Preparation of congregation for forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion

Following the sermon, the congregation is prepared for the forgiveness of sins (absolution) and the celebration of Holy Communion.

The fact that forgiveness of sins is even possible is only thanks to the grace of God. His love for sinful mankind is demonstrated in the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ and the latter’s death on the cross. This perfect, eternally valid sacri­ fice is the foundation for the forgiveness of sins.

The forgiveness of sins (absolution) is not a sacrament, but it is a prerequisite for receiving the sacraments worthily.

The subsequent celebration of Holy Communion guarantees fellowship of life with Jesus Christ.

The content of the preparation may include the following points:

• the instruction to repent
• a reminder of Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet (self­abasement)
• acknowledgement of personal sinfulness and guilt
• willingness to forgive and reconcile
• gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice
• envisioning of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
• remembrance of Jesus’ suffering and death
• remembrance of the initiation of Holy Communion
• reminder that the proper administration of the sacraments has been entrusted to the Apostle ministry
• hymn of repentance or a moment of silence

Following these words of preparation for the forgiveness of sins and Holy Com­ munion, the congregation sings the hymn of repentance.

The hymn of repentance is an expression of collective confession of sins before God and each other.

The congregation remains seated during the hymn of repentance. The choir stands if it is asked to sing.

In place of the hymn of repentance, the officiant may invite the congregation to observe a moment of silence (with a maximum duration of one minute). A moment of silence is a time of reflection and can help us experience God’s nearness through repentance and remorse. The congregation remains seated for this.

The Lord’s Prayer

The officiant invites the congregation to join in the Lord’s Prayer. He can use words to the following effect:

“Let us rise and join in the prayer which the Lord Jesus taught us.” 

The congregation stands while praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Absolution

The Lord’s Prayer is followed by the absolution, which is formulated as follows:

“In the commission of my sender, the Apostle, I proclaim unto you the glad tidings: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, your sins are forgiven. The peace of the Risen One be with you. Amen.”

This makes it clear that the priestly ministry has been authorised by the apostolate to proclaim the forgiveness of sins.

The absolution is not a prayer. It can be pronounced with eyes open. The text may be read aloud.

The congregation stands during the absolution. The members confirm their believing acceptance of this forgiveness and the peace of Jesus with “Amen”.

Eucharistic prayer

The Eucharistic prayer includes praise and thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the Lord’s suffering and death. At the same time, it draws attention to the fact that Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion in the circle of His Apostles.

The Eucharistic prayer can therefore include:

• gratitude for the grace of forgiveness of sins
• gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
• gratitude for the institution of Holy Communion by the Lord
• gratitude for the sending of the apostolate in the past and present
• the invocation of the Holy Spirit (epiclesis) who guarantees the presence of the body and blood of Jesus and helps us to receive the meal for salvation and strength

The Eucharistic prayer is concluded with “Amen”. The congregation reinforces this with “Amen”.

Further sacraments and acts

The dispensation of sacraments and other acts of blessing, namely Holy Baptism with water, Holy Sealing, adoption, or confirmation, may follow the absolution and the Eucharistic prayer, but occurs prior to the consecration of Holy Com­ munion.

If several acts are planned, they are performed in the following order:

• Holy Baptism with water
• adoption
• Holy Sealing
• confirmation

These acts can be introduced and concluded with a musical selection.

The forgiveness of sins provides the sanctification required for receiving the sacraments and the aforementioned holy acts. The sacraments and acts also con­ stitute a profession. This is associated with regular participation in Holy Com­ munion.

After these acts, the believers involved receive Holy Communion together with the congregation. This expresses that they are now part of the congregation, and underlines the fellowship characteristic of Holy Communion. The ministers and the congregation together comprise this fellowship of Holy Communion.

Introduction to Holy Communion

Following the Eucharistic prayer — and the dispensation of sacraments and other holy acts, if applicable — the officiant introduces Holy Communion.

Recommended introduction to Holy Communion: 
“And now we shall celebrate Holy Communion.”

Uncovering the communion chalices

The invitation to the celebration of Holy Communion is followed by moments of silence.

The chalices are uncovered in silence. The chalices are not usually uncovered by the officiant. If no other priestly ministers are present, this liturgical event can be performed by Deacons.

The question of who should uncover the chalices and who should be assigned to serve Holy Communion should be settled before the service.

Once the ministers have uncovered the communion chalices and have returned to their seats, the officiant announces the beginning of the consecration of the sacramental elements to the congregation with the following recommended wording:

“And now the Lord’s table is prepared.”

