Format of the Eucharistic Prayer

The Eucharistic Prayer is the centre of our celebration during each Mass. It is always introduced by a Preface, of which there are about 70 new ones.

It is tailored to the specific liturgy of the Mass being celebrated. There are 13 Eucharistic Prayers that are varied in length and structure. (The 1st was developed between the 5th and 7th Centuries; the 4th Eucharistic Prayer is relatively modern and expresses more recent biblical and catechetical developments.) Eight of the 13 Eucharistic Prayers are for Weekday and Sunday Liturgies, 2 have Reconciliation as their theme and 3 are for Masses with children.