The Catholic Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church. For those unfamiliar or seeking a deeper understanding, this guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the Mass, explaining each part and its significance. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong Catholic, this Catholic Mass Guide will enhance your appreciation of this sacred service.
The Introductory Rites
The Mass begins with the Introductory Rites, preparing the congregation to encounter Christ in the Word and Eucharist.
The Entrance Procession and Opening Song
The priest and other ministers enter the church, often accompanied by an entrance song. This procession symbolizes the Church on earth moving towards the heavenly Jerusalem to meet the Lord. The song helps to unify the congregation and set a tone of worship.
Greeting
The priest greets the people, often with the words “The Lord be with you,” and the congregation responds, “And with your spirit.” This exchange is a reminder of Christ’s presence within the assembly and the priest.
Penitential Act
This part of the Mass is for communal repentance. There are several forms of the Penitential Act, including:
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Version Two: A simple plea for mercy:
Have mercy on us, O Lord. For we have sinned against you.
Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation.This is followed by the priest’s absolution:
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
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Version Three: A more elaborate form invoking Christ’s roles:
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart: Lord, have Mercy. Lord, have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy.Again, this concludes with the priest’s absolution:
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
Gloria
The Gloria is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God. It is sung or recited on Sundays (except during Advent and Lent), solemnities, and feasts. The words express adoration, praise, and petition.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Collect (Opening Prayer)
The priest says, “Let us pray,” inviting a moment of silent prayer. Following the silence, the priest says the Collect, also known as the Opening Prayer. This prayer, unique to each Mass, gathers the intentions of the assembly and expresses the theme of the liturgy. It concludes with:
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Word
In the Liturgy of the Word, we listen to God’s word proclaimed in Scripture.
Readings
Usually, there are two or three readings from Scripture. The first reading is typically from the Old Testament (or the Acts of the Apostles during Easter Time). The second reading is from the New Testament letters. A Responsorial Psalm is sung or recited after the first reading, and an Alleluia (or Lenten acclamation during Lent) precedes the Gospel.
Gospel Reading
The Gospel reading is always proclaimed by a deacon or priest. Before the Gospel, the priest or deacon says:
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
A reading from the Holy Gospel According to….. Glory to You, O Lord.
After the Gospel reading, the priest or deacon says:
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
The priest or deacon delivers a homily, explaining the Scripture readings and applying them to daily life. The homily helps the faithful to understand God’s word and be moved to live it more fully.
Profession of Faith (Creed)
On Sundays and solemnities, the congregation professes their faith by reciting the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed. These creeds are concise summaries of the fundamental beliefs of the Catholic faith.
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Nicene Creed (New): A more detailed profession of faith.
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. -
Apostles’ Creed (New): A shorter, more ancient creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)
The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the Universal Prayer, or Prayer of the Faithful. The congregation prays for the needs of the Church, the world, and those in need.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the heart of the Mass, where the bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ.
Preparation of the Gifts
The altar is prepared, and the gifts of bread and wine are brought forward. The priest says prayers of blessing over the bread and wine:
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you:
fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
[By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity]
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you:
fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God for ever.
[Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.//Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin].
Prayer over the Offerings
The priest then invites the congregation to pray:
Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
The congregation responds:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Eucharistic Prayer is the most solemn part of the Mass. It is a prayer of thanksgiving and consecration. It includes:
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Preface Dialogue:
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and just. -
Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus): The congregation joins the angels and saints in praising God’s holiness.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. -
Consecration: The priest, repeating the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, pronounces the words of consecration over the bread and wine. Through these words and the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
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Memorial Acclamation: After the consecration, the congregation proclaims the mystery of faith, remembering Christ’s death and resurrection. There are several options, including:
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection, until you come again.
Or: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
Or: Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Great Amen: The congregation affirms the entire Eucharistic Prayer with a resounding “Amen.”
Communion Rite
The Communion Rite prepares us to receive Holy Communion.
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The Lord’s Prayer: The congregation prays the Our Father together.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.The priest then continues with a prayer for deliverance from evil, concluding with:
For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.
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Prayer for Peace: The priest prays for peace and unity in the Church.
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; look not on our sins,
but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.Who live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
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Sign of Peace: The priest says, “The peace of the Lord be with you always,” and the congregation responds, “And with your spirit.” People are invited to share a sign of peace with those around them.
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Breaking of the Bread (Lamb of God – Agnus Dei): While the priest breaks the bread, the Lamb of God is sung or recited.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace. -
Communion: The priest presents the Eucharist, saying:
Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
The congregation responds:
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Communicants then come forward to receive Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Concluding Rites
The Mass concludes with the Concluding Rites, sending us forth to live out our faith in the world.
Prayer after Communion
A period of silence for personal prayer or a hymn of thanksgiving may follow Communion. The priest then says the Prayer after Communion.
Blessing and Dismissal
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Blessing: The priest blesses the people:
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit.
Blessing (By Priest) May almighty God bless you, the Father, (+) and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Dismissal: The deacon or priest dismisses the congregation, sending them forth to live the Gospel. Various forms of dismissal are used:
Go forth, the Mass is ended. Thanks be to God.
Or: Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Or: Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life. Thanks be to God.
Or: Go in peace. Thanks be to God.
This catholic mass guide provides a foundational understanding of the structure and meaning of the Catholic Mass. Participating in Mass is an opportunity to encounter Christ, receive spiritual nourishment, and be sent forth to live as his disciples.
