Parts of the Mass

The Catholic Mass is divided into two main parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. These two parts form the structure of the celebration, each with its own distinct elements and rituals. Here is an overview of each part and its key components:

1. Introductory Rites

These rites prepare the congregation for worship and unite them as one body in Christ.

  • Entrance: The procession of the priest, deacon, and altar servers, accompanied by a hymn.

  • Greeting: The priest greets the congregation (e.g., "The Lord be with you").

  • Penitential Act: A time of reflection and asking for God's forgiveness (e.g., "I confess to Almighty God...").

  • Gloria: A hymn of praise to God (except during Advent and Lent).

  • Collect: The opening prayer, which asks for God's blessings and guidance for the Mass.

2. Liturgy of the Word

This part focuses on the proclamation of God's Word through Scripture and includes the following:

  • First Reading: Typically from the Old Testament (except during Easter, when it's from Acts of the Apostles).

  • Responsorial Psalm: A psalm sung or recited by the congregation in response to the first reading.

  • Second Reading: Usually from the New Testament (often from the letters of Paul or other apostles).

  • Gospel Acclamation: The "Alleluia" (except during Lent) sung to welcome the reading of the Gospel.

  • Gospel Reading: The priest or deacon reads from one of the four Gospels.

  • Homily: A reflection on the readings, helping the congregation understand and apply the Word of God.

  • Creed: A statement of faith, commonly the Nicene or Apostles' Creed.

  • Prayers of the Faithful: Also called the Universal Prayer, these are intercessions for the needs of the Church, the world, and the community.

3. Liturgy of the Eucharist

This part focuses on the celebration of the Eucharist, where bread and wine are consecrated and transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

  • Presentation of the Gifts: The bread and wine are brought to the altar by members of the congregation.

  • Prayer over the Gifts: The priest prays that the offerings be accepted by God.

  • Eucharistic Prayer: The central prayer of the Mass, which includes:

    • Preface: A prayer of thanksgiving, often specific to the season or feast.

    • Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus): A hymn of praise.

    • Epiclesis: The priest calls upon the Holy Spirit to transform the bread and wine.

    • Institution Narrative and Consecration: The words of Jesus at the Last Supper are recited, and the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

    • Anamnesis: The remembrance of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

    • Intercessions: Prayers for the living and the dead.

    • Doxology: The final prayer praising God, ending with "Through him, with him, in him..."

  • The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father): The congregation prays together the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples.

  • Sign of Peace: A greeting of peace is exchanged among the congregation.

  • Lamb of God (Agnus Dei): A prayer asking Jesus, the Lamb of God, to take away the sins of the world.

  • Communion: The faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ. This is the central act of participation in the Eucharist.

  • Prayer after Communion: The priest prays to give thanks for the sacrament.

4. Concluding Rites

These rites send the congregation forth to live out the teachings of Christ.

  • Announcements: Any necessary notices or information.

  • Final Blessing: The priest blesses the congregation, often invoking the Trinity.

  • Dismissal: The deacon or priest sends the congregation out, often with a phrase like, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”

  • Recessional: The priest, deacon, and servers exit the church, usually accompanied by a hymn.

This structure of the Mass emphasizes both the Word of God (through the Scriptures) and the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ), making it the central act of worship in Catholic life.