucharistic prayer, and the rite of Holy Communion.
• C. A special blessing given at the end of Mass.
• D. A prayer of intercession during Mass.

Answer: (B)

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the second major part of the Mass where the bread and wine are offered, the Eucharistic prayer is prayed, and Holy Communion is shared. This section centers on giving thanks to God, calling Jesus to be present in the gifts, and then distributing Communion to the faithful. The preparation of gifts refers to bringing forward the bread and wine; the Eucharistic prayer includes the consecration of those gifts; and the rite of Holy Communion is the act of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. The other parts described happen at different times: the Introductory Rites open the Mass, the concluding rite includes the final blessing, and prayers of intercession are part of the prayers during the service, usually within the Liturgy of the Word.