Join Dan Burke and Melissa Elson as they speak with Christopher Carstens to discuss participation in the liturgy and the beauty of the opening prayer of the Mass.

Topics/Questions Covered in the Show:

• What is the sacramental principle?
• What is mystagogy?
• Why is the opening prayer of the Mass so important?
• What should be happening during the opening prayer?
• How is it possible that a God that doesn't need us thirsts for us and longs for us?
• What does it mean to bring our prayers forward as an offering to God during the opening prayer?
• Why is the opening prayer called the "collect"?
• Why is silence important during the Mass?

Resources:

• Spiritualdirection.com - website
• Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation
• Sophia Institute Press
• A Devotional Journey into the Mass by Christopher Carstens
• Adoremus Bulletin
• The Liturgy Guys - podcast
• "The Avila Summit" Information and Registration
• Questions? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 818-646-7729. Please leave your name, location, and question(s).