Dear Chas:

Well, the Mass is more than the Eucharist, though the Eucharist is the central core.

The word "Mass" is a late form of missio (sending), from which the faithful are sent to put into practice what they have learned and use the graces they have received in the Eucharistic liturgy. That Eucharistic liturgy is contained within a larger body of liturgies and rites: such as the Introductory Rite, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Communion Rite, and the Concluding Rite.

This is the assembly to which we gather—the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to which includes the Eucharist. In fact, canon law requires that the Eucharist be distributed within Mass, except in obvious exceptions like bringing the Eucharist to the sick. But, even within that exception the Eucharist is not just given to the sick person, rather, it is given within a liturgy, the Liturgy of the Word.

It is only in more restrictive circumstances, such as at a hospital or battleground, that the distribution of the Eucharistic to the sick may be administered in a brief communion rite only.

Thus, I would suggest that language like, "At every Eucharist the Church assembles," "At Eucharist we are an assembly, not an audience," "At Eucharist we assemble to express, renew, and deepen our faith in Jesus...." is imprecise.

More precisely stated, I believe, would be "At every Mass the Church assembles", At Mass we are an assembly, not an audience", "At Mass we assemble to express, renew, and deepen our faith in Jesus."

Personally, I would question the use of these books as if there is this kind of imprecision here, it will probably be found elsewhere.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary