The Eucharist: Sacrament of transformation in the contemporary teaching ministry of the Church

A renewed effort by the teaching ministry of the Church to impart a deepened understanding of the current Eucharistic teaching of the Church is cited as the significant link that will make the realization of the transformative power of the Eucharist an operative force in the lives of Catholics. Through a documentary analysis of the Conciliar and Post Conciliar documents of the Second Vatican Council, as well as relevant contemporary theological literature, the current teaching of the Church concerning the Eucharist is examined. The methods of Practical Theology are employed to assess the implementation of the current teaching of the Church in two specific areas: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and the celebration of the Sunday Liturgy. Emphasis is placed on the doctrine that the Risen Christ is the source of the transformation of individuals, communities, society and the world. The RCIA as practiced in the multi-cultural parish of St. Boniface Parish, Elmont, New York, is the focus of the praxis, theory, praxis methods of Practical Theology. The effectiveness of the Rites that embody the Eucharistic teaching of the Church is clearly demonstrated in the experience of the actual conversion journey of persons representing different cultures. The study emphasizes the essential role of the Community in the implementation of the Rites. The Sunday Eucharist is shown to be the true summit and source of transformation. Special focus is placed on the concluding Rites that call upon the assembled community to work toward the transformation of the world. The conclusion of the dissertation centers on the fact that in order for the Eucharist to be Sacrament of Transformation in the Church it is crucial that a dynamic connection be forged between the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist and people\u27s lived experience. The challenge for the teaching ministry of the Church is to engage in renewed liturgical catechesis that will effectively bring about a deepened realization of the transformative power of the Eucharist for all the members of the Church