Pop-Up Catechesis: The Mass as Sacrifice

Pop-Up Catechesis with Joe Paprocki

While it is true that the Mass is a meal, it is also true that the Mass is a sacrifice. The concept of sacrifice is often lost on us in today’s contemporary culture. In essence, a sacrifice is the offering of something valued and precious to another. In Old Testament times, it was customary for the Jewish people to sacrifice animals in the Temple as an offering to God. Jesus did away with this form of sacrifice but replaced it by sacrificing himself. It is this sacrifice that is made present in our celebration of the Mass. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the notion of the Mass as a sacrifice.

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About Joe Paprocki 2758 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

2 Comments on Pop-Up Catechesis: The Mass as Sacrifice

  1. This was so beautifully said Joe, and you gave analogies that make this message so easy for even very young children to understand. Making complex theological concepts understandable to everyday people is your superpower!!

    • Thanks for the kind words, Kelly! I guess the gifts of the Spirit that we all possess can indeed be thought of as “superpowers!”

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