Consecration

The bread and wine are not changed in their substance when the words of insti­ tution are spoken in the consecration. Rather, the substance of Jesus’ body and blood are joined to them (consubstantiation).

In Holy Communion, the bread and wine correspond to the human nature of Christ, while the body and blood correspond to His divine nature.

Bread and wine are not metaphors or symbols for the body and blood of Christ. Rather, the body and blood of Christ are truly present (real presence).

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Golgotha is also present in Holy Communion. So it is that each celebration of Holy Communion allows the participants to envision the sacrificial death of the Lord, such that they can proclaim it with conviction.

During the consecration of the elements, the officiant extends his or her arms, pointing to the chalices with his or her hands. If the chalices are only on one side of the altar, both arms can point in this direction.

The consecration can be spoken with open eyes. Reading of the consecration text is permissible.

Consecration of Holy Communion 

Consecration of Holy Communion

Consecration formula

The consecration formula covers all fundamental aspects of Holy Communion, namely:

• meal of commemoration- remembrance of the institution of Holy Communion and the sacrificial death of Christ, as well as His promise to return
• meal of profession– that is, the profession of the Lord’s sacri­ ficial death, resurrection, and return
• meal of fellowship– fellowship of Jesus with His Apostles, Jesus’ fellowship with the congregation, and fellowship of the members with one another
• eschatological meal – anticipation of fellowship with Jesus Christ in the marriage in heaven
• presence of Christ’s sacrifice – the events of Golgotha are envisioned in the present
• presence of Christ’s body and blood – the glorified body of the Lord is truly present

Holy Communion for the ministers

The officiant picks up a chalice and serves him­ or herself Holy Communion.

The congregation remains standing until the ministers at the altar have received Holy Communion from the officiant. This can be accompanied by a musical con­ tribution.

Announcement of musical contributions for the celebration of Holy Communion

Once the officiant has returned to the altar and replaced the communion chalice, the congregation sits down. The officiant then announces the musical contri­ butions to be sung during the celebration of Holy Communion.

Invitation to Holy Communion

The congregation is invited with words to the following effect:

“The Lord now invites you to Holy Communion.”

The officiant then hands the communion chalices to the Priests who are to dis­ pense Holy Communion.

Following the distribution of the chalices, the musical contribution can begin. It can also take place after the congregation has received Holy Communion.

In festive divine services with many participants, the distribution of communion chalices can be handled differently, for example, with musical accompaniment.

If applicable, this can be followed in special divine services by an invitation to guests who wish to participate in Holy Communion. The following words can be used to invite them:

“Invited are all baptised souls who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, as well as His death, His resurrection, and His return.”

Those regularly authorised to participate include sealed members, adopted members, and those who have received the New Apostolic baptism. Duly bap­ tised guests (that is, those baptised with water and in the triune name of God) are permitted to participate. Those who have not been baptised should not receive Holy Communion. However, no one should be prevented from participating.

Handing out the communion chalices

The inner composure of the ministers with regard to Holy Communion should also be reflected in their outward posture. This also applies to the dignified hand­ ling of the communion chalices.

Handing out the communion chalice

Handing over the communion chalice

Handing out the paten

Handing over the paten

Serving of Holy Communion

The wafers are served with the words:

“The body and blood of Jesus given for you!”

Adults with small children who cannot take the wafer for themselves are served with the words:

“The body and blood of Jesus given for you and your child!”

The wafer should be served as shown in the photo below.

The serving of the body and blood of Christ must never be rushed. When serving Holy Communion anything that could disturb the recipient in his or her devo­ tion, or that might impede the holiness of the sacrament, must be avoided.

The altar should remain occupied by a minister during the celebration of Holy Communion.

Replacing the lids on the communion chalices

The communion lids are only replaced once the congregation has returned to their seats and the musical contributions during the celebration of Holy Com­ munion have been completed. As a rule, the same ministers who uncovered the chalices should also cover them again. If Holy Communion for the departed is also to be celebrated, the chalices present on the altar remain open until the end of this sacramental act.

Further acts and completion of divine service

On Sundays and church holy days, the apostolate dispenses Holy Communion and possibly also the other sacraments to the departed. These acts are com­ menced and concluded with a musical contribution. The chalices are only covered again once the last musical contribution has been completed. The congregation remains standing.

If applicable, this is followed by:

• retirement, termination of an appointment or assignment bound to a ministry
• ordination, appointment, assignment, reinstatement
• termination of, or assignment to, a service that is not bound to a ministry
• engagement blessing, wedding blessing, wedding anniversary blessing

A musical piece may also be performed. The congregation is seated in this case.