This paper will analyze the two climaxes of the ordinary form of the Mass, the Mass celebrated in accords to the Liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and those events are contained within the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This paper will pay particular attention to the symbolic and ritualistic aspects of the Liturgy in these two particularly important points. The primary goal of this paper is to show that the symbolism in the Liturgy of the ordinary form. The paper will show that the ordinary form reaches into deep roots of tradition, and this occurs as a result of the sense of aggiornamento through a nature of ressourcement. Though this paper will address aspects from both the extraordinary form and the ordinary form, the scope of the paper will be much more focused on the aspects seen within the ordinary form. In order to accomplish this task, the research of this paper will be based in Liturgical texts and documents while analyzing articles and books from respected Liturgical theologians.

Andrew would like to thank his faculty sponsor Erin Schmidt. Erin is one of the people that motivated him to dive deeper into studying the Liturgy by giving him the opportunity to work as a sacristan for Campus Ministry for three years. Erin is also one of the biggest supporters at SLU during Andrew's transition from majoring in Nursing to majoring in Theological Studies. Erin has been a great role model for Andrew, and her guidance and support are major reasons that he hopes to teach Theology and work in campus ministry in the future.