1144 ‘In the celebration of the sacraments it is thus the whole assembly that is leitourgos, each according to his function, but in the ‘unity of the Spirit’ who acts in all.
1154 The liturgy of the Word is an integral part of the sacramental celebrations.
1155 The liturgical word and action are inseparable both insofar as they are signs, and instruction insofar as they accomplish what they signify.
1187 The Liturgy is the work of the whole Christ, head and body. our high priest celebrates it unceasingly in the heavenly liturgy, with the Mother of God, the apostles, all the saints and the multitude of so who have already entered the kingdom.
1188 In a liturgical celebration the whole assume is ‘leitourgois’ each member according to his own function. The baptismal priesthood is that of the whole Body of Christ. but some of the faithful are ordained through the sacrament of Holy Orders to represent Christ as head of the Body.
1195 By keeping the memorials of the saints – first of all the holy Mother of God, then the apostles, the martyrs and other saints – on fixed days of the liturgical year, the Church on earth shows that she is united with the liturgy of heaven. She gives glory to Christ for having accomplished his salvation in his glorified members; their example encourages her on her way to the Father.
1196 The faithful who celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours are united to Christ our high priest, by the prayer of the psalms, meditation on the Word of God, and canticles and blessings, in order to be joined with his unceasing and universal prayer that gives glory to the Father and implores the gift of the Holy Spirit on the whole world.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church – Part Two, Section One, Chapter Two online at the Vatican and at Amazon
Keep The Catechism close to hand. All theological discussion improves when it refers explicitly to the documents produced by Church bodies. We can all learn from this document. We can use in discussions with Roman Catholics and it will enable us to make our disagreement with some of their positions clearer. To give the whole Church a document as strong as this is a truly charitable act.
