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Chapter 14. The Celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ • 175
THE LINK BETWEEN LITURGY AND LIFE
Our society favors being practical and tends to evaluate people and insti-
tutions in this light. Practicality has led to numerous inventions that have
made life more humane. It also asks people to draw a closer link between
theory and everyday life, urging them to be more down-to-earth.
1. What does Sunday and its vigil mean for Catholics?
Sunday, the “Lord’s Day,” is the principal day for the
celebration of the Eucharist because it is the day of the
Resurrection. It is the pre-eminent day of the liturgical
assembly, the day of the Christian family, and the day of
joy and rest from work. Sunday is the “foundation and
kernel of the whole liturgical year.” (CCC, no. 1193, citing
SC, no. 106)
2. What are the criteria for the use of songs and music in
the Liturgy?
Songs and music fulfill their function as signs . . . when
they are closely connected . . . with the liturgical action,
according to three principal criteria: beauty expressive of
prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at
the designated moments, and the solemn character of
the celebration. In this way they participate in the pur-
pose of the liturgical words and actions: the glory of God
and the sanctification of the faithful. (CCC, no. 1157)
3. What is the purpose of the Liturgy of theWord?
The Liturgy of the Word is an integral part of the celebra-
tion. The meaning of the celebration is expressed by the
Word of God which is proclaimed and by the response of
faith to it. (CCC, no. 1190)
FROM THE CATECHISM