SCAP shows the importance of the Eucharist

"Back in the early days, they would have not imagined having the Eucharist everyday or every week," said Deacon Bulson. "They would have prayed the Psalms.

"What we talk about today will only be a scratch on the surface, because we could talk about this all day," said Timothy Johnston, director of the Office of Liturgy.

Those present were advised to take the material and information they received back to their parish because this would be implemented on the first Sunday of Advent.

Deacon Bulson said Saint Columban, who was an abott, talks about the Eucharist as Christ being a fountain we drink from, the bread from heaven who comes down for us to eat.

"The Eucharist is the source and summit we receive as Catholics," said Deacon Bulson. "In the new version of the SCAP book, there is no confusion as to what we celebrate in the absence of a priest in our Sunday celebration."

Deacon Bulson said the book speaks first of the essence of the Sunday celebration. The priest who acts in the person of Christ consecrates the hosts into the body and blood of Christ. In his absence, hosts that have already been consecrated are distributed.

The church has reflected a long time on the importance of coming together as a community. The church has emphasized the importance of a Sunday celebration. The celebration is the essential act in the very sacrifice of Christ; the essence of the Eucharist. It is the only true actualization of the Paschal mystery.

The SCAP service is more of a temporary provisional measure we resort to because we do not have a priest available.

"When should a SCAP service happen?" asked Deacon Bulson. "Only when there are no priests available to celebrate Mass. It should not happen as a convenience. It should only happen as a last resort to keep alive the genuine hunger for the Eucharist, the desire for the Eucharist as an underlying purpose. Some believe the Eucharist should not be received because it may lessen that hunger."

"There is also a condition," said Johnston. "Only one SCAP service should happen per weekend. Always aim for the desired Eucharistic time. It is not a celebration without a priest, it is a celebration in the absence of a priest. It is not the same as participating in the sacrifice of Christ at Mass."

Johnston said there is a danger with having SCAP services. Some may come to prefer them to a Mass because they are shorter. It is theologically important to understand the dynamics of the sacrifice of the Mass. Leaders must be ready to catechise people who begin to have such thoughts.

Deacons are the first in line to celebrate a SCAP service. They will use the text provided and follow the prayers provided and are not to improvise.

"There is a danger in an individual thinking they can do it better, an egotism," said Johnston. "There is also the egotism in wearing the alb."

The priest’s chair is to remain vacant as a symbol for the absence of the priest.

A lay person can also lead the SCAP service. Only a deacon or priest can preside. Presiding is only for an ordained person commissioned by the bishop for an appointed amount of time.

Deacons and priests are the only ones who can give homilies. Only ordained priests and deacons can give homilies. Lay people can read a homily prepared by a priest, but they cannot preach. A lay person may explain the readings.

Johnston said there are different forms of SCAP services with or without Holy Communion. But at the same time, Christ is present. Christ is present in the Word of the scriptures, in the Litugy of the Word, and in prayer.

Johnston said we should emphasize the importance of singing when the church gathers for prayer. Singing lifts the person higher when one actively participates. Music should be ministered at the service, but never dominate to where the assembly becomes spectators, or silent listeners. They should remain participants so they can fully appreciate the person of Christ.

The deacon presiding or leader should model sacred silence to cut down on chatter within the assembly.

"When there is a nearby parish celebrating Mass, the bishop wants people to go to the nearby Mass if it is possible. But having people split up to go to Masses in various areas breaks up the local community," said Johnston. "SCAP should only be used in emergencies. They will be evaluated in a few months to see if we are using them too much or not enough.

The handbook gives instructions as to when the people are supposed to stand and when the leader or deacon stands. For example, during the Pslamody, everyone sits. There is one change, the Sign of Peace is at the end of the service.

"Our authority comes through our baptism," said Deacon Bulson. "We are called forth from the community to do a specific ministry. Ultimately Jesus is our leader. We are obedient to Jesus. The word obedient means to listen with an open heart not only to follow hard fast rules.

"It is through the bishop and pastors we are asked to do this," said Deacon Bulson. "You have to have an official letter from the bishop in order to lead or preside.

"Know what liturgy is appropriate," said Johnston. "Always take a few minutes to pray. Give yourself over to the Holy Spirit to move and guide you."