Full, Conscious, Active Participation

The full, conscious and active participation hoped for by the bishops of Vatican II is one that engages Mass-goers in body, mind and spirit.  While there are many ways that people participate in the Mass physically (by their posture, gestures and movement) and vocally (by joining in all the sung or spoken parts), these are secondary unless they promote interior participation.  Full participation comes about when people pray with all their heart and soul and mind and strength (cf Mk 12:30).  The role of all the words and symbols and ritual action of the Mass is to engage the whole person at a deep level of faith.

Attentive and receptive listening plays a key role in all this.  Listening with an open mind and heart is not a passive act; it is a chosen attitude.  Sunday Mass offers a wealth of opportunities to practise this kind of listening.  The Scripture Readings and the Eucharistic Prayer call for sustained attention; listening receptively to other elements, such as meditative music, may bear much fruit too.

Occasions of silence in the Mass are of the utmost importance.  They allow Mass-goers to absorb what has been said and done and to let it bear fruit in their hearts.  Times of silence are not empty but full of promise.

Music also has an invaluable role to play in the celebration of Sunday Mass.  As the General Instruction says, Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy.  Thus St Augustine says rightly, ‘Singing is for one who loves,’ and there is also an ancient proverb: ‘Whoever sings well prays twice over’ (GIRM #39).  In choosing what will be sung, the highest priority should be given to singing the dialogues and acclamations of the Mass, followed by the responsorial psalm and processional chants for the Entrance and Communion.  This ensures that the parish community sings the Mass rather than sings at Mass.  There’s a world of difference between the two.

Ministries

The Vatican II Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy established clear principles for specific forms of active participation.  These are called liturgical ministries.  There are diverse roles to be filled, reflecting the nature of the liturgy and the gifts given to the local community.  

The Mass is not a ceremony performed by the priest in front of a passive audience.  Rather the priest presides over and coordinates a whole range of ministries.  Thus, Servers, lectors, commentators, and members of the choir also exercise a genuine liturgical function (GIRM #29).  In fact, no-one should serve in multiple roles.  In liturgical celebrations each person, minister or layman, who has an office to perform, should do all of, but only, those parts which pertain to his office . . . (GIRM #28). The focus for all liturgical ministry is service: service of God, service of the liturgical action, and service of God's people gathered to celebrate.

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